Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: symptoms and treatment, exercises, medications

Knee joint osteoarthritis (also called gonarthrosis) is an injury to the knee joint. As a result of the destruction of the articular cartilage, the knee is deformed and the knee movements are limited.The article will help you know the symptoms and start the necessary treatment in a timely manner.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint

Experts divide gonarthrosis into primary and secondary forms:

1. The cause of the primary form is a congenital joint defect and the development period of the disease occurs in childhood and adolescence.
2. The secondary form can develop at any age.

Experts call the main causes of the disease:

• poor posture;
• being overweight;
• various types of knee joint injuries;
• disorders of metabolism and mineral metabolism;
• the presence of endocrine diseases;
• increased load on the knee joints;
• impaired calcium metabolism due to the use of hormone-containing drugs;
• operations to remove the meniscus;
• presence of arthritis;
• weak ligamentous apparatus;
• menopause and menopause in women.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joints can be bilateral or unilateral.

Stages of osteoarthritis and its symptoms

Depending on the symptoms and approach to the disease, experts divide the disease into 3 stages.

Initial or 1st stage of osteoarthritis

At this stage, mild pain appears with increasing load on the knee.The initial phase can last from 1 year to several years.To prevent the stage from evolving into a more serious form, a series of measures must be taken with the aim of restoring the deformed cartilage, strengthening the ligaments and restoring knee movement.

At this stage, timely treatment will allow you to completely get rid of the pathology.But most patients ignore the symptom in the form of mild pain and therefore do not consult a doctor.Arthrosis of the knee joint is treated by an orthopedist, rheumatologist or surgeon.

Middle or 2nd stage of arthrosis

At this stage, the symptoms of the disease appear more clearly and, therefore, cannot be ignored.Doctors note that it is at stage 2 that most patients seek medical help.At this stage, an accurate diagnosis can be made.Timely treatment can stop the disease from progressing to stage 3.

Severe symptoms include:

• knee pain due to hypothermia;
• presence of light crunchiness;
• swelling or swelling in the knee joints;
• severe knee pain when climbing stairs or other forms of increased stress;
• pain and tingling in the calves;
• stiffness when bending and straightening the knee.

The last or third stage of arthrosis

At this stage, the consequences of the disease are irreversible and it is impossible to prevent the development of the pathology.But the treatment will alleviate the patient's condition for a while.You should never ignore symptoms or self-medicate, as this may cause changes in gait, walking with a cane, or disability.

In addition to the above, doctors include the main symptoms of stage 3:

• endocrine system pathologies (thyroid problems, diabetes);
• hereditary and age factors.

Diagnostic methods

The specialist makes the diagnosis based on the patient's medical history and the results of laboratory and instrumental studies.

Laboratory tests include:

• general blood test.With the help of the study, it is possible to identify the causative agent of the disease and assess the degree of inflammation.
• general urine testallows identifying or excluding the autoimmune origin of the disease and evaluating whether the origin of the pathology is the kidneys and urinary tract.
• biochemical blood test, which is divided into many others, the indicators of almost all studies are outside the normal range.

Laboratory tests are carried out during the period of exacerbation of the disease, since during remission all indicators are within normal limits.

Instrumental studies include:

