Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (osteoarthritis) is a complex disease of degenerative-dystrophic type, the development of which involves processes affecting the bone and cartilage tissues of the knee.
Pathological changes in articular tissues that adversely affect the musculoskeletal potential of the lower extremities. Progression of knee osteoarthritis leads to impaired mobility, loss of stability, and a significant reduction in motor and shock absorption.
What should be done to maintain the mobility of the body for many years, and what to do if the level of physical activity and quality of life decreases due to osteoarthritis of the knee joint? Let's try to understand this difficult issue.
Features of the development of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Knee arthrosis- This is a common pathology that belongs to the category of the most common diseases that have a very negative impact on the quality of human life.
Degenerative-dystrophic processes manifest themselves most clearly in the form of physical dysfunction of the legs, accompanied by severe pain syndrome. Depending on how strongly the pathological process develops, further predictions of the course of the disease are made.
One of the most disappointing prognosis is paralysis of the lower extremities. The severity of the consequences of pathological processes makes it necessary to seek qualified medical care.
What causes osteoarthritis of the knee?
Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Long-term examination of patients and a comprehensive study of the clinical picture of the pathology allowed experts to conclude that the impact of a number of adverse factors is the main cause of joint tissue destruction, causing severe pain and inflammation.
Among the main causes of degenerative-dystrophic processes are worth noting:
- Injured - A bruise, dislocation or fracture of the knee automatically classifies a person as a risk group and can lead to the development of the disease. Damage to the joint involves its fixation, and long-term inactivity is a direct route to osteoarthritis;
- intense physical activity - intense stress on the knees (especially in the elderly) causes microtraumas, which leads to the development of adverse pathological processes;
- fairly strong ligamentous apparatus - abnormal joint mobility also has a negative impact on their condition, which manifests itself mainly in old age;
- Excess weight - extra pounds can cause irreparable damage to the knee joints, because in this case the probability of damage to the meniscus is incredibly high. If a large weight is accompanied by varicose veins, then there is a high probability of developing severe forms of arthrosis of the joints of the lower extremities;
- metabolic disorders - failure to metabolize nutrients and elements in the body leads to the development of various diseases associated with insufficient supply of various tissues, especially bone and cartilage;
- Increased stress levels - worries and experiences have a negative impact not only on people's mood, but also on their level of physical well-being.
Typical symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Symptomatic manifestations of the disease allow timely monitoring of the onset and development of pathological processes, which allows each patient to recover.
Before deciding who to seek help and how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint, it is necessary to get acquainted with the symptoms of the disease.
Only a competent specialist in this matter can determine the presence and confirm the diagnosis by prescribing treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. However, every patient should know the main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, it is customary to distinguish between them:
- pain - anxiety that gradually turns into painful feelings is not immediately visible. Their insignificant appearance on the knees may bother a person for many years, but at some point it may intensify and they will not stand still;
- crisis - "clicks" during flexion / extension of the joint is already a wake-up call manifested in the second, third stage of the disease;
- synovitis - inflammation of the joint membrane where fluid accumulates, causing local swelling;
- Deformation is a characteristic feature of the late stages of the disease, which is clearly accompanied by inflammation and swelling.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is carried out by an orthopedist or rheumatologist. If you want to undergo a diagnostic examination, each patient can consult a specialist with a narrow profile or buy a ticket to one of them.
The main diagnostic tool for specialists, of course, is an X-ray machine. Thanks to the image, you can monitor not only the presence of pathology, but also its degree of development.
It should be noted that X-ray examination eliminates the possibility of other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
X-ray examination opens the following opportunities for the specialist:
- to watch the narrowing of the joint space;
- Detect a seal in the articular tissues.
The combination of clinical symptoms and data from the image provides a high-quality diagnosis and prognosis with a definition of subsequent treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Modern medicine classifies knee arthrosis into several degrees according to the nature of the development of pathological processes.
To begin with, it should be noted that, according to observations, the disease may be of a different nature:
- unilateral (right / left hand);
- bilateral.
In addition, each pathological process has three stages of development, which have their own clinical picture.
Grade 1 osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Successful diagnosis is the initial stage in the development of the pathology, which is an incredible success not only for the patient, but also for the attending physician.
The peculiarity of the degree of development of osteoarthritis at this stage is the absence of clinical signs and bright symptoms. Diagnosis of one disease can be made during a clinical examination or during the study of another disease.
Evidence of grade 1 knee arthrosis may include:
- local discomfort in the knee area during long walks;
- mild pain that disappears during rest.
It is important to note that pain can be felt in one or both joints of the lower extremities.
Interestingly, left-sided gonarthrosis is more common in left-handed people, while right-sided gonarthrosis is more common in people involved in various sports.
Grade 2 osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Symptoms of the second stage of pathological development are accompanied by an expansion of the usual symptoms:
- acute pain syndrome;
- stiffness and severe discomfort in the knee joint;
- atrophy of muscles located near the knee joint as a result of tissue damage;
- increased pain;
- visually noticeable deformation of the joint;
- restriction of mobility.
