Deforming arthrosis (gonarthrosis) of the knee joint occurs against the background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to excessive load on the joint, injuries, meniscus damage, ligament rupture).The disease is most common in women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- The first stage: a systematic dull pain is observed in the area of the damaged joint, which appears mainly after exercise, the deformation does not yet occur;
- The second stage: symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia appears, bony formations appear, cramping in the knee may be observed when moving and turning the leg;
- Third stage: strong deformation of the joint appears, walking is disturbed, pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction due to falling or overloading the joint, without the help of specialists.But if the treatment of deformed arthrosis of the knee joint is not started on time, the pathology can cause biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral hernia, severe limitation of 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 reaction and reduce pain.Gonarthrosis causes severe pain, and in the last stage of the disease, the pain becomes unbearable, therefore, 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 enhance 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 cartilage tissue is just beginning to break down.At the height 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.But the high cost does not allow mass implementation of this treatment method, because not all patients can afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively fight pathological signs and restore motor activity.After the acute process subsides, the use of physiotherapy is allowed: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetotherapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the injured limb and taking auxiliary vitamin preparations contribute to the development of relapse in the future.
To slow down the degenerative processes in the joint, 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 they create additional stress on the knees and contribute to the progression of gonarthrosis.To relieve joint tension during treatment, your doctor may recommend the use of crutches.
Joint replacement in gonarthrosis
If medical therapy is ineffective, it is necessary to resort to more radical methods - replacing the damaged joint 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 they produce better and more modern prostheses that quickly take root and do not cause unwanted reactions.Implantation methods become less traumatic for patients.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint should be performed only in clinics with modern technical equipment.Endoprosthesis can be total, when the joint is completely replaced by an artificial prosthesis, or partial (only the destroyed joint structures are replaced).
After the operation, rehabilitation measures are taken to help the person get used to the prosthesis, adapt and learn to walk without assistance.At this stage, special development exercises and professional help of specialists are of particular importance.
Prevention of gonarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing body shape exercises, 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, running, rollerblading and skating.Arthrosis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been damaged and inflamed throughout their sports career.
- Eat well, make sure your diet contains all the necessary micronutrients and vitamins.If you already have the prerequisites for joint diseases, conduct a course of treatment with chondroprotectors several times a year.
- Avoid hypothermia.If you plan long walks, skiing and other activities that involve your knees touching the frozen ground, then clean the 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 detect the first signs of the development of the degenerative-destructive process in the cartilage tissue.Do not overload the injured leg, but temporarily use a crutch for mobility.
Traditional medicine for the treatment of deformed arthrosis of the knee joint
In case of gonarthrosis, traditional medicine recommends decoction of beef bones or jellied meat.It is believed that the gelatin-containing substance in jellied meat helps to restore damaged joint tissue.The bones should be cooked until (no water should 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 were made from it to help with pain and stiffness.You can add a little vinegar, herbal infusions 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 refuse traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easily treatable in the initial stage of development.If the disease is neglected, patients may find it difficult to restore the functions of the affected joint without surgery.
Traditional medicine for gonarthrosis recommends using:
- Clay compresses: make a creamy mass from blue or red clay, place it on gauze and wrap it around the joint, and wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours);
- Dandelion tincture: pour vodka over the flowering heads so that the liquid covers them, keep in a cool 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 celery root, put it in a meat grinder, put it 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 the folk treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Spa therapy has a positive effect on joint health.Resting near the sea, staying in specialized sanatoriums, where you can pamper your knees with therapeutic mud baths, unique natural springs and water procedures - all this contributes to quick recovery.