Gonarthrosis of the knee joint is a degenerative-dystrophic disease.In this disease, the cartilage tissue is destroyed and the joint is deformed.
As a rule, gonarthrosis affects people over 40 years old.This disease occurs twice as often in women than in men.
The knee joint is one of the largest joints in the human body.It is characterized by a high degree of mobility, as it is responsible not only for the mobility of the leg, but also helps to support the weight of the person.It serves as a connecting "bridge" between the femur, tibia and fibula.The knee joint is supported by various ligaments and tendons.
Diagnosis and symptoms
In gonarthrosis, the blood circulation in the small bone vessels is disturbed, subsequently the cartilaginous shell of the joint and the surrounding tissues begin to collapse.Due to age factors or other reasons, the density and elasticity of the cartilage decreases and becomes covered with cracks and depressions.
As a diagnostic measure, the patient should consult a specialist for a thorough medical examination and X-ray examination.Naturally, every person should know about the symptoms of the development of arthrosis of the knee joint:
- while moving, the patient feels pain in the knee;
- swelling is observed in the area of damage;
- movements in the damaged knee become limited;
- there is a feeling of instability in the affected knee;
- stiffness;
- The final result of the disease can be considered a deformation of the joint: the most common is O-shaped or valgus, i.e.X-shaped.
It is worth knowing that the severity of certain symptoms does not indicate the degree of progression of the disease.However, with the development of gonarthrosis, the severity of symptoms also increases constantly.
The symptoms of gonarthrosis have long been known to specialists;they were described almost a hundred years ago.Popularly, this disease is characterized as salt deposition, and this statement is not a myth.Osteoarthritis is indeed accompanied by the deposition of salts in the tissues of the knee, including ligaments and tendons.
Stages of gonarthrosis
Experts distinguish several degrees of development of gonarthrosis, which indicate the severity of the patient's condition.So, there are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint:
The symptoms of gonarthrosis of the first degree are reduced to periodic pain, usually after physical exertion, as well as a slight deformation of the joint.It is not unusual to see a tumor in the affected area.
As for the second degree of arthrosis, an increase in the primary symptoms is observed at this stage.The intensity and duration of the pain in the knee increases, there is a crunch and difficulty bending.The joint increases in volume and its deformation becomes pronounced.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the third degree is characterized by pain that occurs not only during movement, but also at rest.There is limited mobility and a sharp gait disturbance.The joint deforms and becomes O- or X-shaped.
Treatment
Before you start fighting knee gonarthrosis, you should definitely find a good specialist, get an examination plan from him and discuss treatment methods.However, you should not blindly follow all the doctor's recommendations;the patient himself must also understand the essence of his recommendations, understand the mechanism of action of the prescribed drugs and, perhaps, turn to another specialist in parallel.Each patient must be aware of the essence of the prescribed treatment procedures and understand why they are prescribed to him.
Therapeutic treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint includes a number of therapeutic measures aimed at solving the following problems:
- pain relief;
- improving the nutrition of the articular cartilage and its rapid recovery;
- activation of blood circulation in the area of the affected joint;
- reducing pressure on damaged joints and increasing the distance between them;
- strengthening the muscles that surround the inflamed joint;
- increased joint mobility.
Advanced forms of gonarthrosis require treatment that includes surgical operations.
First-degree gonarthrosis requires treatment that includes physical therapy procedures.The initial stage of the disease is practically not detected on X-rays.The following symptoms are characteristic of the first degree of arthrosis of the knee joint:
- stiffness;
- malaise and discomfort in the area of the affected joint;
- reduction of pain after movements during the day.
Gonarthrosis of the second degree involves drug treatment.Symptoms at this stage are considered to be severe pain, up to the feeling of difficulty bending the leg at the knee.
Exercise therapy for gonarthrosis
One of the effective methods of restoring the functions of the knee joints in gonarthrosis is physiotherapy, after which the following is observed:
- reduction of joint pain;
- improving the mobility of the diseased joint;
- reduction of muscle tension;
- increasing the tone of weakened muscles.
Gymnastics for gonarthrosis
In combination with medical treatment, according to the indications of a specialist, gymnastics should be carried out, which is usually indicated in the initial stages of the disease.To a greater extent, gymnastics is used for preventive purposes.Therapeutic exercises for knee arthrosis contribute to:
- improving the nutrition of the articular cartilage;
- increased mobility of the knee joint;
- strengthening the ligaments and muscles that support the joint;
- reduction of pain and a positive effect on the general state of health of the patient.
Treatment should begin as soon as possible, since the whole process takes a lot of time and requires an integrated approach.
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely return the joint to its previous shape, but you should not postpone treatment.The patient must prevent degenerative processes in a timely manner.
Folk remedies to combat gonarthrosis
Treatment with traditional methods is quite widely practiced by patients suffering from gonarthrosis.However, you should remember that in any case, a consultation with a specialist is necessary.
Burdock is considered the most common remedy for arthrosis.The leaves of this plant should be washed, dried and folded so that the velvety side is facing down.Then you need to put the leaves in a container and pour hot water over them.The sore spot should be smeared with vegetable oil and leaves should be applied, wrapping the knee in polyethylene and securing it with a warm scarf.
Regular sunflower oil is considered another traditional medicine.It should be warmed and rubbed into the affected joint at night.After five procedures, the pain will disappear.
Cabbage is no less popular in folk medicine.To treat gonarthrosis, its leaves are smeared with honey and applied to the diseased joint at night.It is better if the course of treatment lasts one month.
In the initial stage of the disease, you can do some exercises.It is better to do them in a physical therapy room.The complex of exercises should be systematic and regular, several times a day.After training, it is better to rest a little with a warm compress on the inflamed joint.Also, instead of exercise therapy, you can simply go for a walk, swim in the pool or ride a bike.
Diet and massage
Adhering to a diet and visiting a massage room are also considered integral methods of combating gonarthrosis.Scientists have proven that overweight people fall into the first risk group, because extra pounds put a significant load on the knees, as a result of which the joints wear out and deform.
Nutrition for arthrosis should be balanced and regular.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle contributes to both prevention and speedy recovery.
As for the massage, it should only be performed by a specialist.These procedures will reduce pain and eliminate the symptoms of the disease.Massage also helps improve tissue nutrition, strengthens and develops knee muscles, preventing deformation and subsequent atrophy.However, these methods are most suitable in the initial stage of the disease.When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a specialist for an examination.
Remember!You cannot diagnose yourself!Because many diseases are accompanied by joint lesions resembling arthrosis.Therefore, it is very easy to make a mistake in identifying the disease.