Deforming arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to excessive load 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: systemic dull pain is observed in the area of the affected joint, appearing mainly after physical exertion, deformation has not yet appeared;
- second stage: the symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia appears, bone growths appear, crunching in the knee can be observed when moving and turning the leg;
- third stage: severe deformation of the joint appears, gait is impaired, 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 the treatment of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started in 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
The 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 proceeds with severe pain, and in 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.
In order to improve the effectiveness of the 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 should be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when the cartilage tissue is just starting to break down.At the height of the disease, these remedies are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect.They help to stop the pathological process and prolong the youth of joint structures.But the high price does not allow the introduction of this method of treatment 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 fight the pathological signs and restore motor activity.After the acute process subsides, it is allowed to use physiotherapy procedures: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetotherapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb and intake of supporting vitamin preparations help to 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 load, lifting heavy objects, jumping from heights and long time in the same position (standing or sitting).If you suffer from obesity, 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 the use of a cane.
Joint replacement in 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 limitations in motor activity.
Such operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long period of rehabilitation.But every year they produce better and more modern prostheses that quickly take root and do not cause side effects.And implantation methods become less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should be performed only in clinics with modern technical equipment.Arthroplasty can be total, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only destroyed joint 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 help from specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing exercises to shape the body, prefer activities that are not accompanied by static loads.Do swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads while playing sports, running, rollerblading and skating.Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their sporting career.
- Eat well, make sure your diet contains all the necessary trace elements and vitamins.If you already have the prerequisites for the occurrence of joint diseases, conduct a course of treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia.If you plan long walks, skiing and other activities that involve contact of your knees with frozen ground, then isolate the 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 first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in the cartilage tissue.Do not overload the injured leg, but temporarily use a cane to get around.
Traditional medicine for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating beef bone broth or jellied meat for gonarthrosis.The gelatinous substance of the jellied meat is believed to help repair damaged joint tissue.The bones should be boiled until (no water should be added to the pan) until the meat comes away easily from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain.Compresses and applications were made from it, which helped in the fight against pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, infusions of medicinal plants or alcohol to the honey.
But remember that the alternative treatment of 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 medicine in favor of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easily treatable in 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 surgery.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends the use of:
- clay compresses: make a creamy mass of blue or red clay, put on gauze and wrap around the joint, and wrap a woolen scarf on top (hold for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour vodka over the unbloomed heads so that the liquid covers them, put 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 root of celery are passed through a meat grinder, placed in a jar (volume 3 liters) and poured with boiling water up to the throat, in the morning the infusion is ready (strain and drink a glass 30 minutes before meals).
In order for the folk treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Spa treatment 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 procedures - all this contributes to quick recovery.