Arthrosis of the knee joint is a serious dystrophic disease of the joints of the bones, which is associated with damage to the cartilage tissue covering the entire surface of the joints.
Such destruction of the cartilage tissue is caused by violations in the blood circulation of bone small vessels.The diagnosis of arthrosis is usually made by older people over 50 years, and most of them are women.At the same time, articular cartilage cracks, it becomes thinner and loses its depreciation properties and fibrousness, which does not soften periodic blows of the body and knee joint.
Symptoms of knee arthrosis
The main symptom of knee arthrosis is a severe pain in the knee area, the nature and intensity of which changes over time.Typically, pain becomes simply unbearable during movement, in the rest position they can intensify or retreat.The patient may have deformations and severe edema in the area of the affected joint, and there is also a characteristic crunch while walking.In addition, the patient has an inflammatory reaction in the synovial articular membrane, which causes swelling of the cartilage and an increase in cartilage in volumes.The pathology of this disease is a decrease in the mobility of the joint, a limitation in mobility and the appearance of a sense of stiffness of the joints.
It is worth noting that arthrosis of the joints can affect the most different areas of the patient’s body, but the most common are species such as arthrosis of the knee joint, the disease of arthrosis of the lumbosacus and cervical spaces, as well as arthrosis of the humerus, complex arthrosis of the ankle joint and brushes, and also arthrosis of the hip joint.Each form of arthrosis is associated with the deformation of bone tissue, so it can be called deforming arthrosis of the knee joint or a slotted control.In general, the name deforming arthrosis, osteoarthrosis, arthrosis, osteoarthritis are considered to be synonymous by international classification.It is worth noting that deforming arthrosis of the hip joint can cause very severe disorders in the operation of the musculoskeletal system.Therefore, the early diagnosis of this disease helps to preserve the physical ability of the patient.With arthrosis of the knee joint, noticeable deformation of the leg occurs, its curvature, deviation of the axis of the leg from the straight line, which always leads to the impossibility of working the joint and to difficulty in its work.
Deforming arthrosis of the knee joints
Osteoarthrosis or deforming arthrosis of one or two knee joints is a degenerative-dystrophic disease.Typically, the main factor for the development of this disease is the constant load on the knee joints.Moreover, women suffer from this disease twice as often than men.In general, arthrosis of the knee joint is very slowly progressing, and its frequent symptoms are pronounced pain.At the beginning of the disease, the pain appears only after prolonged walking, when lifting, carrying weights or when descending the stairs.The increase in pain in wet and cold weather is also characteristic.In the future, the pain only intensifies and acquires a constant character.In the inner shell of the joint, a reactive, wandering inflammatory process develops, and a sudden exacerbation of pain can also occur.As a result, the knee joint increases in size and swells.Further, the process subsides, and then resumes again under adverse conditions.
The treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint includes the restriction of physical exertion on the joint, however, it is necessary to conduct physiotherapy exercises, because the movements that the joint performs make it possible to maintain joint mobility and improve the nutrition of its elements.All exercises are selected using the treatment of physiotherapy exercises or an exercise therapy doctor.Such exercises are performed every day.The only condition for exercises is the unloading of the knee joint, that is, all exercises are performed in a sitting and lying position.It is still very useful to swim and perform exercises in the pool.Despite which joint is amazed, physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to both joints.Patients are recommended by massage in the area of the knee joint, lower leg and hip muscles.This allows you to improve the blood circulation of the joint, and also help to support the leg muscles in excellent condition.
To remove the pain syndrome, the doctor prescribes non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs and analgesics.Different analgesic and irritating ointments are also prescribed.To improve blood supply, venotonics and vasocoregulating drugs are prescribed.For a long time, the patient is prescribed drugs that improve the condition of the articular cartilage - these are chondroprotectors.When conservative methods of therapy become ineffective, they resort to surgical treatment.If the main function of the joint has been preserved and there are no contractures, then a small surgery is possible, that is, arthroscopy using endoscopic technology.During the operation, the joint is washed, then all the destroyed fragments of cartilage are removed, osteophytes are removed.Such an operation is palliative, however, with a slight trauma, it allows you to improve the joint for 2-3 years.And if there is a large defeat of the outer or inside of the joint, a slight curvature of the lower leg, then the doctor can prescribe a corrigating and valgizing underlying osteotomy for the tibia with serious lesions of the inner part of the knee joint.
