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

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (also called gonarthrosis) is an injury to the knee joint, as a result of which the articular cartilage is destroyed, the knee is deformed and the movement of the knee is limited.The article will help you learn about the symptoms and start the necessary treatment on time.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint

Experts divide gonarthrosis into primary and secondary forms:

1. The cause of the primary form is a congenital defect of the joint, 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:

• bad posture
• overweight;
• various types of knee joint injuries;
• disturbance of mineral exchange and metabolism;
• presence of endocrine diseases;
• increased load on knee joints;
• Disturbance of calcium metabolism due to taking drugs containing hormones;
• meniscus removal operations;
• presence of arthritis;
• weak ligament apparatus;
• Menopause and menopausal 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, light pain appears with increased load on the knee.The initial stage can last from 1 year to several years.To prevent the stage from turning into a more severe form, a number of measures should be taken, aimed at restoring the deformed cartilage, strengthening the ligaments and restoring movement in the knee.

Timely treatment at this stage 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.Arthritis of the knee joint is treated by an orthopedist, rheumatologist or surgeon.

Average or 2nd stage of arthrosis

At this stage, the symptoms of the disease appear more clearly and therefore cannot be ignored.Doctors note that most patients at stage 2 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:

• My knees hurt because of hypothermia;
• the presence of mild cramps;
• 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 in bending and straightening the knee.

The last or 3rd 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 gait, walking with a stick, or disability.

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

• 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 research, you can determine the causative agent of the disease and evaluate the degree of inflammation.
• General urine testIt allows you to identify or exclude the autoimmune origin of the disease and evaluate whether the source of the pathology is the kidneys and urinary tract.
• Biochemical blood test, which is divided among many others, almost all research indicators are outside the normal range.

Laboratory tests are performed during the exacerbation 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 the diseased and healthy knee, 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 the doctor inserts a small LED conductor through a small hole in the knee, and a complete picture of the internal state of the knee is displayed on the computer screen;The resulting tissue fragments are sent to the laboratory if cartilage or malignant tumors are suspected.As for operations, meniscus shape can be corrected endoscopically, polyps and chondrophytes can be removed.In addition to the diagnosis of arthrosis, it is possible to carry out and examine other diseases, because the knee joint is a large organ and allows you to get a complete picture of the state of the body.
• Ultrasound (ultrasound examination).This method of research has two important advantages compared to X-ray: it is harmless and, due to its wide imaging capabilities, it helps to see the soft tissues of the joint.
• CT (computed tomography).The examination is an improved form of radiography, because during 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 picture of the soft tissues compared to CT.But MRI is used as rarely as CT because its use requires high material costs and cannot be used on patients whose bodies contain any metallic objects (knitting needles, crowns).CT and MRI are contraindicated in people weighing more than 120 kg.
• Scintigraphy.Expensive and radiation-intensive 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 is localized around it.
• TomographyThe study is based on thermal radiation from the surface of the body.As a rule, the damaged organ is manifested in the form of lesions with increased temperature.A tomograph is a bulky tool 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 pain relief and inflammation elimination.Therefore, doctors prescribe various non-steroidal (i.e. non-hormonal) drugs.But you can not take them longer than prescribed, because this group of drugs does not cure the disease, but relieves the symptoms while the disease progresses.

Ointments 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 obvious advantages:

• quickly reduces pain and inflammation;
• Ease of use makes it easy to combine with other treatment methods, such as physiotherapy;
• There is no negative effect on the liver.

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

Exercise for arthrosis

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

It helps to:

• Improving nutrition and general health of joint cartilage:
• reduction of pain;
• strengthening of knee joint muscles and ligaments;
• Increase joint mobility.

To see the positive effect,You should exercise daily or every other day, increasing the load to 30 minutes of 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. Lie on your stomach, bend and straighten your knees 10-15 times.Hold the leg in this position for 5 seconds at each turn.
4. Stretch your legs while lying on your back.Lift your leg and bend your knee.The heel should be parallel to the floor.
5. Lie on your right side, lift your left leg, pull it towards your stomach and pull it back as far as possible.Turn to the other side and repeat the exercise.Repeat 5-6 times for each leg.

Exercises should be avoided if:

• Abdominal or femoral hernia;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• infectious diseases;
• blood diseases;
• Rehabilitation period after operations.

Rubs and compresses

Different types of bandages and compresses are widely used for the treatment of arthrosis.Their important advantages include the availability of ingredients and the absence of side effects.

• Garlic.Pour any vegetable oil (200 ml) on 1 head of vegetables, cover with a lid and leave in a dark and cool place for 7 days.Then wash off the product at night.To eliminate the specific smell, cover the knee with a thick gauze bandage and rinse well with water in the morning.
• egg.Mix vinegar 1 with honey 1:1 and immediately rub a small part of the product into the knee.Use 3 times a week. After scrubbing, wrap the knee with something warm.
• Honey.Mix 100 grams of honey and 3 grams of mummy and immediately rub it on the knee.Bend the knee.
• Cabbage.Wet a piece of woolen material with vegetable juice and apply it to the knee.
• Oatmeal.Cook ordinary porridge from 1-2 tbsp of flakes in water.Flakes cannot be cooked for more than 7 minutes!Put the viscous product on a clean cloth and apply it to the knee.

wraps

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

According to research, honey packs help:

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

It should be noted that honey is most effective together with cinnamon.

