Deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to excessive stress on the joint, injuries, damage to the menisci, rupture of ligaments). The disease is more common among women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- the first stage - there are systematic dull pains in the area of the affected joint, appearing mainly after loading, the deformity does not yet occur;
- the second stage - the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, there may be a crack in the knee when moving and turning with the leg;
- third stage - a pronounced deformation of the joint appears, gait is disturbed, pain is permanent.
People often mistake the initial stage of knee osteoarthritis for an inflammatory reaction to a fall or overexertion of the joint, without turning to specialists for help. But if the treatment of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started in time, the pathology can lead to a violation of the biomechanics of the remaining joints, intervertebral hernias, severe mobility limitations and even disability.
Traditional treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint requires complex measures. In the acute stage, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. They help reduce the inflammatory response and relieve pain. Gonarthrosis progresses with a pronounced pain syndrome, and in the last stage of the disease, the pain becomes unbearable, therefore, the removal of unpleasant sensations with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the well-being of patients and improves their quality. of life. .
To enhance the effectiveness of therapy, drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint are injected directly into the joint cavity. Chondroprotectors contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue, improve cartilage nutrition. They should be taken in the initial stage of knee osteoarthritis, when cartilage tissue is just beginning to break down. In the midst of illness, these remedies are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect. They help to stop the pathological process and prolong the youth of the joint structures. But the high cost does not allow the introduction of this method of treatment to the masses, 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 physical activity. After the acute process subsides, the use of physiotherapy is allowed: hydrocortisone phonophoresis, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetotherapy). Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb, taking supportive vitamin preparations can prevent the development of relapses in the future.
To slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joint, patients need to be careful about overexertion, lifting weights, jumping from a height, and staying in the same position for a long time (standing or sitting). In the presence of obesity, it is advisable to shed extra pounds, as they create additional stress on the knees and can contribute to the progression of knee osteoarthritis. To relieve joint stress during treatment, your doctor may recommend the use of a cane.
Joint replacement for knee osteoarthritis
With the ineffectiveness of drug therapy, one must resort to more radical methods - replacing the affected joint with an endoprosthesis. Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint helps to restore to patients the joy of living without pain and without restrictions in physical activity.
Such operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long period of rehabilitation. But every year, more and more modern and high-quality prostheses are produced, which take root quickly and do not cause side reactions. And implant implantation methods are becoming less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint should be carried out only in clinics with modern technical equipment. The endoprosthesis can be total, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, and partial (only destroyed joint structures can be replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are carried out that help the person to get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk without help. At this stage, special developmental exercises and professional assistance from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Check your weight. When choosing body shaping exercises, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static charges. Practice swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by wearing knee braces while exercising, jogging, skating, and skating. Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their sports careers.
- Eat well, make sure that all the necessary trace elements and vitamins are present in the diet. If you already have the prerequisites for the appearance of joint diseases, then several times a year carry out treatment with chondroprotectors.
- Avoid hypothermia. If you are planning long walks, skiing, and other activities that involve your knees in contact with the frozen ground, warm your joints with special bandages or wear sports knee pads in advance.
- If you are injured, see a doctor immediately. Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in the cartilage tissue. Do not overload the injured leg, but 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 jelly-like substance in aspic is believed to help restore destroyed joint tissue. The bones should be cooked until then (no water can be added to the pan), until the meat is easy to separate from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. Compresses and applications were made that helped combat pain and stiffness. You can add a little vinegar, herbal teas or alcohol to the honey.
But remember that the alternative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint should still be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. It is best combined with drug therapy. Don't give up traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine. Gonarthrosis is easily treatable in the early stage of development. If the disease starts, it can be difficult for patients to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgery.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- clay compresses - from blue or red clay, make a creamy mass, put on a gauze and wrap it around the joint, and wrap it with a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture - pour the non-blown heads with vodka so that the liquid covers them, put them in a cool place for 2 weeks, and then wipe the sore knees with the resulting remedy overnight;
- infusion of lemons, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small chopped celery root, put in a jar (3 liters) and pour boiling water up to the neck, in the morning the infusion is ready (strain and use a glass in 30 minutes before meals).
For alternative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee to be effective, the procedures must be systematic. Spa therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health. Rest near the sea, stay in specialized sanatoriums, where you can pamper your knees with healing mud baths, unique natural springs and water procedures; all this contributes to a speedy recovery.