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 between 40 and 50 years old.Sometimes deforming osteoarthritis manifests itself in adolescence and early adulthood.
Limited mobility of the knee joint impairs its function and causes serious discomfort to the patient.Therapy is long, expensive and not always successful.It is important to know how to prevent gonarthrosis, how to treat it at home and what methods will return the joy of movement.
Reasons for the development of the disease
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is considered a polyetiological disease.Often, pathology is caused by a combination of several factors that do not always have a clear etiology.
There are two types of gonarthrosis:
- primary;
- secondary.
Classification is carried out according to the causal principle.In some patients, the articular cartilage is affected by several negative factors;It is not always possible to determine what was the impetus for the development of the pathology.
The treatment of gonarthrosis of unknown etiology is more complex and prolonged;Knee joint problem causes many problems and worsens the quality of life.For this reason, doctors recommend that patients prevent the disease and follow preventive measures.
Main causes of the disease:
- primary form.Clear dependence on risk factors.For most patients, knee problems arise due to constant high load on this area.Gonarthrosis affects auxiliary workers, loaders and athletes;
- secondary.Damage to articular cartilage occurs against the background of systemic pathologies.Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the knee develop against the background of hemochromatosis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and congenital curvature of the lower extremities.Another reason is heredity: the disease manifests itself in each generation.
Take note!In some cases, doctors cannot accurately determine the cause of the development of gonarthrosis;The form of pathology is called idiopathic.
Characteristic symptoms
Main signs of the disease:
- knee pain when moving;
- in the morning it is difficult to bend and straighten the knee joint;
- in a severe stage, deep deformations develop, jams, subluxations and dislocations of the joints occur;
- With some movements, a characteristic clicking sound is heard in the knee.
The danger of pathology is the mechanism of the development of gonarthrosis that has not been fully studied.The final link affects the initial factors, degenerative changes are launched with renewed vigor.With each turn, the condition of the cartilage worsens, the elasticity of the tissue decreases, and the disease progresses again.In the primary form of pathology, it is difficult for a doctor to determine the moment that prompts the activation of negative changes.
Which doctor should I contact?
Joint deformity is a pathology that requires an integrated approach to treatment.Not all patients know which doctor treats osteoarthritis.
If signs of illness appear, visit:
- therapist(prescribe tests, identify underlying diseases, refer to a specialist in endocrine disorders, congenital pathologies);
- rheumatologist.He or she will determine the cause of the joint deformity and perform additional studies of the affected area.The doctor will prescribe conservative treatment, prescribe physiotherapy plus therapy for osteoarthritis at home;
- arthrologistA rather rare specialty.In large clinics, highly qualified doctors are served;They know in depth the problems of osteoarthritis and arthritis.The main specialization is complex cases, surgical intervention in serious pathologies.It is difficult to get to a good doctor: there are few specialists;
- orthopedist.The doctor will help patients with advanced pathologies of the knee joint, when conservative treatment is not enough.An orthopedic surgeon performs organ-saving surgeries and endoprostheses.
Treatment methods at home
How to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint at home?It is difficult to combat articular cartilage deformities in the knee area;The polyetiology of pathology constantly leads to a new round of the disease.Treatment is required with the regular use of medications, massage, physiotherapy and home remedies.The patient must follow a diet and be disciplined in prescribing special procedures and exercises.
Many patients ask: "Why is treatment so expensive?"The reason is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, chondroprotectors, gels, ointments for inflammation in monthly (or more) courses.Only with regular use of effective medications are good results noted.The later the patient seeks help, the longer and more expensive the therapy will be, especially if a complex operation is necessary.
The main methods of treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint:
- medications;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- diet;
- special exercises;
- massage;
- healthy lifestyle;
- vitamin therapy;
- home remedies.
The doctor always encourages patients to be disciplined and do some therapeutic activities at home.Many methods practically do not require material costs: the only important thing is the desire to defeat osteoarthritis and the regularity of the procedures.
Drug therapy
Take medications prescribed by your rheumatologist:
- chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis of the knee joint - drugs that restore the elasticity and functionality of the cartilage tissue;
- non-steroidal compounds to relieve inflammation of the affected area;
- creams, gels, ointments for osteoarthritis of the knee joint to improve blood circulation and relieve pain;
- Compresses with active anti-inflammatory effect.They act faster than ointments;
- vitamins, dietary supplements.Dietary supplements with calcium and magnesium are recommended to strengthen muscles and bones.
