The gradual destruction of the articular structures of the knee, followed by deformation of the bone tissue of the berets and femur, is called arthrosis of the knee joint, symptoms and treatment, as well as the mechanism of development of the disease are similar to other arthrosis (pelvic, ankle). It can be one -sided or bilateral. In the latter case, the disease proceeds even harder, since the possibility of recovery is reduced by half, and a person faster loses its expanse.
The second name of the disease is gonarthrosis (by localization). Unlike arthritis, which is characterized by an acute inflammatory process, gonarthrosis develops chronically and leads to complete immobility of the joint, only occasionally showing signs of inflammation.
Causes of the disease
Most often, arthrosis of the knee joint (symptoms and treatment) is caused not by one cause, but by their combination.
The most common:
- repeated microtraumas of articular structures associated with a large load on the knee (features of profession, professional sport);
- knee injuries, damage to meniscus (after an accident, severe blow);
- The consequence of arthritis, especially in combination with other factors;
- congenital defects in the development of the knee joint;
- flat feet;
- skeleton deformations (curvature of the spine);
- overweight;
- hormonal changes (menopause, diabetes);
- Long -term stress and others.
You can find out what is the difference between arthritis and arthrosis in this article.
All about arthralgia of the joints of the knees to be here.
Symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint
Depending on the severity of symptoms, the development of the disease is divided into 3 stages. The symptoms of early development of gonarthrosis vary greatly and has no specifics. At the first stage of pathology, the following signs are possible:
- knee pain during squat, walking up the stairs;
- pain in the joint after a long load or cooling;
- The knee may hurt at the end of the day or in the morning;
- Stock and soreness in the morning passes after everyday work.
In the future, symptoms characteristic of 2 and 3 stages (by growth) appear:
- The pain becomes acute and prolonged;
- swelling in the joint;
- the appearance of liquid in the joint is possible;
- Between the joint surfaces, infringement of particles of cartilage, meniscus, synovial villi is possible, as a result of which there is a sharp immobility (it can also pass sharply);
- It is difficult to step on the leg;
- The motion of the joint develops.
The rate of development of dystrophic processes and the degree of severity of symptoms depend on the presence or absence of additional traumatic factors.For example, stress or inflammatory processes in the body will accelerate the destructive process.
Diagnosis of pathology
For the diagnosis of gonarthrosis, they use:
- blood tests (general and biochemical);
- radiography;
- arthroscopy;
- Ultrasound;
- MRI.
The most important diagnostic method for confirming the diagnosis of gonarthrosis is radiography. Although it is not possible to consider the initial stages of the disease and the condition of the cartilaginous tissue in x -rays, nevertheless, bone changes in the 2nd and 3rd stages are clearly visible. This:
- narrow joint gap;
- located along the contour of the bones, the edges of the patella of the edge spikes - osteophytes;
- changes in the periosteum;
- Changing the height of one of the Condyle and others.
However, you can consider the changes in more detail using arthroscopy. With its help, you can determine the condition of the cartilage, menisci, synovial membrane. It is less common due to the possibility of severe trauma of the joint, since, in fact, this is a mini-operation, consisting of several punctures. Sometimes arthroscopy is used to treat the knee joint (if there is a need to remove a piece of broken cartilage or meniscus).
Ultrasound and MRI helps to detect changes in the soft tissues of the knee joint with early arthrosis. These methods also show well the condition of the cartilage, synovial membrane and liquid.
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint are well lend itself to conservative treatment in the early stages. This leads to long -term remission. Drug therapy, physio, exercise therapy, massage, folk remedies in the form of distracting ointments and compresses are used. If the methods still do not give a result and the deformation of the joint continues to develop, the pain intensifies, then use surgical intervention.
The outcome of treatment largely depends on the person himself, since only daily targeted implementation of therapeutic methods will help to maintain the performance and quality of life for a long time.
Physiotherapeutic treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint according to the identified symptoms
Physiotherapeutic methods have a multidirectional action:
- Relieve/reduce pain;
- restore impaired metabolism in articular structures;
- stimulate the activity of chondrocytes;
- Stop the inflammatory process and more.
Below are the most common physical methods of treating symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint.
| UV exposure | Eliminates pain | 4-6 irradiation |
| UHF | Reduces the permeability of capillaries, stimulates exchange in cells, eliminates inflammation | 8–12 procedures |
| Magnetotherapy | Stimulates cellular immunity and tissue regeneration | 12 sessions |
| Ultrafonophoresis | Enhances blood flow, reduces swelling, stimulates the regeneration of chondrocytes | 10-12 procedures |
In addition to the listed, paraffin therapy in the form of applications, radon and hydrogen sulfide baths, and dirt are widely used to treat gonartrosis.