• radiography.It is performed in two projections - postero-anterior and lateral.Typically, to compare diseased and healthy knees, the doctor takes an X-ray of both knees.
• arthroscopy.This procedure should be understood not only as a study, but also as a mini-operation.The fact is that through a small hole in the knee, the doctor inserts a small LED conductor inside and the computer screen displays a complete image of the internal state of the knee;the resulting tissue fragments are sent to the laboratory if a cartilaginous or malignant tumor is suspected.As for operations, the shape of the menisci can be corrected endoscopically, polyps and chondrophytes can be removed.In addition to diagnosing osteoarthritis, other diseases can be carried out and examined, as the knee joint is a large organ and allows a complete overview of the state of the body.
• Ultrasound (ultrasound examination).This research method has two important advantages over X-rays: it is harmless and helps to see the soft tissues of the joint due to its wide viewing capacity.
• CT (computed tomography).The examination is an improved form of radiography, as in this procedure the doctor takes several photos and thanks to them, a three-dimensional image of the affected organ is created on a computer.This form is used less frequently than others due to the time required and the large amount of radiation.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).Unlike the previous method, it is more harmless.MRI also allows you to obtain a better image of soft tissues compared to CT.But MRI is used as rarely as CT, since its use requires high material costs and cannot be used in patients whose bodies contain metal objects (knitting needles, crowns).Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are contraindicated in people weighing more than 120 kg.
• scintigraphy.Expensive and radiation-intensive method.Therefore, it is used in cases where less expensive methods are ineffective.In this study, a substance is introduced into the patient's body that reacts to the diseased organ and is located around it.
• tomographyThe study is based on thermal radiation from the body's surface.Typically, the affected organ manifests itself in the form of lesions with a high temperature.The tomograph is a bulky instrument and the procedure is expensive, which is why this study is carried out only in large clinics.

Medications to treat and relieve symptoms

Experts note that treatment cannot begin without relieving pain and eliminating inflammation.Therefore, doctors prescribe various non-steroidal (that is, non-hormonal) medications.But you cannot take it longer than prescribed, as this group of medicines does not treat the disease, but relieves the symptoms while the disease progresses.

Ointments for osteoarthritis

Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint in the presence of symptoms such as swelling and pain is rarely possible without ointments.

Unlike other forms of drug release, this group has clear advantages:

• quickly reduces pain and inflammation;
• ease of use makes it easy to combine with other treatment methods, such as physiotherapy;
• there is no negative effect on the liver.

Many years of experience in the treatment of arthrosis and studies of positive reviews among patients have made it possible to identify a number of effective ointments with a warming vasodilating effect.They contain red pepper extract, bee and snake venoms.

Gymnastics for arthrosis

Gymnastics is one of the important methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint, which should be used during the period of remission, after the elimination of painful symptoms.

Promotes:

• improving joint cartilage nutrition and overall health:
• pain reduction;
• strengthening the muscles and ligaments of the knee joint;
• increasing joint mobility.

To see the positive effect,you need to exercise daily or every other day, increasing the load to 30 minutes per workout.

1. Heating.You need to walk on toes or heels for 3-5 minutes.
2. Pedal an imaginary bicycle 20 to 30 times (10 to 15 times with each leg).
3. Lying on your stomach, bend and straighten your knees 10 to 15 times.With each push-up, keep your leg in this position for 5 seconds.
4. Stretch your legs while lying on your back.Raise your leg and bend your knee.The heel should be parallel to the floor.
5. Lying on your right side, lift your left leg, pull it towards your stomach and stretch it back as far as possible.Turn to the other side and repeat the exercise.Repeat 5-6 times for each leg.

Exercise should be avoided if:

• abdominal or thigh hernia;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• infectious diseases;
• blood diseases;
• rehabilitation period after operations.

Rub and compress

Various rubbing and compresses are widely used in the treatment of arthrosis.Its significant advantages include the availability of ingredients and the absence of side effects.

• Garlic.Pour 1 head of vegetable with any vegetable oil (200 ml), cover and leave in a dark, cool place for 7 days.Then wash the product overnight.To eliminate a specific odor, cover the knee with a thick gauze bandage and rinse thoroughly with water in the morning.
• Egg.Mix vinegar with 1 yolk 1:1 and immediately rub a little of the product on your knee.Apply 3 per week.After rubbing, wrap the knee with something warm.
• Honey.Mix 100 grams of honey and 3 grams of mumiyo and immediately rub it on your knee.Wrap your knee.
• Cabbage.Soak a piece of wool with vegetable juice and apply it to your knee.
• Oat.Cook regular porridge with 1-2 tablespoons of flakes in water.You cannot boil the flakes for more than 7 minutes!Place the viscous product on a clean cloth and apply to the knee.

