Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: symptoms and treatment, exercises, medications

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (also called gonarthrosis) is a lesion of the knee joint, as a result of which the articular cartilage is destroyed, the knee is deformed and the movements of the knee are limited.The article will help you learn about the symptoms and start the necessary treatment at the right time.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint

Experts divide gonarthrosis into primary and secondary forms:

1. The cause of the primary form is a congenital joint defect and the period of development of the disease occurs in childhood and adolescence.
2. The secondary form can develop at any age.

Experts call the main causes of the disease:

• poor posture;
• overweight;
• various types of knee joint injuries;
• disorders of metabolism and mineral metabolism;
• the presence of endocrine diseases;
• increased load on the knee joints;
• impaired calcium metabolism due to taking drugs containing hormones;
• operations to remove the meniscus;
• the presence of arthritis;
• weak ligamentous apparatus;
• menopause and menopause in women.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joints 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.

The initial or first stage of arthrosis

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

At this stage, timely treatment will allow you to completely get rid of the pathology.But most patients ignore the symptom in the form of mild pain and therefore do not consult a doctor.Knee arthrosis is treated by an orthopedist, rheumatologist or surgeon.

The average or second stage of arthrosis

At this stage, the symptoms of the disease appear more clearly and therefore cannot be ignored.Doctors note that it is in stage 2 that most patients seek medical help.At this stage, an accurate diagnosis can be made.Timely treatment can stop the progression of the disease to stage 3.

Severe symptoms include:

• knee pain due to hypothermia;
• the presence of a soft crackle;
• swelling or swelling in the knee joints;
• severe knee pain when climbing stairs or other forms of increased stress;
• pain and tingling in the calves;
• stiffness when bending and straightening the knee.

The last or third stage of arthrosis

At this stage, the consequences of the disease are irreversible and it is impossible to stop the development of the pathology.But the treatment will alleviate the patient's condition for a while.You should never ignore symptoms or self-medicate, as this can lead to a change in walking, walking with a cane, or disability.

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

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

Diagnostic methods

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

Laboratory tests include:

• general blood test.Using the study, you can identify the causative agent of the disease and assess the degree 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 analysis, which is divided into many others, the indicators of almost all studies are outside normal limits.

Laboratory tests are performed during the period of aggravation 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 diseased and healthy knees, the doctor takes an X-ray of both knees.
• arthroscopy.This procedure should be understood not only as a study, but also as a mini-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 a cartilaginous tumor or malignancy is suspected.In terms of operations, the shape of the meniscus can be corrected endoscopically, polyps and chondrophytes can be removed.In addition to diagnosing arthrosis, other diseases can be performed and examined, since the knee joint is a large organ and allows you to get a complete picture of the body's condition.
• 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 extensive visualization capabilities.
• CT (computed tomography).The examination is an improved form of radiography, since in this procedure, the doctor takes several pictures and thanks to them, a three-dimensional image of the affected organ is created on the computer.This form is used less often than the others because of the time required and the large amount of radiation.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).Unlike the previous method, it is more harmless.MRI also allows you to get a better view of soft tissues compared to CT.But MRI is used as rarely as CT, since its use requires high material costs and cannot be used in patients whose bodies contain any metal objects (knitting needles, crowns).CT and MRI are contraindicated in people whose weight exceeds 120 kg.
• scintigraphy.Expensive and intensive radiation method.Therefore, it is used in cases where less expensive methods are ineffective.In this study, a substance is injected into the patient's body that reacts to the diseased organ and localizes around it.
• tomographyThe study is based on thermal radiation from the surface of the body.Typically, the affected organ manifests itself in the form of lesions with elevated temperature.A tomography is a heavy instrument and the procedure is expensive, so this study is performed only in large clinics.

Medicines to treat and relieve symptoms

Experts note that treatment cannot begin without relieving pain and eliminating inflammation.Therefore, doctors prescribe various non-steroidal (ie, non-hormonal) drugs.But you cannot take them longer than prescribed, as 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 is rarely possible without ointments.

