Deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic lesions of cartilage tissue (due to excessive stress on the joint, injuries, lesions of the menisci, rupture of theligaments). The disease is more common in women.
Experts distinguish several stages of knee osteoarthritis:
- 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 crunch of the knee when moving and rotating with the leg;
- third stage: a pronounced deformation of the joint appears, walking is disturbed, the pain is permanent.
People often confuse the initial stage of knee osteoarthritis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or overstrain in the joint, without turning to specialists for help. But if the treatment of deforming osteoarthritis 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 limitations in mobility and even disability.
Traditional treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint requires complex measures. In the acute stage, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. They help reduce the inflammatory response and relieve pain. Gonarthrosis proceeds with a pronounced pain syndrome, and at the last stage of the disease the pain becomes unbearable. Therefore, the elimination of unpleasant sensations with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the well-being of patients and improves their quality of life. .
To improve the effectiveness of treatment, 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 the nutrition of cartilage. They should be taken at the initial stage of knee osteoarthritis, when the cartilage tissue is just starting to break down. In the midst of an illness, these remedies are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect. They help stop the pathological process and prolong the youthfulness of joint structures. But the high cost does not allow the introduction of this method of treatment in 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 disappearance of the acute process, it is allowed to use physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, 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 a relapse in the future.
In order to slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joint, patients should be wary of excessive exertion, lifting weights, jumping from a height and staying in one position for a long time (standing or sitting). In the presence of obesity, 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 tension in the joints during treatment, your doctor may recommend that you use a cane.
Joint replacement for knee osteoarthritis
With the ineffectiveness of drug therapy, it is necessary to resort to more radical methods - to replace the affected joint with a stent. The surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint can restore the joy of life to patients without pain or restriction of 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 quickly take root and do not cause side reactions. And the methods of implanting implants are becoming less and 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 by an artificial prosthesis, and partial (only the destroyed joint structures can be replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are implemented to help the person get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk unaided. At this stage, special development exercises and professional assistance from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of knee osteoarthritis
- Watch your weight. When choosing exercises for body shaping, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads. Do swimming, aerobics, dance, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads while exercising, jogging, rollerblading, and skating. Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their athletic career.
- 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, several times a year carry out treatment with chondroprotectors.
- Avoid hypothermia. If you are planning long walks, skiing, and other activities that involve knee contact with frozen ground, warm up your joints with special bandages or use sports knee pads in advance.
- If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Modern diagnostic methods allow to determine the very first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in cartilage tissue. Do not overload the injured leg, but rather temporarily use a cane to move around.
Traditional medicine for deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating a decoction of beef bones or jellied meat for knee osteoarthritis. It is believed that the gelatinous substance in aspic helps restore destroyed tissue in the joints. The bones should be cooked until then (you cannot add water 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 of it which helped to combat the pain and stiffness. A little vinegar, herbal infusions or alcohol can be added to the honey.
But remember that the alternative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint should always take place under the supervision of a specialist. It is better to combine it with drug therapy. Do not abandon traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine. Knee osteoarthritis is easily treatable at the initial stage of development. If the disease is triggered, it may be difficult for patients to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgery.
Traditional medicine for knee osteoarthritis recommends using:
- clay compresses: from blue or red clay, make a creamy mass, put cheesecloth and wrap around the joint, and wrap it with a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour the unblown heads with vodka so that the liquid covers them, put them in a cool place for 2 weeks, then wipe the sore knees with the remedy obtained overnight;
- infusion of lemons, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small mince of celeriac, put in a jar (3 liters) and pour boiling water up to the neck, in the morning lthe infusion is ready (strain and use a glass 30 minutes before meals).
For the alternative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee to be effective, the procedures must be systematic. The spa treatment has a beneficial effect on the health of the joints. Rest near the sea, stay in specialized sanatoriums, where you can take care of your knees with healing mud baths, unique natural springs and water procedures - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.