Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (osteoarthritis) is a complex disease of the degenerative-dystrophic type, during the development of which processes affecting the bone-cartilage tissues of the knee occur.
Pathological changes in joint tissues, which negatively affect the musculoskeletal potential of the lower extremities. The progression of osteoarthritis of the knee causes mobility difficulties, loss of stability and a significant decrease in motor and cushioning abilities.
What to do to maintain the mobility of your own body for many years, and what to do if the indicators of physical activity and the level of quality of life have decreased due to osteoarthritis of the knee? Let's try to understand this difficult question.
Features of the development of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee- It is a common pathology which belongs to the category of the most common diseases which have an extremely negative impact on the quality of human life.
Degenerative-dystrophic processes are most clearly manifested in the form of physical dysfunction of the legs, accompanied by severe pain syndrome. Depending on the progression of the pathological process, further predictions of the course of the disease are made.
One of the disappointing predictions is paralysis of the lower limbs. The severity of the consequences of pathological processes requires the search for qualified medical care.
What are the causes of osteoarthritis of the knee?
To identify the causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, it took a lot of research. Long-term examinations of patients and a comprehensive study of the clinical picture of the pathology allowed specialists to conclude that the influence of a number of negative factors is the cause of the destruction of joint tissues, causing painand intense inflammation.
Among the main reasons leading to degenerative-dystrophic processes, it is worth highlighting:
- sustained injuries - a bruise, dislocation or fracture of the knee automatically classifies a person in a risk group and can lead to the development of the disease. Damage to the joint involves its fixation, and long-term immobility is a direct route to the formation of osteoarthritis;
- strong physical activity - severe stress on the knees (especially in the elderly) leads to microtrauma, which also leads to the development of negative pathological processes;
- insufficiently strong ligamentous apparatus - abnormal joint mobility also negatively affects their condition, which is manifested mainly in the elderly;
- overweight - extra pounds can cause irreparable damage to the knee joints, since the probability of injury to the meniscus in this case is incredibly high. If a large weight is accompanied by varicose veins, then there is a high probability of developing severe forms of osteoarthritis of the joints of the lower extremities;
- metabolic disorders - a failure of the metabolism of nutrients and elements in the body provokes the development of various types of diseases, which are due to an insufficient supply of various tissues, in particular bone and cartilage;
- increased stress levels - worries and experiences negatively affect not only a person's mood, but also the level of physical well-being.
Typical symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Symptomatic manifestation of the disease allows you to timely monitor the onset and development of pathological processes, which gives each patient the opportunity to recover.
Before figuring out who to ask for help and how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint, it is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of the condition.
Only a competent specialist can identify the presence and confirm the diagnosis by prescribing treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. However, each patient should know the main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, among which it is customary to distinguish:
- pain - discomfort that gradually develops into painful sensations does not appear immediately. Their insignificant manifestation in the knees can bother a person for many years, but at some point it can become stronger, and it will not stop in a calm state;
- crunch - the "clicks" during flexion / extension of the joint are a warning signal, which manifests itself already in the second, third stage of the disease;
- synovitis - inflammation of the joint membrane, in which fluid accumulates, which leads to local swelling;
- deformation is a feature that manifests itself in the later stages of the disease, accompanied by pronounced inflammation and swelling.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is carried out by an orthopedist or rheumatologist. If you wish to undergo a diagnostic examination, each patient can refer to a therapist who will refer them to a specialist with a restricted profile or will themselves take a ticket for one of them.
The main diagnostic tool for specialists is, of course, the X-ray machine. Thanks to the photo taken, you can monitor not only the presence of pathology, but also the degree of its development.
It is important to note that X-rays eliminate the likelihood of the presence of other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
X-ray examination allows a specialist to:
- follow the narrowing of the joint space;
- detect a seal in joint tissue.
The combination of clinical symptoms and information obtained from the image provides high quality diagnosis and diagnosis, with the definition of further treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
The degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Modern medicine divides osteoarthritis of the knee into several degrees, depending on the nature of the development of pathological processes.
To begin with, it should be noted that, depending on the observations, the disease may be of a different nature:
- unilateral (right-handed / left-handed);
- bilateral.
In addition, the pathological process has three stages of development, each of which has its own clinical picture.
1 degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The initial stage of the development of pathology, the successful diagnosis of which is incredibly successful not only for the patient, but also for the attending physician.
The peculiarity of the degree of development of osteoarthritis at this stage is the absence of clinical signs and vivid symptoms. Identification of a condition can be made during a physical examination or in the study of another disease.
Evidence of osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the 1st degree may be:
- local discomfort in the knee during prolonged walking;
- mild pain that goes away with rest.
It is important to note that pain can be felt in one or both joints of the lower extremities.
Interestingly, left knee OA is often diagnosed in left-handed people, while right knee OA is typical in people associated with various sports.
2 degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Symptoms of the second degree of development of the pathology are accompanied by an expansion of signs, which usually include:
- pronounced pain syndrome;
- stiffness and severe discomfort in the knee joint;
- atrophy of the muscles near the knee joint, caused by tissue damage;
- increased pain;
- visually noticeable deformation of the joint;
- limitation of mobility.
The expansion of symptomatology simplifies the diagnostic process. The characteristic changes in 2nd degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint are easy to follow on palpation. During a clinical examination, a specialist easily detects an abnormal mass in the knee.
