Osteoarthritis of the knee joint often occurs in patients suffering from pathological changes in the tissues of the musculoskeletal system.Gonarthrosis is based on a deformation of the articular cartilage.Degenerative-dystrophic knee disease, which constantly experiences increased stress, is most often diagnosed in patients aged 40-50 years.Sometimes deforming osteoarthritis manifests itself in adolescence and early adulthood.
Limited mobility of the knee joint disrupts its functioning and causes serious discomfort for the patient.Therapy is long, expensive and not always successful.It is important to know how to prevent knee osteoarthritis, how to treat it at home and what methods will help you regain the joy of moving.
Reasons for the development of the disease
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is considered a polyetiological disease.Often, the pathology is caused by a combination of several factors that do not always have a clear etiology.
There are two types of knee osteoarthritis:
- primary;
- secondary.
The classification is carried out according to the causal principle.In some patients, the articular cartilage is affected by several negative factors;it is not always possible to determine what was the impetus for the development of pathology.
The treatment of knee osteoarthritis of unknown etiology is more complex and longer;the knee joint problem causes a lot of problems and deteriorates the quality of life.For this reason, doctors recommend that patients prevent the disease and follow preventive measures.
Main causes of the disease:
- primary form.Obvious dependence on risk factors.For most patients, knee problems result from constant, high loads on this area.Knee osteoarthritis affects auxiliary workers, loaders and athletes;
- secondary.Damage to articular cartilage occurs against the background of systemic pathologies.Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the knee develop against the background of hemochromatosis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and congenital curvature of the lower extremities.Another reason is heredity: the disease manifests itself in each generation.
Attention !In some cases, doctors cannot accurately determine the cause of the development of knee osteoarthritis;the form of pathology is called idiopathic.
Characteristic symptoms
Main signs of the disease:
- knee pain when moving;
- in the morning it is difficult to bend and straighten the knee joint;
- at a severe stage, deep deformities develop, joint blockages, subluxations and dislocations appear;
- With certain movements, a characteristic clicking sound is heard in the knee.
The danger of pathology lies in the incompletely studied mechanism of the development of gonarthrosis.The final link affects the initial factors, degenerative changes are launched with renewed vigor.With each turn, the condition of the cartilage deteriorates, the elasticity of the tissues decreases and the disease progresses again.In the primary form of pathology, it is difficult for a doctor to determine the moment that provides the impetus for the activation of negative changes.
Which doctor should I contact?
Joint deformity is a pathology that requires an integrated approach to treatment.Not all patients know which doctor treats osteoarthritis.
If signs of illness appear, visit:
- therapist(prescribe tests, identify underlying diseases, refer to a specialist in endocrine disorders, congenital pathologies);
- rheumatologist.He will determine the cause of the joint deformity and carry out additional studies of the affected area.The doctor will prescribe conservative treatment, prescribe physiotherapy as well as treatment of osteoarthritis at home;
- arthrologistA fairly rare specialty.Highly qualified doctors are consulted in large clinics;they are fully aware of osteoarthritis and arthritis problems.The main specialization concerns complex cases, surgical intervention for severe pathologies.It is difficult to find a good doctor: there are few specialists;
- orthopedist.The doctor will help patients with advanced pathologies of the knee joint, when conservative treatment is not enough.An orthopedic surgeon performs organ-saving surgeries and stents.
Treatment methods at home
How to treat knee osteoarthritis at home?It is difficult to combat deformities of the articular cartilage in the knee;the polyetiology of pathology constantly leads to a new cycle of the disease.Treatment with regular use of medications, massage, exercise therapy and folk remedies is necessary.The patient must follow a diet and be disciplined when prescribing special procedures and exercises.
Many patients ask: "Why is the treatment so expensive?"The reason for this is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, chondroprotectors, gels, ointments against inflammation in monthly (or more) courses.Only with regular use of effective medications are good results visible.The later the patient seeks help, the longer and more expensive the therapy, especially if a complex operation is necessary.
The main methods of treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint:
- drugs;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- diet;
- special exercises;
- massage;
- healthy lifestyle;
- vitamin therapy;
- folk remedies.
The doctor always encourages patients to be disciplined and carry out certain therapeutic activities at home.Many methods require practically no material costs: only the desire to overcome osteoarthritis and the regularity of the procedures count.
Drug therapy
Take the medications prescribed by your rheumatologist:
- chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis of the knee joint - drugs that restore the elasticity and functionality of cartilage tissue;
- non-steroidal compounds to relieve inflammation in the affected area;
- creams, gels, ointments for osteoarthritis of the knee joint to improve blood circulation and relieve pain;
- compresses with an active anti-inflammatory effect.They act faster than ointments;
- vitamins, food supplements.Dietary supplements containing calcium and magnesium are recommended to strengthen muscles and bones.
