Deforming arthrosis (gonarthrosis) of the knee joint 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: systematic dull pain can be observed in the area of the affected joint, mainly occurs after training, deformation has not yet occurred;
- second stage: symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bone growths appear, knee cracking is observed when moving and turning the leg;
- third stage: severe deformation of the joint appears, walking is disturbed, pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to the fall or overstretching of the joint without consulting specialists.But if the treatment of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is not started in time, the pathology can lead to disruption of the biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral hernias, severe mobility restrictions 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, anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal drugs are used.They help reduce the inflammatory response and reduce pain.Gonarthrosis is associated with severe pain, and in the last stages of the disease, the pain becomes unbearable, so eliminating the discomfort with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the patients' well-being and quality of life.
In order to increase 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 should be taken at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, when the cartilage tissue is just beginning to break down.At the peak of the disease, these remedies are ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a good therapeutic effect.They help stop the pathological process and prolong the youth of joint structures.However, high costs do not allow the introduction of this treatment method to the masses, since not all patients can afford such procedures.
Modern treatment methods for arthrosis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively overcome pathological symptoms and restore motor activity.After the acute process subsides, it is permissible to use physiotherapy: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnet therapy).Special physical therapy (exercise), massage, relative rest of the affected limb, and the intake of supporting vitamin preparations help to prevent the development of a later relapse.
In order to slow down the course of joint degenerative processes, patients should avoid excessive stress, lifting heavy objects, jumping from heights, and staying in the same position (standing or sitting) for a long time.If you are obese, it is advisable to get rid of extra pounds, as they put 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 in case of gonarthrosis
If drug therapy is ineffective, more radical methods must be used - the affected joint must be replaced with an endoprosthesis.Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint helps patients regain the joy of life without pain and limitation of motor activity.
Such operations require a highly qualified doctor, careful preparation and a long rehabilitation period.But every year, better and more modern prostheses are produced, which take root quickly and do not cause side effects.Implantation methods are increasingly less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should only be performed in clinics with modern technical equipment.Endoprosthesis can be total, when the joint is completely replaced with an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only the damaged joint structures are replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are carried out, with the help of which the person gets used to the prosthesis, adapts and learns to walk without assistance.In this stage, special development practices and the professional help of specialists are of great importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing body shaping exercises, give preference to activities that are not accompanied by static loads.Swimming, aerobics, dance, fitness.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads during sports, jogging, rollerblading and skating.Arthrosis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been damaged and inflamed during 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 diseases, then carry out treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia.If you plan long walks, skiing and other activities during which your knees touch the frozen ground, insulate your joints in advance with special bandages or use sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately.Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the very first signs of the development of the degenerative-destructive process in the cartilage tissue.Do not overload the injured leg, but temporarily use a stick for movement.
Traditional medicine for the treatment of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends to eat a decoction made from beef bone or jellied meat in case of gonarthrosis.The gelatinous substance in the jellied flesh is believed to help repair damaged joint tissue.The bones should be cooked (water should not be poured into the pan) until the meat comes away easily.
Our ancestors used natural honey to relieve inflammation, swelling and joint pain.They made a compress and application from it, which helped to overcome pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, infusion of herbs or alcohol to the honey.
But remember that alternative treatment for knee arthrosis should still be done under the supervision of a specialist.It is best to combine it with drug therapy.Don't give up traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easy to treat in the initial stages of development.If the disease is neglected, it is difficult for patients to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgery.
Traditional treatment of gonarthrosis recommends the following:
- clay poultice: make a creamy mass of blue or red clay, place it on gauze and wrap it around the joint, wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours);
- dandelion tincture: pour the unbloomed heads with vodka so that the liquid covers them, put them in a cool place for 2 weeks, then wipe the painful knees with the product overnight;
- infusion of lemon, celery and garlic: 2-3 lemons, 2 heads of garlic and a little celery root, put it through a meat grinder, put it in a 3-liter jar and fill it up to the neck with boiling water, the infusion is ready in the morning (strain it and drink it in a glass 30 minutes before a meal).
In order for the folk treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Recreational therapy has a beneficial effect on joint health.Resting near the sea, staying in special sanatoriums, where you can pamper your knees with therapeutic mud baths, unique natural springs and water treatments - all this contributes to a quick recovery.