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 articular cartilage.Degenerative-dystrophic knee disease, which constantly experiences increased stress, is most often diagnosed in patients aged 40-50 years.Sometimes deforming arthrosis manifests itself in adolescence and young adulthood.
Limited mobility of the knee joint disrupts its functioning and causes serious discomfort to the patient.Therapy is long-term, expensive and not always successful.It is important to know how to prevent gonarthrosis, how to treat it at home and which methods will restore the joy of movement.
Reasons for the development of the disease
Arthrosis of the knee joint is considered a polyetiological disease.Often, the pathology is 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 done 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.
Treatment of gonarthrosis of unknown etiology is more complex and long-term;a problem with the knee joint causes many problems and worsens the quality of life.For this reason, doctors recommend patients to prevent the disease and follow preventive measures.
The main causes of the disease:
- primary form.Clear dependence on risk factors.In most patients, problems with the knee arise due to constant, heavy loads in this area.Gonarthrosis affects auxiliary workers, loaders 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 every generation.
Keep in mind!In some cases, doctors cannot accurately determine the cause of the development of gonarthrosis;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 the severe phase, deep deformations develop, joint jamming, subluxations and dislocations occur;
- With some movements, a characteristic clicking sound can be heard in the knee.
The danger of pathology is the incompletely studied mechanism of the development of gonarthrosis.The final link affects the initial factors, degenerative changes are set in motion with new force.With each turn, the condition of the cartilage worsens, tissue elasticity decreases, and the disease progresses again.In the primary form of pathology, it is difficult for the doctor to determine the moment that provides the impetus for activating negative changes.
Which doctor should I contact?
Deformation of the joint is a pathology that requires an integrated approach to treatment.Not all patients know which doctor treats arthrosis.
If signs of illness appear, visit:
- therapist(prescribe tests, identify underlying diseases, refer specialists for endocrine disorders, congenital pathologies);
- rheumatologist.He will determine the cause of the joint deformity and conduct additional studies of the affected area.The doctor will prescribe conservative treatment, prescribe physiotherapy plus arthrosis therapy at home;
- arthrologistA rather rare specialty.In large clinics, highly qualified doctors are seen;they know well the problems of arthrosis and arthritis.The main specialization is complex cases, surgical intervention for severe pathologies.It is difficult to find a good doctor: there are few specialists;
- orthopedist.The doctor will help patients with advanced pathology of the knee joint, when conservative treatment is not enough.Orthopedic surgeon performs organ preservation operations and endoprosthetics.
Treatment methods at home
How to treat arthrosis of the knee joint at home?It is difficult to fight against the deformity of the articular cartilage in the knee area;the polyetiology of the pathology constantly leads to a new round of the disease.Treatment is required with regular use of medication, massage, exercise therapy and folk remedies.The patient must follow a diet and be disciplined when prescribing procedures and special 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 (or more) courses.Good results are visible only with regular use of effective drugs.The later the patient seeks help, the longer and more expensive the therapy, especially if complex surgery is necessary.
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 do some therapeutic activities at home.Many methods require almost no material costs: only the desire to defeat arthrosis and the regularity of procedures are important.
Drug therapy
Take the medicines prescribed by your rheumatologist:
- chondroprotectors for arthrosis of the knee joint - drugs that restore the elasticity and functionality of the cartilage 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 action.They work faster than fat;
- vitamins, dietary supplements.Dietary supplements with calcium and magnesium are recommended to strengthen muscles and bones.
Massage and self-massage
The doctor will conduct several sessions in the office and demonstrate basic techniques so that the patient can massage the problematic knee by himself.Competent procedures improve the condition of the damaged area.
Perform self-massage with the palm, edge of the palm, fingertips or fist.Gently act on the painful knee, maintain strong pressure on the affected area: strong patting, blows, active kneading of the tissue often worsen the condition.
