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 several stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: systematic dull pain is observed in the region of the affected joint, appearing mainly after exercise, deformation does not yet occur;
- second stage: symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, crunching in the knee can be observed when moving and turning the leg;
- third stage: severe deformation of the joint appears, gait is disturbed, the pain is constant.
People often mistake the early stage of gonarthrosis for an inflammatory reaction to a fall or excessive strain on the joint, without turning to specialists for help.But if the treatment of 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, serious mobility limitations and even disability.
Traditional treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint requires complex measures.In the acute phase, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.They help reduce the inflammatory response and reduce pain.Gonarthrosis occurs with severe pain, and in the last stage of the disease, the pain becomes unbearable, therefore, eliminating unpleasant sensations with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the well-being of patients and increases their quality of life.
To increase 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 should be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when the cartilaginous tissue is just beginning to decompose.At the height of the disease, these remedies are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect.They help to 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, as not every patient is able to afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively combat pathological signs and restore motor activity.After the acute process disappears, the use of physiotherapy is allowed: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb and intake of supportive vitamin preparations help prevent the development of relapses in the future.
To slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joint, patients should avoid excessive stress, lifting heavy objects, jumping from heights and remaining in the same position for a long time (standing or sitting).If you are obese, it is advisable to get rid of 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 osteoarthritis of the knee joint helps patients to 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 better and more modern prostheses are produced, which quickly take root 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 with modern technical equipment.The endoprosthesis can be total, when the joint is completely replaced by an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only the destroyed joint structures are replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are carried out to help the person get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk without assistance.At this stage, special development exercises and professional monitoring by specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing exercises to shape your body, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads.Do swimming, aerobics, dancing, physical fitness.
- Prevent knee injuries by wearing knee braces when playing sports, running, rollerblading and skating.Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their sporting career.
- Eat right, make sure your diet contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins.If you already have prerequisites for the occurrence of joint diseases, undergo treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia.If you are planning long walks, skiing and other activities that involve knee contact with frozen ground, pre-isolate the joints with special bandages or wear sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, contact a doctor immediately.Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in 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 (do not 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, medicinal plant infusions or alcohol to the honey.
But remember that alternative treatment for osteoarthritis 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 early stage of development.If the disease is neglected, it may be difficult for patients to restore function to the affected joint without surgical intervention.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- clay compresses: make a creamy mass with blue or red clay, place it on cheesecloth and wrap it around the joint, and wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2 to 3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour vodka over unblossomed heads so that the liquid covers them, place in a cool place for 2 weeks, and then wipe sore knees with the resulting product at night;
- infusion of lemons, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small celery root, pass through a meat grinder, place in a jar (volume 3 liters) and pour boiling water up to the neck, the infusion is ready in the morning (strain and drink a glass 30 minutes before meals).
In order for the 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 baths, unique natural springs and water treatments - all this contributes to a quick recovery.