Osteoarthritis of the knee (osteoarthritis) is a complex disease of the degenerative-dystrophic type, during the development of which processes occur that affect the bone-cartilage tissues of the knee.
Pathological changes in articular tissues, which negatively affect the musculoskeletal potential of the lower extremities. The progression of knee osteoarthritis leads to difficulty in movement, loss of stability, and a marked decline in motor and suction skills.
What should be done to maintain the mobility of one's body for many years and what should be done if the indicators of physical activity and quality of life are reduced due to osteoarthritis of the knee joint? Let's try to understand this difficult issue.
Characteristics of the development of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee- This is a common pathology that belongs to the category of the most common diseases that have an extremely negative impact on the quality of human life.
Degenerative-dystrophic processes are most clearly manifested in the form of physical dysfunction of the legs, accompanied by severe pain syndrome. Depending on how strongly the pathological process progresses, further predictions of the course of the disease are made.
One of the disappointing predictions is paralysis of the lower extremities. The severity of the consequences of pathological processes requires the search for qualified medical care.
What are the causes leading to knee osteoarthritis?
To identify the causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, a lot of research was needed. Long-term examinations of patients and a thorough study of the clinical picture of the pathology allowed specialists to conclude that the influence of a number of negative factors is the main cause of destruction of joint tissue, causing severe pain and inflammation.
Among the main reasons leading to degenerative-dystrophic processes, it is worth noting:
- Injuries - a bruise, dislocation or fracture of the knee automatically classifies a person as a risk group and can trigger the development of the disease. Injury to the joint means its fixation, and long-term immobility is a direct route to the formation of osteoarthritis;
- Strong physical activity - severe stress on the knees (especially in the elderly) leads to microtrauma, which also leads to the development of negative pathological processes;
- quite strong ligament apparatus - abnormal mobility of the joints also adversely affects their condition, which is manifested mainly in old age;
- overweight - excess pounds can cause irreparable damage to the knee joints, because the likelihood of meniscus injuries in this case is extremely high. If a large weight is associated with varicose veins, then there is a high probability of developing severe forms of osteoarthritis of the joints of the lower extremities;
- metabolic disorders - a failure in the metabolism of nutrients and elements in the body provokes the development of various types of diseases, which are due to insufficient supply of various tissues, especially bone and cartilage;
- Increased stress levels - worries and experiences negatively affect not only people's mood but also their level of physical well-being.
Typical symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The symptomatic manifestation of the disease allows you to track in time the onset and development of pathological processes, which gives each patient the opportunity to recover.
Before deciding who to seek help for and how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint, it is important to become familiar with the symptoms of the disease.
Only a competent specialist in this matter can identify the presence and confirm the diagnosis by prescribing treatment for knee osteoarthritis. However, every patient should know the main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, among which it is customary to distinguish:
- pain - the discomfort that gradually develops into painful sensations does not appear immediately. Their insignificant appearance on the knees may bother a person for many years, but at some point they may become stronger and they will not stop in a relaxed state;
- crisis - "clicks" during flexion / extension of the wrist are a wake-up call, which is already manifested in the second, third stage of the disease;
- synovitis - inflammation of the joint membrane, in which fluid accumulates, leading to local swelling;
- deformity is a characteristic feature that appears in the later stages of the disease, accompanied by pronounced inflammation and swelling.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Diagnosis and treatment of knee osteoarthritis is performed by an orthopedist or rheumatologist. If you want to undergo a diagnostic examination, any patient can turn to a therapist who will refer them to a narrow profile specialist or get a ticket for one of them themselves.
The main diagnostic tool for specialists is, of course, the X-ray machine. Thanks to the photograph taken, you can track not only the presence of pathology, but also the degree of its development.
It is important to note that X-rays eliminate the likelihood of the presence of other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
X-ray examination opens the possibility for a specialist to:
- trace the narrowing of the joint space;
- discover a seal in the articular tissue.
The combination of clinical symptoms and information obtained from the image provides a qualitative diagnosis and diagnosis, with the determination of further treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
The degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Modern medicine divides knee osteoarthritis to several degrees, according to the nature of the development of pathological processes.
To begin with, it is worth noting that, according to observations, the disease can be of a different nature:
- one-sided (right / left);
- bilateral.
Moreover, the pathological process has three stages of development, each of which has its own clinical appearance.
1 degree of knee osteoarthritis
The initial stage in the development of pathology, the successful diagnosis of which is an extraordinary 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 vivid symptoms. Identification of a disease can be performed during a clinical examination or in the study of another disease.
Evidence of first-degree knee osteoarthritis can be:
- local discomfort in the knee area during prolonged walking;
- mild pain that disappears during rest.
It is important to note the fact that pain can be felt in one or both joints of the lower extremities.
It is interesting to note that gonarthrosis of the left side is often diagnosed in left-handers, while gonarthrosis of the right arm is typical of people associated with various sports.
2 degree of osteoarthritis of the knee
The symptoms of the second stage of pathology development are accompanied by an expansion of the signs, which usually include:
- pronounced pain syndrome;
- stiffness and severe discomfort in the knee joint;
- atrophy of muscles located near the knee joint, which is caused by tissue damage;
- increased pain;
- visible visual deformation of the wrist;
- mobility restriction.
Expanding symptomatology simplifies the diagnostic process. The characteristic changes of the second degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint are easy to trace during palpation. During a clinical examination, a specialist easily detects an abnormal mass in the knee area.
