Deforming arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to cartilage tissue (due to excessive loads 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: systematic dull pain is observed in the area of the affected joint, appearing mainly after exercise, deformation does not yet occur;
- second stage: symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, a crunch in the knee may be observed when moving and turning the leg;
- third stage: severe deformation of the joint appears, gait is disturbed, pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or overstrain of the joint, without turning to specialists for help.But if treatment for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started on time, the pathology can lead to disruption of the biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral hernias, severe limitations in mobility and even disability.
Traditional treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint requires complex measures.In the acute stage, anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs are used.They help reduce the inflammatory response and reduce pain.Gonarthrosis occurs with severe pain, and at 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 enhance the effectiveness of 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 must be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when cartilage tissue is just beginning to break down.At the height of the disease, these remedies 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 introducing this treatment method to the masses, since not every patient can afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively combat pathological signs and restore motor activity.After the acute process has subsided, it is allowed to use physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb, and intake of supporting vitamin preparations help prevent the development of relapse in the future.
In order to slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joint, 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 resort 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 restrictions 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 adverse reactions.And the methods of implantation are becoming less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should be carried out only in clinics with modern technical equipment.Endoprosthetics can be total, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only 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 development exercises and professional assistance from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing exercises for body shaping, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads.Do swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads while playing sports, jogging, rollerblading and skating.Arthrosis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their sports career.
- Eat well, make sure that your diet contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins.If you already have prerequisites for the occurrence 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 your knees with 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 very first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in cartilage tissue.Do not overload the injured leg, but rather temporarily use a cane to move around.
Traditional medicine for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating a decoction of beef bones or jellied meat for gonarthrosis.It is believed that the gelatinous substance of jellied meat helps restore damaged joint tissue.The bones should be cooked until (water should not be added to the pan) until the meat can be 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, infusions of medicinal plants or alcohol to 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.Do not give up traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easily treatable at 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 using:
- clay compresses: make a creamy mass from blue or red clay, place on gauze and wrap around the joint, and wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour vodka over the unbloomed heads so that the liquid covers them, place in a cool place for 2 weeks, and then wipe the sore knees with the resulting product at night;
- infusion of lemons, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small celery root, put through 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 folk treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Resort therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health.Relaxing near the sea, staying in specialized sanatoriums where you can pamper your knees with therapeutic mud baths, unique natural springs and water treatments - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.