Osteoarthritis of the knee joint often occurs in patients suffering from pathological changes in the tissues of the musculoskeletal system.Gonarthrosis is based on the deformation of the articular cartilage.Degenerative-dystrophic disease of the knee, which constantly experiences increased stress, is most often diagnosed in patients aged 40-50.Sometimes deforming arthrosis manifests itself in adolescence and young adulthood.
The limited mobility of the knee joint disrupts its functioning and causes serious discomfort to the patient.Therapy is lengthy, expensive and not always successful.It is important to know how to prevent gonarthrosis, how to treat it at home, and what methods can be used to restore the joy of movement.
Causes of the disease
Arthrosis of the knee joint is considered a polyetiological disease.Pathology is often triggered by a combination of several factors, which do not always have a clear etiology.
There are two types of gonarthrosis:
- primary;
- secondary.
The classification is done according to the principle of causality.In some patients, the articular cartilage is affected by a number of negative factors;it is not always possible to determine what was the impetus for the development of the pathology.
The therapy of gonarthrosis of unknown etiology is more complex and lengthy;the problem of the knee joint causes many problems and worsens the quality of life.For this reason, doctors recommend that patients prevent the disease and follow preventive measures.
The main causes of the disease:
- primary form.Clear dependence on risk factors.In most patients, knee problems are the result of constant, heavy loading of the area.Gonarthrosis affects helpers, loaders and athletes;
- secondary.Damage to the articular cartilage occurs against the background of systemic pathologies.Degenerative-dystrophic changes of the knee develop against the background of hemochromatosis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and congenital curvature of the lower limbs.Another reason is heredity: the disease manifests itself in every generation.
Take note!In some cases, doctors cannot accurately determine the cause of gonarthrosis;the form of the pathology is called idiopathic.
Typical symptoms
The main signs of the disease:
- pain in the knee when moving;
- in the morning it is difficult to bend and straighten the knee joint;
- in a severe stage, deep deformations develop, joints get stuck, subluxations and dislocations occur;
- With certain movements, a characteristic clicking sound can be heard in the knee.
The danger of pathology is the incompletely studied mechanism of the formation of gonarthrosis.The final link in the chain affects the initial factors, the degenerative changes start with renewed force.With each turn, the condition of the cartilage deteriorates, the elasticity of the tissue decreases, and the disease progresses again.In the primary form of the pathology, it is difficult for the doctor to determine the moment that gives impetus to the activation of negative changes.
Which doctor should I see?
Joint deformity is a pathology that requires an integrated approach to treatment.Not every patient knows which doctor treats arthrosis.
If signs of illness appear, visit:
- therapist(prescribing tests, identifying underlying diseases, endocrine disorders, referral to a specialist for congenital pathologies);
- rheumatologist.He determines the cause of the joint deformation and conducts further tests on the affected area.The doctor prescribes conservative treatment, prescribes physiotherapy and home arthrosis therapy;
- arthrologistQuite a rare specialty.In large clinics, they see highly qualified doctors;they are thoroughly familiar with the problems of arthrosis and arthritis.The main field of expertise is the surgical intervention of complex cases and serious pathologies.It is difficult to find a good doctor: there are few specialists;
- orthopedic doctor.The doctor helps patients with advanced pathologies of the knee joint when conservative treatment is not enough.Orthopedic surgeon performs organ-sparing surgeries and endoprostheses.
Treatment methods at home
How to treat knee arthrosis at home?It is difficult to overcome deformations of the articular cartilage in the area of the knee;the polyetiology of the pathology constantly leads to a new round of the disease.Treatment with regular medication, massage, exercise therapy and folk remedies is necessary.The patient must follow a diet and be disciplined when prescribing procedures and special exercises.
Many patients ask: "Why is the treatment so expensive?"The reason for this is the use of monthly (or more) courses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, chondroprotectors, gels, inflammatory ointments.Good results can only be achieved with the regular use of effective drugs.The later the patient seeks help, the longer and more expensive the therapy, especially if complex surgery is required.
The main methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint:
- medicines;
- physiotherapy procedures;
- diet;
- special exercises;
- massage;
- healthy lifestyle;
- vitamin therapy;
- folk remedies.
The doctor always encourages patients to be disciplined and do therapeutic activities at home.Many methods practically do not require material costs: only the desire to overcome arthrosis and the regularity of the procedures are important.
Drug therapy
Take the medicines prescribed by the rheumatologist:
- chondroprotectors for arthrosis of the knee joint - drugs that restore the elasticity and functionality of cartilage tissue;
- non-steroidal compounds to relieve inflammation in the affected area;
- creams, gels, ointments for arthrosis of the knee joint to improve blood circulation and relieve pain;
- compresses with an active anti-inflammatory effect.They work faster than ointments;
- vitamins, dietary supplements.Dietary supplements containing calcium and magnesium are recommended for strengthening muscles and bones.
