Knee osteoarthritis: causes, symptoms and complex treatment

Knee joint osteoarthritis

The osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarrosis, osteoarthrosis) is the deformation and destruction of the cartilage, which is accompanied by pain.This condition can lead to a loss of functionality and even disability.The disease often affects women over 40, especially prone to fullness.At an early age, osteoarthritis occurs due to injuries received during sports or hard physical work.The ailment can be a bilateral side if both legs are affected.It is necessary to treat the pathology thoroughly.

The reasons for development

There are two forms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, depending on the causes of the disease:

  • primary;
  • Secondary.

The main form is developed in childhood and is associated with the inadequate formation of ligaments or joints, which are further deform during physical activity.

The secondary form is caused by the reasons described in the table:

Reasons Description
Injuries Fractures, dislocations, meniscus damage.These factors that contribute to the development of osteoarthritis at an early age.In the presence of injuries, it becomes impossible to fold and bend the limb.The treatment consists of the temporal fixation of the leg, which worsens the process of blood circulation.This becomes the reason for the formation of osteoarthritis.When a meniscus is eliminated, the ailments are developed in 9 out of 10 cases
Increase in loads They must correspond to the age of a person.With excessive loads, microtrauma and stretching occur, which do not always feel, but cause significant damage to the condition of the joints.All movements during sports must be soft.The knee joints are more amazed during the race and the squats.
Overweight This factor causes meniscal damage.In complete people, the restoration of the knee joint occurs longer, since the additional load of excess weight is precisely on the knees.The serious form of osteoarthritis due to obesity arises along with varicose veins
The weakness of the ligament apparatus This condition is most frequently combined with mobile joints called SO.In this case, a person has a flexible body and can sit in the thread without a warm, which leads to microtrauma, and then to osteoarthritis, if there is more damage.Joint mobility can also be associated with deteriorated leg sensitivity, so a person does not feel pain in damage
Joint diseases Arthrosis often occurs in the presence of arthritis (rheumatoid, reactive or psoriatic).In this case, the accumulation of synovial fluid in the joint cavity occurs, which leads to the destruction of tissue and osteoarthritis
Violation of metabolic processes If fabric disturbances occur, do not receive the necessary minerals and substances.Calcium deficiency negatively affects the condition of the cartilage.This condition also leads to salt deposition
Stress With constant nervous stress and humor changes, there is a deterioration of blood circulation in the legs, swelling and inflammation occurs

The disease can occur in the form of the one side (right or left side) or bilateral:

  • The lesion is the cause of osteoarthritis on one side;
  • Obesity - bilateral.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the osteoarthritis of the knee joint differ depending on the stage of the disease.The classic order of its occurrence is described in the table:

Symptom Description
Raising and clicking together This symptom often remains unnoticed, although the crunch indicates the beginning of the process.To determine your presence, you must put your hand on the knee and fold slowly and not be the knee.Crunch or clicks feel quite easy
Pain At the beginning of degenerative changes, it almost does not notice and intensifies after static loads (weightlifting).The dynamic load, on the contrary, improves cartilage nutrition.The pain is associated with the exposure of nerve endings by erasing the cartilage tissue.With the progression of the disease, pain intensifies, since the inflammatory process and edema occur additionally.The development of pronounced inflammation is a signaling pain that appears even at rest
Motor Station This condition usually occurs after night sleep and lasts 30-60 minutes.The fibrin film is formed during the inaction of the joint and after the dream mechanically avoids its movement until it is partially erased.The rigidity of the movements that lasts more than an hour indicates another disease
Reducing the amplitude of the movements It manifests itself in the impossibility of bending the leg in the knee until the end.The patient, who strives to minimize pain, tries to move the foot less.Ligaments fit a small volume of movements over time and shorten
Increase in joint volume It occurs due to the swelling of the soft tissues that surround the joint, and the growth in the form of spike along its edge, which, with the progression of the disease, are merged into a single matrix
Joint articulation in a position In this case, the joint is blocked in a certain position and with any displacement causes pain.This occurs due to the changes in the surface of the joint, in which the internal ligaments go beyond the natural shelves of the bones, which leads to their stretching.The Board is set in a certain position and can return to the initial only with the inverse ligament of the ligament.In rare cases, interference occurs due to foreign bodies (for example, parts of the meniscus) in the joint gap
Dislocation and subluxation These conditions are encountered.With a dislocation, the axis of the legs changes to the side and inserting the joint is quite difficult.The subluxation is associated with the partial displacement of the articular surface in relation to the normal position.In this case, the pain is pronounced, but the deviation from the lower part of the leg to the light

Degree and type of disease

There are 3 degrees of diseases that depend on the severity of the symptoms.