Exercise therapy as a means of treating arthrosis of the knee joint
LFK classes with gonarthrosis are carried out in such a way as to provide the joint with the smallest load, for this you can sit down or lie down. The simplest, but effective exercise will be the rocking of hanging shin like a pendulum. A greater effect can be achieved if the load is tied to the foot. In this case, tension or muscle relaxation will be clearly felt.
In a horizontal position, you can simulate a bicycle by raising your legs and "pedaling". If the physical condition allows (symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint), then for treatment it is recommended to use an exercise bike. Such movements act not only on the knee, but also on the hip, as well as the ankle joint, strengthening all muscle groups.
Massage treatment with symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint
With gonarthrosis, massage is prescribed to prevent or eliminate muscle atrophy. Massage movements act on the changed muscle tissue in a three -tower.
- From prolonged inaction inside the muscles, gluing forms. Massage movements destroy them, acting mechanically.
- Stretch movements irritate sensitive receptors in muscle cells. As a result, their innervation is restored and tone increases.
- In muscle tissue, blood circulation is restored. This enhances metabolic processes in articular structures.
The knee massage is done in the following sequence: first they massage the thigh (stroking, shaking, kneading, stroking). Each movement must be performed 3-4 times. Then proceed to the joint. On its sides, stroking and rubbing is used 3-5 times. Stroking is performed in circular movements, and rubbing in a straight line.
Again they massage the thigh, the joint again and again - the thigh. At the next stage, careful bending and extension in the joint (5–7 times), as well as neat rotation with shin and outward (5-7 times), are performed. The massage is completed by stroking the knee in the most painful places.
Such a technique is more effective in warm water - about 38 degrees - or after the bath. The intensity depends on the presence/absence of pain.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Indications for the operation are damage to meniscus, ligamentous apparatus, severe damage to the articular structures. Most often, this occurs at 3 stages of gonarthrosis, when therapy becomes ineffective. Although the operation does not cure the arthrosis of the knee joint, the symptoms and treatment significantly reduce its intensity: the pain disappears, the possibility of support on the leg becomes. After that, a long and regular conservative therapy is necessarily prescribed.
Methods of treatment mainly choose:
- osteotomy;
- arthroplasty;
- arthrodesis;
- Endoprosthetics.
Treatment of symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint with folk remedies
Symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint are treated with folk remedies. Of course, they cannot completely stop the process, as well as eliminate the existing deformation, but, using them as an additional tool, you can eliminate pain, remove swelling, improve mobility. To do this, use creams, rubbing, ointments, infusions and other products external and inside.
- Take the 5th table. l. oats (you can grind it on a coffee grinder), pour 500 ml of water and boil for 10-15 minutes. From the resulting decoction, make compresses to the knee joint lasting about an hour.
- Mix one part of the ground hop cones with 4 parts of the petroleum jelly and rub the knee 3-4 times a day for 2-3 weeks. Then you need to take a break, changing to another tool.
- Mix the crushed grass of hops, a bunker and St. John's wort on one part (for example, 10 g each). Draise a mixture with 5 parts of the petroleum jelly and rub in the joint 2 times a day.
- During the day, drink a decoction of pine buds. For a glass of water, you need 10 g of kidneys. Boil for 5-10 minutes, strain.
Features of the nutrition and consumption of water with arthrosis of the knee joint
Speaking about the features of such a disease as arthrosis of the knee joint (symptoms and treatment), folk remedies can also be considered compliance with the diet and water consumption. All symptoms are a consequence of metabolic disorders, and metabolism directly depends on the food consumed and fluid. Therefore, no conservative treatment will bring benefits if you do not revise the diet.
Particular attention to food should be paid to full people who are at risk. Reducing the calorie content of dishes, fractional nutrition, a change in cooking technology - all this contributes to a gradual weight loss. In addition, salt should be limited, refined products, fast food and semi -finished products should be eliminated.
Fluid use is also important. Since arthrosis occurs due to water loss in cartilage, people with a diagnosis of gonartrosis need to drink a lot of fluids. In order not to form swelling, you should take care of the timely removal of the excess fluid from the body. You can use diuretics or drugs. You need to drink about 2 liters per day of clean water, avoiding carbonated drinks, coffee or tea.
If you have symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint, start the treatment immediately. The sooner you begin the struggle, the more chances to stop destruction. There should be all methods in service to affect the disease from different sides. About 20% of people with such a diagnosis was possible, thanks to perseverance and patience. Be healthy!