Arthrosis refers to the degenerative pathological process in the articular-cartilaginous tissues, followed by their thinning and destruction.Arthritis is characterized by limited motor abilities and intense pain.The treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint or gonarthrosis is quite diverse, because there are many effective anti-arthrosis therapeutic methods: drugs, surgery, diet, massage, etc.
How and why pathology develops
Gonarthrosis develops for the following reasons:
- Damage to the meniscus, which can cause locking of the knee.Statistics show that patients with a removed meniscus develop knee arthrosis in 90% of cases;
- Other injuries such as sprains, fractures, cracks, bruises, etc.This factor is more common in young patients;
- Obesity leads to increased pressure on joint structures, especially the knees, as all excess body weight puts pressure on the lower limbs.And if, along with obesity, the patient also has varicose veins, then there is a high probability of developing a severe form of gonarthrosis, which is difficult to treat;
- Increased load on the knee, which is typical for athletes, loaders, etc.;
- Joint pathological processes such as arthritis, etc.;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Stress, hypothermia.
Symptoms of knee arthrosis
Arthritis has the following symptoms:
- Accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity, which leads to the development of Baker's cyst;
- The pain is weak and intermittent at first, but with the development of the pathological process it becomes intense and constant.In addition, such a transition process can take place over several years, until the factors that cause the problem increase;
- Dislocate the knee, causing pain.The same symptoms appear at the 2nd or 3rd stage of the development of gonarthrosis;
- Impaired joint mobility is manifested by the inability to bend the limbs, and the patient experiences severe pain.In parallel with this, articular deformation develops, which can be seen without any special device.
Stages of pathological development
Gonarthrosis is characterized by three degrees of development.The first degree is characterized by the presence of slight pain during physical activity.At this stage, synovitis can develop with further cyst formation.The articular cartilaginous damage is not noticeable from the outside, but it has become active and is gradually gaining intensity.
When bending movements, pain symptoms can be added to certain problems.This sign is considered specific for knee arthrosis.
With gonarthrosis of the second degree, the joint space is narrow, which is clearly visible on radiographs.Bone tissue begins to develop.Any, even the slightest movement of the knee causes acute pain.Such symptoms quickly subside after a short rest, but after the next activity they appear again.
A typical sign of third-degree Gonarthrosis is significant knee deformity.Moreover, it is no longer possible to get rid of the pain by stopping the movement, because the pain is present even in a calm state.
Approach to the treatment of knee arthrosis
Complex therapeutic tactics can solve the following problems:
- Strengthens the muscles that support the joints, increases the elasticity and flexibility of the tendons and ligaments;
- Relieves pain symptoms;
- Accelerates the recovery process and improves nutrition in the cartilage structure of the knee;
- Normalizes blood flow in the affected area;
- Improve joint mobility;
- Reduces compression in the affected area;
- Increase the distance between the bones.
The treatment process is based on the prescription of drugs, surgery, special diets, physiotherapy procedures, therapeutic exercises, etc.
Medicines used
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is based on the use of drugs that treat symptoms and stop the development of gonarthrosis.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal drugs and chondroprotectors cope well with such tasks.These drugs effectively relieve pain, but they are contraindicated for long-term use to avoid the development of unwanted side reactions.Therefore, the duration of NSAID therapy should not exceed 2 weeks.
Among the hormonal drugs that are often prescribed for gonarthrosis, the following deserve attention:
Hormonal drugs are prescribed in cases where NSAIDs do not cope with the pathological process.But hormone therapy is characterized by many side effects, so it does not last long.
Chondroprotective drugs effectively restore joint function.These drugs have a complex effect - they reduce pain symptoms, stabilize pathological processes, and provide articular cartilage with increased nutrition.There are the latest chondroprotectors, which, along with the effect of restoring joint tissue, are also endowed with anti-inflammatory effects.
Operation
Sometimes there is a need for surgical treatment.Treatment of knee arthrosis may use several surgical methods:
- Arthroscopy;
- Endoprosthetics;
- Osteotomy.
The easiest option for surgical intervention is arthroscopy, where the affected area of the joint is removed through a small incision.
The main goal of arthroscopy intervention is to prolong the function and performance of the knee affected by arthrosis.
But the most definitive surgical method is endoprosthetics, which involves replacing the broken knee with an artificial implant.The effectiveness of this operation is about 90%.As for osteotomy, this operation involves making an artificial fracture, after which the bone is set in the correct anatomical position.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures also have one of the main roles in complex anti-arthrosis therapy.They ease the course of gonarthrosis, relieve pain, relieve spasms of muscle tissue and shorten the regeneration period.And if electrophoresis is used with medicine, then the patient's dose of this medicine when taken orally is reduced.
The objective of physiotherapy procedures for gonarthrosis is to eliminate pain, reduce the severity of symptoms, accelerate articular regeneration and improve nutrition of damaged joints.
Ultraviolet radiation and magnetic therapy are used to relieve pain.To eliminate the inflammatory process, infrared laser therapy or UHF treatment procedures are prescribed.In addition, ultrasound therapy, darsonvalization, and medical baths are indicated.
Diet therapy
The success of therapeutic anti-arthrosis measures is largely determined by a properly formulated diet.Why?Sometimes, the cause of the arthrosis process is a metabolic disorder, in the development of which poor nutrition plays an important role.
An unbalanced diet leads to obesity, which increases the pressure on the knee joint.That is why it is recommended to follow a diet during the treatment of gonarthrosis and afterwards to prevent joint pathology.
Dietary therapy for knee arthrosis is based on the use of food enriched with enriched compounds and important microelements.At the same time, you need to monitor the calorie content of the food you eat to avoid extra pounds.If you are overweight, it is recommended to spend more calories than you eat, then your weight will return to normal.
Exercise therapy
Therapeutic treatment and gymnastics are considered one of the main elements of complex treatment of gonarthrosis.Performing exercises helps strengthen and restore joint activity.The main thing is to implement the elements smoothly and slowly.Popular Exercises:
- Lie on your stomach.Raise your legs one at a time;
- From the position on your side, lift the limb with a delay of a few seconds;
- From a position on your stomach, lift your legs and perform an abduction and spread movement.
Attention!This exercise is contraindicated for hypertensive patients and other heart patients, as it causes an increase in blood pressure.
It is useful to perform a rubbing massage in the direction from the knee joint to the hip joint.The massage ends with stroking the skin.
Methodology of rheumatologists
The method of treating gonarthrosis according to the rheumatology program is based on the use of physiotherapy plus drug therapy:
- Taking NSAIDs;
- Chondroprotective drugs;
- Topical pain relievers such as ointments and creams;
- Injection infusion into the joint;
- Manual therapeutic procedures;
- Physiotherapy;
- Light physical activity.
As a result of using this technique, former mobility is restored, blood supply to the affected knee is normalized, pain is relieved, and joint cells receive increased nutrition.
Author's technique
This proprietary technique has unique therapeutic properties.This program can save patients from arthrosis without using surgery or drugs.This technique is a mixture of physiotherapy and kinesitherapy treatment methods.Each patient receives a personalized treatment regimen and exercise schedule.
The use of painkillers is not recommended for patients, as this problem can be easily dealt with by applying ice to the knee and taking a contrast bath.Results from regular training according to the method:
- The patient is freed from pain;
- Bone joints, joints and cartilage begin to receive increased nutrition;
- The former function of the knee is restored.
Such classes are conducted under the supervision of experienced instructors in specialized clinics.Massage, swimming, and sauna procedures are indicated as additional therapy.