The causes of arthrosis of the knee joint
The main causes of arthrosis of the knee joint are associated with increased physical activity of middle-aged people, due to which there is a violation of blood supply and nutrition of the cartilage joints, which leads to the functional failure of the joints.The arthrosis of the knee joints develops as a result of factors such as the lack of collagen of the second type, joint injuries of various kinds of origin, acquired joint diseases, a genetic factor, that is, a predisposition to a congenital disease of bones and joints.The cause of this disease can be overweight, which always provokes an increased load on the joints, general overload of the joints of the legs, as well as violations in the metabolism.In order for the joints to work successfully, and arthrosis does not cause inconvenience during labor activity you need to take care of your health, to prevent diseases and protect your joints.To get good results from treatment, it is necessary to get an accurate diagnosis, which is achieved using several methods of examining the disease.
The degree of arthrosis of the knee joint
During clinical-radiological research, several stages of arthrosis can be identified.For example, arthrosis of the 1st degree is characterized by a small narrowing of the gap in the joint itself, a restriction in the movement and pointing of the edges of the surface of the joint.If the patient has a 2nd degree, then he has significant traffic restrictions, as well as a strong crunch in the joint.And during the examination, the doctor discovers osteophytes, narrowing in the joint gap and a cyst.When the patient has a 3rd degree of arthrosis, he has a complete restriction in motion, as well as deformation of the joints, and seals, osteophytes, epiphysis and subchondral cysts appear on their surface.
In an arthroscopic examination, the doctor reveals: with arthrosis of the first degree, the patient is felt softening of the cartilage, at the second stage, small tears and cracks are observed on the surface of the joint, with the third degree of disease, the patient reveals characteristic changes in cartilage tissues in thickness, but there is no opportunity to consider bone tissue.At the fourth stage of arthrosis, the surface of the joint is all filled with areas where there is no cartilage.And in order to unload the diseased joint, large physical exertion must be avoided and motor activity should be reduced.And with the help of special orthoses, canes, crutches, you can significantly reduce the effect on the sore joint.
Treatment of knee arthrosis
In the treatment of arthrosis, tablets and ointment are prescribed that relieve pain, and also counteract inflammatory processes, prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures that slow down the process of destruction of the joints.In more serious cases, joint endoprosthetics are prescribed, after which conservative treatment and rehabilitation will be required.A diet is also necessary for those patients who suffer from excess body weight, as well as disorders of metabolic processes.Moreover, dietary nutrition should be rich in microelements and nutrients, which will be enough for the processes of creating new tissues and cells occurring in the patient's body.Only a dietary doctor selects a diet who will take into account the patient's health status.It is very important to know that restriction and overeating in food harms the joints.In the treatment, you can use special orthoses, crutches and canes that will unload the patient from additional physical activity.
The treatment complex includes gymnastics for the knee joint, which occupies a very important place.Gymnastics is prescribed to the patient in order to prevent his contractures, to improve blood circulation, as well as to increase muscle tone.Therefore, it is necessary to carry out morning gymnastics, which will prepare the sore joint for upcoming home loads.To strengthen all stages of treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, the doctor recommends spa treatment.
It is worth noting that the arthrosis of the knee is one of the most common diseases that is found in many former athletes.This is due to the fact that in his youth these people subjected themselves to enormous stress, to injuries, to microtrauma of the joints, ruptures of ligaments and to multiple bruises.And since the muscle mass can fix the joints, the very first symptoms of arthrosis become invisible.However, the departure from the sport begins to provoke the weakening of the athlete’s muscle frame, so microtraumas become painful, and the joints begin to be spaced.Complex exercises that need to be obtained in the physiotherapy room, as well as strictly perform these exercises 3-4 times a day, are also very useful.Of course, these exercises should be taken seriously, especially while getting up from a lying position.And after a hard day, the patient is recommended for rest and peace, for 30-40 minutes.
