Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that occur for various reasons, but are similar in clinical manifestations and courses. At the heart of every osteoarthritis is the failure of the joint components. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease with impaired function of the affected joint. Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthrosis) is a disease in which the cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments and periarticular muscles of the knee joint are damaged. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, the treatment of which requires an integrated approach, also requires your attention. And at least a basic understanding of why and how the disease progresses.
Gonarthrosis: causes
The causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be:
- Joint injuries: According to scientific literature, about a third and possibly half of osteoarthritis cases are preceded by trauma. A person can accidentally stumble on the street or damage a joint while exercising. First, there will be acute pain that will subsequently become dull and ache slightly, but not cause much discomfort. Usually, in most cases, the joint will soon heal on its own and show no signs of injury. In rare cases, however, this unfavorable combination of circumstances can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
- Long-term overload of the joints: It is believed that people whose job involves persistent excessive stress on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may develop early osteoarthritis of the joints.
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): When the joint is inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, the blood circulation is disturbed, therefore it is arthritis that causes osteoarthritis of the knee joints (secondary osteoarthritis).
Additional risk factors
- Inheritance. Normally osteoarthritis of the joints is not inherited directly, but the "catalysts" in the development of osteoarthritis can be the peculiarities of the metabolism, the structure of the cartilage tissue, which is only genetically transmitted. The possibility of osteoarthritis can also arise if a person has joint abnormalities or an underdevelopment or birth trauma.
- Obesity. Obesity is an "aggravating" factor in developing osteoarthritis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain is a major burden. It must be remembered that in obese people, osteoarthritis of the knee joints is more severe than in others.
- Chronic stress. It is a known fact that with excessive experience, the adrenal glands release "stress hormones", due to which the blood supply deteriorates and the production of hyaluronic acid, which is an important part of the normal functioning of the joint, decreases. Osteoarthritis can occur as a result of chronic stress and the aggravating circumstances mentioned above.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee
- Pain. One of the first and most important symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is pain in the knee joint. It is noteworthy that knee pain occurs only with physical exertion: when walking, running, squatting and in the lying position, this pain disappears, and after a while it disappears completely (until the next load).
- Crackling in the joint. In contrast to the "crunching" of the joints of healthy people, the crunching of the joints affected by osteoarthritis has a different tonality: It is rough and "dry".
- Joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis of the 1st degree knee joint is usually not as strongly expressed in terms of stiffness as in the following degrees. However, as the progression progresses, the range of motion in the affected joint decreases significantly.
- Deformation of the knee joint. As the osteoarthritis of the knee progresses, pathological formations develop in the articular bone spines. Because of them, the appearance of the joint can be different from that of a healthy one. In addition, the appearance of the joint can be somewhat "bulky" due to the excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee most commonly affects women than men. This disease often progresses after forty, but sometimes it occurs earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes. More complex and severe osteoarthritis of the knee, as we have already written, occurs in both obese women and people with severe varicose veins.
The onset of the disease is marked by the appearance of minor knee pain. Often pain occurs when a person has to stand on their feet for a long time when walking down and up stairs. When a person lies down, the pain goes away, but when you have to get up, the first steps become very painful for them.
There are three degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint 1 degree
Arthrosis of the 1st degree knee joint is characterized by severe pain at times in the knee, at the same time the bones that make up the knee joint remain undeformed, but due to synovitis, the knee may appear slightly swollen. If there is too much intra-articular fluid, it can spread to the popliteal fossa. This condition is known as a Baker's cyst. If you have been diagnosed with such a diagnosis, then there is no need to worry, this is not an oncological neoplasm, it is reduced under the influence of drugs prescribed by a doctor.
Arthrosis of the knee joint 2nd degree
Arthrosis of the 2nd degree knee joint begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease. During this time, knee pain is usually worse. This pain no longer only occurs during physical exertion, but accompanies a person with every movement. Normally at this point a noticeable crunch in the knee "connects" with the pain in the joint. Second degree gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by severe pain and crunching, as well as a decrease in the ability to bend the leg in the knee joint. The deformation of the joint becomes apparent immediately: the bone structures change their shape, and when palpated, the joint becomes hard and "rough".
Grade 3 knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the 3rd degree knee joint is characterized by constant severe pain, it is even difficult for a person to be in the prone position: he is forced to look for a position where he can rest. The knees are sensitive to changes in the weather and the pain begins towards night. 3rd degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint is associated with a definitive decrease in mobility. It becomes impossible for a person to bend the leg more than 90 degrees at the knee joint. Sometimes with 3rd degree osteoarthritis of the knee it is not possible to fully straighten the leg. A person needs to walk on legs slightly bent. In some cases, a deformity of the legs develops in an O or X shape. In extreme cases, it is necessary to treat a high degree of operable osteoarthritis.