As for herbal dressings, they have the above-mentioned properties:

• bark of willow, oak, birch, aspen;
• roots of valerian, comfrey, burdock;
• hop, birch, nettle leaves;
• herbs wild rosemary and St. John's wort;
• Chamomile flowers, calendula.

Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint with hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy, i.e. treatment with puppies, is considered one of the most effective methods of knee joint arthrosis treatment.It can be used at the first symptoms and should be directed by the attending physician and under the supervision of specialists.Before starting the first procedure, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

Do not treat puppies:

• children and the elderly;
• Patients suffering from reduced blood coagulation, hypotension, severe exhaustion, leukemia, anemia, gastrointestinal erosion, stomach ulcer, digestive system problems, 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 performed more often or less often - it all depends on the stage of the disease.If after 1-3 sessions the patient feels improvement and does not experience allergic reactions, then the treatment with puppies can be continued.

Otherwise, the patient is given a 9-month break, and in case of reappearance of allergy or lack of improvement, hirudotherapy sessions are stopped.During the treatment, the specialist treats the knee with an odorless product, and then checks the puppies used for suitability.

For this, leeches are placed in a dish with water.If the licks stick to the walls, then they can be used.The specialist puts 2-6 drops on the knee.

When ingested, puppies release a number of beneficial enzymes in the human body that can help:

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

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

Taking turpentine and pine baths

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 types of healing baths, but turpentine and pine baths have shown particular effectiveness.They can be taken not only at balneological resorts, but also at home.

But despite their usefulness, they should be abandoned:

• patients with heart disease;
• in the presence of cancer, tuberculosis, varicose veins, diabetes, 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 need to mix 10 grams of baby soap, 0.75 ml of salicylic acid and pour the mixture into 500 ml of boiling water.While the mixture has cooled, you need to fill the bath with hot water.When the mixture cools down 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, the dose cannot be increased 1 time by more than 20 ml.Baths should be taken daily for 10-14 days, gradually increasing the dose of turpentine mixture to 80 ml for the procedure.After taking a bath, the mixture should be washed off 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 should be cut into small pieces to fit in the pan.Before preparing the decoction, wash the branches and remove the dirt, add water and boil for 5-10 minutes.Strain the finished broth and pour it into a bath with hot water.

You should take a bath for 10-15 minutes.Then you should dry off and put on warm clothes.It is not recommended to engage in physical labor and strain on the knees.A course of treatment with pine baths can include 7-12 procedures, which can be taken every other day or daily.After six months, the course can be repeated.This procedure will prolong 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 nourishing it.All drugs of this group are divided into 5 groups.Medicines intended for the treatment of arthrosis belong to the 4th group.

They are made on the basis of:

• glucosamine;
• chondroitin sulfate;
• avocado and soy extracts;
• Hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid;
• Synthesis of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Specialists prescribe chondroprotectors together with painkillers.But, unlike the latter, the former must be taken throughout life, because only in this case can the development of arthrosis be slowed down and disability stopped.The effect of taking chondroprotectors is noticeable only after 2-8 days.

Medicines are available in the form of gels, ointments, tablets and injections.The solution is injected into the knee.

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

Excess weight has a negative effect on the development of arthrosis - the disease progresses faster than in patients with a normal weight.Therefore, overweight people are advised to lose extra pounds.But at the same time, it is strictly forbidden to starve or sit on mono-diets or diet diets with dietary restrictions.

Authorized products include:

• Farmed, hormone-free meat that can be boiled, baked, stewed or steamed.If you don't have access to farm meat, you can buy regular meat, but you have to remove the skin and fat because that's where all the harmful substances that are fed or injected into animals and birds accumulate.It is better to limit the consumption of such meat to 1-2 times a week, and the rest of the time to vegetable or fish dishes.
• Fruits and vegetables that can be baked or stewed to your liking.
• All types of grains (except soluble grains).
• Products with pectin: currants, fructose jelly;
• fermented milk products;
• eggs
• Whole grain breads and pastas.

It is important to exclude from the diet:

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

During arthrosis, it is necessary to consume 1200 kcal per day.You should eat fractionally, that is, every 2-3 hours with 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 clay compress will come to the rescue.For this, you need to dilute the clay with water to the consistency of cream and place it on a thick cloth folded 4-6 times and apply it to the joint.Wrap the knee with gauze or other cloth to prevent the compress from slipping off.Wait 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, lingonberry decoction.For him, 2 tsp.Berries should be poured into 1 liter.boiling water and leave for an hour, wrapped in a towel.You should drink it 3-4 times a day.
• Massage ointment will help to relieve pain and inflammation at any stage of the disease.For this, you need to mix 50 grams of petroleum jelly with 10 grams of crushed hops, sweet clover and St. John's wort.You need to enter the product in a dark place for 2-3 hours.Massage with light massage movements.You can wrap it around your knee.

How long does the rehabilitation period last?

It is impossible to say exactly how long the rehabilitation of arthrosis will last, because the time depends on various factors.For example, the age and lifestyle of the patient, the quality and severity of the disease.

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

• relieves inflammatory and pain syndromes;
• Learns physical exercises and regulates nutrition.

In order for the remission period to last as long as possible, the patient should regularly exercise and visit the doctor.Arthrosis of the knee joint by eliminating the symptoms and a proper approach to treatment will allow you not to leave the usual rhythm of life.