Deforming arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs in the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage of cartilage tissue (due to excessive stress on the joint, injuries, damage to the meniscus, rupture of ligaments). The disease is most common among women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: there are systemic dull pains in the area of the affected joint, which appear mainly after exercise, deformation does not yet occur;
- second stage: symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, there may be cramping in the knee when moving and turning the leg;
- third phase: there is a pronounced deformation of the joint, gait is disturbed, the pain is permanent.
People often confuse the initial phase of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or overexertion of the joint, without turning to experts for help. But if the treatment of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started on time, the pathology can lead to violations of the biomechanics of the remaining joints, intervertebral hernias, severe mobility limitations, and even disability.
Traditional treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee requires complex measures. In the acute phase, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. They help reduce the inflammatory response and relieve pain. Gonarthrosis passes with a pronounced pain syndrome, and in the last stage of the disease the pain becomes unbearable, so the removal of unpleasant sensations with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the well-being of patients and improves their quality of life.
To improve the effectiveness of the therapy, drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint are injected directly into the joint cavity. Chondroprotectors contribute to the renewal of cartilage tissue, improve cartilage nutrition. They must be taken in the initial phase of gonarthrosis, when the cartilage tissue is just beginning to disintegrate. In the midst of illness, these drugs are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect. They help stop the pathological process and prolong the youth of the joint structures. But the high cost does not allow the introduction of this method of treatment in the masses, because not every patient can afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively fight against pathological signs and restore physical activity. After the relaxation of the acute process, it is allowed to use physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetotherapy). Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb, taking supportive vitamin preparations can prevent the development of relapse in the future.
In order to slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joint, patients should beware of excessive exertion, lifting weights, jumping from a height and long stay in the same position (standing or sitting). In the presence of obesity, it is desirable to get rid of extra pounds, because 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 the use of a cane.
Joint replacement for gonarthrosis
With the ineffectiveness of drug therapy, more radical methods must be resorted to - replacement of the affected joint with an endoprosthesis. Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint helps patients regain the joy of life without pain and limitations in physical activity.
Such surgeries require a highly qualified physician, careful preparation, and a long period of rehabilitation. But every year more and more high-quality and modern prostheses are produced that take root quickly and do not cause side effects. And implant placement methods are becoming less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee should be performed only in clinics with modern technical equipment. Endoprosthetics can be total, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, and partial (only destroyed joint structures can be replaced).
After surgery, rehabilitation measures are taken to help the person get used to the prosthesis, adjust, and learn to walk without assistance. At this stage, special development exercises and professional assistance of experts are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Track your weight. When choosing body shaping exercises, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads. You do swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads while exercising, running, rollerblading and skating. Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints are injured and inflamed during their sports career.
- Eat well, make sure all the necessary trace elements and vitamins are present in the diet. If you already have the preconditions for the appearance of joint disease, you should take a course of treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia. If you are planning long walks, skiing and other activities that involve knee contact with frozen ground, then warm your joints with special bandages or use sports stickers in advance.
- If you are injured, see a doctor right away. Modern diagnostic methods enable the determination of the first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in cartilage tissue. Do not overload the injured leg, but temporarily use a walking stick.
Traditional medicine for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends gonarthrosis to eat a decoction of beef bones or meat jelly. It is believed that the jelly substance aspic helps to restore the destroyed joint tissue. The bones should be cooked until then (you cannot add water to the pan), until the meat is easy to separate from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain. Coatings and applications were made from it, which helped in the fight against pain and stiffness. A little vinegar, herbal infusions or alcohol can be added to honey.
But keep in mind that alternative treatment for knee osteoarthritis should still take place under the supervision of a specialist. It is best combined with drug therapy. Do not give up traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine. Gonarthrosis is easily curable in the early stages of development. If the disease starts, then it can be difficult for patients to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgery.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends the use of:
- clay wraps: from blue or red clay make a creamy mass, put gauze and wrap the wrist, and wrap the top with a woolen scarf (hold 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour vodka over the uninflated heads so that the liquid covers them, put them in the cold for 2 weeks, and then wipe the sore knees overnight with the resulting medicine;
- infusion of lemon, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small ground celery root, put in a jar (3 liters) and pour boiling water to the neck, in the morning the infusion is ready (strain and use a glass 30 minutes before eating).
For alternative treatment of knee osteoarthritis to be effective, procedures must be systematic. Spa therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health. Relax near the sea, stay in specialized sanatoriums, where you can pamper your knees with baths with healing mud, unique natural springs and water treatments - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.