Arthrosis of the deformed knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to cartilage tissue (due to excessive pressure on the joint, injury, damage to the menisci, rupture of ligaments). The disease most often occurs in women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: there is systematic dull pain in the affected joint area, appears mainly after loading, deformity has not yet occurred;
- second stage: symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growth appears, there may be cracks in the knee when moving and twisting with the foot;
- third stage: obvious joint deformities appear, impaired gait, permanent pain
People often confuse the early stages of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or joint strain, without seeking expert help. But if the treatment of arthrosis of the deformed knee joint is not started in a timely manner, the pathology can lead to violations of the biomechanics of the remaining joints, intervertebral hernias, severe limitation of movement and even deformities.
Traditional treatment of knee arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint requires complex steps. In the acute stage, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. They help reduce the inflammatory response and relieve pain. Gonarthrosis occurs with a marked pain syndrome, and in the last stages of the disease, the pain becomes unbearable, therefore, the elimination of unpleasant sensations with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the well-being of patients and improves their quality of life.
To increase the effectiveness of therapy, drugs for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint are injected directly into the joint cavity. Chondroprotectors contribute to the recovery of cartilage tissue, improving cartilage nutrition. They must be taken in the early stages of gonarthrosis, when new cartilage tissue begins to break down. In the midst of the disease, this drug is ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect. They help stop pathological processes and prolong the rejuvenation of articular structures. But the high cost does not allow the introduction of this method of treatment to the public, because not every patient can perform such a procedure.
Modern methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively fight the pathological signs and restore physical activity. After the acute process subsides, he is allowed to use physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetotherapy). Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, rest of the affected limbs, taking supportive vitamin preparations can prevent the development of relapses in the future.
To slow down the degenerative process in the joints, patients should be wary of excessive activity, lifting weights, jumping from heights and staying in the same position for a long time (standing or sitting). If there is obesity, it is recommended to get rid of extra pounds, as they put additional pressure on the knee and can contribute to the development of gonarthrosis. To relieve tension in the joints during treatment, your doctor may recommend using a cane.
Joint replacement for gonarthrosis
With the ineffectiveness of drug therapy, one should use a more radical method - replacing the affected joint with an endoprosthesis. Surgical treatment of knee joint arthrosis helps restore the joy of life to the patient without pain and restrictions in physical activity.
Such an operation requires a qualified physician, careful preparation and a long recovery period. But every year, more and more high -quality and modern prostheses are produced, which quickly take root and do not cause side effects. And the implant implant method becomes less traumatic for the patient.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint can only be performed in a clinic with modern technical equipment. Endoprosthetics can be total, when the joint is replaced completely with an artificial prosthesis, and partially (only the destroyed articular structure can be replaced).
After surgery, remedial measures are performed that help the person get used to the prosthesis, adjust and learn to walk without assistance. At this stage, special development training and expert professional assistance are very important.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Monitor your weight. When choosing exercises for body shaping, choose activities that are not accompanied by static loads. Sign in for swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee bandages while exercising, jogging, roller skating and skating. Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints are injured and inflamed throughout their athletic careers.
- Eat well, make sure all the necessary trace elements and vitamins are present in the food. If you already have a prerequisite for the occurrence of joint disease, then several times a year carry out treatment with chondroprotectors.
- Avoid hypothermia. If you plan on walking, skiing and other activities that involve knee contact with frozen ground, then warm your joints with a special bandage or use a sports knee pad first.
- If you are injured, see a doctor immediately. Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the first signs of the development of degenerative destructive processes in cartilage tissue. Do not strain the injured leg, but use a cane temporarily for movement.
Traditional medicine for deformity of arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating a decoction of beef bones or jelly meat for gonarthrosis. It is believed that aspic substances such as jelly help restore damaged joint tissue. The bones must be cooked until then (you cannot add water to the pan), so that the meat is easily separated from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain. Compresses and applications are made from it, which help fight pain and stiffness. A little vinegar, herbal injections or alcohol can be added to the honey.
But remember that alternative treatments for knee joint arthrosis should still be done under expert supervision. It is better to combine it with drug therapy. Don’t give up on traditional medical treatments in favor of traditional medicine. Gonarthrosis is easily treated in the early stages of development. If the disease is initiated, then it is difficult for the patient to restore the function of the affected joint without surgery.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- clay compress: from blue or red clay, make a creamy mass, place a thin cloth and wrap on the joints, and wrap with a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour the unblown head with vodka until the liquid covers it, place in a cool place for 2 weeks, and then wipe the sore knee with the resulting remedy overnight;
- infusion of lemon, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a little 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 in 30minutes before eating).
In order for alternative treatments of knee joint arthrosis to be effective, the procedure must be performed systematically. Spa therapy has a good effect on joint health. Relax near the sea, stay in a specialized sanatorium, where you can pamper your knees with healing mud baths, unique natural springs and water procedures - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.