Knee osteoarthritis of the knee: treatment. What is important to know when treating the knee with medication?
Despite the abundance of advertisements that promise a miraculous ointment for joint pain, you need to understand that it is impossible to cure osteoarthritis of the knee with a single method. An integrated approach is needed.
If you find the first signs of osteoarthritis in yourself, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. This can be an arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedic surgeon or, initially, a general practitioner.
Knee osteoarthritis: NSAID treatment
How do you treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint? Usually, for the treatment of joints, such nonsteroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used, which can relieve the inflammatory process in the joint. Knee osteoarthritis of the knee is treated with drugs that can have antipyretic, analgesic effects. Remember that drugs should not always be taken in this group. They are able to "mask" the symptoms of the disease. Please note: Do not treat yourself, but only act under the guidance of a competent specialist who, taking into account the contraindications for drug use, can prescribe a treatment based on the individual parameters of your body.
In recent years, new generation drugs have been put into practice: they are selective active ingredients that act like NSAIDs, but less often cause unpleasant side effects and do not cause complications.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment with chondroprotectors
With osteoarthritis of the knee joint, you can take substances that nourish the cartilage tissue of the joint and restore its structure. These drugs are chondroprotectors. Such drugs are most effective if you have gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the 1st degree, since with extreme gonarthrosis almost nothing can be restored: all cartilage is practically destroyed. To achieve the effect of chondroprotectors, they must be used over a long period: at least 2-3 treatment cycles, which usually last a year and a half. Remember, although there are few contraindications to this group of drugs, their use should be agreed with your doctor.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment with vasodilators
Vasodilators are a good complex therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis. They help restore the joint by improving blood circulation and relieving cramps in small vessels. A pleasant bonus in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, including vasodilators, can be the elimination of night pain in the damaged joint. If you want to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, vasodilators are best used with chondroprotectors so that the nutrients in the chondroprotectors penetrate the joint in larger quantities and circulate more actively in it. Remember that the use of medicines must be coordinated with your doctor.
Knee osteoarthritis: medicated ointments and creams
Osteoarthritis healing ointments are often used by marketers as a trap for desperate patients. Remember that treatment with ointment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint to an extreme extent has no effect, but in the initial stages, cream and ointment can significantly alleviate the condition. Pain relieving ointments can be used to improve blood flow to the joint. Such drugs will help get rid of painful cramps in the joint, increase blood circulation. You can also use ointments based on bee and snake venom. These ointments have an irritant effect that increases blood flow to the damaged joint. Remember that many poison-based ointments can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, only a specialist should give permission to use it.
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The therapeutic body culture for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is an effective treatment method in combination with medication and physiotherapy.
You need to remember that therapeutic gymnastics for osteoarthritis of the knee is the main method of treatment, since we cannot strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate the blood supply with drugs. In addition, remedial gymnastics is the most cost-effective and effective treatment that does not require unnecessary expenditure on materials.
But it is necessary to intentionally conduct exercise therapy complexes for osteoarthritis: do not rush to do 200 squats per day or 100 kicks. Under no circumstances should you exert an intense dynamic load and perform static exercises instead of active flexion-extension. Unfortunately, most patients don't just do static exercises because they are the most energy consuming and strenuous. However, if you can hold out for 2-3 weeks and exercise regularly, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but also find an increase in strength and an increase in performance.
How to do it right
The exercises must be done very smoothly and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure. Do not allow severe pain during exercise. Strive for graduality and regularity, do not rush: the expected effect will be achieved only with constant moderate exertion.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used for the first time after operations on the abdominal and chest organs with a fever and critical days in women. It is imperative to pay attention not only to the joints, but also to strain the muscles of the abdominal press and back. This is necessary so that the main blood flow to the limbs is through the muscles of the abdomen and back.
Exercise complexes are freely available on the Internet. Try doing a variety of exercises according to our directions for 30 to 40 minutes each day.
We wish you perseverance and the will to restore the ease of movement you have made so far!
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
If you ask whether it is possible to use physiotherapeutic methods of treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, we will definitely answer you!
