Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: symptoms and treatment, exercise, medication

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (also called gonarthrosis) is a lesion of the knee joint, resulting in damage to the articular cartilage, knee deformation, and restricted knee movement.This article will help you learn the symptoms and start the necessary treatment on time.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint

Experts divide gonarthrosis into primary and secondary forms:

1. The cause of the primary form is congenital abnormalities in the joints and the development period of the disease occurs in childhood and adolescence.
2. Secondary forms can develop at any age.

Experts call the main causes of this disease:

• poor posture;
• overweight;
• various types of knee joint injuries;
• metabolic disorders and mineral metabolism;
• the presence of endocrine diseases;
• increased load on the knee joint;
• calcium metabolism disorders due to taking hormone-containing drugs;
• surgery to remove the meniscus;
• the presence of arthritis;
• weak ligament apparatus;
• menopause and menopause in women.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be bilateral or unilateral.

Stages of arthrosis and their symptoms

Depending on the symptoms and approach to the disease, experts divide the disease into 3 stages.

Initial or first stage of arthrosis

At this stage, mild pain appears with increasing load on the knee.The initial stage can last from 1 year to several years.To prevent the stage from developing into a more severe form, a number of measures should be taken aimed at restoring deformed cartilage, strengthening ligaments and restoring knee movement.

At this stage, timely treatment will allow you to completely eliminate the pathology.However, most patients ignore the symptoms in the form of mild pain so they do not consult a doctor.Arthrosis of the knee joint is treated by an orthopedist, rheumatologist or surgeon.

Moderate or 2nd stage of arthrosis

At this stage, the symptoms of the disease are more obvious so they cannot be ignored.Doctors note that in stage 2 most patients seek medical help.At this stage, an accurate diagnosis can be made.Timely treatment can stop the disease from progressing to stage 3.

Severe symptoms include:

• sore knees due to hypothermia;
• the presence of a soft crunch;
• swelling or inflammation of the knee joint;
• severe knee pain when climbing stairs or other forms of stress;
• pain and tingling in the calf;
• stiffness when bending and straightening the knee.

The final or 3rd stage of arthrosis

At this stage, the consequences of the disease are irreversible, and the development of pathology cannot be stopped.However, treatment will temporarily alleviate the patient's condition.You should not ignore the symptoms or self-medicate, as this can lead to changes in gait, walking with a cane, or disability.

In addition to the above, doctors also list the main symptoms of stage 3:

• pathology of the endocrine system (thyroid problems, diabetes);
• hereditary factors and age.

Diagnostic methods

The specialist makes a diagnosis based on the patient's medical history and the results of laboratory and instrumental research.

Laboratory examination includes:

• general blood test.Using this research, you can identify the causative agent of the disease and assess the level of inflammation.
• general urine testallows you to identify or exclude the autoimmune origin of the disease and assess whether the source of the pathology is the kidneys and urinary tract.
• biochemical blood test, which is subdivided by many others, the indicators of almost all studies are outside the normal range.

Laboratory examination is carried out during periods of exacerbation of the disease, since during remission all indicators are within normal limits.

Instrumental studies include:

• radiography.It is performed in two projections - postero-anterior and lateral.Usually, to compare the diseased and healthy knees, the doctor takes an X-ray of both knees.
• arthroscopy.This procedure should be understood not only as research, but also as a minor operation.The fact is that through a small hole in the knee, the doctor inserts a small LED conductor inside and the computer screen displays a complete picture of the internal state of the knee;the resulting tissue fragments are sent to the laboratory if there is a suspicion of cartilage or malignant tumors.As for surgery, the shape of the meniscus can be corrected endoscopically, polyps and chondrophytes can be removed.In addition to diagnosing arthrosis, other diseases can also be performed and examined, because the knee joint is a large organ and allows you to get a complete picture of the condition of the body.
• Ultrasound (ultrasound examination).This research method has two important advantages over X-rays: it is harmless and helps to see the soft tissues of the joint due to its wide visualization capabilities.
• CT (computed tomography).This examination is a better form of radiography, because in this procedure, the doctor takes several images and thanks to these images, a three-dimensional image of the affected organ is created on the computer.This form is used less frequently than other forms because of the time required and the large amount of radiation.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).Unlike the previous method, this method is less dangerous.MRI also allows you to get better soft tissue images compared to CT.However, MRI is rarely used like CT, because its use requires high material costs and cannot be used in patients whose bodies contain metal objects (knitting needles, crowns).CT and MRI are contraindicated in people whose body weight exceeds 120 kg.
• scintigraphy.Expensive and radiation-intensive method.Therefore, it is used when cheaper methods are ineffective.In this study, a substance is introduced into the patient's body that reacts to the diseased organ and is localized around it.
• tomographyThis research is based on thermal radiation from the body surface.Typically, the affected organ manifests itself in the form of a lesion with a high temperature.Tomography is a bulky instrument and the procedure is expensive, so this research is only carried out in large clinics.

Medication to treat and relieve symptoms

Experts note that treatment cannot be started without relieving pain and eliminating inflammation.Therefore, doctors prescribe various non-steroidal (i.e. non-hormonal) drugs.But you cannot take them longer than prescribed, because this group of drugs does not treat the disease, but relieves the symptoms, while the disease progresses.

