Osteoarthritis of the knee joint often occurs in patients suffering from pathological changes in the tissues of the musculoskeletal system.Gonarthrosis is based on the deformation of the articular cartilage.Degenerative-dystrophic disease of the knee, which constantly experiences increased stress, is often diagnosed in patients aged 40-50 years.Deforming osteoarthritis sometimes occurs in adolescence and young adulthood.
Limited mobility of the knee joint disrupts its functioning and causes serious discomfort to the patient.The therapy is long, expensive and not always effective.It is important to know how to prevent gonarthrosis, how to treat it at home and what methods will restore the joy of movement.
Reasons for the development of the disease
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is considered a polyetiological disease.Often the pathology is caused by a combination of several factors which do not always have a clear etiology.
There are two types of gonarthrosis:
- primary;
- secondary.
The classification is carried out according to the causal principle.In some patients the articular cartilage is influenced by several negative factors;it is not always possible to determine what was the impetus for the development of the pathology.
Therapy for gonarthrosis of unknown etiology is more complex and lengthy;knee joint problem causes many problems and worsens the quality of life.For this reason, doctors recommend patients to prevent the disease and follow preventive measures.
Main causes of the disease:
- primary form.Clear dependence on risk factors.For most patients, knee problems arise from constant high loads on this area.Gonarthrosis affects auxiliaries, loaders and athletes;
- secondary.Damage to the articular cartilage occurs against the background of systemic pathologies.Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the knee develop against the background of hemochromatosis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and congenital curvature of the lower extremities.Another reason is heredity: the disease occurs in every generation.
Take note!In some cases, doctors are unable to accurately determine the cause of the development of gonarthrosis;the form of the pathology is called idiopathic.
Characteristic symptoms
Main signs of the disease:
- knee pain during movement;
- in the morning it is difficult to bend and straighten the knee joint;
- in a severe stage, deep deformations develop, joint jamming, subluxations and dislocations occur;
- With some movements you can hear a characteristic clicking sound in the knee.
The danger of pathology is the incompletely studied mechanism of the development of gonarthrosis.The last link affects the initial factors, degenerative changes are launched with renewed vigor.At each turn, the condition of the cartilage worsens, the elasticity of the tissue decreases, and the disease progresses again.In the primary form of the pathology, it is difficult for a doctor to determine the moment that gives impetus to the activation of negative changes.
Which doctor should I contact?
Joint deformity is a pathology that requires an integrated approach to treatment.Not all patients know which doctor treats arthrosis.
If signs of illness appear, visit:
- therapist(prescribe tests, identify underlying diseases, consult a specialist for endocrine disorders, congenital pathologies);
- rheumatologist.He will determine the cause of the joint deformity and conduct further studies on the affected area.The doctor will prescribe conservative treatment, prescribe physiotherapy plus therapy for arthrosis at home;
- arthrologistA rather rare specialty.Highly qualified doctors are found in large clinics;they know the problems of arthrosis and arthritis in depth.The main specialization is complex cases, surgery for serious pathologies.It is difficult to contact a good doctor: specialists are few;
- orthopedic.The doctor will help patients with advanced pathologies of the knee joint, when conservative treatment is not enough.An orthopedic surgeon performs organ salvage surgeries and endoprosthetics.
Home treatment methods
How to treat arthrosis of the knee joint at home?It is difficult to combat articular cartilage deformities in the knee area;the polyetiology of the pathology constantly leads to a new cycle of the disease.Treatment with regular use of medications, massage, physical therapy and folk remedies is required.The patient must follow a diet and be disciplined in prescribing special procedures and exercises.
Many patients ask: “Why is treatment so expensive?”The reason is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, chondroprotectors, gels, inflammatory ointments in monthly courses (or more).Only with regular use of effective drugs are good results noted.The later the patient seeks help, the longer and more expensive the therapy will be, especially if a complex operation is necessary.
The main methods of treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint:
- medicines;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- diet;
- special exercises;
- massage;
- healthy lifestyle;
- vitamin therapy;
- folk remedies.
The doctor always encourages patients to be disciplined and do some therapeutic activities at home.Many methods require practically no material costs: what matters is the desire to defeat arthrosis and the regularity of the procedures.
Drug therapy
Take the medications prescribed by your rheumatologist:
- chondroprotectors for arthrosis of the knee joint - drugs that restore the elasticity and functionality of the cartilaginous tissue;
- nonsteroidal compounds to relieve inflammation of the affected area;
- creams, gels, ointments for arthrosis of the knee joint to improve blood circulation and relieve pain;
- compresses with active anti-inflammatory effect.They act faster than ointments;
- vitamins, food supplements.Food supplements with calcium and magnesium are recommended to strengthen muscles and bones.
