Gonarthrosis of the knee joint is a degenerative-dystrophic disease.With this disease, the cartilage tissue is destroyed and the joint is deformed.
Gonarthrosis usually affects people over the age of 40.This disease occurs twice as often in women as in men.
The knee joint is one of the largest joints in the human body.It is characterized by a high degree of mobility, as it is not only responsible for the mobility of the foot, but also helps to support the weight of the person.It serves as a connecting "bridge" between the femur, tibia and fibula.The knee joint is supported by various ligaments and tendons.
Diagnosis and symptoms
In the case of gonarthrosis, the blood circulation of the small bone vessels is interrupted, after which the cartilaginous covering of the joint and surrounding tissues begins to collapse.Due to age factors or other reasons, the density and elasticity of cartilage decreases, and it is covered with cracks and depressions.
As a diagnostic measure, the patient should consult a specialist for a thorough medical examination and X-ray examination.Of course, everyone 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;
- the movement of the injured knee becomes limited;
- there is a feeling of instability in the painful knee;
- stiffness;
- The end result of the disease can be considered joint deformation: the most common is O-shaped or valgus, i.e. X-shaped.
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 the symptoms also increases continuously.
The symptoms of gonarthrosis have long been known to specialists;it was written almost a hundred years ago.This disease is popularly described as salt deposition, and this statement is not a myth.Indeed, arthrosis is accompanied by the deposition of salts in the tissues of the knee, including the ligaments and tendons.
Stages of gonarthrosis
Experts distinguish several stages of the development of gonarthrosis, which indicate the severity of the patient's condition.So there are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint:
The symptoms of first-degree gonarthrosis are reduced to periodic pain, usually after exercise, and minor deformation of the joint.It is not uncommon to see a tumor in the affected area.
As for the second degree of arthrosis, at this stage the primary symptoms increase.The intensity and duration of knee pain increases, creaking and difficulty in bending appear.The volume of the joint increases and its deformation becomes pronounced.
Osteoarthritis of the third degree of the knee joint is characterized by pain, which occurs not only during movement, but also at rest.Limited mobility and severe gait disturbances are experienced.The joint deforms and takes on an O- or X-shape.
Treatment
Before starting the fight against gonarthrosis of the knee joint, be sure to find a good specialist, ask him for an examination plan and discuss treatment methods.However, you should not blindly follow all the doctor's recommendations;the patient himself must understand the essence of his recommendations, he must understand the mechanism of action of the prescribed drugs, and at the same time he may have to consult another specialist.Each patient must be aware of the essence of the prescribed treatment procedures and understand why they are prescribed to him.
The therapeutic treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint includes a number of therapeutic measures aimed at solving the following problems:
- pain relief;
- better nutrition and quick recovery of articular cartilage;
- 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, which includes surgical interventions.
First-degree gonarthrosis requires treatment, which includes physiotherapy procedures.The initial stage of the disease is practically not detectable on X-rays.The following symptoms are typical for first degree arthrosis of the knee joint:
- stiffness;
- malaise and discomfort in the area of the affected joint;
- reducing pain after daytime movements.
Second-degree gonarthrosis means drug treatment.Symptoms at this stage include severe pain, up to difficulty bending the leg at the knee.
Practical therapy for gonarthrosis
One of the effective methods of restoring the functions of gonarthrotic knee joints is physical therapy, after which the following can be observed:
- reduction of joint pain;
- improves the mobility of the diseased joint;
- reduction of muscle tension;
- increasing the tone of weakened muscles.
Gonarthrosis exercise
In combination with drug treatment, as indicated by the specialist, gymnastics should also be performed, which is usually indicated in the initial stages of the disease.Gymnastics is used more for preventive purposes.Therapeutic exercises for knee arthrosis contribute to:
- improving the nutrition of articular cartilage;
- increased mobility of the knee joint;
- strengthening the ligaments and muscles supporting the joint;
- it reduces pain and has a positive effect on the general health of the patient.
Treatment should be started as soon as possible, since the whole process takes quite a long time and requires an integrated approach.
Unfortunately, the joint cannot be completely restored to its former shape, but treatment should not be postponed either.The patient must prevent degenerative processes in time.
Folk remedies to combat gonarthrosis
Treatment with traditional methods is quite widely used by patients with gonarthrosis.However, remember that you should always consult a professional.
Burdock is the most common remedy in the treatment of arthrosis.The leaves of this plant should be washed, dried and folded with the velvety side facing down.Then put the leaves in a bowl and pour hot water.The painful place should be smeared with vegetable oil and leaves should be applied, the knee should be wrapped in polyethylene and fixed with a warm scarf.
Traditional sunflower oil is considered another traditional medicine.It should be heated at night and rubbed into the painful joint.After five procedures, the pain goes away.
Cabbage is no less popular in folk medicine.To treat gonarthrosis, the leaves are smeared with honey and applied to the painful joint at night.It is better to continue the treatment for a month.
In the initial stages of the disease, you can do some exercises.It is better to do these in a physical therapy room.The series of exercises should be systematic and regular, several times a day.After training, it is better to rest a little with a warm compress on the sore joint.In addition, instead of exercise therapy, you can simply walk, swim in the pool or ride a bike.
Diet and massage
Adhering to a diet and visiting a massage room are also considered organic methods of combating gonarthrosis.Scientists have proven that overweight people belong to the first risk group, since extra kilos put a significant load on the knees, as a result of which the joints are worn out and deformed.
Nutrition for arthrosis should be balanced and regular.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle contributes to both prevention and rapid recovery.
As for the massage, it can only be performed by a professional.These procedures reduce pain and eliminate the symptoms of the disease.In addition, massage improves tissue nutrition, strengthens and develops knee muscles, preventing deformation and subsequent atrophy.However, these methods are most suitable in the initial stages of the disease.When the first symptoms appear, immediately consult a specialist for examination.
Remember!You cannot diagnose yourself alone!Because many diseases are accompanied by joint changes similar to arthrosis.Therefore, it is very easy to make a mistake in identifying the disease.