The arthrosis of the knee joint (gonartrosis, osteoarthrosis) is deformation and destruction of cartilage, which is accompanied by pain.This condition can lead to a loss of functionality and even disability.The disease more often affects women over 40 years old, especially prone to fullness.At a young age, arthrosis occurs due to injuries received during sports or hard physical work.The ailment can be one -sided or bilateral if both legs are affected.It is necessary to treat pathology comprehensively.
The reasons for the development
There are two forms of arthrosis of the knee joint, depending on the causes of the disease:
- primary;
- Secondary.
The primary form develops in childhood and is associated with the improper formation of ligaments or joints, which are even more deformed during physical activity.
The secondary form is caused by the reasons described in the table:
| Reasons | Description |
| Injuries | Fractures, dislocations, damage to meniscus.It is these factors that contribute to the development of arthrosis at a young age.In the presence of injuries, it becomes impossible to bend and bend the limb.Treatment consists in temporary fixation of the leg, which worsens the process of blood circulation.This becomes the reason for the formation of arthrosis.When a meniscus is removed, the ailments develop in 9 out of 10 cases |
| Increased loads | They must correspond to the age of a person.With excessive loads, microtrauma and stretching occur, which are not always felt, but cause significant harm to the condition of the joints.All movements during sports should be smooth.The knee joints are most amazed during running and squats |
| Overweight | This factor causes meniscus damage.In full people, the restoration of the knee joint occurs longer, since the additional load from excess weight lies precisely on the knees.The severe form of arthrosis due to obesity arises in conjunction with varicose veins |
| The weakness of the ligamentous apparatus | This condition is most often combined with the so -called mobile joints.In this case, a person has a flexible body and can sit on the twine without a warm -up, which leads to microtrauma, and then to arthrosis, if there are more damage.The mobility of the joints can also be associated with impaired leg sensitivity, so a person does not feel pain in damage |
| Joint diseases | Arthrosis often occurs in the presence of arthritis (rheumatoid, reactive or psoriatic).In this case, the accumulation of the synovial fluid in the joint cavity occurs, which leads to the destruction of the tissue and arthrosis |
| Violation of metabolic processes | If disturbances in the fabric occur, do not receive the necessary minerals and substances.Calcium deficiency negatively affects the condition of cartilage.This condition also leads to salt deposition |
| Stress | With constant nervous stress and mood swings, blood circulation deterioration occurs in the legs, swelling and inflammation occur |
The disease can occur in one -sided (right -sided or left -hand) or bilateral form:
- injury is the cause of one -sided arthrosis;
- Obesity - bilateral.
Symptoms
Symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint differ depending on the stage of the disease.The classic order of their occurrence is described in the table:
| Symptom | Description |
| Cracing and clicking joints | This symptom often remains unnoticed, although the crunch indicates the beginning of the process.To determine its presence, you should put your hand on the knee cup and slowly bend and unbend the knee.Crunch or clicks are felt quite easy |
| Pain | At the very beginning of degenerative changes, it is almost not noticeable and intensifies after static loads (weight lifting).The dynamic load, on the contrary, improves the nutrition of cartilage.Pain is associated with the exposure of the nerve endings when erasing cartilage tissue.With the progression of the disease, the pain intensifies, since the inflammatory process and edema are additionally occurred.The development of pronounced inflammation is signaling pain that appear even at rest |
| STATION OF MOVERS | This condition usually occurs after night sleep and lasts 30-60 minutes.The fibrin film is formed during the inaction of the joint and after sleep mechanically prevents its movement until it is partially erased.The stiffness of movements that lasts more than an hour indicates another disease |
| Reducing the amplitude of movements | It manifests itself in the impossibility of bending the leg in the knee to the end.The patient, striving to minimize pain, tries to move his foot less.The ligaments are adjusted to a small volume of movements over time and shorten |
| Increase in the volume of the joint | It occurs due to swelling of the soft tissues that surround the joint, and the spike-shaped growth along its edge, which, with the progression of the disease, merge into a single array |
| Joint joint in one position | In this case, the joint is blocked in a certain position and with any displacement causes pain.This occurs due to changes in the joint surface, in which the inner ligaments go beyond the natural ledges of the bones, which leads to its stretching.The joint is fixed in a certain position and can return to the initial one can only with the reverse ligament of the ligament.In rare cases, jamming occurs due to foreign bodies (for example, parts of meniscus) into the joint gap |
| Dislocation and subluxation | These conditions are found with advanced arthrosis.With a dislocation, the axis of the legs shifts to the side, and inserting the joint is quite difficult.Subluxation is associated with partial displacement of the joint surface relative to the normal position.In this case, the pain is pronounced, but the deviation of the lower leg towards the slight |
Degree and type of disease
There are 3 degrees of diseases that depend on the severity of symptoms.