3rd degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
It is almost impossible not to notice the pathology of the third degree, since the patient is faced with constant pain. In addition, the progression of the disease reaches a critical level, which is manifested by the strongest deformation of the joint, in which the limb completely loses the ability to bend / extend.
Lack of proper treatment leads to the complete destruction of cartilage and, as a result, the development of ankylosis (fusion of joint bones).
The only solution for the final degree of disease development is expensive surgery, involving the removal of remnants of cartilage tissue or joint replacement.
How to treat osteoarthritis of the knee?
The level of modern medicine is at a sufficiently high level, which guarantees the successful treatment of diseases of various types. Osteoarthritis of the knee is no exception.
Today there are a large number of methods for treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
In the early stages of the development of pathology, mainly conservative methods of treatment are used. Conservative treatment includes:
- physiotherapy procedures;
- physiotherapy exercises (exercise therapy);
- visit various massages.
In addition, progressive methods of treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint are actively used. Among the effective modern methods of treating dangerous pathologies there are such as:
- ozone therapy - a local effect of ozone on affected joint tissue. Helps reduce pain and stop inflammation. Improves blood circulation in the problem area;
- Physiotherapy is a set of exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, aimed at increasing its mobility and increasing blood flow.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee with physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is one of the most popular treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee.
Methods of physical influence, subject to a number of conditions, have the most positive effect on the area of localization of pathologies of various types.
Physiotherapy includes procedures such as:
- electrophoresis;
- ultraphonophoresis;
- laser / infrared irradiation;
- pulsed magnetotherapy.
The effectiveness of the procedures is individual and depends on the quality of the development of the patient's main treatment plan.
Massage as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Massage is a useful addition to the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Most experts around the world are of the opinion that massage is an obligatory component in the treatment of symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, which has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes and helps speed recovery.
Knee massage can be performed both at home and within the walls of a hospital. The main thing during the massage is high-quality preliminary heating of the joint and observance of the optimal duration of the process (from 10 to 15 minutes).
Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with massage should include techniques such as stroking, rubbing and kneading.
Gymnastics and exercise therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is an effective way to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and treat the disease.
The process of treating osteoarthritis of the knee is quite a complicated and lengthy process, and physiotherapy exercises are an excellent assistant in achieving the desired result.
The type of exercise therapy and exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint are selected by a specialist on an individual basis, depending on the degree of development of the pathology and the general condition of physical fitnessof the patient.
The basic principle of gymnastics for osteoarthritis of the knee joint looks like: no increased stress on the affected joint, only rational and calm actions.
Medicines for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Medical treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee is used to relieve symptoms such as pain and swelling, as well as to activate regenerative processes.
Preparations for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint may have a different form of release (ointments / gels, tablets or injections, plaster).
Important! Any medication should be prescribed by a specialist as part of an existing treatment plan designed for the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Self-medication is unacceptable and can lead to extremely negative consequences, in particular - paralysis of the lower extremities and disability.
Pain relievers for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
They are used to eliminate the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Analgesics in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee play an important role, because their use improves the well-being of the patient and gives him the opportunity to get a good night's sleep.
Pain relief is achieved through the action of active substances.
Antispasmodicswith osteoarthritis of the knee
Assigned as active assistance. A key area of activity is the fight against spasms.
The active substances that make up the preparations help to relax the muscle structure and relieve pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint with drugs of this type allows not only to eliminate pain, but also to slow down, completely eliminate the progression of pathological processes.
Regular intake of drugs allows you to observe a constant concentration of active ingredients, which guarantees a positive effect.
Chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis of the knee
The main auxiliaries in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint with drugs are chondroprotectors.
The active action of chondroprotectors in osteoarthritis of the knee joint is aimed at restoring motor capacity, which is due to the microelements included in the composition, which are an integral part of the process of building cartilage tissue.
The peculiarity of the principle of action of drugs assumes a fairly long, but at the same time effective, process to get rid of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Diet and general nutritional recommendations for osteoarthritis of the knee
A diet for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is necessary for overweight patients. A low-calorie diet and a wealth of nutrients will ensure a decrease in body weight and accelerate the recovery of the affected joints.
Nutrition for osteoarthritis of the knee must first be balanced. The daily diet should contain meals enriched with useful vitamins and microelements necessary for the regeneration of joint tissues and for maintaining the balance of the whole body.
It is recommended to give up not only bad habits (alcohol abuse and smoking), but also such dishes as:
- store semi-finished products;
- fatty, spicy and too salty foods;
- sweetened carbonated drinks.
For the convenience and competent alignment of the diet, in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, it is recommended to keep a food diary, which disciplines and helps to facilitate the process of restructuring the usual way of life.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee
The set of preventive measures can be divided into two groups:
- primary- aim to reduce the risk of pathology;
- secondary- aim to reduce the rate of development of an existing disease.
The main ones are:
- increased attention to the joints of the lower extremities;
- playing sports to strengthen the periarticular muscles;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- to swim.
Secondary prevention includes:
- systematic treatment with chondroprotectors;
- seek qualified medical help promptly when signs of arthritis appear.
Remember that the early detection of a disease greatly increases the likelihood of a complete cure.
Do not neglect to go to the doctor if you have any symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.