Even the treatment of knee arthrosis includes such general recommendations as wearing shoes only on a convenient high -heeled, the patient should lead a mobile lifestyle, and he should not fold his feet on each other when he sits.It is advisable to unload the joints of the legs after the end of the labor hard day, it can be the “bicycle” exercises, thanks to which the legs are scrolled in the air, which perfectly relieves static tension that arose in the joints.In addition, aquaerobic is very useful, which is an excellent remedy for removing fatigue in the legs, which has accumulated in the whole day, and it also raises the mood and becomes a good means for losing weight.In addition, the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint can be supplemented with special warming compresses that contain alcohol, you can use warm baths with the addition of coniferous oils in the absence of allergies to them.These procedures should be carried out only in the evening or before bedtime.In addition, other treatment methods, for example, treatment with folk methods that are completely dependent on the patient himself, become effective.However, before using folk methods of treatment in the treatment of arthrosis, it is necessary to consult with the attending physician and follow all his recommendations and tips.
At the most advanced stages of arthrosis of the knee joint, surgical treatment methods are allowed, since conservative treatment in this situation will no longer bring results.When the patient has constant pain spasms and serious restrictions in the movement, the doctor’s testimony becomes surgery.In most cases, such symptoms are diagnosed already at 2-3 stages of the disease.Surgical treatment of arthrosis includes corrigating osteotomy, that is, it is a correction of joint deformations, as well as improving the functionality of the joint.A similar operation is carried out only if it is possible to save the joint, in this case the expected effect will become positive and can remain for ten years.In more advanced situations in the latest stages, endoprosthetics of the affected joint are prescribed, that is, the joint is replaced.This is the most appropriate solution to replace the already very affected joint with a special implant.This method of treating arthrosis of the hip joint can have a second name - “Golden Standard”.
When the signs of arthrosis of the knee joints have not yet made themselves felt and are very poorly and rare, this does not become the reason for visiting the doctor of an orthopedic traumatologist, therefore, the person’s forces can prevent such a serious ailment of joints.In the first place is proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, maintaining the normal exchange process and the entire body index, as well as special exercises that can support the musculoskeletal system in good working condition.However, if there are suddenly suspicions of arthrosis of the knee joint, then you should immediately seek medical professional help, as well as start the necessary treatment, which is usually complex.
Folk treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
There are a lot of folk methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint, which differ in their effectiveness and help only in the initial stages of the disease.
A compress with horseradish, helping from joint pain
For many years, many people cannot cure arthrosis, so they use all available methods and one of them, this is a compress with horseradish, thanks to which you can cure deforming arthrosis, relieve inflammation and reduce acute pain.
To prepare this compress, you need to dug or buy fresh horseradish root, then grind it on a very fine grater.All obtained contents must be lowered into the water and left to steam over low heat, but the water should not reach a boil.After 15 minutes, cool the broth, and the resulting composition must be put on canvas tissue, but first this fabric must be wetted in the resulting decoction.Curtained fabric must be put in a affected area.It is advisable to stock up on the roots of horseradish for the winter and use it as necessary.
Compress for the treatment of arthrosis
Many elderly people suffer from pain of arthrosis and use all available methods of treatment.One of them is special compresses that give good results and noticeably differ in effect from drug treatment.To prepare the compress, 5% medical iodine, 10% ammonia, glycerin, medical bile floral honey are required.All these components must be taken in equal proportions and mixed well.Then they should brew for 10 days in a dark place.Before use, the mixture must be shaken and compressed with it.Previously, the mixture must be heated in a water bath, and then moisten a napkin in it and put it on a sore joint at night.On top of the joint you need to put cellophane, and then cover with a wool with a cloth.Such treatment should be carried out every day until the pain subsides.