Osteoarthritis of the knee joint often occurs in patients suffering from pathological changes in the tissues of the musculoskeletal system.Gonarthrosis is based on deformation of the articular cartilage.Degenerative-dystrophic disease of the knee, which constantly experiences increased stress, is most often diagnosed in patients aged 40-50 years.Sometimes deforming arthrosis manifests itself in adolescence and young age.
Limited mobility of the knee joint disrupts its functioning and causes serious discomfort to the patient.Therapy is lengthy, expensive and not always successful.It is important to know how to prevent gonarthrosis, how to treat it at home and what methods will bring back the joy of movement.
Reasons for the development of the disease
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is considered a polyetiological disease.Often the pathology is provoked by a combination of several factors that do not always have a clear etiology.
There are two types of gonarthrosis:
- primary;
- secondary.
The classification is done according to the cause-and-effect principle.In some patients, the articular cartilage is affected by several negative factors;it is not always possible to determine what was the impetus for the development of the pathology.
The therapy of gonarthrosis of unknown etiology is more complicated and prolonged;the problem of the knee joint causes many problems and reduces the quality of life.For this reason, doctors recommend patients to prevent the disease and follow preventive measures.
Main causes of the disease:
- primary form.Clear dependence on risk factors.For most patients, knee problems arise from constant, heavy loads in this area.Gonarthrosis affects support workers, loaders and athletes;
- secondary.Damage to the articular cartilage occurs against the background of systemic pathologies.Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the knee develop against the background of hemochromatosis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and congenital curvature of the lower limbs.Another reason is heredity: the disease manifests itself in every generation.
Pay attention!In some cases, doctors cannot accurately determine the cause of the development of gonarthrosis;the form of pathology is called idiopathic.
Characteristic symptoms
Main symptoms of the disease:
- knee pain when moving;
- in the morning it is difficult to bend and straighten the knee joint;
- in a severe stage, deep deformations develop, joint congestion, subluxations and dislocations occur;
- With some movements, a characteristic click is heard in the knee.
The danger of pathology is the incompletely studied mechanism of development of gonarthrosis.The last connection affects the original factors, the degenerative changes are launched with a new force.With each rotation, the condition of the cartilage worsens, the elasticity of the tissue decreases and the disease progresses again.In the primary form of pathology, it is difficult for the doctor to determine the moment that gives impetus to the activation of negative changes.
Which doctor should I contact?
Deformation of the joint is a pathology that requires an integrated approach to treatment.Not all patients know which doctor treats arthrosis.
If signs of illness appear, visit:
- therapist(prescribe tests, identify the main diseases, refer to a specialist for endocrine diseases, congenital pathologies);
- rheumatologist.He will determine the cause of the deformity of the joint and conduct additional examinations of the affected area.The doctor will prescribe conservative treatment, prescribe physiotherapy plus therapy for arthrosis at home;
- arthrologistA rather rare specialty.In large clinics, highly qualified doctors are observed;know in depth the problems of arthrosis and arthritis.The main specialization is complex cases, surgical intervention in severe pathologies.A good doctor is hard to come by: there are few specialists;
- orthopedist.The doctor will help patients with advanced pathologies of the knee joint when conservative treatment is not enough.Orthopedic surgeon performs organ-saving operations and endoprosthetics.
Treatment methods at home
How to treat arthrosis of the knee joint at home?It is difficult to fight the deformations of the articular cartilage in the knee area;the polyetiology of the pathology constantly leads to a new round of the disease.Treatment with regular use of drugs, massage, exercise therapy and folk remedies is necessary.The patient must follow a diet and be disciplined in prescribing procedures and special exercises.
Many patients ask: "Why is the treatment so expensive?"The reason is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors, gels, ointments for inflammation in monthly (or more) courses.Good results are noticed only with regular use of effective drugs.The later the patient seeks help, the longer and more expensive the therapy, especially if a complex operation is required.
The main methods of treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint:
- medicines;
- physiotherapy procedures;
- diet;
- special exercises;
- massage;
- healthy lifestyle;
- vitamin therapy;
- public funds.
The doctor always encourages patients to be disciplined and do some therapeutic activities at home.Many methods practically do not require material costs: all that is important is the desire to defeat arthrosis and the regularity of the procedures.
Drug therapy
Take medications prescribed by your rheumatologist:
- chondroprotectors for arthrosis of the knee joint - drugs that restore the elasticity and functionality of cartilage tissue;
- non-steroidal compounds to relieve inflammation of the affected area;
- creams, gels, ointments for arthrosis of the knee joint to improve blood circulation and relieve pain;
- compresses with an active anti-inflammatory effect.Act faster than ointments;
- vitamins, nutritional supplements.Dietary supplements with calcium and magnesium are recommended to strengthen muscles and bones.
