Deforming arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilaginous tissue (due to excessive loads on the joint, injuries, damage to the meniscus, rupture of ligaments).The disease is more common among women.
Experts distinguish different stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: a systematic dull pain is observed in the area of the affected joint, appearing mainly after exercise, deformation has not yet occurred;
- second stage: symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, a creak can be observed in the knee when moving and turning the leg;
- third stage: severe deformation of the joint appears, the gait is disturbed, the pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or overload of the joint, without turning to specialists for help.But if treatment for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started on time, the pathology can lead to disruption of the biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral hernias, severe limitations in mobility and even disability.
Traditional treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint requires complex measures.In the acute phase, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.They help reduce the inflammatory response and reduce pain.Gonarthrosis is manifested by severe pain, and in the last stage of the disease the pain becomes unbearable, so eliminating discomfort with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the well-being of patients and increases their quality of life.
To improve the effectiveness of therapy, drugs for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint are injected directly into the joint cavity.Chondroprotectors help restore cartilage tissue and improve cartilage nutrition.They need to be taken in the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when the cartilaginous tissue is just starting to break down.At the height of the disease, these remedies are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect.They help stop the pathological process and prolong the youth of the joint structures.But the high cost does not allow introducing this method of treatment to the masses, since not all patients can afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively combat pathological signs and restore motor activity.After the acute process has subsided, it is allowed to use physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb and taking supporting vitamin preparations help prevent the development of relapses in the future.
To slow down the course of degenerative processes of the joint, patients should avoid excessive stress, lifting heavy objects, jumping from heights and staying in the same position (standing or sitting) for a long time.If you are obese, it is advisable to get rid of the extra pounds, as they create additional stress on the knees and can contribute to the progression of gonarthrosis.To relieve joint tension during treatment, your doctor may recommend using a cane.
Joint replacement for gonarthrosis
If drug therapy is ineffective, it is necessary to resort to more radical methods, replacing the affected joint with an endoprosthesis.Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint helps patients regain the joy of living without pain and restrictions in motor activity.
Such operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long period of rehabilitation.But every year they produce better and more modern prostheses that take root quickly and do not cause adverse reactions.And implantation methods are becoming less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should be carried out only in clinics equipped with modern technical equipment.The endoprosthesis can be total, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only the destroyed joint structures are replaced).
After surgery, rehabilitation measures are performed to help the person get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk without assistance.At this stage, special developmental exercises and professional assistance from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing exercises for body shaping, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads.Do swimming, aerobics, dance, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads while playing sports, jogging, rollerblading and skating.Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed during their sporting careers.
- Eat well, make sure that your diet contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins.If you already have the prerequisites for the onset of joint diseases, carry out a course of treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia.If you are planning long walks, skiing and other activities that involve contact of the knees with frozen ground, insulate the joints beforehand with special bandages or use sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, contact a doctor immediately.Modern diagnostic methods allow you to determine the very first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in the cartilaginous tissue.Do not overload the injured leg, but temporarily use a cane to move around.
Traditional medicine for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating a decoction of beef bones or jellied meat for gonarthrosis.The gelatinous substance in jellied meat is believed to help restore damaged joint tissue.The bones should be cooked until (no need to add water to the pan) until the meat can be easily separated from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain.Compresses and applications were made from it that helped combat pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, infusions of medicinal plants or alcohol to honey.
But remember that alternative treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint should still be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.It is best to combine it with drug therapy.Don't give up traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easily treatable in the initial stage of development.If the disease is left untreated, it may be difficult for patients to restore function to the affected joint without surgery.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- clay compresses: prepare a creamy mass with blue or red clay, lay it on gauze and wrap it around the joint, wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour vodka over non-flowering heads so that the liquid covers them, place in a cool place for 2 weeks, then wipe sore knees with the resulting product overnight;
- infusion of lemons, celery and garlic: pass 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small celery root, pass through a meat grinder, put in a jar (3 liter volume) and pour boiling water up to the neck, the infusion is ready in the morning (filter and drink a glass 30 minutes before meals).
In order for folk treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Resort therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health.Relaxing near the sea, staying in specialized sanatoriums where you can pamper your knees with therapeutic mud, unique natural springs and water treatments - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.