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, gonarthrosis affects people over 40 years old.This disease occurs twice as often in women than in men.
The knee joint is one of the largest joints in the human body.It is characterized by a high degree of mobility, because it is responsible not only for the mobility of the leg, but also helps to maintain a person's weight.It serves as a "bridge" between the femur, tibia and fibula.The knee joint is supported by various ligaments and tendons.
Diagnosis and symptoms
In gonarthrosis, the blood circulation in the small bone vessels is disturbed, after which the cartilaginous covering of the joint and surrounding tissues begins to deteriorate.Due to age factors or other reasons, the density and elasticity of the cartilage decreases and becomes covered with cracks and depressions.
As a diagnostic measure, the patient should consult a specialist for a detailed medical examination and X-ray examination.Of course, every person should know about the symptoms of the development of arthrosis of the knee joint:
- while moving, the patient feels pain in the knee;
- swelling is observed in the area of damage;
- movements in the injured knee become limited;
- there is a feeling of instability in the painful knee;
- stiffness;
- The final result of the disease can be considered joint deformation: the most common is O-shape or valgus, or X-shape.
It is worth knowing that the severity of certain symptoms does not indicate the degree of progression of the disease.However, with the development of gonarthrosis, the severity of symptoms is also constantly increasing.
The symptoms of gonarthrosis have long been known to experts;they were described almost a hundred years ago.Popularly, this disease is characterized as salt deposition, and this statement is not a myth.Osteoarthritis is indeed accompanied by the deposition of salt in the tissues of the knee, including the ligaments and tendons.
Stages of gonarthrosis
Experts distinguish several stages of the development of gonarthrosis, which indicates the severity of the patient's condition.So, there are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint:
Symptoms of gonarthrosis of the first degree are reduced to periodic pains, usually after exercise, as well as minor deformation of the joint.It is not uncommon to see a tumor in the affected area.
As for the second degree of arthrosis, in this phase there is an increase in the primary symptoms.The intensity and duration of pain in the knee increases, there is creaking and difficulty bending.The joint increases in volume and its deformation already becomes pronounced.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the third degree is characterized by pain that occurs not only during movement, but also at rest.Mobility is limited and there is a sharp disturbance in walking.The joint deforms and takes on an O- or X-shape.
Treatment
Before you start fighting gonarthrosis of the knee joint, you should definitely find a good specialist, get an examination plan from him and discuss treatment methods.However, one should not blindly follow all the doctor's recommendations;the patient himself must understand the essence of his recommendations, understand the mechanism of action of the prescribed drugs, and perhaps turn to 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.
Therapeutic treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint includes a series 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 that includes surgical operations.
Gonarthrosis of the first degree requires treatment that includes physiotherapeutic procedures.The initial stage of the disease is practically not detected on X-rays.The following symptoms are characteristic of the first degree of arthrosis of the knee joint:
- stiffness;
- weakness and discomfort in the area of the affected joint;
- reduction of pain after daily movements.
Gonarthrosis of the second degree involves drug treatment.Symptoms at this stage are considered severe pain, up to the feeling of difficulty bending the leg at the knee.
Exercise therapy for gonarthrosis
One of the effective methods in restoring the functions of knee joints in gonarthrosis is physical therapy, after which the following is observed:
- reduction of joint pain;
- improving the mobility of the affected joint;
- reduction of muscle tension;
- increasing the tone of weakened muscles.
Gymnastics for gonarthrosis
In combination with drug treatment, according to the indications of the specialist, gymnastics should be carried out, which is usually indicated in the initial stages of the disease.To a greater extent, gymnastics is used for preventive purposes.Therapeutic exercises for knee arthrosis contribute to:
- improvement of articular cartilage nutrition;
- increased mobility of the knee joint;
- strengthening of ligaments and muscles that support the joint;
- pain reduction and a positive effect on the patient's overall health.
Treatment should be started as soon as possible, because the whole process takes a long time and requires an integrated approach.
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely restore the joint to its former shape, but treatment should not be delayed either.The patient must prevent degenerative processes in time.
Folk remedies to fight gonarthrosis
Treatment with traditional methods is quite widely practiced in patients suffering from gonarthrosis.However, it should be remembered that in any case it is necessary to consult an expert.
Burdock is considered the most common medicine in the treatment of arthrosis.The leaves of this plant need to be washed, dried and folded so that the velvety side is facing down.Then the leaves should be placed in a container and hot water should be poured into it.The sore spot should be lubricated with vegetable oil and leaves should be applied, wrapping the knee with polyethylene and securing it with a warm scarf.
Regular sunflower oil is considered another traditional remedy.It must be warmed and rubbed into the painful joint at night.After five procedures, the pain will disappear.
Cabbage is no less popular in folk medicine.For the treatment of gonarthrosis, its leaves are smeared with honey and placed on the painful joint at night.It is better to continue the course of treatment for a month.
In the initial stage of the disease, you can do some exercises.It is better to do them in the physical therapy room.The set of exercises should be systematic and regular, several times a day.After exercise, it is better to rest for a while with a warm compress on the painful joint.Also, instead of exercise therapy, you can simply go for a walk, swim in a pool, or ride a bike.
Diet and massage
Diet and going to the massage room are also considered integral methods of combating gonarthrosis.Scientists have proven that people with excessive body weight belong to the first risk group, because excess weight creates significant stress on the knees, as a result of which the joints are worn and deformed.
Nutrition for arthrosis should be balanced and regular.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle contributes to both prevention and quick recovery.
As for massage, it should only be performed by a specialist.These procedures will reduce the pain and remove the symptoms of the disease.Massage also helps improve tissue nutrition, strengthens and develops knee muscles, preventing deformations and subsequent atrophy.However, these methods are most relevant in the initial stage of the disease.When the first symptoms appear, immediately contact a specialist for an examination.
Remember!You cannot diagnose yourself!Since many diseases are accompanied by joint lesions that resemble arthrosis.Therefore, it is very easy to make a mistake in identifying the disease.