Massage and self-massage
The doctor will conduct several sessions in the office and show basic techniques so that the patient can massage the problematic knee himself.Competent actions improve the condition of the damaged area.
Self-massage with your palm, the edge of your palm, your fingertips, or your fist.Carefully act on the painful knee, maintain strong pressure on the affected area: strong tapping, blows, active kneading of tissues often worsen the condition.
Basic techniques:
- the first stage is light stroking in a clockwise direction, the second stage is counterclockwise circular movements;
- Press one palm to the sore knee, lightly pat it with the fingertips of the other hand;
- maintain the initial position of the palm, tapping not with fingers, but with the edge of the palm;
- lightly stroke the knee in a circle, gradually increase the pressure (but moderately);
- During the therapy, massage the affected area twice a day for 10-15 minutes.For preventive purposes, it is enough to do a light massage once every 7 days.
advice!Before the procedure, apply ointment or gel with an anti-inflammatory effect to the affected knee.Use pharmaceutical drugs or homemade mixtures: the effectiveness of the treatment will increase.
Physical therapy
The doctor in the physical therapy office will show you exercises and gymnastics for arthrosis of the knee joint that the patient should perform at home.Regular exercises improve blood circulation in the diseased joint, help cure arthrosis or reduce negative symptoms.
How to proceed:
- warm the sore spot: do a self-massage for 5 minutes;
- sit in a comfortable chair: you should feel comfortable;
- first exercise: slightly rocking the affected leg.Important: the feet do not touch the floor, the amplitude is small.Duration – 2 minutes;
- second exercise.Place your feet on the floor.Raise the heel of the affected leg higher, rest well on your toes, wait 6-7 seconds, slowly lower to the full foot.Rest for 20-30 seconds and repeat the tapping exercise.The optimal frequency depends on how you feel;it is recommended to load the foot and knee for up to three minutes;
- third exercise.Doctors call it "slap".Starting position - sitting on a chair.Put the sick foot on the heel, the other is firmly pressed to the floor, gently clap the toe with a short rest between movements.Do several repetitions, starting from the condition of the affected knee.
Many orthopedists and rheumatologists believe that the method of treatment with limited joint mobility in gonarthrosis is outdated.Most modern clinics offer rehabilitation using special gymnastics.Regular exercise maintains the flexibility and mobility of cartilage tissue and joints.
Folk remedies and recipes
Proven Home Remedies:
- herbal potions.Use nettles, chamomile, horsetail, birch leaves and buds;
- rubbing with sunflower oil, dandelion tincture (yellow flower heads);
- compresses with decoction of chamomile, celandine, mash of fresh cabbage (or whole leaves);
- fresh celery juice for internal use.Drink 1 tbsp.l. 40 minutes before class you write three times a day;
- compress of steamed birch leaves, burdock;
- massage with honey.After the procedure, smear the sore knee with burdock leaves.
Recommended diet
For effective treatment of arthrosis at home, it is important to adhere to certain dietary rules.The nutritionist will tell you which foods and products will keep your musculoskeletal system healthy.
Include more often in your menu:
- low-fat cottage cheese;
- sprouted wheat (with sprouts up to 3 mm);
- fermented milk products;
- almond;
- bone broth jellied meat;
- fresh and cooked vegetables are the basis of the diet;
- jellied dishes with gelatin for cartilage elasticity;
- bran bread;
- lean fish;
- durum wheat pasta.
Minimum allowed quantity:
- muffins;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- confectionery.
Prohibited:
- any alcohol;
- fatty meat;
- citrus fruits;
- ready meat semi-finished products, canned goods.
Prevention measures
Take care of your joints until such an unpleasant disease as gonarthrosis does not bother you.If you find symptoms of pathology, contact your doctor at an early stage, before the mobility and elasticity of the joint tissue is completely lost.Untimely treatment in advanced cases leads to disability.
Prevention of joint diseases:
- dose the load on your legs during active sports;
- create a diet that includes foods and dishes containing calcium, magnesium, gelatin;
- if the work involves lifting or moving heavy objects, observe safety rules and do not carry loads exceeding a certain limit;
- Do regular self-massage to prevent arthrosis, especially with constant stress on the feet;
- eat right, limit "harmful" foods;
- body weight control (overweight means additional stress on the joints);
- Have regular checkups and treat acute and chronic illnesses.
Attention to the health of the musculoskeletal system ensures activity at any age.If gonarthrosis is detected, consult a doctor.Treatment of arthrosis at home is an important element of successful therapy.