Ointment for arthrosis

Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint in the presence of symptoms such as swelling and pain can rarely be done without ointments.

In contrast to other forms of drug release, this group has clear advantages:

• quickly reduces pain and inflammation;
• ease of use makes it easy to combine with other treatment methods, such as physiotherapy;
• no negative effects on the liver.

Many years of experience in the treatment of arthrosis and the study of positive reviews among patients have made it possible to identify a number of effective ointments that have a warming vasodilator effect.Contains red chili extract, bee and snake venom.

Gymnastics for arthrosis

Gymnastics is one of the important methods for treating arthrosis of the knee joint, which should be used during periods of remission after the pain symptoms disappear.

It promotes:

• improve articular cartilage nutrition and general health:
• pain reduction;
• strengthens the muscles and ligaments of the knee joint;
• improve joint mobility.

To see the positive impact,You need to exercise every day or every other day, increasing the load to 30 minutes per workout.

1. Train.You need to walk on tiptoes or heels for 3-5 minutes.
2. Pedal an imaginary bicycle 20-30 times (10-15 times with each leg).
3. Lie on your stomach, bend and straighten your knees 10-15 times.With each bend, hold the leg in this position for 5 seconds.
4. Stretch your legs while lying on your back.Raise your legs and bend your knees.Heels should be parallel to the floor.
5. Lie on your right side, lift your left leg, pull it towards your stomach, then stretch it back as far as possible.Turn over to the other side and repeat the exercise.Repeat 5-6 times for each leg.

Exercise should be avoided if:

• abdominal or thigh hernia;
• cardiovascular disease;
• infectious diseases;
• blood disease;
• rehabilitation period after surgery.

Rub and compress

Various liniments and compresses are widely used in the treatment of arthrosis.Its significant advantages include the availability of ingredients and the absence of side effects.

• Garlic.Pour 1 head of vegetable with any vegetable oil (200 ml), cover with a lid and leave in a dark, cool place for 7 days.Then rinse the product overnight.To remove specific odors, cover the knee with a thick gauze bandage, and rinse thoroughly with water in the morning.
• Egg.Mix vinegar with 1 egg yolk 1:1 and immediately rub a small amount of the product into the knee.Apply 3 per week.After rubbing, wrap your knee with something warm.
• Darling.Mix 100 grams of honey and 3 grams of mumiyo then immediately apply to the knees.Wrap your knees.
• Cabbage.Soak a piece of woolen material with vegetable juice and apply it to your knees.
• Oatmeal.Cook regular porridge from 1-2 tbsp flakes in water.You cannot boil the flakes for more than 7 minutes!Place the thick product on a clean cloth and apply to the knee.

Wrap

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (symptoms and treatment are listed above), according to experts, can be cured with various types of dressings.The most effective are honey and herbs.

According to research, honey wraps help:

• restores intra-articular tissue and cartilage damaged by disease;
• eliminate pain and inflammation;
• burns excess cholesterol.

It is worth noting that honey is most effective when combined with cinnamon.

Meanwhile, herbal medicine wraps have the above benefits:

• willow, oak, birch, aspen bark;
• valerian root, comfrey, burdock;
• hop leaves, birch, nettle;
• wild rosemary herb and St. John's wortSt. John's wort;
• chamomile flowers, calendula.

Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint with hirudotherapy

One of the most effective methods for treating arthrosis of the knee joint is hirudotherapy, that is, treatment with leeches.It can be used at the first symptoms and should be directed by the attending physician and under the supervision of a specialist.Before the first procedure, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

You should not treat with leeches:

• children and elderly people;
• patients suffering from decreased blood clotting, hypotension, severe fatigue, leukemia, anemia, gastrointestinal erosion, stomach ulcers, problems with the digestive system, cancer, tuberculosis, anemia and hemophilia;
• women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

For treatment to be effective, 1-2 procedures should be performed every 5-6 months.Treatment can be carried out more or less often - it all depends on the stage of the disease.If after 1-3 sessions the patient feels improvement and does not experience an allergic reaction, then treatment with leeches can be continued.

Otherwise, the patient is given a break for 9 months and if the allergy reappears or there is no improvement, the hirudotherapy sessions are stopped.During treatment, the specialist treats the knee with an odorless product, and then checks the suitability of the leech to be used.

To do this, the leech is placed in a container filled with water.If the leech sticks to the wall, then it can be used.The specialist places 2-6 leeches on the kneecap.

When sucked, leeches release a number of beneficial enzymes into the human body that will help:

• restores and strengthens immunity;
• restoration of blood circulation and metabolic processes;
• eliminates swelling and adhesions.

Hirudotherapy cannot be used as a separate treatment method.For greater effectiveness, experts recommend combining it with physiotherapy, physical therapy and medication.

Turpentine and pine baths

Balneotherapy, that is, baths with a wide range of therapeutic effects, is no less important in eliminating the symptoms of arthrosis.Experts note that there are many types of medicinal baths, but turpentine and pine baths have shown particular effectiveness.They can be taken not only at balneological resorts, but also at home.

