Deformative arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to excessive loads on the joint, injuries, meniscus damage, ligament rupture).The disease is more common in women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: systemic dull pain is observed in the area of the affected joint, which appears mainly after training, deformation does not occur yet;
- The second stage: the symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia appears, bone growth appears, a creaking in the knee can be observed when moving and turning the leg;
- Third stage: severe joint deformation appears, walking is disturbed, pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a drop or excessive strain on the joint, without turning to specialists for help.But if treatment for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started in time, the pathology can lead to disruption of the biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral hernia, severe limitations in mobility and even disability.
Traditional treatment of knee arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint requires complex measures.In the acute phase, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.They help reduce the inflammatory response and reduce pain.Gonarthrosis appears with severe pain, and in the last 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 the therapy, drugs for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint are injected directly into the joint cavity.Chondroprotectors help restore cartilage tissue and improve cartilage nutrition.They should be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when cartilage tissue has just begun to break down.At the peak of the disease, these tools are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect.They help stop the pathological process and prolong the youth of joint structures.But the high cost does not allow the introduction of this treatment method 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 fight pathological signs and restore motor activity.After the acute process subsides, the use of physiotherapy is allowed: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb and taking supportive vitamin preparations help prevent the development of relapse in the future.
To slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joints, patients should avoid excessive stress, lifting heavy objects, jumping from heights and staying in the same position for a long time (standing or sitting).If you are obese, it is advisable to get rid of extra pounds, as they create additional stress on the knees and can contribute to the progression of gonarthrosis.To relieve joint tension during treatment, your doctor may recommend using a cane.
Joint replacement for gonarthrosis
If drug therapy is ineffective, it is necessary to turn to more radical methods - replacing the affected joint with an endoprosthesis.Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint helps patients regain the joy of life without pain and limitations in motor activity.
Such operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long rehabilitation period.But every year they produce better and more modern prostheses that quickly take root and do not cause negative reactions.And implantation methods are becoming less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should be performed only in clinics with modern technical equipment.Endoprosthetics can be total, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only the destroyed articular structures are replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are carried out to help the person get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk without assistance.At this stage, special developmental exercises and professional help from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing exercises for body shaping, give priority to activities that are not associated with static loads.Do swimming, gymnastics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads while playing sports, jogging, rollerblading and skating.Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their sporting career.
- Eat well, make sure your diet contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins.If you already have prerequisites for the appearance of joint diseases, then carry out a course of treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia.If you are planning long walks, skiing and other activities that involve contact of the knees with the frozen ground, then insulate 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 determine the first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in cartilage tissue.Do not overload the injured leg, but temporarily use a cane to move.
Traditional medicine for deformity of knee joint arthrosis
Traditional medicine recommends eating a decoction of beef bones or jellied meat for gonarthrosis.It is believed that the gelatinous substance of the jelly meat helps restore damaged joint tissue.The bones should be boiled (no water should be added to the pan) until the meat is easily separated from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain.Compresses and applications were made from it, which helped fight pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, herbal infusions or alcohol to the honey.
But remember that alternative treatment for 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 give up traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easily treatable in the initial stage of development.If the disease is neglected, it can be difficult for patients to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgical intervention.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends the use of:
- Clay compresses: make a creamy mass from blue or red clay, put it on gauze and wrap it around the joint and wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep it for 2-3 hours);
- Dandelion tincture: pour vodka over the unflowered heads so that the juice covers them, put it in a cool place for 2 weeks, and then wipe the sore knees with the resulting product at night;
- infusion of lemon, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small root of celery, put in a meat grinder, put in a jar (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 the popular treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Tourist therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health.Relaxing by the sea, staying in specialized sanatoriums where you can caress your knees with therapeutic mud baths, unique natural springs and water treatments - all this contributes to a quick recovery.