Deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to overuse of the joint, injuries, damage to the menisci, torn ligaments). The disease is most common in women.
Experts differentiate between several stages of osteoarthritis of the knee:
- the first stage: systematic dull pains appear in the area of the affected joint, occurring mainly after loading, deformity does not yet appear;
- the second stage: the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia appears, bone growths appear, when moving and turning the leg, there may be a crunch in the knee;
- third stage: there is a pronounced deformation of the joint, the gait is disturbed, the pain is permanent.
The initial stage of osteoarthritis of the knee is often mistaken for an inflammatory reaction to a fall or overuse of the joint without consulting a specialist. However, if treatment for deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint is not started in a timely manner, the pathology can lead to a violation of the biomechanics of the remaining joints, intervertebral hernias, severe reduced mobility and even disability.
Traditional treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee requires complex measures. In the acute stage, anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal 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, 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 make therapy more effective, drugs used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee are injected directly into the joint cavity. Chondroprotectors help restore cartilage tissue and improve cartilage nutrition. They must be taken in the early stages of osteoarthritis of the knee, when the cartilage tissue is just beginning to break down. In the midst of a disease these remedies are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect. They help stop the pathological process and prolong the youthfulness of the joint structures. However, the high costs do not allow this treatment method to be introduced to the general public, as not every patient can afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively combat signs of the disease and restore physical activity. After the acute process has subsided, physiotherapy may be used: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic field therapy). Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected extremity, 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 pay attention to overexertion, weight lifting, height jumps and long periods of persistence (standing or sitting). If you are overweight, it is advisable to shed extra pounds, as these put additional strain on the knees and can contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee. To relieve tension in your joints during treatment, your doctor may recommend the use of a walking stick.
Joint replacement in osteoarthritis of the knee
If drug therapy is ineffective, one has to resort to more radical methods - replace the affected joint with an endoprosthesis. The surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint helps to restore the patient's joie de vivre without pain and movement restrictions.
Such operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long period of rehabilitation. But every year more and more high-quality and modern prostheses are made that take root quickly and do not cause side reactions. And the methods of implanting implants become less traumatic for patients.
The surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint should only be carried out in clinics with modern technical equipment. Endoprosthetics can be complete, 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 carried out that help the person get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk without assistance. In this phase, special development exercises and professional support from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee
- Monitor your weight. When choosing body sculpting exercises, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads. Go to swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads while exercising, jogging, rollerblading, and skating. Osteoarthritis is common in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed during their athletic careers.
- Eat well, make sure that there are all the necessary trace elements and vitamins in the diet. If you already have the prerequisites for the occurrence of joint diseases, carry out treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia. If you plan on long walks, skiing and other knee-contact activities on the frozen ground, warm your joints beforehand with special bandages or use sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, see a doctor right away. Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the very first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in cartilage tissue. Do not overload the injured leg, but temporarily use a walking stick to move.
Traditional medicine for deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating a decoction of beef bones or jelly for gonarthrosis. The jelly-like substance of aspic is believed to help restore the damaged tissues of the joints. The bones should be cooked (you must not add water to the pan) by then until the meat separates from them easily.
Our ancestors used natural honey to help relieve inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. Compresses and applications were made of them to help relieve pain and stiffness. A little vinegar, herbal tea or alcohol can be added to honey.
But remember that alternative treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint should continue to be under the supervision of a specialist. It is best to combine it with drug therapy. Don't give up traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine. Osteoarthritis of the knee is easily treatable in the early stages of development. Once the disease begins, patients may find it difficult to restore the affected joint to function without surgery.
Traditional medicine for osteoarthritis of the knee recommends the use of:
- Clay compresses: make a creamy mass from blue or red clay, put on a cheesecloth and wrap it around the joint and wrap it with a woolen scarf (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, and then wipe the sore knees with the resulting agent overnight;
- Lemon, celery and garlic infusion: 2-3 lemons, 2 cloves of garlic and a small minced celery root, put in a glass (3 liters) and pour boiling water up to your neck, in the morning the infusion is ready (strain and use a glass in 30Minutes before meals).
For the alternative treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic. Spa therapy has a positive 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 treatments - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.