First
Arthrosis of the 1st degree proceeds almost asymptomatic.In this case, they are characterized by:
- fatigue in the legs;
- a little pain after the load that passes at rest;
- slight decrease in mobility after sleep;
- rarely - the accumulation of synovial fluid, which leads to the formation of a baker's cyst;
Outwardly, joint deformation is not noticeable.In x -rays, the disease is either not visible, or small irregularities are manifested on the cartilage tissue and the surface of the bone.Additional studies are required without fail.
The second
Symptoms in this case will be more pronounced:
- The pain occurs from the minimum load, but after rest it passes;
- a crunch occurs during movement;
- It becomes impossible to bend the leg;
- The bones of the joint change;
- synovitis progresses;
- The shape of the joint changes, which is associated with the accumulation of fluid.
In the x -ray, the growth of the bone is noticeable.
The third
For arthrosis of the 3rd degree, characteristic features are:
- pain that is not related to the load (the joint bothers even at night);
- fully disturbed mobility;
- Sensitivity of the joint to change in the weather.
The radiograph shows changes in the cartilage and surface of the joint.The curvature of the legs leads to disability.
Deforming arthrosis (DOA) is caused by the deposition of bones.Most often, women with excess weight suffer from them.The main symptoms are acute pain and crunch in the joint.Treatment should be started even at the initial stage - in this case, the chance to preserve the cartilage tissue is quite high.
Depending on localization, arthrosis can be:
- knee;
- hip (coksartrosis);
- cervical;
- shoulder;
- Lotar;
- ankle;
- vertebrates.
Comprehensive treatment
The therapy of this disease is quite long.In medicine, there are 3 main stages of treatment depending on the degree of disease:
| The degree of arthrosis | Therapeutic measures |
| 1st |
|
| 2nd |
|
| 3rd |
|
Medicines
Medication is based on 3 groups of drugs:
- Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs.
- Glucocorticosteroids.
- Chondroprotectors.
NSAID
This is a group of drugs that have an anti -inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effect.They are divided into two groups:
- Non -elegant.The anti -inflammatory effect of the drug manifests itself on all tissues of the body, including healthy ones.
- Selective.Act directly on the focus of inflammation.
The most common side effect of these drugs is the formation of ulcers and erosion of the stomach and 12-peremail intestine.Additionally, it is recommended to take funds to protect the mucosa.At the same time, local NSAIDs do not provoke such negative consequences, so they can be used for a long time.
To achieve a rapid pain relief and anti -inflammatory effect, intramuscular injections with NSAIDs are prescribed.
Glucocorticosteroids
These drugs are prescribed if the effect of the NSAIDs is insufficient.
Hormonal compounds for arthrosis are used only local - in the form of ointments or intra -articular injections.Ointments with glucocorticosteroids cannot be used for more than 7-10 days in a row.A longer course leads to atrophy of the skin at the place of application.
Intra -articular injections are necessary when painkillers and anti -inflammatory effects from the NSAID and ointment with hormones are not enough.
The effect of injections in the joint occurs quite quickly: the patient feels relief in the first half hour.The duration of the injection depends on how long the drug will be in the joint cavity.This is influenced by two factors - the volume of the drug administered and its consumption.The stronger the damage to the cartilage, the more the drug is consumed.
Chondroprotectors
The mechanism of action of this group of drugs is based on the delivery of substances necessary for its restoration to the articular cartilage.During therapy with chondroprotectors:
- there is no anti -inflammatory and analgesic effect;
- The therapeutic effect occurs gradually;
- It turns out that prevention is due to the prevention of further destruction of cartilage.
These drugs include substances that form the cartilage of the joint:
- the construction substance of the cartilage, which is necessary to maintain its structure;
- The basis for the production of intraarticular fluid.
It is necessary to take drugs for a long time (3-5 months).
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy of arthrosis is a method of physical influence, which has a beneficial effect on the state of the knee joint.The main condition for achieving a positive result is the correct choice of the necessary procedures.
Physiotherapy is only an auxiliary tool.
