Deformative arthrosis (gonarthrosis) of the knee joint occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to excessive loading of the joint, injuries, damage to the meniscus, rupture of ligaments).The disease occurs mostly in women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: systematic dull pain is observed in the affected joint area, mainly after exercise, deformation has not yet occurred;
- the second stage: the symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, a crisis in the knee can be observed when moving and turning the leg;
- third stage: severe deformation of the joint appears, gait is disturbed, pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction due to falling or overexertion of the joint, without turning to specialists for help.However, if the treatment of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started on time, the pathology can lead to biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral tears, severe limitations in mobility and even disability.
Traditional treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint requires complex measures.In the acute stage, anti-inflammatory non-steroid drugs are used.They help reduce inflammation and reduce pain.Gonarthrosis occurs with severe pain, and in the last stage of the disease, the pain becomes unbearable, therefore, eliminating unpleasant sensations with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the well-being of patients and increases the 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 help restore cartilage tissue and improve cartilage nutrition.They should be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when the cartilage tissue has just begun to break down.At the peak of the disease, these remedies are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect.They help stop the pathological process and prolong the youth of joint structures.However, the high price does not allow this method of treatment to be offered to the masses, because not every patient can afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively fight pathological symptoms and restore motor activity.After the acute process subsides, it is allowed to use physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb and taking supportive vitamin preparations help to prevent relapse in the future.
To slow the progression of degenerative processes in the joint, patients should avoid excessive stress, lifting heavy objects, jumping from heights, and staying in the same position for a long time (standing or sitting).If you are obese, it is advisable to get rid of extra pounds, because they put extra stress on the knees and can contribute to the development of gonarthrosis.Your doctor may recommend using a cane to relieve joint tension during treatment.
Joint replacement for gonarthrosis
If drug therapy is ineffective, it is necessary to resort to more radical methods - to replace 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 rehabilitation period.But every year they produce better and more modern prostheses, they take root quickly and do not cause negative reactions.And implantation methods are less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should be performed only in clinics with modern technical equipment.Endoprostheses can be when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis or partially (only the destroyed articular structures are replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are carried out that will 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 for body shaping, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads.Do swimming, aerobics, dancing, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads during sports, running, rollerblading and skating.Osteoarthritis often occurs in athletes who have injured and inflamed joints throughout their sports career.
- Eat well, make sure you have all the necessary micronutrients and vitamins in your diet.If you already have the prerequisites for joint diseases, then take 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, insulate your joints in advance with special bandages or use sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately.Modern diagnostic methods allow identifying the first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in the cartilage tissue.Do not put too much weight on the injured leg, but instead use a cane temporarily for mobility.
Traditional medicine for deformation of arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating a broth made from beef bones or jellied meat for gonarthrosis.The gelatinous substance in jellied meat is believed to help repair damaged joint tissue.The bones should be cooked until the meat is easily separated from them (water should not be added to the pan).
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain.Compresses and applications have been made from it to combat pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, herbal infusions or alcohol to honey.
But remember that alternative treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint should still be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.It is best to combine it with drug treatment.Don't give up traditional health care in favor of conventional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easily treated in the initial stage of development.If the disease is neglected, it may be difficult for patients to recover the functions of the affected joint without surgery.
For gonarthrosis, traditional medicine recommends using:
- clay compresses: make a creamy mass of blue or red clay, put it on gauze and wrap it around the joint and wrap a woolen scarf on top (hold for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour vodka over unflowered heads so that the liquid covers them, leave in a cool place for 2 weeks, and then wipe sore knees with the resulting product at night;
- infusion of lemon, celery and garlic: put 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and small celery roots through a meat grinder, put them in a jar (volume 3 liters) and pour boiling water up to the neck, the infusion is ready in the morning (strain it 30 minutes before me and drink a glass).
In order for folk treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Spa therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health.Resting by the sea, staying in specialized sanatoriums where you can pamper your knees with therapeutic mud baths, unique natural springs and water procedures - all this helps to recover quickly.