Arthrosis of the knee joint (osteoarthritis) is a complex disease of the degenerative-dystrophic type, in which processes occur that affect the bone-cartilaginous tissues of the knee.
Pathological changes in joint tissues that negatively affect the musculoskeletal potential of the lower extremities. The progression of knee arthrosis leads to difficulty in mobility, loss of stability and a significant decrease in motor skills and in shock absorption.
What can be done to maintain the mobility of the body for many years and if the indicators of physical activity and the level of quality of life have decreased due to arthrosis of the knee joint? Let's try to understand this difficult question.
Characteristics of the development of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
knee arthrosis- This is a common pathology that belongs to the category of the most common diseases that have an extremely negative impact on the quality of human life.
Degenerative dystrophic processes manifest themselves most clearly in the form of physical dysfunction of the legs, accompanied by severe pain syndrome. Depending on the intensity with which the pathological process progresses, new predictions of the course of the disease are made.
One of the disappointing predictions is the paralysis of the lower extremities. The seriousness of the consequences of pathological processes requires the search for qualified medical care.
What causes lead to knee arthrosis?
To identify the causes of arthrosis of the knee joint, much research was needed. Long-term examinations of patients and an in-depth study of the clinical picture of the pathology allowed specialists to reach the conclusion that the influence of a series of negative factors is the root cause of the destruction of joint tissues, causing severe pain and inflammation.
Among the main reasons that lead to degenerative-dystrophic processes, it is worth mentioning:
- Injuries Suffered - A bruise, dislocation or fracture of the knee automatically classifies a person as a risk group and can cause the disease to develop. Joint damage implies fixation, and long-term immobility is a direct path to the formation of arthrosis;
- heavy physical activity - strenuous stress on the knees (especially in older people) leads to microtrauma, which also leads to the development of negative pathological processes;
- insufficiently strong ligamentous apparatus - abnormal joint mobility also negatively affects their condition, which manifests itself mainly in old age;
- overweight - extra pounds can cause irreparable damage to the knee joints because the probability of meniscal injury in this case is incredibly high. If a heavy weight is accompanied by varicose veins, then there is a high probability of developing severe forms of arthrosis of the lower limb joints;
- metabolic disorders - a failure in the metabolism of nutrients and elements in the body causes the development of various types of diseases, which are due to the insufficient supply of various tissues, namely bone and cartilage;
- Increased Stress Levels - Worries and experiences negatively affect not only people's moods, but also their level of physical well-being.
Typical symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint
The symptomatic manifestation of the disease allows you to timely follow the onset and development of pathological processes, which gives each patient the opportunity to recover.
Before determining who should seek help and how to treat arthrosis of the knee joint, it is important to know the symptoms of the condition.
Only a competent expert on the subject can identify the presence and confirm the diagnosis by prescribing treatment for knee arthrosis. However, every patient must know the main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, among which the following are usually distinguished:
- pain - discomfort that gradually turns into painful sensations does not appear immediately. Its petty manifestation in the knees can bother a person for many years, but at some point they can become stronger and don't stop in a calm state;
- Grinding - "clicks" during flexion/extension of the joint are an alert, which manifests itself in the second, third phase of the disease;
- synovitis - inflammation of the joint membrane, in which fluid accumulates, leading to local swelling;
- deformation is a feature that manifests itself in the later stages of the disease, accompanied by pronounced inflammation and edema.
Diagnosis of arthrosis of the knee joint
The diagnosis and treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is performed by an orthopedist or rheumatologist. If you want to undergo a diagnostic test, each patient can see a therapist, who will either refer them to a restricted specialist or receive a ticket to one of them on their own.
The main diagnostic tool for specialists is, of course, the X-ray machine. Thanks to the picture taken, you can follow not only the presence of the pathology, but also the degree of its development.
It is important to note that X-rays eliminate the likelihood of the presence of other musculoskeletal system disorders.
The X-ray exam opens the opportunity for an expert:
- tracking joint space narrowing;
- detect a seal in joint tissues.
The combination of clinical symptoms and information obtained from the image provides a high quality diagnosis and diagnosis, with the definition of further treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
The degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Modern medicine divides arthrosis of the knee into various degrees, according to the nature of the development of pathological processes.
To begin with, it is important to highlight that, according to observations, the disease can be of a different nature:
- unilateral (right-handed / left-handed);
- bilateral.
Furthermore, the pathological process has three stages of development, each with its own clinical picture.
1 degree of arthrosis of the knee joint
The early stage in the development of the pathology, whose successful diagnosis is an incredible success not only for the patient, but also for the treating physician.
The peculiarity of the degree of development of arthrosis at this stage is the absence of clinical signs and vivid symptoms. The identification of a disease can be carried out during a clinical examination or in the study of another disease.
Evidence of arthrosis of the 1st degree knee joint can be:
- local discomfort in the knee area during prolonged walking;
- mild pain that disappears during rest.
It is important to note the fact that pain can be felt in one or both of the lower limb joints.
Interestingly, left-sided gonarthrosis is often diagnosed in left-handed people, whereas right-sided gonarthrosis is typical for people associated with various sports.
2 degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint
The symptoms of the second stage of development of the pathology are accompanied by an expansion of the signs, which usually include:
- pronounced pain syndrome;
- stiffness and severe discomfort in the knee joint;
- atrophy of muscles located near the knee joint, which is caused by tissue damage;
- increased pain;
- visually noticeable deformation of the joint;
- limitation of mobility.
The expansion of symptomatology simplifies the diagnostic process. The characteristic changes in second-degree arthrosis of the knee joint are easy to track during palpation. During a clinical examination, a specialist can easily detect an abnormal mass in the knee area.