But despite their benefits, they should be abandoned:

• patients with heart disease;
• in the presence of cancer, tuberculosis, varicose veins, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension,
• if the patient suffers from a heart attack or stroke;
• in the presence of skin diseases;
• pregnant women.

For a turpentine bath, you need to mix 10 grams of baby soap, 0.75 ml of salicylic acid and pour the mixture with 500 ml of boiling water.When the mixture cools, you need to fill the bath with hot water.When the mixture has cooled to 45 degrees, add turpentine and pour 15-20 ml of the mixture into the bath.

The presence of turpentine can make the temperature in the bathroom feel high.Therefore, you cannot increase the dose by 1 time more than 20 ml.Baths should be taken daily for 10-14 days, gradually increasing the dose of the turpentine mixture to 80 ml per procedure.After showering, you need to rinse off the mixture with warm water and put on warm clothes or lie under a blanket.

For a pine bath, you will need pine needles or twigs.About 25-30 branches need to be broken into small pieces to fit in the pot.Before preparing the decoction, rinse the branches and remove dirt, add water and cook for 5-10 minutes.Strain the finished broth and pour into a tub of hot water.

You need to shower for 10-15 minutes.Then you should dry yourself and wear warm clothes.It is not recommended to do physical work and put stress on your knees.Treatment with pine baths may include 7-12 procedures, which can be carried out every other day or every other day.After six months, the course can be repeated.This procedure will prolong the remission period and stop the progression of the disease.

Use of chondroprotectors

Arthrosis of the knee joint (symptoms and treatment with folk remedies are listed below) cannot be cured without chondroprotectors - a group of drugs aimed at restoring cartilage tissue and its nutrition.All drugs of this group are divided into 5 groups.Medicines intended for the treatment of arthrosis belong to group 4.

They are created on the basis of:

• glucosamine;
• chondroitin sulfate;
• avocado and soy extracts;
• hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid;
• synthesis of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Chondroprotectors are prescribed by specialists together with painkillers.However, unlike the latter, the former must be carried out throughout life, because only in this case can the progression of arthrosis be slowed down and disability stopped.The effect of using chondroprotectors can only be seen after 2-8 days.

Medications are available in the form of gels, ointments, tablets and injections.An injection with the solution is given into the knee.

Diet: what foods are allowed, nutritional rules and approximate diet

Excess weight negatively affects the development of arthrosis - the disease progresses faster than in patients with normal body weight.Therefore, people suffering from excess weight are advised to lose those extra pounds.But at the same time, it is strictly forbidden to starve or go on mono-diets or diets with diet restrictions.

Official products include:

• Hormone-free farm meat, which can be braised, grilled, braised or steamed.If you don't have access to factory-farmed meat, you can buy regular meat, but you will have to remove the skin and fat, because all the harmful substances given or injected into animals or poultry accumulate there.It is best to limit meat consumption to 1-2 times a week, and the rest of the time there are vegetable or fish dishes.
• fruits and vegetables that can be grilled or boiled according to taste.
• all types of cereal (except instant cereal).
• products with pectin: raisins, fructose jelly;
• fermented milk products;
• egg;
• whole wheat bread and pasta.

It is important to exclude from the diet:

• pastries, sweets and white bread;
• alcoholic beverages and beer;
• various types of fast food and snacks;
• sausages and other types of processed meat products.

For arthrosis, you need to consume 1200 Kcal daily.You need to eat in small portions, namely every 2-3 hours in small portions.

Traditional medicine

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, symptoms and treatment can be easily carried out using folk remedies:

• If arthrosis is accompanied by swelling, then blue clay compresses will help.To do this, you need to dilute the clay with water until it becomes like a cream and place it on a thick cloth folded 4-6 times and apply it to the joints.Wrap the knee with gauze or another cloth to prevent the compress from coming off.Leave it for 2-3 hours and rinse with warm water.Cloth can be washed and reused.
• Experts recommend giving up natural tea and coffee and replacing them with decoctions and infusions.For example, lingonberry stew.For him 2 tsp.Berries need to be poured 1 liter.boiling water and leave for an hour, wrapped in a towel.You need to drink 3-4 times a day.
• Massage ointment will help eliminate pain and inflammation at any stage of the disease.For it you need to mix 50 grams of petroleum jelly with 10 grams of crushed hops, sweet clover and St. John's wort.John's wort.You need to put the product for 2-3 hours in a dark place.Rub in with light massage movements.You can wrap your knees.

How long does the rehabilitation period last?

It is impossible to say for sure how long arthrosis rehabilitation will last, because the time depends on various factors.For example, the patient's age and lifestyle, the degree and severity of the disease.

In general, the recovery period lasts 1-2 months, during which the patient, with the help of a specialist:

• eliminates inflammatory and pain syndrome;
• learn physical exercise and regulate nutrition.

In order for the remission period to last as long as possible, the patient must exercise regularly and visit a doctor.Arthrosis of the knee joint, with the elimination of symptoms and the right approach to treatment, will allow you not to leave your usual rhythm of life.