Massage and self-massage
The doctor will conduct several sessions in the office and demonstrate basic techniques so that the patient can massage the problem knee on their own.Competent actions improve the condition of the damaged area.
Perform self-massage with the palm of your hand, the edge of your palm, your fingertips or your fist.Gently act on the painful knee, maintain strong pressure on the affected area: strong pats, blows, active kneading of the tissues often worsen the condition.
Basic techniques:
- the first phase is a slight clockwise movement, the second phase is a circular counterclockwise movement;
- Press one palm on the sore knee, tap it lightly with the fingertips of the other hand;
- maintain the initial position of the palm, touching not with the fingers, but with the edge of the palm;
- gently stroke the knee in a circle, gradually increase the pressure (but in moderation);
- During therapy, massage the affected area twice a day for 10-15 minutes.For preventive purposes it is sufficient to perform a light massage once every 7 days.
Advise!Before the procedure, apply an ointment or gel with anti-inflammatory effect to the sore knee.Use drugs or homemade mixtures - the effectiveness of treatment will increase.
Therapeutic exercise
The doctor at the physical therapy office will show you exercises and gymnastics for arthrosis of the knee joint, which the patient should perform at home.Regular exercise improves blood circulation in a painful joint, helps treat osteoarthritis or reduces negative symptoms.
How to proceed:
- warm up the sore spot: perform self-massage for 5 minutes;
- sit in a comfortable chair - you should feel comfortable;
- first exercise: slight rocking of the affected leg.Important: the legs do not touch the floor, the width is small.Duration – 2 minutes;
- second exercise.Put your feet on the floor.Raise the heel of the painful leg higher, rest well on the balls of your feet, wait 6-7 seconds, slowly lower yourself to the full foot.Rest for 20-30 seconds and repeat the "stomp" exercise.The optimal frequency depends on how you feel;it is recommended to load the foot and knee for up to three minutes;
- third exercise.Doctors call it “slap.”Starting position: sitting on a chair.Place the sore leg on the heel, press the other firmly to the floor, lightly spank the toe with a short pause between movements.Do several repetitions, starting from the sore knee condition.
Many orthopedists and rheumatologists believe that the method of treatment with limited joint mobility for gonarthrosis is obsolete.Most modern clinics offer rehabilitation using special gymnastics.With regular exercise, the flexibility and mobility of the cartilaginous tissue and joints are maintained.
Folk remedies and recipes
Proven Home Remedies:
- herbal infusions.Use nettle, chamomile, horsetail, birch leaves and buds;
- rubbing with sunflower oil, dandelion tincture (yellow flower heads);
- compresses with chamomile decoction, celandine, fresh cabbage pulp (or whole leaves);
- fresh celery juice for internal use.Drink 1 tbsp.the.40 minutes before the appointment, write three times a day;
- steamed birch leaf compress, burdock;
- honey massage.After the procedure, apply burdock leaves to the sore knee.
Recommended diet
To effectively treat arthrosis at home, it is important to adhere to some nutritional rules.A nutritionist will tell you which dishes and products will keep your musculoskeletal system healthy.
Include in your menu more often:
- low-fat cottage cheese;
- sprouted wheat (with sprouts up to 3 mm);
- fermented milk products;
- almond;
- jellied meat with bone broth;
- fresh and boiled vegetables are the basis of the diet;
- jellied dishes with gelatin for cartilage elasticity;
- bran bread;
- lean fish;
- durum wheat pasta.
Minimum quantity allowed:
- muffins;
- red fruit and vegetables;
- confectionery products.
Prohibited:
- any alcohol;
- fatty meat;
- citrus fruits;
- Ready-made semi-finished meat products, canned food.
Prevention measures
Take care of your joints while such an unpleasant disease as gonarthrosis does not bother you.If you identify symptoms of pathology, contact your doctor at an early stage, before the mobility and elasticity of the joint tissue are completely lost.Premature treatment in advanced cases leads to disability.
Prevent joint diseases:
- measure the load on the legs during active sports;
- create a diet that includes foods and dishes containing calcium, magnesium, gelatin;
- if the work involves lifting or moving heavy objects, follow the safety regulations and do not carry loads exceeding a certain limit;
- Perform self-massage regularly to prevent arthrosis, especially in case of constant stress on the legs;
- eat well, limit “harmful” foods;
- body weight control (excess weight means additional stress on the joints);
- Undergo regular exams and treat acute and chronic diseases.
Attention to the health of the musculoskeletal system guarantees activity at any age.If gonarthrosis is detected, consult a doctor.Treatment of osteoarthritis at home is an essential element of successful therapy.