Massage and self-massage
The doctor holds several sessions in the office and demonstrates the basic techniques for the patient to independently massage the problematic knee.Competent measures improve the condition of the damaged area.
Perform self-massage with your palm, the edge of your palm, your fingertips, or your fist.Act gently on the painful knee, maintain strong pressure on the affected area: strong blows, blows, active kneading of the tissues often worsen the condition.
Basic techniques:
- the first stage is light smoothing in a clockwise direction, the second stage is counterclockwise circular movements;
- Press one palm on the painful knee, gently tap it with the fingertips of the other hand;
- keep the initial position of the palm, tap not with the fingers, but with the edge of the palm;
- gently stroke your knees in a circle, gradually increasing the pressure (but in moderation);
- During the therapy, massage the affected area twice a day for 10-15 minutes.For preventive purposes, it is enough to perform a light massage once every 7 days.
Advice!Before the procedure, apply an anti-inflammatory ointment or gel to the painful knee.Use pharmaceutical drugs or home-made mixtures: the effectiveness of the treatment increases.
Therapeutic practice
The doctor of the exercise therapy clinic presents exercises and gymnastics for arthrosis of the knee joint, which the patient must perform at home.Regular exercise improves blood circulation in painful joints, helps heal arthrosis or reduces negative symptoms.
How to proceed:
- warm up the painful area: perform a self-massage for 5 minutes;
- sit in a comfortable chair: you should feel comfortable;
- first exercise: gently rocking the affected leg.Important: the feet do not touch the floor, the amplitude is small.Duration – 2 minutes;
- second exercise.Place your feet on the floor.Raise the heel of the painful foot, rest well on the toes, wait 6-7 seconds, slowly lower yourself to the entire foot.Rest for 20-30 seconds and repeat the “stop” exercise.The optimal frequency depends on how you feel;it is advisable to load the feet and knees for no more than three minutes;
- third exercise.Doctors call it a "slapper."Starting position - sitting on a chair.Place the sore foot on the heel, press the other firmly to the floor, tap the toe lightly, taking a short break between movements.Do several repetitions, starting from the position of the sore knee.
Many orthopedists and rheumatologists believe that the treatment method of gonarthrosis with limited joint mobility is outdated.Most modern clinics offer rehabilitation using special gymnastics.With regular exercise, the flexibility and mobility of cartilage tissues and joints is preserved.
Folk remedies and recipes
Proven home remedies:
- herbal infusions.Use nettle, chamomile, horsetail, birch leaves and buds;
- rubbing with sunflower oil, dandelion tincture (yellow flower heads);
- compressed with a decoction of chamomile, celandine, fresh cabbage pulp (or whole leaves);
- fresh celery juice for internal use.Drink 1 tbsp.l.40 minutes before the meeting, write three times a day;
- of steamed birch leaves, burdock poultice;
- honey massage.After the procedure, apply burdock leaves to the painful knee.
Recommended diet
In order to effectively treat arthrosis at home, it is important to follow certain nutritional rules.A nutritionist will tell you which foods and products keep your musculoskeletal system healthy.
Include in the menu more often:
- low-fat cottage cheese;
- sprouted wheat (with sprouts up to 3 mm);
- fermented milk products;
- almond;
- jellied meat with bone broth;
- fresh and cooked vegetables are the basis of the diet;
- jelly dishes with gelatin for elasticity of cartilage;
- bran bread;
- lean fish;
- durum wheat pasta.
Minimum allowed quantity:
- Muffin;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- confectionery products.
banned:
- any alcohol;
- fatty meat;
- citrus fruits;
- ready semi-finished meat products, preserves.
Preventive measures
Take care of your joints, while such an unpleasant disease as gonarthrosis does not bother you.If you notice symptoms of pathology, consult your doctor at an early stage, before the mobility and flexibility of the joint tissue is completely lost.Premature treatment leads to disability in advanced cases.
Prevention of joint diseases:
- distributes the load on the legs during active sports;
- create a diet that includes foods and foods containing calcium, magnesium, gelatin;
- if the work involves lifting or moving heavy objects, observe the safety rules and do not transport a load that exceeds a certain limit;
- Regularly perform self-massage to prevent arthrosis, especially in case of constant stress on the legs;
- eat right, limit "harmful" foods;
- weight control (excess weight means additional load on the joints);
- Get regular checkups and treat acute and chronic illnesses.
Paying attention to the health of the musculoskeletal system ensures activity at all ages.If you notice gonarthrosis, consult a doctor.Home treatment of arthrosis is an essential element of successful therapy.