Wraps

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (symptoms and drug treatment are listed above) can, according to experts, be cured with various types of bandages.The most effective are honey and herbal medicines.

According to research, honey wraps help:

• restore intra-articular tissues and cartilage destroyed by disease;
• eliminate pain and inflammation;
• burn excess cholesterol.

It is important to note that honey is most effective when combined with cinnamon.

As for herbal wraps, the above properties have:

• bark of willow, oak, birch, aspen;
• roots of valerian, comfrey, burdock;
• hop leaves, birch, nettle;
• herbs wild rosemary and St. John's wort;
• chamomile flowers, calendula.

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint with hirudotherapy

One of the most effective methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint is hirudotherapy, that is, treatment with leeches.It can be used at the first symptoms and must be guided by the attending physician and under the supervision of specialists.Before the first procedure, you must familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

You should not treat with leeches:

• children and the elderly;
• patients suffering from decreased blood clotting, hypotension, severe exhaustion, leukemia, anemia, gastrointestinal erosion, stomach ulcers, problems with the digestive system, cancer, tuberculosis, anemia and hemophilia;
• women during pregnancy and lactation.

For the treatment to be effective, 1-2 procedures must be performed every 5-6 months.Treatment can be carried out more or less frequently - it all depends on the stage of the disease.If after 1-3 sessions the patient feels improvement and does not experience allergic reactions, treatment with leeches can be continued.

Otherwise, the patient receives a 9-month break and, if the allergy reappears or there is no improvement, the hirudotherapy sessions are interrupted.During treatment, the specialist treats the knee with an odorless product and then checks the suitability of the leeches that will be used.

To do this, the leeches are placed in a container of water.If leeches stick to the walls, they can be used.The specialist places 2 to 6 leeches on the kneecap.

When vacuumed, leeches release a series of useful enzymes into the human body that will help:

• restore and strengthen immunity;
• restoration of blood circulation and metabolic processes;
• eliminate swelling and adhesions.

Hirudotherapy cannot be used as a separate treatment method.For greater effectiveness, experts recommend combining it with physiotherapy, physical therapy and medications.

Taking turpentine and pine baths

Balneotherapy, that is, taking several baths with a therapeutic effect, is no less important in eliminating the symptoms of osteoarthritis.Experts note that there are many different types of medicinal baths, but turpentine and pine baths have demonstrated particular effectiveness.They can be taken not only in bathhouses, but also at home.

But despite their benefits, they must be abandoned:

• patients with heart disease;
• in the presence of cancer, tuberculosis, varicose veins, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension,
• whether the patient has suffered a heart attack or stroke;
• in the presence of skin diseases;
• pregnant women.

For a turpentine bath, you will need to mix 10 grams of baby soap, 0.75 ml of salicylic acid and pour the mixture with 500 ml of boiling water.While the mixture cools, fill the bathtub with hot water.When the mixture cools to 45 degrees, add turpentine and pour 15-20 ml of the mixture into the bath.

The presence of turpentine can make the bathroom temperature feel high.Therefore, you cannot increase the dose 1 time by more than 20 ml.Baths should be taken daily for 10-14 days, gradually increasing the dose of the turpentine mixture to 80 ml per procedure.After bathing, you need to rinse off the mixture with warm water and put on warm clothes or lie down under a blanket.

For pine baths, you will need pine needles or twigs.About 25-30 branches need to be broken into small pieces so that they fit into the pot.Before preparing the decoction, rinse the branches and remove dirt, add water and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.Strain the finished broth and pour it into a bathtub of hot water.

