Osteoarthritis of the knee joint often occurs in patients suffering from pathological changes in the tissues of the musculoskeletal system.Gonarthrosis is based on deformation of the articular cartilage.Degenerative dystrophic knee disease, which constantly experiences increased stress, is most often diagnosed in patients aged between 40 and 50 years.Sometimes deforming osteoarthritis manifests itself in adolescence and young adulthood.
The limited mobility of the knee joint hinders its functioning and causes serious discomfort to the patient.Therapy is time-consuming, expensive and not always successful.It is important to know how to prevent gonarthrosis, how to treat it at home and what methods will restore joy in movement.
Reasons for the development of the disease
Arthrosis of the knee joint is considered a polyetiological disease.Pathology is often 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, 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.
Therapy for gonarthrosis of unknown etiology is more complex and time-consuming;Problems with the knee joint cause many problems and worsen the quality of life.Therefore, doctors recommend that patients avoid 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 loads in this area.Gonarthrosis affects auxiliary workers, porters 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 gonarthrosis development;the form of the 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, congestion, subluxations and joint dislocations occur;
- With some movements, a characteristic click is heard in the knee.
The danger of pathology is the mechanism of development of gonarthrosis has not yet 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 the pathology, it is difficult for the doctor to determine the moment that triggers the activation of negative changes.
Which doctor should I contact?
Joint deformity is a pathology that requires an integrated treatment approach.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 diseases, congenital pathologies);
- rheumatologist.He 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 osteoarthritis therapy at home;
- arthrologistA very rare specialty.Highly qualified doctors are served in large clinics;they know perfectly well the problems of osteoarthritis and arthritis.The main specialization is complex cases, surgical intervention for serious pathologies.It is difficult to find 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 surgeries and endoprosthetics to save organs.
Home treatment methods
How to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint at home?It is difficult to combat deformities of the articular cartilage in the knee region;The polyetiology of the pathology constantly leads to a new cycle of the disease.Treatment with regular use of medications, massage, exercise therapy and folk remedies is necessary.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 courses (or more).Only with the regular use of effective medications are good results visible.The later the patient seeks help, the longer and more expensive the therapy will be, especially if a complex operation is required.
The main methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint:
- medicines;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- diet;
- special exercises;
- massage;
- healthy lifestyle;
- vitamin therapy;
- folk remedies.
The doctor always encourages patients to be disciplined and carry out some therapeutic activities at home.Many methods practically do not require material costs: what matters is the desire to defeat arthrosis and the regularity of the procedures.
Drug therapy
Take medications prescribed by your rheumatologist:
- chondroprotectors for arthrosis of the knee joint - medicines that restore the elasticity and functionality of cartilaginous tissue;
- non-steroidal compounds to relieve inflammation of the affected area;
- creams, gels, ointments for arthrosis 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 carry out several sessions in the office and show basic techniques for the patient to massage the problem knee on their own.Competent actions improve the condition of the damaged area.
Self-massage with the palm of your hand, the edge of your palm, your fingertips or your fist.Act gently on the painful knee, maintain strong pressure on the affected area: strong pats, blows and active kneading of tissues often worsen the condition.
Basic techniques:
- the first stage is done with light clockwise movements, the second stage is circular movements in a counterclockwise direction;
- Press one palm on the painful knee and tap 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 10–15 minutes.For preventive purposes, it is enough to do 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 medicines or homemade mixtures: the effectiveness of the treatment will increase.
Therapeutic exercise
The doctor at the physiotherapy office will show exercises and gymnastics for arthrosis of the knee joint, which the patient must do at home.Regular exercise improves blood circulation in painful joints, helps cure osteoarthritis or reduce negative symptoms.
How to proceed:
- warm up the sore spot: do self-massage for 5 minutes;
- sit in a comfortable chair: you should feel comfortable;
- first exercise: light swing of the affected leg.Important: the legs do not touch the floor, the amplitude is small.Duration – 2 minutes;
- second exercise.Put your feet on the floor.Raise the heel of the painful leg higher, rest on your toes, wait 6 to 7 seconds, then slowly lower down to the entire foot.Rest for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat the “stepping” exercise.The ideal frequency depends on how you feel;it is advisable to load the foot and knee for up to three minutes;
- third exercise.Doctors call this a “slap.”Starting position – sitting on a chair.Place the sore leg on the heel, the other pressed firmly to the floor, lightly tap the toe with a small break between movements.Do several repetitions, starting with the condition of the sore knee.
Many orthopedists and rheumatologists believe that the method of treating limited joint mobility in gonarthrosis is outdated.Most modern clinics provide rehabilitation with special gymnastics.With regular exercise, the flexibility and mobility of cartilage tissue and joints are maintained.
Folk remedies and recipes
Proven home remedies:
- herbal infusions.Use nettle, chamomile, horsetail, birch leaves and buds;
- rubbing with sunflower oil, dandelion tincture (yellow flowers);
- compresses with decoction of chamomile, celandine, fresh cabbage pulp (or whole leaves);
- fresh celery juice for internal use.Drink 1 tbsp.I.40 minutes before your appointment, write three times a day;
- compress of steamed birch leaves, burdock;
- honey massage.After the procedure, apply burdock leaves to the sore knee.
Recommended diet
To effectively treat osteoarthritis at home, it is important to follow certain nutritional rules.A nutritionist will tell you which dishes and products will keep your musculoskeletal system healthy.
Include in your menu more often:
- low-fat cottage cheese;
- germinated wheat (with sprouts up to 3 mm);
- fermented dairy products;
- almond;
- jellied meat with bone broth;
- fresh and cooked vegetables are the basis of the diet;
- gelatinous dishes with gelatin for cartilage elasticity;
- bran bread;
- lean fish;
- durum wheat pasta.
Minimum quantity allowed:
- muffins;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- confectionery products.
Banned:
- any alcohol;
- fatty meat;
- citrus;
- ready-made semi-finished meat products, canned food.
Prevention measures
Take good care of your joints while such an unpleasant disease as gonarthrosis does not bother you.If you identify symptoms of pathology, contact your doctor at an early stage, before the mobility and elasticity of the joint tissue are completely lost.Delayed treatment in advanced cases leads to disability.
Prevent joint diseases:
- dose the load on the legs during active sports;
- create a diet that includes foods and dishes containing calcium, magnesium, gelatin;
- if the work involves lifting or moving heavy objects, follow safety rules and do not transport loads that exceed a certain limit;
- Do self-massage regularly to prevent osteoarthritis, especially with constant stress on the legs;
- eat well, limit “harmful” foods;
- body weight control (excess weight means additional stress on the joints);
- Get regular checkups 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 for successful therapy.