Hello, dear readers.As you know, arthrosis is called the inflammation of the joint, which entails its gradual deformation and destruction.The disease is accompanied by strong pain, which are present even in the static position of the joint.Ignoring the problem can lead to the fact that the functionality of the joint will simply be lost.Today we will talk about arthrosis of the knee joint, which is already quite common.Our knees are subjected to a certain load every day, which, in general, is normal for them.But if the loads have increased intensity, or a person suffers from the problem of excess weight, then the situation is significantly complicated.What means will help to cope with such a problem?We will talk about this a little later, and now we should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the disease, as well as its symptoms.
What is arthrosis of the knee joint
This disease is characterized by several terms that can reflect its essence.There is such a definition as “gonarthrosis”, which means the presence of pathological changes in the area of the knee joint.
But with “deforming arthrosis”, it is the knee cartilage that is affected, while this is preceded by some deformation changes in ligaments and muscles.
In other words, the disease is characterized by thinning of the cartilage, the loss of its strength.Its familiar functions weaken, and it loses its depreciation properties, as a result of which the joint begins to collapse.
The process of deformation takes far from one day, so do not think that the disease has appeared in days or weeks.At the first signs of arthrosis, you should consult a doctor, because only he can prescribe a really correct treatment.
One way or another, the entire process of deforming the joint has three degrees.Please note that successful treatment is possible only in the first stages, when the joint is just starting to collapse.
Arthrosis of the 1st degree of the knee joint
This stage is the easiest, because it is the initial stage in the development of the disease.Please note that the disease does not appear in one day, but develops safely for several years.
As a rule, no one pays attention to the symptoms of the initial stage, since they are not bright enough, and therefore, people write off everything on ordinary fatigue.
Over the years, the knee cartilages lose their elasticity, which is why heavy loads on them can lead to the destruction of their structure.
Arthrosis of the 2nd degree of the knee joint
The first stage of the disease is ignored, as we pay attention exclusively to acute symptoms, which, in fact, is our problem.But in the second stage, the symptoms become brighter, in connection with which, it is no longer possible to ignore them.
The second degree is accompanied by serious destruction of cartilage, as well as the emergence of small bone growths, which largely limit the mobility of the joint.
This is what causes painful sensations that with further ignoring the disease will only intensify.
On the X -ray, you can see a significant narrowing of the intraarticular gap, as well as the compaction of the bone itself.In addition, the first serious deformation changes in the joint itself are traced.
At this stage, it becomes difficult for a person to ignore the symptoms of arthrosis.Every morning it will be accompanied by a strong stiffness in the joint, while there will be a rather bright painful sensations.
Please note that such pain cannot be confused with nothing, because painkillers rarely help to cope with it.
Arthrosis of 3 degrees of knee joint
By the third stage, the disease will only aggravate, which means that it will be quite difficult to ignore the symptoms.
There is not only the strong redness and swelling of the inflamed area, but also a noticeable joint deformation of the joint is traced, due to which the usual joint mobility will be impossible.
It is not recommended to reach the third stage, because changes in the structure of the joint at this stage can lead to disability.
Successful treatment will be possible only in the first two stages, while you can not only stop the process of deformation and destruction, but also completely get rid of the disease.
Please note that you can protect yourself from the consequences of arthrosis only at its first two stages.That is, thanks to the treatment produced, you can live a full -fledged life, engaged in physical exertion, and enjoying all the joys of life.
Of course, the last stage is the most neglected, which is why some difficulties may arise in its treatment, but the situation is still not hopeless.Even in the third stage, you can cure arthrosis of the knee joint.
The course of the disease is accompanied by sufficiently acute pains even at rest, in addition, there is lameness.
The leg ceases to bend normally not only due to high pain, but also because of developing deformation.
The causes of arthrosis of the knee joint
There is no one reason that could lead to such a serious disease.
Usually there are several of them, and all of them to one degree or another affect the condition of the joint.The cartilage is affected, as a rule, due to sufficiently strong loads or injuries, for example.
That is, this is a whole set of factors that lead to the development of such a disease.Our skeleton is quite resistant to many factors, but only if they appear separately.
Well, if there are several of them, and they all affect the knee joint regularly, then the first symptoms will not be long in coming.
There are such reasons for the development of arthrosis:
- Violation of metabolism.
- Inflammation of the joint, which turns into a chronic form.
- A large load on the knees, for example, with a professional lesson by one of the sports (most often it is a run).
- Carrying out an operation on the knee to remove meniscus.
- Transferred knee injuries.
Arthrosis of the knee joint - symptoms
Speaking of symptoms, it should be immediately noted that the most striking of them is still pain.After all, it is precisely to her that we pay attention, and then only when its intensity increases significantly.