First

First grade osteoarthritis proceeds almost asymptomatic.In this case, they are characterized by:

  • leg fatigue;
  • a little pain after the load that passes at rest;
  • slight decrease in mobility after sleep;
  • Rarely: the accumulation of synovial fluid, which leads to the formation of a baker's cyst;

Externally, joint deformation is not noticeable.In X -rays, the disease is not visible or small irregularities are manifested in cartilage tissue and bone surface.Additional studies are required without fail.

The second

The symptoms in this case will be more pronounced:

  • The pain occurs from the minimum load, but after the break it passes;
  • There is a crunch during the movement;
  • It becomes impossible to bend the leg;
  • The bones of the joint change;
  • Synovitis progresses;
  • The shape of the joint changes, which is associated with the accumulation of fluid.

In the x line, bone growth is remarkable.

The third

For the osteoarthritis of the third grade, the characteristic features are:

  • pain that is not related to the load (the joint is bother even at night);
  • totally disturbed mobility;
  • Sensitivity of the joint to change in the weather.

The radiography shows changes in the cartilage and the surface of the joint.The curvature of the legs leads to disability.

Deforming osteoarthritis (DOA) is caused by bone deposition.Most of the time, women with excess weight suffer.The main symptoms are acute and crunch pain in the joint.The treatment must be started even in the initial stage;In this case, the opportunity to preserve cartilage tissue is quite high.

Depending on the location, osteoarthritis can be:

  • knee;
  • hip (co -karstrosis);
  • cervical;
  • shoulder;
  • Lotus;
  • ankle;
  • Vertebrates

Comprehensive treatment

The therapy of this disease is quite long.In medicine, there are 3 main treatment stages depending on the degree of disease:

The degree of osteoarthritis Therapeutic measures
First
  • Daily gymnastic exercises with stretch elements;
  • Contrast shower;
  • swim 2-3 times a week;
  • decrease in body weight;
  • Physiotherapeutic procedures
Second
  • External fixation of the joint using a bandage, calibration, elastic bandage;
  • the use of local NSAIDs in case of pain;
  • The use of condoprotectors to reduce the rhythm of cartilage destruction
Third
  • The terminal reception of the NSAIDs inside;
  • intra -articular injections of hormonal anti -inflammatory drugs;
  • Additional drug use with a strong analgesic effect;
  • Surgical replacement of the joint with implants

Medications

The medication is based on 3 drug groups:

  1. Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory medications.
  2. Glucocorticosteroids.
  3. Condroprotectors.

Aoño

This is a group of drugs that have an anti -inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effect.They are divided into two groups:

  1. Not elegant.The anti -inflammatory effect of the drug is manifested in all body tissues, including healthy.
  2. Selective.Act directly on the inflammation approach.

The most common side effect of these drugs is the formation of ulcers and erosion of the stomach and intestine of 12 mail peremas.In addition, it is recommended to take funds to protect the mucosa.At the same time, local NSAIDs do not cause such negative consequences, so they can be used for a long time.

To achieve rapid relief of pain and an anti -inflammatory effect, intramuscular injections with NSAIDs are prescribed.

Glucocorticoesteroids

These medications are prescribed if the Eine effect is insufficient.

Hormonal compounds for osteoarthritis are used only locals, in the form of intra -articular ointments or injections.Ugüentos with glucocorticosteroids cannot be used for more than 7-10 days in a row.A longer course leads to skin atrophy at the place of application.

Injection injections are necessary when analgesics and the anti -inflammatory effects of the NSAIDs and the ointment with hormones are not enough.

The effect of joint injections occurs quite quickly: the patient feels relief in the first half hour.The duration of the injection depends on how long the medicine arrives in the joint cavity.This is influenced by two factors: the volume of the managed medication and its consumption.The stronger the damage to the cartilage, the more the medicine is consumed.

Condroprotectors

The mechanism of action of this drug group is based on the delivery of substances necessary for restoration to the articular cartilage.During condoprotectors therapy:

  • There is no anti -inflammatory and analgesic effect;
  • The therapeutic effect occurs gradually;
  • It turns out that prevention is due to the prevention of greater destruction of the cartilage.

These drugs include substances that form the cartilage of the joint:

  • the substance of cartilage, which is necessary to maintain its structure;
  • The basis for intra -articular fluid production.

It is necessary to take drugs for a long time (3-5 months).

Physiotherapy

Arthrosis physiotherapy is a method of physical influence, which has a beneficial effect on the state of the knee joint.The main condition to achieve a positive result is the correct choice of the necessary procedures.

Physiotherapy is just an auxiliary tool.