Unlike 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;
• it has no negative effect on the liver.

Many years of experience in the treatment of arthrosis and studies of positive reviews among patients have made it possible to identify a number of effective ointments that have a warming vasodilating effect.They contain red pepper extract, bee and snake venom.

Gymnastics for arthrosis

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

It promotes:

• improving joint cartilage nutrition and general health:
• pain reduction;
• strengthening the muscles and ligaments of the knee joint;
• increasing joint mobility.

To see the positive effect,you should exercise every day or every other day, increasing the load to 30 minutes per exercise.

1. Warm up.You should walk on your toes or heels for 3-5 minutes.
2. Pedal an imaginary bicycle 20-30 times (10-15 times with each leg).
3. Lying on your stomach, bend and straighten your knees 10-15 times.With each turn, hold the leg in this position for 5 seconds.
4. Extend your legs while lying on your back.Lift your leg and bend at the knee.The heel should be parallel to the floor.
5. Lying on your right side, lift your left leg, pull it toward your stomach, and then stretch it back as far as possible.Turn 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 diseases;
• infectious diseases;
• blood diseases;
• rehabilitation period after surgery.

It is rubbed and bandaged

Various rubs and compresses are widely used in the treatment of arthrosis.Their important advantages include the availability of ingredients and the absence of side effects.

• Garlic.Pour 1 head of vegetables with any vegetable oil (200 ml), cover with a lid and leave in a dark and cool place for 7 days.Then wash off the product overnight.To eliminate a specific smell, cover the knee with a thick gauze bandage and rinse thoroughly with water in the morning.
• Eggs.Mix vinegar with 1 egg yolk 1:1 and immediately rub some of the product on the knee.Apply 3 times a week.After rubbing, wrap the knee with something warm.
• BelovedMix 100 grams of honey and 3 grams of mumiyo and immediately rub it on the knee.Wrap the knee.
• Cabbage.Moisten a piece of woolen material with the vegetable juice and apply it to the knee.
• Oatmeal.Cook regular porridge from 1-2 tablespoons of flakes in water.You can not boil flakes for more than 7 minutes!Place the viscous product on a clean cloth and apply to the knee.

windings

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (symptoms and drug treatment are listed above) according to experts can be cured with different types of wraps.The most effective are honey and herbal ones.

According to research, honey wraps help:

• restoration of tissue and intra-articular cartilage destroyed by the disease;
• eliminate pain and inflammation;
• burns excess cholesterol.

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

As for plant wrappers, the above properties have:

• bark of willow, oak, birch, aspen;
• roots of sedge, comfrey, burdock;
• leaves of hop, birch, nettle;
• herbs wild rosemary and St. 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 considered to be 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 specialists.Before the first procedure, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

You should not treat leeches:

• children and the elderly;
• patients suffering from reduced blood clotting, hypotension, severe exhaustion, leukemia, anemia, gastrointestinal erosion, stomach ulcer, problems with the digestive system, cancer, tuberculosis, anemia and hemophilia;
• women during pregnancy and lactation.

In order for the treatment to be effective, 1-2 procedures should be performed every 5-6 months.Treatment can be carried out more often or less often - it all depends on the stage of the disease.If after 1-3 sessions the patient feels improvements and does not experience allergic reactions, then the 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 the treatment, the specialist treats the knee with an odorless product, and then checks the leeches to be used for suitability.

To do this, leeches are placed in a container of water.If the leeches stick to the walls, then they can be used.The specialist places 2-6 leeches on the knee cap.

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

• restoration and strengthening of immunity;
• restoration of blood circulation and metabolic processes;
• eliminate swelling and adhesions.

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

Taking baths with turpentine and pine

Balneotherapy, i.e. taking different baths with a therapeutic effect, is no less important in eliminating the symptoms of arthrosis.Experts note that there are many different types of medicinal baths, but baths with turpentine and pine 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 has suffered a heart attack or stroke;
• in the presence of skin diseases;
• pregnant women.

