When you move, do you feel the sharp pain that forms in the knee joint? Are the same signs observed if you bend or unfold your leg? Doctors diagnose a disease like arthrosis. At the same time, it is impossible to delay treatment of the disease.
Note the fact that the sooner you start taking effective action, the faster you will face the disease and the outcome of the disease will not be as dramatic. It is impossible to start the disease itself, because with it the intra-articular cartilage wears out.
Arthrosis of the knee is also known as gonarthrosis. In terms of disease incidence, it occupies a leading position. Statistics show that there are more patients with this diagnosis in clinics than people with other serious illnesses. As for treatment, it takes an impressive time. An integrated approach and drug use are important here.
The disease is characterized by calcification in soft tissues and ligaments, as well as in places where tendons are fixed. Salt deposits are limited. The process is characterized by an imbalance in the ideal blood circulation in the bone vessels, which causes changes in the cartilage tissues.
Causes of the occurrence
Pathological microtrauma that forms in the cartilage. The main causes of the onset of the disease include excessive mechanical stress on the surface of the cartilage.
In other words, arthrosis of the knee joint develops rapidly in people who are subject to frequent physical strain and excessive strain on the joints. Osteoarthritis can develop in people who tend to squat. The magnitude of the load increases rapidly if a person is overweight.
The main causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint must be identified:
- Chronic defects. Dysplasia affects the formation of chronic cartilage microtrauma. This factor leads to an imbalance in the correct load on the joints. Note that the risk of developing a terrible disease increases in people with defects in the musculoskeletal system.
- Obesity. This factor is the main reason for the development of arthrosis. It is clinically proven that overweight people are more likely to get sick. Thus, every 6 kg. weight increases the chance of developing arthrosis by 45%.
- Genetic predisposition. Interphalangeal joint arthrosis has been shown to occur much more frequently in women than in men. This indicator is explained by the autosomal dominant inheritance.
- Inflammation. The fact is that infectious and chronic arthritis cause the formation of arthrosis. The emergence of immunoglobulins indicates the role of similar factors in the development of osteoarthritis.
- Neurogenic diseases. The violations cause a decrease in the tone of the muscles located near the joint. Thus, the load on the joints only increases.
Symptoms of knee arthrosis
The main symptoms of arthrosis include acute pain that is seen in the knee joint. They appear during the effort and disappear again, as long as the patient is at rest.
In nodular arthrosis, dense pea-sized formations appear. In addition, seals in the form of cysts, viscous liquids, may appear near the nail bed.
If the knee joints are affected during the development of the disease, the pain will increase with prolonged walking or climbing stairs. The main symptom of arthrosis is compression during movement. In hip arthrosis, pathologies associated with the development of the hip joint are observed.
Signs of disease:
- knee pain that doesn't last long
- If you have an X-ray scan, osteophytes will be found.
- when analyzing the synovial fluid, it is confirmed that the composition is in fact characteristic of the disease.
- The disease is characterized by the fact that the joint space is narrow.
- joint stiffness in the morning
- soft tissue changes, osteoporosis and cartilage calcification.
Optional signs: these are subluxations or dislocations, as well as various erosions and cysts. In total, arthrosis of the knee joint is divided into three stages of development, which we will consider below.
1 degree
Recognizing the first degree is quite problematic. An interesting fact is that a person also moves normally towards him, however, sometimes the disease can manifest itself in the form of pain and stiffness.
But these signs are often attributed to a change in climate or an uncomfortable position. And even if you go through the study using an X-ray, the imperfection cannot be noticed immediately. Here you will need qualified help, as well as palpation and a thorough examination, which will help to detect an uneven surface in the area of the affected joint.
People with disabilities turn to traditional medicine as first aid. And this is a competent approach to solve the problem, because in the initial stage the disease is difficult to treat.
2nd degree
If, when you notice the first signs of the disease, you have not acted, you tend to move on to the second. In this case, the arthrosis is chronic and the cartilage starts to deteriorate quickly.
These signs are especially noticeable with increased physical effort. However, it makes no sense to give preference to traditional medicine. However, it can be used as an effective addition to conventional treatments.
Arthrosis of the knee joint and its symptoms start to manifest more and more: irrational tiredness appears and the leg joints start to "hurt" and, after some time, flexions appear. If the disease is not treated, it can cause joint deformation.
3rd degree
It also happens that, observing the obvious changes, the patient still does not act, while the mechanisms that act against him begin to work actively. Meanwhile, inaction has irreparable consequences.
It is also important to note that severe joint pain occurs. This factor does not depend on whether you are in action or at rest. There are also cases where the joints do not allow a person to move.
Treatment for knee arthrosis
Arthrosis therapy is a very long process and depends mainly on the degree to which the disease is.
Basically, the treatment of knee arthrosis is based on the following steps:
- Anesthetize the affected joint. As a rule, the doctor prescribes painkillers - painkillers.
- The inflammation must be eliminated. If there is an indication of inflammation in the affected area, as well as swelling, this defect should be eliminated immediately. In this case, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
- Restoration of cartilage tissue. This is considered the most important factor in the treatment. If it cannot be rebuilt, it is imperative to stop the degenerative course. You should not expect instant action from the drugs, but they should be taken based on individual characteristics.
If the joint is affected by the absence of symptoms, in this case the patient will receive effective ointments with a warming effect. Its main objective is to increase blood circulation in the affected area.
Includes heating ointments that have no side effects. The treatment is accompanied by a pleasant feeling of warmth.
Prevention of knee joint arthrosis
It is subdivided into secondary and primary.
The first focuses on weight control and injury prevention. The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis can be reduced by wearing appropriate footwear and regular exercise that strengthens muscles and supports joints.
Secondary prevention involves eating healthy foods, and red meat and animal foods should be replaced with lean fish and poultry. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables and, as a preventive measure - capsules containing fish oil. Drink at least 8-9 glasses of water.
Focus on minerals and vitamins that promote optimal bone function. Antioxidants are also recognized as their allies, which actively fight against free radicals that destroy cartilage. Arthrosis is a disease that does not tolerate amateurs, so you need to seek the help of an experienced doctor.