The table describes the procedures used for the osteoarthritis of the knee joint:

Name Effect The duration of treatment
Electrophoresis using drugs Under the influence of direct electric current, some medications can be administered to the deep tissue of the joint.Anesthetics and chlorine medications are more frequently prescribed Half an hour every day for 2 weeks
Ultra -ophoresis Using ultraviolet waves, active substances of medications penetrate deeply into the tissue.Hormonal, anti -inflammatory and analgesics are used together No more than 10 minutes a day for 10-14 days
Laser radiation Under the influence of the light radiation package, specific molecules are activated, contributing to the restoration of metabolic and regenerating processes in the tissue 7-10 minutes a day for 2 weeks
Infrared radiation There is a deep warming of the tissues, as a result of which substances that are recovery reactions in the joint are formed 10 minutes.The treatment course - 1 week
Impulsive magnetotherapy Under the influence of a high frequency magnetic field, changes in cells and tissues occur: membranes are strengthened, metabolic processes are normalized Board - 5-8 minutes for 7 days
Local cryotherapy Under the influence of low temperatures (a current of cold air to -30 degrees) there is an increase in the functions of all basic systems, which stimulates tissue restoration 10 minutes per joint for 10 days

Some methods, when the incorrect appointment can aggravate the condition of the knee joint.

Endoprothetic variants of the knee joint

Surgical intervention

The medical treatment method is aimed at the maximum delay at the time the only form of therapy is the replacement of the sick joint by an artificial.Most of the time, this decision is made in the last stage of osteoarthritis.

The main methods of surgical intervention are:

  1. ArthroscopyA special needle is introduced through the puncture, which eliminates bone growths that cause pain, as well as cartilage and fragments.
  2. Prosthesis.In this case, the damaged joint is eliminated and replaced by an artificial.Modern prostheses are rarely rejected by the body.

Exercise therapy

A set of exercises for osteoarthritis helps restore joint function and strengthen it.They must be done slowly not to stretch the ligaments.

Description:

  1. Lying on the stomach, slowly lift your legs alternately until a right corner is formed.The main emphasis is on the hips muscles and the lower leg.Stress on the back should not afford.
  2. Lying on the stomach, lift straight legs, as much as possible.In this position, reduce and raise alternately.This exercise is not suitable for all, since the press trained muscles are needed.It is not recommended to do it to people with high blood pressure.
  3. Lying on the side, bend the leg below.Raise the upper leg and delay for a few seconds at the upper point.
  4. Go to the socks, clinging to the back of the chair.Stay at the top, while the leg muscles strives.
  5. Gently move a leg of the heel to the foot.The other foot is to perform the opposite action, from the finger to the heel.
  6. Rinse on the back of the chair and shed in the heels, raising the socks, gradually increasing time.
  7. Standing, rub your legs vigorously in the direction from the knee to the thigh.

Diet

There is no special diet for osteoarthritis.The power correction aims to reduce body weight, reduce the inflammatory process and strengthening joint structures.

The diet must be balanced, with a high content of vitamins and minerals.

Basic Principles:

  1. Restriction of salt consumption (up to 5-8 g per day) and any salty product (canned foods, fries, salts).
  2. Exclusion of fried dishes.It is recommended to bake food, cook over low heat, cook or steam.
  3. Increase in fluid consumption (up to 2-2.5 liters of water per day).
  4. Transition to fractional nutrition.
  5. Daily use of 2-3 fruits.

It is recommended to use the following dishes:

  • fish and shellfish;
  • balls;
  • Sunflower, olive and flaxseed oil;
  • meat and chicken low fat;
  • fresh berries and fruits;
  • Vegetables: beets, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage;
  • integral grain bread;
  • Milk and dairy products.

Popular methods

Before using any popular remedy, it is recommended to clarify the diagnosis and consult a doctor.The most effective recipes are described in the table:

Ingredients Application method
Ortiga leaves and juniper berries in an equal amount, honey in a proportion of 1: 3
  1. Mark the Ortiga and the berries in a homogeneous dough.
  2. Combine with butter.
  3. Rub the painful joints 2-3 times a day with a mixture
Roots, flowers or branches of Saúco Negro
  1. 1 tablespoon.l.Raw materials pour 250 ml of boiling water.
  2. Insist 3 hours and tension.
  3. Drink 50-60 ml 3-4 times a day before meals
Bay Leaf - 10 g, 250 ml of water
  1. Boil the bay leaf in water for 5 minutes and insist on a decoction of 5 hours.
  2. Strain, drink in small sips during the day.
  3. The treatment lasts 3 days, then the same break is taken
Dry mustard and honey (2 tablespoons), egg
  1. Mix mustard with honey.
  2. Add the egg.
  3. Place the mixture in a gauze and adhere to a painful place for 1 hour
Cabbage
  1. Finely pike cabbage and kneads slightly.
  2. Mangle.
  3. Moisten the natural wool fabric in juice and attach to the pain joint
Chamomile, calendula, gross in equal quantities, oil gelatin
  1. Muela all herbs and mix with an oil jelly.
  2. Leave the mixture for 1-2 days.
  3. Apply the resulting ointment up to 5 times a day with severe pain

The osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a serious disease that cannot be completely cured.If the first symptoms occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor and follow all their recommendations not to bring the ailment to the last stage.