Deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to excessive loads on the joint, injuries, damage to the meniscus, rupture of ligaments).The disease is more common among women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: a systematic dull pain is observed in the affected joint area, which appears mainly after exercise, deformation has not yet occurred;
- second stage: symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, a crunch can be observed in the knee when moving and rotating the leg;
- third stage: severe deformation of the joint appears, gait is disturbed, pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or excessive strain on the joint, without turning to specialists for help.But if the treatment of deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint is not started in time, the pathology can cause alterations in the biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral hernias, serious limitations in mobility and even disability.
Traditional treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint requires complex measures.In the acute stage, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.They help reduce the inflammatory response and reduce pain.Gonarthrosis occurs with severe pain and in the last stage of the disease the pain becomes unbearable, therefore eliminating unpleasant sensations with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the well-being of patients and increases their quality of life.
To improve the effectiveness of therapy, drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint are injected directly into the joint cavity.Chondroprotectors help restore cartilage tissue and improve cartilage nutrition.They should be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when the cartilage tissue is just beginning to decompose.At the height of the disease, these remedies are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect.They help stop the pathological process and prolong the youth of the joint structures.But the high cost does not allow to introduce this method of treatment en masse, since not all patients can afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively combat pathological signs and restore motor activity.Once the acute process has subsided, it is allowed to use physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb and intake of supportive vitamin preparations help prevent the development of relapses in the future.
To slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joint, patients should avoid excessive stress, lifting heavy objects, jumping from heights and staying in the same position for a long time (standing or sitting).If you are obese, it is advisable to get rid of extra pounds, as they create additional stress on the knees and can contribute to the progression of gonarthrosis.To relieve joint stress during treatment, your doctor may recommend using a cane.
Joint replacement due to gonarthrosis
If drug therapy is not effective, it is necessary to resort to more radical methods - replacing the affected joint with an endoprosthesis.Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint helps patients regain the joy of life without pain or restrictions in motor activity.
These operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long rehabilitation period.But every year better and more modern prostheses are produced that take root quickly and do not cause adverse reactions.And implantation methods are becoming less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint should be carried out only in clinics with modern technical equipment.The endoprosthesis can be total, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only the destroyed joint structures are replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are carried out to help the person get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk without assistance.At this stage, special developmental exercises and professional assistance from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing exercises for body shaping, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads.Practice swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by wearing knee pads while playing sports, jogging, skating and skating.Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their sporting career.
- Eat well, make sure that your diet contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins.If you already have prerequisites for the appearance of joint diseases, carry out treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia.If you are planning long walks, skiing and other activities that involve contact of your knees with the frozen ground, insulate your joints in advance with special bandages or use sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, contact a doctor immediately.Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in cartilage tissue.Do not overload the injured leg, temporarily use a cane to move around.
Traditional medicine for deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Traditional medicine recommends eating a decoction of beef bones or jellied meat for gonarthrosis.The gelatinous substance in jellied meat is believed to help restore damaged joint tissue.The bones should be cooked until (no water should be added to the pan) until the meat can be easily separated from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and pain in the joints.Compresses and applications were made with it that helped combat pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, medicinal plant infusions or alcohol to honey.
But remember that alternative treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint should still be carried out 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.Gonarthrosis is easily treatable at the initial stage of development.If the disease is neglected, it may be difficult for patients to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgical intervention.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- clay compresses: make a creamy mass from blue or red clay, put it on gauze and wrap it around the joint, and wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep it for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture - pour vodka over the unblossoming heads so that the liquid covers them, place them in a cool place for 2 weeks, and then wipe the sore knees with the resulting product in the evening;
- Infusion of lemons, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small celery root, pass through a meat grinder, put in a jar (volume 3 liters) and pour boiling water up to the neck, the infusion is ready in the morning (strain and drink a glass 30 minutes before meals).
In order for the folk treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Resort therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health.Relaxing near the sea, staying in specialized sanatoriums where you can pamper your knees with therapeutic mud baths, unique natural springs and water treatments - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.