Deforming arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) 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 is most common among women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: a systematic dull pain is observed in the area of the affected joint, which appears mainly after exercise, the deformation has not yet appeared;
- second stage: the symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia appears, bony growths appear, creaking in the knee can be noticed when moving and turning the leg;
- third stage: a strong deformation of the joint occurs, the gait is disturbed, the pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or overstrain of the joint, without turning to specialists for help.But if the treatment of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started on time, the pathology can lead to disturbances in the biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral hernias, 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 phase, anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs are used.They help reduce the inflammatory response and reduce pain.Gonarthrosis occurs with severe pain, and in the last stage of the disease, the pain becomes unbearable, so eliminating unpleasant sensations with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the well-being of patients and increases their quality of life.
In order to improve the effectiveness of the 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 must be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when the cartilage tissue is just beginning to disintegrate.At the peak of the disease, these drugs are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect.They help stop the pathological process and prolong the youth of joint structures.But the high price does not allow the introduction of this method of treatment 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 suppress pathological signs and restore motor activity.After the acute process subsides, physiotherapy is allowed: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetotherapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb and taking auxiliary vitamin preparations help prevent the development of recurrence in the future.
In order to slow down the course of degenerative processes in the joint, patients should avoid excessive stress, lifting heavy objects, jumping from a height, staying in the same position for a long time (standing or sitting).If you are overweight, it is advised to get rid of excess weight, as it creates additional stress on the knees and can contribute to the progression of gonarthrosis.To relieve joint tension during treatment, your doctor may recommend the use of a cane.
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 period of rehabilitation.But every year they produce better and more modern prostheses that take root quickly and do not cause unwanted reactions.And implantation methods are becoming less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should be carried out only in clinics with modern technical equipment.Endoprosthetics can be total, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only the destroyed joint structures are replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are carried out so that the person gets used to the prosthesis, adapts and learns to walk without assistance.At this stage, special development exercises and expert help 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 while doing sports, jogging, rollerblading and skating.Arthrosis often occurs in athletes whose joints were injured and inflamed during their sports career.
- Eat well, make sure that your diet contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins.If you already have the prerequisites for joint disease, carry out treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia.If you plan long walks, skiing and other activities that involve contact of the knees with the frozen ground, then insulate the joints in advance with special bandages or use sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, see a doctor immediately.Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the first signs of the development of a degenerative-destructive process in cartilage tissue.Do not overload the injured leg, but temporarily use a walking stick.
Traditional medicine for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating beef bone broth or meat jelly for gonarthrosis.The gelatinous substance in jelly is believed to help repair damaged joint tissue.The bones are cooked (water should not be added to the pan) until the meat can be easily separated from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain.Compresses and applications were made from it, which helped in the fight against pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, herbal infusion or alcohol to the honey.
But remember that alternative treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should still be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.It is best combined with drug therapy.Do not give up traditional medicine in favor of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easily treated in the initial stage of development.If the disease is neglected, it can be difficult for patients to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgical intervention.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- clay wraps: make a creamy mass from blue or red clay, put it on gauze and wrap it around the wrist, and wrap a woolen scarf on top (hold for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour vodka over unblooming heads so that the liquid covers them, put in a cold place for 2 weeks, and then wipe painful knees with the obtained product at night;
- infusion of lemon, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small root of celery, pass through a meat grinder, put in a jar (volume 3 liters) and pour boiling water up to the neck, the infusion is ready in the morning (strain and drink a glass 30 minutes before eating).
In order for folk treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Resort therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health.Relaxing by the sea, staying in specialized sanatoriums where you can pamper your knees with therapeutic mud baths, unique natural springs and water treatments - all this contributes to a quick recovery.