You need to take a shower for 10-15 minutes.Then you should dry yourself and wear warm clothes.It is not recommended to perform physical work and put pressure on your knees.A course of treatment with pine baths can include 7-12 procedures, which can be carried out every other day or daily.After six months, the course can be repeated.This procedure will prolong the period of remission and stop the progression of the disease.

Use of chondroprotectors

Arthrosis of the knee joint (symptoms and treatment with folk remedies are listed below) cannot be cured without chondroprotectors - a group of drugs aimed at restoring cartilaginous tissue and its nutrition.All medicines in this group are divided into 5 groups.Medicines intended for the treatment of osteoarthritis belong to group 4.

They are made based on:

• glucosamine;
• chondroitin sulfate;
• avocado and soy extracts;
• hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid;
• synthesis of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Chondroprotectors are prescribed by specialists together with painkillers.But, unlike the latter, the former must be taken throughout life, as only in this case can the development of arthrosis be slowed down and disability stopped.The effect of taking chondroprotectors is visible only after 2 to 8 days.

Medicines are available in the form of gels, ointments, tablets and injections.An injection with a solution is given to the knee.

Diet: what foods are allowed, nutritional rules and approximate diet

Excess weight negatively affects the development of arthrosis - the disease progresses faster than in patients with normal weight.Therefore, people suffering from excess weight are recommended to lose extra pounds.But at the same time, it is strictly forbidden to starve or follow mono diets or diets with food restrictions.

Authorized products include:

• Hormone-free farmed meat that can be boiled, roasted, stewed or steamed.If you do not have access to farm meat, you can buy regular meat, but you must get rid of the skin and fat, as all the harmful substances that are fed or injected to animals or birds accumulate there.It is better to limit the consumption of this meat to 1-2 times a week, and the rest of the time eat vegetable or fish dishes.
• fruits and vegetables that can be roasted or cooked to your liking.
• all types of cereals (except instant cereals).
• products with pectin: currants, fructose jelly;
• fermented dairy products;
• eggs;
• whole grain bread and pasta.

It is important to exclude from the diet:

• pastries, sweets and white bread;
• alcoholic beverages and beer;
• various types of fast food and snacks;
• sausages and other types of prepared meat products.

For osteoarthritis, it is necessary to consume 1,200 Kcal daily.You need to eat fractionally, that is, every 2-3 hours in small portions.

Folk remedies

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, symptoms and treatment can be easily accomplished with traditional medicine:

• If arthrosis is accompanied by swelling, a blue clay compress will come to the rescue.To do this, you need to dilute the clay with water until it reaches a creamy consistency and place it on a thick cloth folded 4 to 6 times and apply it to the joint.Wrap your knee in gauze or another cloth so the compress doesn't slip off.Leave it on for 2 to 3 hours and rinse with warm water.The fabric can be washed and reused.
• Experts recommend abandoning natural tea and coffee and replacing them with decoctions and infusions.For example, a decoction of blueberries.For him, 2 teaspoons.berries need to be poured into 1 liter.boiling water and leave for an hour, wrapped in a towel.You need to drink it 3-4 times a day.
• Massage ointment will help eliminate pain and inflammation at any stage of the disease.To do this, you need to mix 50 grams of petroleum jelly with 10 grams of crushed hops, sweet clover and St. John's wort. You need to infuse the product for 2 to 3 hours in a dark place.Rub with light massaging movements.You can wrap your knee.

How long does the rehabilitation period last?

It is impossible to say unequivocally how long osteoarthritis rehabilitation will last, as the time depends on several factors.For example, the patient's age and lifestyle, the degree and severity of the disease.

In general, the recovery period lasts 1 to 2 months, during which the patient, with the help of specialists:

• removes inflammatory and painful syndromes;
• learn physical exercises and adjust your diet.

In order for the period of remission to last as long as possible, the patient must exercise regularly and consult a doctor.Arthrosis of the knee joint, with the elimination of symptoms and the appropriate approach to treatment, will allow you not to deviate from your usual rhythm of life.