Massage and self-massage
The doctor will perform several sessions in the office and demonstrate basic techniques so that the patient can massage the problem knee themselves.Competent actions improve the condition of the damaged area.
Perform self-massage with your palm, the edge of your palm, your fingertips, or your fist.Act gently on the sore knee, maintain strong pressure on the affected area: strong tapping, blowing, active kneading of the tissues often aggravate the condition.
Basic techniques:
- the first stage consists of light clockwise movements, the second stage consists of counterclockwise circular movements;
- Press one palm on the painful knee, tap it lightly with the fingertips of the other hand;
- hold the initial position of the palm by tapping not with your fingers, but with the edge of your palm;
- gently stroke the knee in a circle, gradually increase the pressure (but in moderation);
- During treatment, massage the affected area twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes.As a preventative measure, simply do a light massage once every 7 days.
Advice!Before the procedure, apply an ointment or gel with an anti-inflammatory effect to the painful knee.Use pharmaceutical drugs or homemade mixtures: the effectiveness of treatment will increase.
Therapeutic exercise
The doctor in the exercise therapy office will show you exercises and exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, which the patient should do at home.Regular exercise improves blood circulation in a painful joint, helps cure osteoarthritis or reduce negative symptoms.
How to do it:
- warm up the sore spot: perform self-massage for 5 minutes;
- sit on a comfortable chair: you should feel comfortable;
- first exercise: slight swing of the affected leg.Important: the legs do not touch the ground, the amplitude is low.Duration – 2 minutes;
- second exercise.Place your feet on the floor.Lift the heel of the painful leg higher, rest well on your toes, wait 6-7 seconds, slowly lower yourself to your entire foot.Rest for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat the “stomping” exercise.The optimal frequency depends on how you feel;it is advisable to load the foot and knee for a maximum of three minutes;
- third exercise.Doctors call this “the slapper.”Starting position – sitting on a chair.Place the sore leg on the heel, the other is firmly pressed against the floor, lightly spank the toe with a short pause between movements.Do several repetitions, starting with the sore knee condition.
Many orthopedists and rheumatologists believe that the method of treating knee osteoarthritis with limited joint mobility is outdated.Most modern clinics offer rehabilitation using special gymnastics.With regular exercise, flexibility and mobility of cartilage tissue and joints are maintained.
Folk remedies and recipes
Proven Home Remedies:
- herbal infusions.Use leaves and buds of nettle, chamomile, horsetail, birch;
- rub with sunflower oil, dandelion tincture (yellow flower heads);
- compresses with a decoction of chamomile, celandine, fresh cabbage pulp (or whole leaves);
- fresh celery juice for internal use.Drink 1 tbsp.L.40 minutes before your appointment, write three times a day;
- compress from steamed birch leaves, burdock;
- honey massage.After the procedure, apply burdock leaves to the sore knee.
Recommended diet
To effectively treat osteoarthritis at home, it is important to follow certain nutritional rules.A nutritionist will tell you which dishes and products will keep your musculoskeletal system healthy.
Include in your menu more often:
- low-fat cottage cheese;
- sprouted wheat (with sprouts up to 3 mm);
- fermented milk products;
- almond;
- bone broth jellied meat;
- fresh and boiled vegetables form the basis of the diet;
- jelly dishes with gelatin for cartilage elasticity;
- bran bread;
- lean fish;
- durum wheat pasta.
Minimum quantity allowed:
- muffins;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- confectionery products.
Forbidden :
- any alcohol;
- fatty meat;
- citrus;
- ready-made semi-finished meat products, canned food.
Prevention measures
Take care of your joints until such an unpleasant disease as gonarthrosis does not bother you.If you identify symptoms of pathology, contact your doctor at an early stage, before the mobility and elasticity of the joint tissue is completely lost.Untimely treatment in advanced cases leads to disability.
Prevent joint diseases:
- dose the load on your legs during active sports;
- create a diet that includes foods and dishes containing calcium, magnesium, and gelatin;
- if the work involves lifting or moving heavy objects, follow safety rules and do not carry loads exceeding a certain limit;
- Do regular self-massage to prevent osteoarthritis, especially if there is constant stress on your legs;
- eat well, limit “harmful” foods;
- body weight control (excess weight means additional stress on the joints);
- Have regular checkups and treat acute and chronic illnesses.
Attention to the health of the musculoskeletal system guarantees activity at any age.If knee osteoarthritis is detected, consult a doctor.Treating osteoarthritis at home is an essential part of successful therapy.