Gonarthrosis of the knee joint is a disease of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.In this disease, cartilage tissue is destroyed and the joint is deformed.
As a rule, people over 40 years of age are affected by gonarthrosis.This condition occurs twice as often in women as in men.
The knee joint is one of the largest joints in the human body.It is characterized by a high degree of mobility, as it is not only responsible for the mobility of the leg, but also helps to support the person's weight.It serves as a connecting “bridge” between the femur, tibia and fibula.The knee joint is supported by various ligaments and tendons.
Diagnosis and symptoms
In gonarthrosis, blood circulation in small bone vessels is disrupted, and then the cartilage covering of the joint and the surrounding tissue begins to collapse.Due to age or other reasons, the density and elasticity of the cartilage decreases and cracks and depressions form.
As a diagnostic measure, the patient should consult a specialist for a thorough medical examination and X-ray examination.Of course, every person should know about the symptoms of the development of arthrosis of the knee joint:
- when moving, the patient feels pain in the knee;
- Swelling is observed in the area of damage;
- Movement in the injured knee is restricted;
- there is a feeling of instability in the sore knee;
- Stiffness;
- The end result of the disease can be viewed as joint deformation: the most common is O-shaped or valgus, that is, X-shaped.
It is important to note that the severity of certain symptoms does not indicate the degree of disease progression.However, as gonarthrosis develops, the severity of the symptoms increases steadily.
The symptoms of gonarthrosis have long been known to specialists;They were described almost a hundred years ago.Popularly, this disease is called salt deposition, and this statement is not a myth.Osteoarthritis actually involves the deposition of salts in the tissues of the knee, including ligaments and tendons.
Stages of gonarthrosis
Experts distinguish different degrees of development of gonarthrosis, which indicate the severity of the patient's condition.So, there are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint:
The symptoms of first degree gonarthrosis are limited to periodic pain, usually after physical activity, and minor deformation of the joint.It is not uncommon to see a tumor in the affected area.
In the second degree of osteoarthritis, there is an increase in the primary symptoms at this stage.The intensity and duration of pain in the knee increases, crunching and difficulty bending appear.The joint increases in volume and its deformation is already pronounced.
Third-degree arthrosis of the knee joint is characterized by pain that occurs not only during movement but also at rest.There is limited mobility and a severe gait disorder.The joint deforms and takes on an O or X shape.
Treatment
Before you start fighting gonarthrosis of the knee joint, you should definitely visit a good specialist, have him draw up an examination plan and discuss treatment methods.However, you should not blindly follow all the doctor's recommendations;The patient himself must also understand the essence of his recommendations, understand the mechanism of action of the prescribed medication and, if necessary, also contact another specialist at the same time.Each patient must be aware of the essence of the prescribed treatment procedures and understand why they are prescribed to him.
Therapeutic treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint includes a number of therapeutic measures aimed at solving the following problems:
- pain relief;
- improved nutrition of articular cartilage and its rapid recovery;
- Activation of blood circulation in the area of the affected joint;
- Reducing pressure on damaged joints and increasing the distance between them;
- strengthening the muscles surrounding the painful joint;
- increased joint mobility.
Advanced forms of gonarthrosis require treatment, which includes surgical intervention.
First degree gonarthrosis requires treatment, which includes physiotherapeutic procedures.The initial stage of the disease is practically undetectable on x-rays.The following symptoms are characteristic of the first degree of knee arthrosis:
- Stiffness;
- Malaise and discomfort in the area of the affected joint;
- Relieve pain after movements during the day.
Second-degree gonarthrosis requires drug treatment.Symptoms at this stage include severe pain and a feeling of difficulty bending the leg at the knee.
Exercise therapy for gonarthrosis
One of the most effective methods of restoring the functions of the knee joints in gonarthrosis is physiotherapy, after which the following are observed:
- reduction of joint pain;
- improving mobility of the diseased joint;
- reduction of muscle tension;
- Increasing the tone of weakened muscles.
Gymnastics for gonarthrosis
In combination with drug treatment, gymnastics should also be carried out as indicated by a doctor, which is usually indicated in the early stages of the disease.To a greater extent, gymnastics is used for preventive purposes.Therapeutic exercises for knee osteoarthritis contribute to:
- improving the nutrition of the articular cartilage;
- increased mobility of the knee joint;
- strengthening the ligaments and muscles that support the joint;
- Pain relief and a positive impact on the patient's overall health.
Treatment should begin as soon as possible, since the whole process takes quite a long time and requires an integrated approach.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely restore the joint to its old shape, but you should not delay treatment either.The patient must prevent degenerative processes in a timely manner.
Folk remedies to combat gonarthrosis
Treatment with traditional methods is often practiced by patients with gonarthrosis.However, you should remember that in any case the consultation of a specialist is required.
Burdock is considered the most common remedy for treating osteoarthritis.The leaves of this plant must be washed, dried and folded so that the velvety side is facing down.Next, you should put the leaves in a container and pour hot water into it.The sore spot should be lubricated with vegetable oil and leaves applied, the knee wrapped with polyethylene and fixed with a warm scarf.
Regular sunflower oil is considered another traditional medicine.It must be heated at night and rubbed into the painful joint.After five procedures the pain disappears.
Cabbage is no less popular in folk medicine.To treat gonarthrosis, its leaves are smeared with honey and applied to the painful joint at night.It is better to continue treatment for a month.
In the early stages of the disease, you can do some exercises.It is better to do them in a physiotherapy room.The exercises should be carried out systematically and regularly several times a day.After exercise, it is better to take some rest and apply a warm compress to the painful joint.Instead of exercise therapy, you can simply take walks, swim in the pool, or ride a bike.
Diet and massage
Adhering to a diet and visiting a massage room are also considered integral measures to combat gonarthrosis.Scientists have proven that overweight people belong to the first risk group, since extra pounds put a lot of strain on the knees, causing the joints to wear out and become deformed.
The diet for osteoarthritis should be balanced and regular.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle contributes to both prevention and speedy recovery.
The massage should only be carried out by a specialist.These procedures relieve pain and eliminate symptoms of the disease.Massage also helps improve tissue nutrition, strengthens and develops the knee muscles, and prevents deformation and subsequent atrophy.However, these methods are most relevant in the initial stages of the disease.When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a specialist for an examination.
Remember!You can't diagnose yourself!Many diseases are associated with joint damage similar to arthrosis.Therefore, it is very easy to make a mistake when identifying a disease.