Deforming arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to excessive stress on the joint, injuries, damage to the menisci, rupture of ligaments). The disease is most common among women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- the first stage: there are systematic dull pains in the area of the affected joint, appearing mainly after loading, deformity does not occur yet;
- the second stage: the symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, there may be a crunch in the knee when moving and turning with the leg;
- third stage: pronounced deformation of the joint appears, gait is disturbed, pain is permanent.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or overstrain of the joint, without turning to specialists for help. But if the treatment of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started on time, the pathology can lead to a violation of the biomechanics of the remaining joints, intervertebral hernias, severe limitations of mobility and even disability.
Traditional treatment of knee arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint 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 at 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 patients' well-being and improves their quality of life.
To enhance the effectiveness of therapy, drugs for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint are injected directly into the joint cavity. Chondroprotectors contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue, improve cartilage nutrition. They must be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when the cartilaginous tissue is just beginning to break down. In the midst of illness, these funds are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect. They help stop the pathological process and prolong the youthfulness of the articular structures. But the high cost does not allow the introduction of this method of treatment to the masses, since not every patient can afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively fight pathological signs and restore physical activity. After the acute process subsides, it is allowed to use physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetotherapy). Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb, taking supportive vitamin preparations can prevent the development of relapse in the future.
In order to slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joint, patients should beware of excessive exertion, lifting weights, jumping from a height and staying in the same position for a long time (standing or sitting). In the presence of obesity, it is advisable to get rid of extra pounds, since they create additional stress on the knees and can contribute to the progression of gonarthrosis. To relieve tension from joints during treatment, your doctor may recommend using a cane.
Joint replacement for gonarthrosis
With the ineffectiveness of drug therapy, one has to resort to more radical methods - replacing the affected joint with an endoprosthesis. Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint helps to restore to patients the joy of life without pain and restrictions in physical activity.
Such operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long rehabilitation period. But every year, more and more high-quality and modern prostheses are produced, which quickly take root and do not cause side reactions. And the methods of implantation of implants are becoming less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should be carried out only in clinics with modern technical equipment. Endoprosthetics can be total, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, and partial (only destroyed articular 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. At this stage, special development exercises and professional assistance of specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Monitor your weight. When choosing exercises for body shaping, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads. Go in for swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads while exercising, jogging, rollerblading and skating. Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their sports career.
- Eat well, make sure that all the necessary trace elements and vitamins are present in the diet. If you already have prerequisites for the occurrence of joint diseases, then several times a year carry out a course of treatment with chondroprotectors.
- Avoid hypothermia. If you are planning long walks, skiing and other activities that involve knee contact with the frozen ground, then warm your joints with special bandages or use sports knee pads in advance.
- If you are injured, see a doctor immediately. 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 rather temporarily use a cane for movement.
Traditional medicine for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating a decoction of beef bones or jellied meat for gonarthrosis. It is believed that the gelatinous substance of aspic helps to restore the destroyed tissue of the joints. The bones should be cooked until then (you cannot add water to the pan), until the meat is easy to separate from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain. Compresses and applications were made of it, which helped to fight pain and stiffness. A little vinegar, herbal infusions or alcohol can be added to honey.
But remember that alternative treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should still take place under the supervision of a specialist. It is best to combine it with drug therapy. Don't give up on traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine. Gonarthrosis is easily treatable at the initial stage of development. If the disease is started, then it can be difficult for patients to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgery.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- clay compresses: from blue or red clay, make a creamy mass, put on cheesecloth and wrap around the joint, and wrap it with a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: fill 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 remedy overnight;
- infusion of lemons, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small celery root mince, put in a jar (3 liters) and pour boiling water up to the neck, in the morning the infusion is ready (strain and use a glass in 30 minutesbefore meals).
In order for the alternative treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic. Spa therapy has a beneficial effect on the health of joints. Rest near the sea, stay in specialized sanatoriums, where you can pamper your knees with healing mud baths, unique natural springs and water procedures - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.