The table describes the procedures that are used for arthrosis of the knee joint:
| Name | Effect | The duration of treatment |
| Electrophoresis using drugs | Under the influence of direct electric current, some drugs can be delivered to deep tissue of the joint.Anesthetics and chlorine medicines are most often prescribed | Half an hour every day for 2 weeks |
| Ultrafonophoresis | Using ultraviolet waves, the active substances of drugs penetrate deep into the tissue.Hormonal, anti -inflammatory and painkillers are used together | No more than 10 minutes daily for 10-14 days |
| Laser radiation | Under the influence of light radiation bundle, specific molecules are activated, contributing to the restoration of metabolic and regenerating processes in the fabric | 7-10 minutes daily for 2 weeks |
| Infrared radiation | Deep heating of the tissues occurs, as a result of which substances are formed that launch recovery reactions in the joint | 10 minutes.The course of treatment - 1 week |
| Impulsive magnetotherapy | Under the influence of a high -frequency magnetic field, changes occur in cells and tissues - membranes are strengthened, metabolic processes are normalized | Per joint - 5-8 minutes for 7 days |
| Local cryotherapy | Under the influence of low temperatures (a stream of cold air to -30 degrees) there is an increase in the functions of all basic systems, which stimulates tissue restoration | 10 minutes per joint for 10 days |
Some methods, when improper appointment, can aggravate the condition of the knee joint.
Surgical intervention
The medical method of treatment is aimed at the maximum delay in the moment when the only way of therapy is the replacement of the diseased joint with an artificial one.Most often, such a decision is made at the last stage of arthrosis.
The main methods of surgical intervention are:
- Arthroscopy.A special needle is introduced through the puncture, which removes bone growths that cause pain, as well as cartilage and fragments.
- Prosthetics.In this case, the damaged joint is removed and replaced by an artificial one.Modern prostheses are rarely rejected by the body.
Exercise therapy
A set of exercises for osteoarthritis helps to restore joint function and strengthen it.They should be performed slowly so as not to stretch the ligaments.
Description:
- Lying on the stomach, slowly lift the legs alternately until a right corner is formed.The main emphasis is on the muscles of the hips and lower leg.The stress in the back should not be allowed.
- Lying on the stomach, raise straight legs up, as much as possible.In this position, alternately reduce and breed them.This exercise is not suitable for everyone, since the trained muscles of the press are needed.It is not recommended to perform it to people with high blood pressure.
- Lying on the side, bend the leg that is located below.Raise the upper leg up and linger for a few seconds at the top point.
- Climb to the socks, holding on to the back of the chair.Linger at the top, while straining the muscles of the legs.
- Smoothly move one leg from the heel to the toe.The other foot is to perform the opposite action - from the toe to the heel.
- Rinse on the back of the chair and stand on the heels, raising socks up, gradually increasing time.
- Standing, energetically rub your legs in the direction from the knee up to the thigh.
Diet
There is no special diet for arthrosis.Power correction is aimed at reducing body weight, reducing the inflammatory process and strengthening of articular structures.
The diet should be balanced, with a high content of vitamins and minerals.
Basic principles:
- Restriction of salt consumption (up to 5-8 g per day) and any salted products (canned food, chips, salting).
- Exclusion of fried dishes.It is recommended to bake food, simmer, cook or steam.
- Increase in fluid consumption (up to 2-2.5 liters of water per day).
- Transition to fractional nutrition.
- Daily use of 2-3 fruits.
It is recommended to use the following dishes:
- fish and seafood;
- nuts;
- sunflower, olive and linseed oil;
- low -fat meat and chicken;
- fresh berries and fruits;
- vegetables - beets, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage;
- whole grain bread;
- Milk and dairy products.
Folk methods
Before using any folk remedies, it is recommended to clarify the diagnosis and consult a doctor.The most effective recipes are described in the table:
| Ingredients | Method of application |
| Nettle leaves and juniper berries in an equal amount, honey in a ratio of 1: 3 |
|
| Roots, flowers or branches of black elderberry |
|
| Bay leaf - 10 g, 250 ml of water |
|
| Dry mustard and honey (2 tbsp.), Egg |
|
| Cabbage |
|
| Chamomile, calendula, burdock in equal quantities, petroleum jelly |
|
Arthrosis of the knee joint is a serious disease that cannot be completely cured.If the first symptoms occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor and follow all his recommendations in order not to bring the ailment to the last stage.