Deforming arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to 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, which appear mainly after loading, the deformity does not yet occur;
- the second stage - the symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, there may be a crunch in the knee when moving and turning with the leg;
- third stage - pronounced deformation of the joint appears, gait is disturbed, pain is permanent.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or overload of the joint, without turning to specialists for help. But if the treatment of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started on time, the pathology can lead to a violation of the biomechanics of the remaining joints, intervertebral hernias, severe limitations of mobility 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 proceeds with a pronounced pain syndrome, and in the last stage of the disease, the pain becomes unbearable, so 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 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 the nutrition of cartilage. They need to be taken in the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when the cartilage tissue is just starting to break down. In the midst of an illness, these remedies are ineffective.
Injections of hyaluronic acid have a good therapeutic effect. They help 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 arthrosis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively combat pathological signs and restore physical activity. After the acute process subsides, it is permissible 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 relapses in the future.
In order to slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joint, patients need to be careful of overexertion, weight lifting, 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 gonarthrosis. To relieve joint tension during treatment, your doctor may recommend the use of a cane.
Joint replacement for gonarthrosis
With the ineffectiveness of drug therapy, it is necessary to resort to more radical methods - replace the affected joint with an endoprosthesis. Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint helps restore the joy of life to patients without pain and restrictions in physical activity.
Such operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long rehabilitation period. But every year, more and more modern, high-quality prostheses are produced, which take root quickly and do not cause side reactions. And the methods of implantation of the implants are becoming less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should be carried out only in clinics equipped 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 performed that help the person get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk without assistance. At this stage, special development exercises and professional assistance from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Monitor your weight. When choosing exercises for shaping the body, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads. Go swimming, aerobics, dance, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads when exercising, jogging, rollerblading and skating. Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed during their sports career.
- Eat right, make sure that all the necessary trace elements and vitamins are present in the diet. If you already have the prerequisites for the onset of joint diseases, several times a year carry out a course of treatment with chondroprotector.
- Avoid hypothermia. If you are planning long walks, skiing, and other activities that involve knee contact with frozen ground, warm up the joints with special bandages or use sports knee pads in advance.
- If you are injured, see a doctor immediately. Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the very first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in the cartilage tissue. Do not overload the injured leg, but rather temporarily use a cane for movement.
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 of 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 easily separated from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain. Compresses and applications were made, which helped combat pain and stiffness. A little vinegar, herbal infusions or alcohol can be added to honey.
But remember that the alternative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint should still take place under the supervision of a specialist. It is best to combine it with drug therapy. Do not give up traditional medical treatment in favor of traditional medicine. Gonarthrosis is easily treatable in the early stage of development. If the disease has started, it can be difficult for patients to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgery.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends the use of:
- clay compresses: from blue or red clay, make a creamy mass, put gauze and wrap the joint and wrap it with a wool 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 resulting remedy overnight;
- infusion of lemons, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a little chopped celeriac, put in a jar (3 liters) and pour boiling water up to the neck, in the morning the infusion is ready ( filter and use a glass in 30 minutes before meals).
For the alternative treatment of knee joint osteoarthritis to be effective, the procedures must be systematic. Spa therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health. Rest by 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.