So, at the beginning, the pain will appear only when walking, while it will be insignificant.Further ignoring the disease leads to the appearance of pain after a long stay in a sitting position.
With any movements, a crunch is heard by the foot, which just suggests that the joint is already undergoing some changes.
The patient is becoming increasingly difficult to bend the leg, because this process will be quite painful.
Let's look at the list of basic symptoms that accompany arthrosis of the knee joint:
- The presence of inflammation, which leads to swelling of the cartilage.
- Reducing the usual mobility of the knee.
- Strong pain in the joint.
Arthrosis of the knee joint - treatment
Do not think that you can get rid of the disease in only one way.Treatment must be comprehensive, which means consist of several types of therapy.In this way, you can achieve the desired result in this way.
Self -medication is completely excluded, because you can only harm your health.Therefore, the appeal to the doctor in this case will be mandatory.
It is possible to achieve the necessary result only with complex treatment.At the same time, the process is quite long, so you will have to be patient.
Therapy includes taking medications, compliance with diet, joint massage, therapeutic exercises, as well as the use of non -traditional medicine.
Surgical intervention is prescribed only in the most advanced cases.Before that, you can do with other types of treatment, which, when properly carried out, will bring the desired result.
- Reducing loads. In this case, special orthopedic knee pads or an ordinary wooden cane will help us, which can serve as the center of gravity of the body.
- The use of drugs. It can be ointments that must be applied directly to the painful area, or taken inside.
- Surgical therapy It includes endoprosthetics (installation of an internal prosthesis), osteotomy (elimination of bone deformation) or arthroscopy (study of the joint using a work of small cuts in its tissues).
Chondroprotectors for arthrosis of the knee joint
The best way to get rid of the disease is to restore cartilage.This is done using special drugs, the action of which is aimed at eliminating articular edema, as well as removing their inflammatory processes.
Such drugs are called "chondroprotectors", and they contain glucosamine and chondroin sulfate.
If glucosamine contributes to the full synthesis of cartilage, then honroitin improves phosphorus-calcium metabolism in the body.The restoration of this process allows the joint to acquire elasticity, which, in fact, stops the process of its destruction.
These funds are produced both in the form of ointments and in the form of tablets, powders and injections.The permissible duration of treatment is at least six months, and the first positive results can be expected after three months.
Arthrosis of the knee joint - treatment with folk remedies
If the disease is in the initial stages, then folk remedies have every chance to cure the disease.Remember that traditional medicine will be powerless if the disease is launched.
What means of traditional medicine can help?One of the most effective is the “ferrite magnet”.No matter how strange it sounds, it is it that will help to cope with such a serious disease.
Finding it is not as difficult as it may seem, because such a magnet is inside each radio receiver.It is necessary to massage a painful place for 20 minutes daily.
Such therapy helps to cope even with the most powerful pain.But there are other, no less effective methods that will also help get rid of the disease without the use of medicines.
- Apple vinegar. It is necessary to dilute in a glass of water a couple of teaspoons of such vinegar and divide the total volume into three doses.
- Sunflower oil.You will need two tablespoons of oil, which should be heated on fire, and then start rubbing into the area of the sore joint.
- Burdock. Prepare about seven leaves of the plant, spreading them on a flat surface with a velvet side down.Place them in a pan and pour them with boiling water.The damaged knee is pre -lubricated with oil, after which the leaves of the burdock are applied.The knee is fixed using a cling film, and fixed with a scarf made of dense fabric.
Treatment of arthrosis at home
As already mentioned, in the first two stages, treatment can be performed at home, but even in this case no one has canceled the doctor’s consultation anyway.
First you should do your nutrition, which must be reinforced by the implementation of gymnastics.The doctor usually prescribes anti -inflammatory drugs that will help alleviate pain.
Knee massage with arthrosis at home
A simple massage will help relieve pain, which can be performed independently.But first, nevertheless, it is recommended to chat with a professional masseur.
The duration of the massage is about half an hour:
- Sit on the bed and try to straighten the affected leg.
- Slowly stroke the knee in different directions.
- Rub the side sides of the joint with your palms.
- Press on the joint with your fingers.
Diet with arthrosis of the knee joints
In order to return the functionality of your joints, you must try to balance your nutrition, abandoning fast food and other fatty foods of animal origin.
The diet should prevail:
- Dairy products (cheese, cottage cheese).
- Vegetable soups.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Seafood.
- Any cereals, except semolina and rice.
Arthrosis of the knee joint is a rather difficult disease, which is not so simple to get rid of.An important condition for treatment is complex therapy, which includes several treatment methods.You can seek help, both to drug treatment, and to traditional medicine.