Basic techniques:
- the first phase is a gentle movement in the clockwise direction, the second phase is circular movements in the counterclockwise direction;
- Press one palm on the painful knee, gently tap it with the fingertips of the other hand;
- keep the initial position of the palm, tapping not with the fingers, but with the edge of the palm;
- gently stroke the knee in a circle, gradually increasing the pressure (but moderately);
- During the 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 anti-inflammatory ointment or gel to the painful knee.Use pharmaceutical drugs or homemade mixtures: the effectiveness of the treatment will increase.
Therapeutic exercise
The doctor in the practice office will show you exercises and gymnastics for arthrosis of the knee joint, which the patient should do at home.Regular exercise improves blood circulation in a painful joint, helps treat arthrosis or reduce negative symptoms.
How to proceed:
- warm the painful place: perform self-massage for 5 minutes;
- sit on a comfortable chair: you should feel comfortable;
- first exercise: gently rocking the affected leg.Important: the legs do not touch the floor, the amplitude is small.Duration – 2 minutes;
- second exercise.Place your feet on the floor.Raise the heel of the painful leg higher, rest well on the toes, wait 6-7 seconds, slowly lower to the full foot.Rest for 20-30 seconds and repeat the tapping exercise.The optimal frequency depends on how you feel;it is recommended to put weight on the foot and knee for up to three minutes;
- the third exercise.Doctors call it a "slap."Starting position – sitting on a chair.Place the painful leg on the heel, press the other firmly on the floor, tap your toe lightly with a short rest between movements.Do a few repetitions, starting from the painful knee position.
Many orthopedists and rheumatologists believe that the method of treating gonarthrosis with limited joint mobility is outdated.Most modern clinics offer rehabilitation with the help of special gymnastics.Regular exercise maintains the flexibility and mobility of cartilage tissue and joints.
Folk remedies and recipes
Proven Home Remedies:
- herbal infusions.Use nettle, chamomile, horsetail, birch leaves and buds;
- rubbing with sunflower oil, dandelion tincture (yellow flower heads);
- poultices with decoction of chamomile, celandine, pulp of fresh cabbage (or whole leaves);
- fresh celery juice for internal use.Drink 1 tbsp.l.40 minutes before the appointment, write three times a day;
- poultice made of steamed birch leaves, thistle;
- honey massage.After the procedure, apply burdock leaves to the painful knee.
Recommended diet
For effective treatment of arthrosis at home, it is important to follow certain dietary rules.A nutritionist will tell you which foods and products will keep your musculoskeletal system healthy.
Include more often in your menu:
- low-fat cottage cheese;
- sprouted wheat (with sprouts up to 3 mm);
- fermented milk products;
- almond;
- bone broth meat jelly;
- fresh and cooked vegetables are the basis of the diet;
- jelly dishes with gelatin for cartilage elasticity;
- bran bread;
- lean fish;
- durum wheat pasta.
Minimum allowed quantity:
- muffins;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- confectionery products.
Prohibited:
- any alcohol;
- fatty meat;
- citrus fruits;
- ready meat semi-products, canned food.
Prevention measures
Take care of your joints until such an unpleasant disease as gonarthrosis does not bother you.If you notice symptoms of pathology, contact your doctor at an early stage, before the mobility and elasticity of the joint tissue is completely lost.Untimely treatment in advanced cases leads to disability.
Prevention of joint diseases:
- dose the load on the legs during active sports;
- create a diet that includes foods and dishes that contain calcium, magnesium, gelatin;
- if the work involves lifting or moving heavy objects, follow safety rules and do not carry loads that exceed a certain limit;
- Do regular self-massage to prevent arthrosis, especially with constant stress on the legs;
- eat right, limit "harmful" food;
- body weight control (excess weight means additional stress on the joints);
- Go for regular check-ups and treat acute and chronic diseases.
Attention to the health of the musculoskeletal system ensures activity at any age.If gonarthrosis is detected, consult a doctor.Treatment of arthrosis at home is an essential element of successful therapy.