3 degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint
It is almost impossible not to notice the third degree pathology, as the patient is faced with constant pain. Furthermore, the evolution of the disease reaches a critical level, which is manifested by the stronger deformity of the joint, in which the limb completely loses its flexion/extension capacity.
Lack of proper treatment leads to complete cartilage destruction and, consequently, to the development of ankylosis (fusion of joint bones).
The only solution to the final degree of development of the disease is an expensive surgical intervention, involving the removal of remnants of cartilage tissue or replacement of the joint.
How to treat arthrosis of the knee joint?
The standard of modern medicine is high enough, which guarantees success in treating diseases of various types. Arthrosis of the knee is no exception.
Today, there are a large number of methods for treating arthrosis of the knee joint.
In the early stages of the pathology's development, predominantly conservative methods of treatment are used. Conservative therapy includes:
- physiotherapy procedures;
- physiotherapy exercises (exercise therapy);
- visiting various massages.
In addition, progressive methods of treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint are actively used. Among the modern and effective methods of dealing with dangerous pathologies are:
- ozone therapy - a local effect of ozone on affected joint tissues. Helps reduce pain and stop inflammation. Improves blood circulation in the problem area;
- Kinesiotherapy is a set of exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint, which aims to increase its mobility and increase blood flow.
Treatment of knee arthrosis with physical therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most popular treatments for knee osteoarthritis.
Physically influencing methods, subject to a number of conditions, have the most positive effect on the localization zone of pathologies of various kinds.
Physiotherapy includes procedures such as:
- electrophoresis;
- ultraphonophoresis;
- laser / infrared irradiation;
- pulse magnetotherapy.
The effectiveness of the procedures is individual and depends on the quality of the elaboration of the patient's main treatment plan.
Massage as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Massage is a useful adjunct to the treatment of arthrosis of the knee.
Most experts around the world consider massage to be a mandatory component of the treatment of symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint, which has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes and helps speed recovery.
Knee massage can be performed at home and within the walls of a hospital. The key during massage is high-quality preliminary warm-up of the joint and adherence to the optimal duration of the process (10 to 15 minutes).
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee with massage should include techniques such as stroking, rubbing, and massaging.
Gymnastics and exercise therapy for arthrosis of the knee joint
Exercise for arthrosis of the knee joint is an effective way to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and treat the disease.
The process of treating arthrosis of the knee is a very complicated and time-consuming process, and physical therapy exercises are an excellent help in achieving the desired result.
The type of exercise therapy and exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint are selected by an individual specialist, depending on the degree of development of the pathology and the general state of physical fitness of the patient.
The basic principle of gymnastics for arthrosis of the knee joint sounds like: no increase in stress on the affected joint, just rational and calm actions.
Medicines for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Medical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is used to relieve symptoms such as pain and swelling, as well as to activate regenerative processes.
Preparations for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint may have a different delivery form (ointments / gels, pills or injections, plaster).
Important! Any medication should be prescribed by a specialist as part of an existing treatment plan designed for the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Self-medication is unacceptable and can lead to extremely negative consequences, in particular - lower limb paralysis and disability.
Analgesics for arthrosis of the knee joint
They are used to eliminate the symptoms of osteoarthritis from the knee joint.
Analgesics in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint play an important role, as their use improves the patient's well-being and gives them the opportunity to get a good night's sleep.
Pain relief is achieved through the action of active substances.
Antispasmodicswith knee osteoarthritis
Assigned as active assistance. A key area of activity is the fight against spasms.
The active substances that make up the preparations help to relax the muscle structure and relieve pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
The treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint with drugs of this type provides not only the elimination of pain, but also the relaxation, the complete elimination of the progression of pathological processes.
Regular ingestion of medication allows you to observe a constant concentration of active ingredients, which guarantees a positive effect.
Chondroprotectors for arthrosis of the knee joint
The main auxiliaries in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint with medications are chondroprotectors.
The active action of chondroprotectors in arthrosis of the knee joint aims to restore motor capacity, which is due to the microelements included in the composition, which are integral components of the cartilage tissue formation process.
The peculiarity of the drug's principle of action presupposes a very long, but at the same time effective, process of eliminating osteoarthritis from the knee joint.
Diet and general nutritional recommendations for arthrosis of the knee joint
The diet for arthrosis of the knee joint is necessary for overweight patients. A low-calorie, nutrient-rich diet will ensure that your body weight is reduced and that the affected joints will recover faster.
Nutrition for arthrosis of the knee joint must first of all be balanced. The daily diet must contain meals enriched with useful vitamins and microelements, necessary for the regeneration of joint tissues and maintenance of balance throughout the body.
It is recommended to abandon not only bad habits (abusive consumption of alcohol and smoking), but also dishes such as:
- store semi-finished products;
- fatty, spicy and excessively salty foods;
- sweet sodas.
For the convenience and competent alignment of the diet, in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee, it is recommended to keep a food diary, which disciplines and helps to facilitate the process of restructuring the usual way of life.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The entire range of preventive measures can be divided into two groups:
- primary- aim to reduce the risk of pathology;
- secondary- aim to reduce the rate of development of an existing disease.
The main ones are:
- greater attention to the joints of the lower extremities;
- playing sports in order to strengthen the periarticular muscles;
- maintain the ideal body weight;
- swimming.
Secondary prevention includes:
- a systematic course of treatment with chondroprotectors;
- seek qualified medical help in a timely manner when signs of arthritis appear.
Remember that early detection of a disease significantly increases the likelihood of a complete cure.
Be sure to go to the doctor if you have even the slightest symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint.