In modern life, pathological changes affecting the skeletal and muscular system occur more and more frequently.One of the most common diseases is osteoarthritis of the knee joint, so everyone should know the symptoms and treatment of this disease.This is a serious condition that causes significant deformation of the cartilage as it progresses.
According to statistics, the pathology usually affects people whose joints are constantly subjected to excessive stress.Osteoarthritis and arthritis of the knee joint are predominantly diseases of older people, but cartilage deformation can also occur at a younger age.In such cases, people resort to a wide variety of therapeutic methods.For example, some people buy knee pads for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, but they may not always have an effect on the body.
%20and%20another%20affected%20by%20osteoarthritis%20(left).jpg)
Women, as well as people over 40 years of age, are most susceptible to osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Causes of the disease
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint according to ICD10 is called gonarthrosis, which is assigned the international classification code M17.The development of the disease is influenced by human physiology itself.The knee is the largest joint in the body.Here the femur, fibula and tibia connect.The resulting structure acts as a hinge, allowing the lower leg to perform flexion, extension, circular and rotational movements.
Since the knee is subject to such a large load, pathological processes invariably begin to occur in the tissues with age.This is usually due to an inevitable collagen deficiency, against the background of which the cartilage tissue loses its elasticity.Additionally, over time, the body decreases the synthesis of synovial fluid, which normally lubricates the joints, preventing them from rubbing against each other.
Even a simple walk over time, under the influence of the above factors, leads to deformation of the cartilage and the development of an inflammatory process.Various reasons can provoke pathology at a younger age.Among them:
- Meniscus injuries, ligament sprains and any other injuries;
- Heavy load on the legs as a result of sports training or prolonged standing;
- Surgical intervention in the knee area, in particular to remove the meniscus;
- Excess weight, especially if it causes varicose veins;
- Local inflammatory processes, such as arthritis of the knee joint;
- Metabolism problems;
- Connective tissue dysplasia.
Some people are predisposed from birth to pathologies of the musculoskeletal system due to heredity.It is also believed that the disease can be caused by fatigue and chronic stress.When deciding how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint, the doctor pays attention to the causes of the disease.For positive dynamics, it is necessary not only to use special medications and a set of exercises, but also to influence the factor that caused the disease.
The development of the disease depends on a combination of negative factors, which worsen with age and can ultimately lead to the destruction of knee cartilage.
Stages of pathology
It is customary to distinguish 3 degrees of the knee joint according to how it is affected by osteoarthritis.At first, any problems can only be noticed if an x-ray is taken.First degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint does not have any signs that a person can detect on their own.Sometimes patients complain of pain when walking and a feeling of fatigue, but these symptoms are very mild and disappear after some rest.
Since few people decide to diagnose and treat the disease in the early stages, grade 2 arthrosis of the knee joint soon develops.Despite the actual presence of the inflammatory process, it is sterile in nature and then progresses very slowly.First degree osteoarthritis can reach second degree in several months or years.When this happens, the situation will be characterized by the following manifestations:
- When bending the leg, a dull crunch is heard, which is accompanied by pain.The sound is associated with a serious deficiency of hyaluronic acid.
- If you walk for a long time, severe joint pain occurs.Even the simplest movements cause a feeling of heaviness and burning on the inside of the knees.
- Limb mobility is limited;They can no longer function with the same amplitude.Some patients with grade 2 osteoarthritis of the knee joint can only walk with their legs bent, while others are forced to use a cane.
- Changes in cartilage tissue manifest themselves externally.The bones and cartilage swell and enlarge, and the skin over them thickens and reddens.As a result, the temperature rises locally and muscle atrophy begins around the diseased area.
If you do not start therapy even when such symptoms appear, grade 3 osteoarthritis of the knee joint will begin.At this stage, cartilage tissue is destroyed.This leaves areas of bone exposed.Third degree osteoarthritis is associated with constant sharp pain with any movement.In this case, patients often can no longer walk.In the third stage, treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint with folk remedies is impossible.Only one operation can lead to at least some result.Deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joints of the third degree can lead to disability.
The first degree of osteoarthritis is characterized by mild pain when the leg remains in one position for a long time, which disappears with rest.
Diagnosis and basic concepts of exposure.
Before you start treating knee osteoarthritis at home, a doctor must diagnose it.It is usually worth consulting an orthopedist.The specialist will conduct an examination, collect a history and refer the patient for an X-ray examination. Some changes can be noted even at the first stage of the disease, and the second picture will show:
- Partial exposure of bones.
- Thinning and destruction of cartilage.
- Reduction of joint space,
- Accumulation of osteophytes.
In rare cases, a CT scan, MRI and blood test are required for diagnosis.If differentiation is necessary, the patient is referred to a rheumatologist, surgeon, or endocrinologist.After making the diagnosis, specialists will select a complex for osteoarthritis of the knee joints.It is impossible to completely improve the condition if the disease is already in the second stage.The therapy aims to prevent further progression of the pathology and relieve symptoms.
Deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint requires limited mobility during periods of exacerbation.The treating doctor may recommend that the patient wear various devices, such as orthoses.Knee pads for osteoarthritis of the knee joint are designed to help cope with pain.Closed types are recommended if the diagnosis is not clearly established.In this case, the joint rests on a larger surface.Open ones are used for occasional pain, while hinged ones are suitable for treating post-traumatic conditions.
Pay attention!Many people are interested in how to choose knee pads for osteoarthritis of the knee joint.However, only a doctor can choose the right option, and with such a diagnosis, constant monitoring is necessary.
Non-drug treatment of pathology includes a variety of procedures and stress.For osteoarthritis of the knee joint, folk recipes can only be accompanied by complex effects.For example, some compresses are applied after physical therapy and magnetic laser therapy.A doctor should also monitor alternative treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Treatment of the disease includes a complex of orthopedic procedures and drug therapy.It is also possible to use traditional medicine in the initial stages of osteoarthritis.
physical activity
Deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint is often treated with special exercises.It is usually included in a complex of physiotherapy, electrophoresis and other procedures.Complex treatment is common in different clinics.However, these complexes are inaccessible to most people.Free hospitals only offer physiotherapy.Exercise therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint helps:
- reduce pain,
- Establish blood flow
- Strengthen nearby muscles.
- Expand joint space.
- Improve the functioning of the respiratory system.
- Correct the status of the column.
The main criterion of effectiveness is the systematic implementation of a series of exercises.You can't practice using a video once and expect it to give results.The reviews of these courses point out their benefits only if adequate time is dedicated to the classes.It is also necessary to understand that in the third stage no physiotherapy will help.
Exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint should be based on a system of alternating intense loading and rest.Normally ten-minute tension periods with breaks are used.In total, the training time is half an hour.It is permissible to gradually increase the duration and amplitude of the load.Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint usually require three sessions a day, with up to six repetitions of each exercise.
The doctor decides whether it is possible to play sports with this diagnosis.However, in most cases Pilates, yoga and the stationary bike are not contraindicated.There are specialized therapeutic exercise courses.
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis will help strengthen muscles, reduce stress on diseased joints and activate blood circulation in them.
Injections
This disease is very difficult to treat and therefore pills are often ineffective.In most cases, people try to choose injections for osteoarthritis of the knee joint.Injections can be placed into muscle tissue.In this case, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are used, as well as analgesics, antispasmodics and vitamin complexes.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint cannot be treated at home with injections.Many patients cannot inject themselves and are also at risk of using medications that are not suitable for them.Fortunately, buying non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for internal administration can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Pay attention!Except for the injectable form, other types of medications are freely dispensed in pharmacies.
Some NSAIDs are injected directly into the joint tissue.It is believed that in this way it is possible to better stop the inflammation process and achieve the effect already in the first minutes of the drug.Preparations for injections into the knee joint for osteoarthritis are presented:
- glucocorticoids,
- hyaluronic acid,
- chondroprotectors,
- plasmolifting,
- Pain blockers.
The former fight inflammation more effectively.It is better to take the purchased product to a specialist, since it is even more difficult to inject into a joint than into muscle tissue.
To eliminate pain and relieve inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used, which are most effective in the form of injections into the joint tissue.
External media
Ointments for osteoarthritis of the knee joint are ineffective and have practically no effect on their own.Traditional remedies are presented:
- Application of red, blue or white clay;
- Compresses based on bran, oats, horseradish or potatoes;
- Baths with sea salt or pine needles.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint at home is possible only in the early stages of the disease.For severe symptoms, only surgery is effective.In the third stage of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, surgery is required.