For a turpentine bath, you will need to mix 10 grams of baby soap, 0.75 ml of salicylic acid and pour the mixture with 500 ml of boiling water.While the mixture is cooling, you need to fill the tub with hot water.When the mass 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 bath seem elevated.Therefore, you cannot increase the dose by 1 time by more than 20 ml.Baths should be done every day for 10-14 days, gradually increasing the dose of the turpentine mixture to 80 ml per procedure.After taking a bath, you should rinse off the mixture with warm water and put on warm clothes or lie under a blanket.

For pine baths you will need pine needles or branches.About 25-30 branches need to be broken into small pieces so that they fit into the pan.Before preparing the decoction, rinse the branches and remove any dirt, add water and boil for 5-10 minutes.Strain the finished liquid and pour it into a hot water bath.

You should shower for 10-15 minutes.Then you need to dry off and put on warm clothes.It is not recommended to engage in physical work and stress the knees.A course of pine bath treatment can include 7-12 procedures, which can be taken daily or every other day.After six months, the course can be repeated.This procedure will extend the period of remission 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 that are intended for the treatment of arthrosis belong to group 4.

They are made on the basis of:

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

Chondroprotectors are prescribed by specialists along with pain relievers.But, unlike the latter, the former must be taken throughout life, as only in this case can the development of arthrosis be slowed down and disability stopped.The effect of taking chondroprotectors is visible only after 2-8 days.

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

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

Excess weight negatively affects the development of arthrosis - the disease progresses faster than in patients of normal weight.Therefore, people suffering from excess weight are recommended to lose extra pounds.But at the same time, it is strictly forbidden to suffer from hunger or sit on mono-diets or diets with dietary restrictions.

Authorized products include:

• Hormone-free cultured meat that can be boiled, baked, boiled or steamed.If you don't have access to farm meat, you can buy regular meat, but you need to get rid of the skin and fat, as this is where all the harmful substances that are fed or injected into the animal or poultry accumulate.It is better to limit the consumption of such meat to 1-2 times a week, and the rest of the time there are dishes with vegetables or fish.
• fruits and vegetables that can be baked or boiled according to your taste.
• all types of cereals (except instant cereals).
• products with pectin: currants, fructose jelly;
• fermented milk products;
• eggs;
• wholemeal bread and pasta.

It is important to exclude from the diet:

• pastries, cakes and white bread;
• alcoholic beverages and beer;
• various types of fast food and snacks;
• sausage and other types of prepared meat products.

For arthrosis, you should consume 1200 Kcal per day.You need to eat fractionally, that is, every 2-3 hours in small portions.

Folk remedies

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

• If arthrosis is accompanied by swelling, then a blue mud compress will come to the rescue.To do this, you need to dilute the clay with water to a creamy consistency and put it on a thick cloth folded 4-6 times and apply it to the joint.Wrap the knee with gauze or other cloth so that the compress does not slip.Leave it for 2-3 hours and rinse with warm water.The fabric can be washed and reused.
• Experts recommend giving up natural tea and coffee and replacing them with decoctions and infusions.For example, a decoction of lingonberries.For all 2 spoons.berries should be poured 1 liter.boiling water and leave for an hour, wrapped in a towel.You should drink 3-4 times a day.
• Massage oil will help relieve pain and inflammation at any stage of the disease.For it you need to mix 50 grams of vaseline with 10 grams of crushed hops, sweet clover and St. John's wort.You need to inject the product for 2-3 hours in a dark place.Rub it with light massage movements.You can wrap the knee.

How long is the rehabilitation period?

It is impossible to say unequivocally how long the rehabilitation of arthrosis will take, as the time depends on various factors.For example, the age and lifestyle of the patient, the degree and severity of the disease.

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

• removes inflammatory syndromes and pain;
• teaches physical exercises and regulates food.

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