Deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the cartilaginous tissue (due to excessive loads on the joint, injuries, damage to the meniscus, rupture of ligaments).The disease is more common in women.
Experts distinguish several stages of knee osteoarthritis:
- first stage: dull, systematic pain is observed in the affected joint, appearing mainly after exercise, deformation does not yet occur;
- second stage: the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia appears, bony growths appear, cracking of the knee can be observed when moving and rotating the leg;
- third stage: severe deformation of the joint appears, gait is disturbed, pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or excessive tension in the joint, without turning to specialists for help.But if the treatment of deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint is not started on time, the pathology can lead to disruption of the biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral hernias, serious mobility limitations and even disability.
Traditional treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Treatment of knee osteoarthritis requires complex measures.In the acute stage, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.They help reduce the inflammatory response and reduce pain.Gonarthrosis occurs with severe pain, and in the last stage of the disease the pain becomes unbearable.Eliminating unpleasant sensations with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs therefore improves the well-being of patients and increases their quality of life.
To improve the effectiveness of treatment, drugs intended for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint are injected directly into the joint cavity.Chondroprotectors help restore cartilage tissue and improve cartilage nutrition.They should be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when the cartilage tissue is just beginning to break down.At the height of the disease, these remedies are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect.They help to stop the pathological process and prolong the youthfulness of joint structures.But the high cost does not allow introducing this method of treatment to the general public, since not all patients can afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively combat pathological signs and restore motor activity.After the acute process has been alleviated, it is allowed to resort to physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb and taking supportive vitamin preparations help prevent the development of a relapse in the future.
In order to slow down the development of degenerative processes in the joint, patients should avoid excessive stress, lifting heavy objects, jumping from heights and staying in one position for a long time (standing or sitting).If you are obese, it is advisable to get rid of extra pounds, as they create additional stress on the knees and can contribute to the progression of knee osteoarthritis.To relieve joint tension during treatment, your doctor may recommend the use of a cane.
Arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis
If drug treatment is ineffective, it is necessary to resort to more radical methods - replacing the affected joint with an endoprosthesis.Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint helps patients regain the joy of life without pain and restriction of motor activity.
Such operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long rehabilitation period.But every year they produce better and more modern prosthetics that quickly take root and do not cause adverse reactions.And implantation methods become less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint should be carried out only in clinics with modern technical equipment.Endoprostheses can be total, when the joint is entirely replaced by an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only the destroyed joint structures are replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are carried out to help the person get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk without assistance.At this stage, special developmental exercises and professional assistance from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of knee osteoarthritis
- Watch your weight.When choosing body shaping exercises, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads.Do swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads when doing sports, jogging, rollerblading and skating.Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their athletic career.
- Eat right, make sure your diet contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins.If you already have prerequisites for the appearance of joint diseases, carry out treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia.If you plan long walks, skiing and other activities involving contact of your knees with frozen ground, insulate your joints in advance with special bandages or use sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, contact a doctor immediately.Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the very first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process of cartilage tissue.Do not overload the injured leg, but instead temporarily use a cane to get around.
Traditional medicine for deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating a decoction of beef bones or jellied meat for gonarthrosis.The gelatinous substance in jellied meat is believed to help restore damaged joint tissue.The bones should be cooked until (do not add water to the pan) until the meat can separate from them easily.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain.Compresses and applications were made of it, which helped combat pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, medicinal herbal infusions or alcohol to honey.
But remember that alternative treatment of knee osteoarthritis should always be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.It is preferable to combine it with drug treatment.Do not abandon traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easily treatable at the initial stage of development.If the disease is neglected, it may be difficult for patients to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgical intervention.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- clay compresses: make a creamy mass from blue or red clay, place on gauze and wrap around the joint, and wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour vodka over non-flowering heads so that the liquid covers them, place them in a cool place for 2 weeks, then wipe sore knees with the resulting product in the evening;
- infusion of lemons, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small celery root, pass through a meat grinder, put in a jar (volume 3 liters) and pour boiling water up to the neck, the infusion is ready in the morning (filter and drink a glass 30 minutes before meals).
For traditional treatment of knee osteoarthritis to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Resort therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health.Relaxing near the sea, staying in specialized sanatoriums where you can pamper your knees with therapeutic mud baths, unique natural springs and water treatments - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.