Deforming arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to excessive stress on the joint, injuries, damage to the meniscus, rupture of the ligaments).The disease occurs most often in women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: systematic dull pain is observed in the area of the affected joint, which occurs mainly after physical exercise, deformation has not yet occurred;
- second stage: symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, a crunch in the knee can be observed when moving and turning the leg;
- third stage: severe deformation of the joint occurs, gait is disturbed, pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or overload on the joint without contacting a specialist.However, if treatment of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started in a timely manner, the pathology can lead to disorders in the biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral hernias, severe limitation of movement and even disability.
Traditional treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
The treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint requires complex measures.In the acute stage, anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs are used.They help reduce the inflammatory response and relieve pain.Gonarthrosis occurs with severe pain and in the final stage of the disease the pain becomes unbearable, so 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 contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue and improve cartilage nutrition.They must be taken in the initial stages of gonarthrosis, when the cartilage tissue is just beginning to decay.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.However, the high cost does not allow this method of treatment to be introduced to the masses, as not every patient can 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 has subsided, the use of physiotherapy is allowed: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic field therapy.Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative protection of the affected limb and taking supportive vitamin preparations will help prevent the development of a relapse in the future.
To slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joint, patients should avoid excessive loads, lifting heavy objects, jumping from heights and staying in the same position (standing or sitting) for a long time.If you are overweight, it is advisable to get rid of extra pounds, as they can put additional strain on the knees and contribute to the progression of knee osteoarthritis.To relieve joint tension during treatment, your doctor may recommend using a cane.
Joint replacement for gonarthrosis
If drug therapy remains 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 regain joy in life without pain and restrictions on motor activity.
Such operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long rehabilitation period.But every year better and more modern prostheses are produced, which are quickly becoming popular and do not cause any side effects.And implantation methods are becoming less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should only be carried out in clinics with modern technical equipment.Endoprosthetics can be complete, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only destroyed joint structures are replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are carried out to help the patient get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk independently.In this phase, special development exercises and professional support from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing exercises for body shaping, give preference to activities that do not involve static loads.Do swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads when exercising, jogging, inline skating and skating.Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed during their sports careers.
- Eat well and make sure your diet contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins.If you already have the prerequisites for the occurrence of joint diseases, carry out treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia.If you plan long walks, skiing and other activities where your knees come into contact with frozen ground, isolate your joints in advance with special bandages or use sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, contact a doctor immediately.Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to detect the first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in cartilage tissue.Do not put too much strain on the injured leg, but temporarily move around with a cane.
Traditional medicine for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends consuming a decoction of beef bones or jellied meat for gonarthrosis.The gelatinous substance of jellied meat is believed to help restore damaged joint tissue.The bones should be cooked (no water should be added 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 this to help with pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, medicinal herbal infusions or alcohol to honey.
However, remember that alternative treatment of arthrosis 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 abandon traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easily treatable in the initial stages of development.If the disease is neglected, it may be difficult for patients to restore functions to the affected joint without surgical intervention.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- Clay compresses: Make a creamy mass from blue or red clay, place it on gauze and wrap it around the joint, wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep it for 2-3 hours);
- Dandelion tincture: Pour vodka over the unflowered heads so that the liquid covers them, place them in a cool place for 2 weeks, and then wipe the sore knees with the resulting product at night.
- Infusion of lemons, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 cloves of garlic and a small celery root, pass through a meat grinder, put in a glass (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 folk treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Spa therapy has a positive effect on joint health.Relaxing by 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 speedy recovery.