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use of a beam of light for therapeutic purposes that consists of ultraviolet, infrared, and red radiation spectra. The effect of the laser has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant and analgesic effect. As a rule, the course of laser therapy consists of 15 sessions. Laser therapy is a relatively safe treatment, but it is impossible to cure osteoarthritis with a single laser. This is an additional method of treatment.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is the effect of local cooling on the joint. There are two methods of cryotherapy: using a cryosauna and applying liquid nitrogen directly to the joint. The latter method is believed to be the most effective for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. With the help of cryotherapy, it is possible to improve the blood supply to the joint, improve metabolic processes and relieve muscle spasms. The course of treatment is usually 10-12 daily sessions.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy - exposure to a magnetic field. A fairly common method of physiotherapy treatment in hospitals and clinics. Exposure to a magnetic field works against edema, causes non-contact electrical muscle stimulation and reduces inflammation of the joints. The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor - a physiotherapist.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy - treatment with sound waves. Ultrasound for osteoarthritis helps improve blood supply, reduce muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect. To enhance the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a drug is applied to the affected joint. With the help of ultrasonic waves, the drug penetrates the tissues more easily.
Knee osteoarthritis: heat treatment
Heat treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is applied in 1-2 stages of the disease. This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin, mud. The latter deserves special attention: the osteoarthritis mud treatment can be carried out at home. It is necessary to dilute the healing mud with water and heat it to a temperature of 60 °, then mix the resulting mass with unheated mud, cool to 38-42 ° and apply a 2-3 cm layer to the affected joint. Cover the mixture with oilcloth and a warm blanket. Leave on for 30 minutes. Perform the procedure every other day with a course of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and herbal medicine for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
An osteoarthritis diet is an important factor in successful treatment. However, we need to understand that the development of osteoarthritis is not associated with diet peculiarities, but that being overweight contributes to the occurrence of osteoarthritis of the lower extremities. Even so, you need to lose weight properly: starve yourself or in no case sit on hard diets, because, as you know, after leaving hard diets, weight increases again, and often in even larger amounts.
We need to know that obesity is a disease too, but it can and should be treated. In obesity, the regulation of the centers of appetite and satiety is disturbed, but it is possible to "lead them on the right track".
First of all, you need to realize that there is a problem that is often associated with bad eating habits. Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals. A weight reduction of 10-15% compared to the initial value is an excellent result. Believe me, even if you lose 5% of the original weight, you will immediately feel relief: the blood pressure drops and the condition of the joints improves.
Aim to lose weight
In either case, if your goal is to lose weight, you need to rethink your diet, composition, and amount of foods consumed. Cut down on confectionery, baked goods and all kinds of "quick" carbohydrates.
For starters, we recommend trying a simple style of eating. Prepare your usual diet by placing your regular serving on a plate. Now only eat half of the food on your plate. You will soon find that you are only eating the whole serving out of habit, although very little is required to satisfy your hunger. Even if you are hungry, slowly eat half your serving and rest for 10 minutes. You will be surprised that after this time you simply do not want to finish the remaining portion: the hunger is gone and with it the hectic desire to eat everything. After two months of such "malnutrition" you will see a noticeable result. Try it!
Adequate fluid intake should not be forgotten when eating properly. People who do not have severe cardiovascular and kidney disease, as well as people who do not suffer from edema, can safely increase the amount of fluids they drink up to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Herbal medicine for osteoarthritis. It is important to note that infusions and decoctions for osteoarthritis are less effective than the methods above, but they can be of relative benefit.
During the month you can take one of the following infusions:
Remember that you only need to take each infusion or decoction one at a time, and then replace it with another. Don't drink everything at once!
Birch boiling for osteoarthritis
Decoction of birch for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon of birch buds must be poured with a glass of boiling water, boil the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes and steep for 1 hour, covering the container with warm cover. After an hour, you need to strain the broth and add it to the original volume with boiled water. Take 1/4 cup infusion 4 times a day, one hour after meals for one month.
Linden infusion against osteoarthritis
Linden infusion for osteoarthritis: 3 tablespoons of linden flowers should be poured with a glass of boiling water, boiled over low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take 1 glass of warm infusion three times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock boiling for osteoarthritis
Burdock boiling for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon of burdock roots should be poured with 1 cup of boiling water, simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently. After that, the broth should be cooled to room temperature and filtered. Take the broth in half (1/2) cup warm three times a day before eating for a month.
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis
Alder infusion against osteoarthritis: 2 tablespoons of gray alder cones (Alnus incana) must be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, kept on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take a third (1/3) cup of alder with alder cones three times a day half an hour before meals for a month.
Collection of medicinal herbs against osteoarthritis
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis: mix equal parts of willow bark, parsley roots, black elderflower and nettle leaves, chop thoroughly. Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture with 1 liter of boiling water and cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes, then let stand for 2 hours and drain. Take this collection in half a glass four times a day for half an hour before you eat. The duration of treatment is 1 month.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that osteoarthritis is a very unpleasant disease, in the face of the disease it is necessary to draw the correct conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions, fight for your full physical and mental health, and follow the recommendations we propose. Then you will definitely defeat the disease!