Massage and self-massage
The doctor will conduct several sessions in the office and show basic techniques so that the patient can massage the problem knee on his or her own.Competent actions improve the condition of the damaged area.
Perform self-massage with your palm, edge of your palm, fingertips, or fist.Act gently on the sore knee, maintain forceful pressure on the affected area: strong patting, hitting and active kneading of tissues often worsen the condition.
Basic techniques:
- the first stage is light clockwise movements, the second stage is counterclockwise circular movements;
- Press one palm on the sore knee, tap it lightly with the fingertips of the other hand;
- maintain the initial position of the palm, hitting not with your fingers, but with the edge of the palm;
- Gently stroke the knee in a circle, gradually increase the pressure (but in moderation);
- During therapy, massage the affected area twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes.As a preventive measure, it is enough to perform a light massage once every 7 days.
Advice!Before the procedure, apply an ointment or gel with an anti-inflammatory effect to the sore knee.Use pharmaceutical medications or homemade mixtures - it will increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
therapeutic exercise
The doctor at the physiotherapy consultation will show exercises and gymnastics for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, which the patient must do at home.Regular exercise improves blood circulation in a sore joint, helps cure osteoarthritis or reduces negative symptoms.
How to proceed:
- warm up the sore spot: perform self-massage for 5 minutes;
- sit in a comfortable chair: you should feel comfortable;
- First exercise: slight swing of the affected leg.Important: the legs do not touch the floor, the amplitude is small.Duration – 2 minutes;
- second exercise.Place your feet on the ground.Raise the heel of the sore leg higher, rest it flat on your toes, wait 6 to 7 seconds, and slowly lower yourself down to the full foot.Rest for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat the "strong floor" exercise.The optimal frequency depends on how you feel;it is advisable to load the foot and knee for up to three minutes;
- third exercise.Doctors call it "slapper."Starting position: sitting on a chair.Place the sore leg on the heel, the other is pressed firmly to the floor, lightly whip the toe with a short rest between movements.Do several repetitions, starting from the condition of the sore knee.
Many orthopedists and rheumatologists believe that the method of treating gonarthrosis with limited joint mobility is outdated.Most modern clinics offer rehabilitation using special gymnastics.With regular exercise, the flexibility and mobility of cartilage tissue and joints is maintained.
Popular remedies and recipes.
Proven home remedies:
- herbal infusions.Use nettle, chamomile, horsetail, birch leaves and buds;
- rub with sunflower oil, dandelion tincture (yellow flower heads);
- compresses 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 your appointment, write three times a day;
- compress from steamed birch leaves, burdock;
- massage with honey.After the procedure, apply burdock leaves to the sore knee.
Recommended diet
To effectively treat osteoarthritis at home, it is important to adhere to certain nutritional rules.A nutritionist will tell you which dishes and products will keep your musculoskeletal system healthy.
Include in your menu more frequently:
- low-fat cottage cheese;
- sprouted wheat (with sprouts up to 3 mm);
- fermented dairy products;
- almond;
- jellied meat with bone broth;
- fresh and boiled vegetables are the basis of the diet;
- jellied dishes with gelatin for cartilage elasticity;
- bran bread;
- lean fish;
- durum wheat pasta.
Minimum quantity allowed:
- muffins;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- confectionery products.
Forbidden:
- any alcohol;
- fatty meat;
- citrus;
- Prepared semi-finished meat products, preserves.
Preventive measures
Take care of your joints as long as you are not bothered by a disease as unpleasant as gonarthrosis.If you identify symptoms of pathology, contact your doctor at an early stage, before the mobility and elasticity of the joint tissue is completely lost.Untimely treatment in advanced cases leads to disability.
Prevent joint diseases:
- dose the load on your legs during active sports;
- create a diet that includes foods and dishes containing calcium, magnesium and gelatin;
- if the job involves lifting or moving heavy objects, follow safety rules and do not carry loads that exceed a certain limit;
- Perform self-massage regularly to prevent osteoarthritis, especially with constant tension in the legs;
- eat right, limit "harmful" foods;
- body weight control (excess weight means additional stress on the joints);
- Get regular exams and treat acute and chronic illnesses.
Attention to the health of the musculoskeletal system guarantees activity at any age.If gonarthrosis is detected, consult a doctor.Treating osteoarthritis at home is an essential element of successful therapy.