Expanding the symptomatology simplifies the diagnostic process. The changes characteristic of grade 2 osteoarthritis of the knee joint are easy to observe on palpation. During the clinical examination, a specialist can easily detect an abnormal mass in the knee area.
Grade 3 osteoarthritis of the knee joint
It is almost impossible not to notice the third-degree pathology, because the patient is in constant pain. In addition, the course of the disease reaches a critical level, which is manifested by the strongest deformation of the joint, in which case the limb completely loses the ability to bend / stretch.
Lack of proper treatment leads to complete destruction of cartilage and, consequently, the development of ankylosis (joint fusion).
The only solution to the final development of the disease is expensive surgery, which involves the removal or joint replacement of cartilage tissue.
How to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint?
The level of modern medicine is quite high, which ensures the successful treatment of various diseases. Knee osteoarthritis is no exception.
Today, there are many ways to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
In the early stages of pathology, conservative treatment methods are mainly used. Conservative therapy includes:
- physiotherapy procedures;
- physiotherapy exercises (exercise therapy);
- visit various massages.
Also, advanced methods of treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint are actively used. Among the modern effective methods of combating dangerous pathology are:
- ozone therapy - local effects of ozone on affected articular tissues. Helps reduce pain & stop inflammationImproves blood circulation in the problem area;
- Kinesitherapy is a set of exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, aimed at increasing mobility and increasing blood flow.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee with physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is one of the most popular treatments for knee osteoarthritis.
Methods of physical influence, subject to certain conditions, have the most positive effect on the localization of various types of pathology.
Physiotherapy includes the following procedures:
- electrophoresis;
- ultraphonophoresis;
- laser / infrared radiation;
- pulse magnetotherapy.
The effectiveness of the procedures depends on the quality of the individual and the patient's development of the main treatment plan.
Massage as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Massage is a useful addition to the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Most experts around the world believe that massage is a mandatory component in the treatment of symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, which has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes and helps speed healing.
Knee massage can be done both at home and on the walls of the hospital. The main thing during the massage is the initial high-quality warming of the joint and adherence to the optimal duration of the process (10-15 minutes).
Massage treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee should include techniques such as stroking, rubbing and kneading.
Gymnastics and exercise therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is an effective way to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms and treat the disease.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is a very complex and lengthy process, and physiotherapy exercises are an excellent helper in achieving the desired result.
The type of exercise therapy and exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint are selected individually by a specialist depending on the degree of development of the pathology and the general condition of the patient's physical condition.
The basic principle of gymnastics for osteoarthritis of the knee joint sounds like this: there is no increased stress on the affected joint, only rational, calm movements.
Drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Medical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is used to relieve symptoms such as pain and swelling, as well as to activate the regenerative processes.
Preparations for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint may have a different release form (ointments / gels, tablets or injections, plaster).
It is important! Any medication should be prescribed by a specialist as part of an existing treatment plan designed for the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
Self-medication is unacceptable and can lead to extremely negative consequences, in particular - paralysis of the lower extremities and disability.
Painkillers for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
They are used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Painkillers play an important role in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, because their use improves the patient's well-being and allows him to have a good night's rest.
Pain relief is achieved under the influence of active substances.
Antispasmodicswith osteoarthritis of the knee
Designated as an active aid. The main area of activity is the fight against spasms.
The active ingredients that make up the preparations help to relax the muscle frame and relieve pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee with this type of drug provides not only the elimination of pain, but also the slowing down of pathological processes.
Regular intake of drugs allows you to observe a constant concentration of active substances that guarantee a positive effect.
Chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Chondroprotectors are the main helpers in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee with drugs.
The active activity of chondroprotectors in osteoarthritis of the knee joint is aimed at restoring motor ability associated with micronutrients, which are an integral part of the process of building cartilage tissue.
The peculiarity of the principle of action of the drug is that it is a long enough but at the same time effective process to get rid of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Diet and general nutrition recommendations for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
A diet for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is necessary for overweight patients. A low-calorie diet and a wealth of nutrients will help you lose weight and speed up the recovery of affected joints.
For osteoarthritis of the knee joint, nutrition must first be balanced. The daily diet should include foods enriched with beneficial vitamins and trace elements necessary for the restoration of joint tissues and maintaining the balance of the whole organism.
It is recommended to give up not only bad habits (alcohol abuse and smoking), but also such foods:
- storage of semi-finished products;
- fatty, spicy and excessively salty foods;
- sweet carbonated drinks.
For the convenience and competent adaptation of the diet, it is recommended to keep a food diary in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, which regulates and facilitates the process of rebuilding a normal lifestyle.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
All preventive measures can be divided into two groups:
- first- aimed at reducing pathological risks;
- secondary- aimed at reducing the rate of development of the existing disease.
The main ones:
- increased attention to the joints of the lower extremities;
- play sports to strengthen the periarticular muscles;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- swimming.
Secondary prevention includes:
- systematic treatment with chondroprotectors;
- Seek qualified medical attention in a timely manner when signs of arthritis appear.
Keep in mind that early detection of the disease significantly increases the likelihood of complete recovery.
If you have the slightest symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, do not neglect to see a doctor.