3 degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
It is almost impossible not to notice third degree pathology because the patient is experiencing constant pain. In addition, the course of the disease reaches a critical level, which is manifested by the strongest deformity of the joint, in which the limb completely loses the ability to bend / elongate.
Lack of proper treatment leads to complete destruction of cartilage and, as a result, the development of ankylosis (fusion of articular bones).
The only solution for the final stage of disease development is an expensive surgical intervention, which involves removing the remnants of cartilage tissue or replacing the joints.
How to treat osteoarthritis of the knee?
The level of modern medicine is at a fairly high level, which ensures the successful treatment of diseases of various kinds. Knee osteoarthritis is no exception.
Today, there are a large number of methods for treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
In the initial stages of pathology development, mainly conservative methods of treatment are used. Conservative therapy includes:
- physiotherapy procedures;
- physiotherapy exercises (exercise therapy);
- visiting various massages.
Also, progressive methods of treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint are actively used. Among the modern effective methods for the treatment of dangerous pathologies, there are:
- Ozone therapy - a local effect of ozone on the affected joint tissues. Helps reduce pain and stop inflammation. Improves blood circulation to the problem area;
- Kinesitherapy is a set of exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, which aims to increase its mobility and increase blood circulation.
Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is one of the most popular treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee.
Methods of physical impact, which are subject to a certain number of conditions, have the most positive effect on the area of localization of pathologies of different types.
Physiotherapy includes procedures such as:
- electrophoresis;
- ultraphonophoresis;
- laser / infrared radiation;
- pulse magnetotherapy.
The effectiveness of the procedures is individual and depends on the quality of the elaboration of the patient's main treatment plan.
Massage as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee
Massage is a useful supplement for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Most experts around the world are of the opinion that massage is a mandatory component of treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, which has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes and helps accelerate recovery.
Knee massage can be performed both at home and within the walls of the hospital. The main thing during the massage is high-quality pre-heating of the wrist and adhering to the optimal duration of the process (from 10-15 minutes).
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee with massage should include techniques such as stroking, rubbing and kneading.
Gymnastics and exercise therapy for knee osteoarthritis
Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is an effective way to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and treat the disease.
The process of treating knee osteoarthritis is a rather complicated and lengthy process, and physiotherapy exercises are an excellent helper to achieve the desired result.
The type of exercise therapy and exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint are selected by a specialist on an individual basis, depending on the degree of development of the pathology and the general state of physical fitness of the patient.
The main principle of gymnastics for osteoarthritis of the knee joint sounds like: no added stress on the affected joint, only rational and calm actions.
Medication for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
Medical treatment of knee osteoarthritis is used to relieve symptoms like pain and swelling, as well as to activate regenerative processes.
Preparations for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint can have a different form of release (ointment / gel, tablets or injections, plaster).
Important! Any medication should be prescribed by a specialist as part of an existing treatment plan created for the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
Self-medication is unacceptable and can lead to extremely negative consequences, in particular - paralysis of the lower limbs and disability.
Pain reliever for osteoarthritis of the knee
They are used to eliminate the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Sedatives in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee play an important role, because their use improves the well-being of the patient and gives him the opportunity to rest at night.
Pain relief is achieved through the action of active substances.
Antispasmodicswith osteoarthritis of the knee
Designated as active help. A key area of activity is the fight against spasms.
The active substances that make up the preparations help to relax the muscle frame and provide pain relief.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint with drugs of this type provides not only the elimination of pain, but also the slowing down, complete elimination of the course of pathological processes.
Regular intake of medication allows you to observe a constant concentration of active ingredients, which guarantees a positive effect.
Chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis of the knee
The main helpers in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint with medication are chondroprotectors.
The active action of chondroprotectors in osteoarthritis of the knee joint is aimed at restoring motor ability, which is due to the micronutrients contained in the composition, which are an integral component in the process of building cartilage tissue.
The peculiarity of the principle of action of drugs assumes a fairly long process, but at the same time effective to get rid of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Diet and general nutritional recommendations for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The diet for knee osteoarthritis is necessary for overweight patients. A low-calorie and nutrient-rich diet will provide a reduction in body weight and speed up the recovery of affected joints.
Diet for osteoarthritis of the knee joint must first be balanced. The daily diet should include meals rich in vitamins and beneficial micronutrients necessary for the regeneration of joint tissue and maintaining the balance of the whole body.
It is recommended to give up not only bad habits (alcohol abuse and smoking), but also dishes such as:
- store semi-finished products;
- fatty, spicy and overly salty foods;
- sweet carbonated drinks.
For the ease and competent approximation of the diet, in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, it is recommended to keep a food diary, which disciplines and helps facilitate the process of restructuring the usual way of life.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The whole sphere of preventive measures can be divided into two groups:
- PRIMARY- are aimed at reducing the risks of pathology;
- side- are intended to reduce the rate of development of an existing disease.
The main ones are:
- increased attention to the joints of the lower extremities;
- playing sports, to strengthen periarticular muscles;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- Swiming.
Secondary prevention includes:
- a systematic course of treatment with chondroprotectors;
- timely search for qualified medical help when signs of arthritis appear.
Remember that early detection of a disease significantly increases the likelihood of a complete cure.
Do not neglect going to the doctor if you have even the slightest symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.