Deformation of arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to excessive load on the joint, injury, damage to the meniscus, rupture of ligaments).This disease is most common among women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: systematic dull pain is observed in the affected joint area, appears mainly after exercise, deformation has not yet occurred;
- second stage: symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growth appears, dryness 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 early stages of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory response to a fall or overstrain of the joint, without turning to a specialist for help.But if treatment for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started on time, the pathology can lead to biomechanical disorders of other joints, intervertebral hernia, 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, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory 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 improves their 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 must be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when cartilage tissue has just begun to break down.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 the joint structure.But the high cost does not allow introducing this method of treatment to the public, because not every patient can afford such a procedure.
Modern methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively combat pathological signs and restore motor activity.After the acute process has subsided, it is allowed to use physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, the affected part of the limb, and taking supportive vitamin preparations help prevent the development of future relapses.
To slow down the degenerative process in the joints, 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 it puts extra pressure on the knee and can contribute to the development of gonarthrosis.To relieve joint tension during treatment, your doctor may recommend using crutches.
Joint replacement for gonarthrosis
If drug therapy is ineffective, it is necessary to use a more radical method - replacing the affected joint with an endoprosthesis.Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint helps patients regain the joy of life without pain and restrictions in motor activities.
Such operations require highly qualified doctors, careful preparation and a long recovery period.But every year they produce better and more modern prostheses that quickly take root and do not cause adverse reactions.And the implantation method becomes less traumatic for the patient.
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 articular structure is replaced).
After surgery, rehabilitation measures are carried out to help the person get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk without assistance.At this stage, special development training and professional help from experts is very important.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing exercises to shape the body, 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, jogging, rollerblading and skating.Arthrosis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their sports career.
- Eat well, make sure your diet contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins.If you already have the prerequisites for the occurrence of joint disease, then run 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, then insulate your joints first with a special bandage or use sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, call a doctor immediately.Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the first signs of the development of degenerative-destructive processes in cartilage tissue.Do not put weight on the injured leg, but use crutches temporarily for mobility.
Traditional medicine for the deformation of arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends eating beef bone broth or jellied meat for gonarthrosis.It is believed that the gelatinous substance of jellied meat helps restore damaged joint tissue.The bones should be cooked until (water should not be added to the pan) until the meat is easily separated from them.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain.Compresses and applications are made from it, which help fight pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, infusion of medicinal plants 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 better to combine it with drug therapy.Do not abandon traditional medical treatment for the sake of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easy to treat in the early stages of development.If the disease is neglected, it may be difficult for the patient to restore the function of the affected joint without surgical intervention.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- compress clay: make a creamy mass from blue or red clay, put it on gauze and wrap it around the joints, and wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour vodka over the unblooming head so that the liquid covers it, put it in a cool place for 2 weeks, and then wipe the sore knee with the resulting product at night;
- infusion of lemon, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a small celery root, put 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 meals).
In order for folk treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedure must be systematic.Resort therapy has a good effect on joint health.Relax near the sea, stay in a special sanatorium where you can pamper your knees with therapeutic mud baths, unique natural springs and water treatments - all this contributes to a quick recovery.