Deformative arthropathy of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) occurs against a background of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the cartilage tissue (due to excessive loads on the joint, injuries, meniscus damage, ligament rupture).The disease is more common in women.
Experts distinguish several stages of gonarthrosis:
- first stage: systemic dull pain is observed in the area of the affected joint, which occurs mainly after exercise, deformation does not yet appear.
- second stage: symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint increase, hyperemia occurs, bony growths appear, bending of the knee may be observed when moving and turning the leg.
- third stage: severe deformation of the joint occurs, gait is disturbed, pain is constant.
People often confuse the initial stage of gonoarthrosis with an inflammatory reaction to a fall or excessive stress on the joint, without turning to specialists for help.But if treatment for deforming arthropathy of the knee joint is not started in time, the pathology can lead to disruption of the biomechanics of other joints, intervertebral hernias, severe limitations in mobility and even disability.
Traditional treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
The treatment of arthropathy 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, therefore, the elimination of unpleasant sensations with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs improves the well-being of patients and increases their quality of life.
To enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, drugs for the treatment of arthropathy of the knee joint are injected directly into the cavity of the joint.Chondroprotectants help restore cartilage tissue and improve cartilage nutrition.They should be taken at the initial stage of gonoarthrosis, when the cartilage tissue is just beginning to break down.At the peak of the disease, these treatments 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 the introduction of this method of treatment to the masses, as not every patient can afford such procedures.
Modern methods of treating arthropathy of the knee joint help to quickly and effectively combat the pathological signs and restore motor activity.After the acute process subsides, the use of physiotherapy is allowed: phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis, UHF, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).Special therapeutic exercises (gymnastics), massage, relative rest of the affected limb and taking supportive vitamin preparations help to 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 and staying in the same position for a long time (standing or sitting).If you are obese, it is a good idea to get rid of extra pounds, as they put extra stress on the knees and can contribute to the development of gonoarthrosis.To relieve joint tension during treatment, your doctor may recommend using a walking stick.
Joint replacement for gonoarthrosis
If drug therapy is ineffective, it is necessary to resort to more radical methods - replacement of 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 physician, careful preparation and a long recovery period.But every year they produce better and more modern dentures that quickly take root 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 damaged joint structures are replaced).
After the operation, 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 exercises and professional help from experts are of great importance.
Prevention of gonoarthrosis
- Watch your weight.When choosing exercises for body shaping, prefer activities that are not accompanied by static loads.Do swimming, aerobics, dancing, gymnastics.
- Avoid knee injuries by using knee pads during sports, jogging, rollerblading and skating.Arthritis often occurs in athletes whose joints have been injured and inflamed throughout their athletic career.
- Eat well, make sure your diet contains all the necessary micronutrients and vitamins.If you already have conditions for the occurrence of joint diseases, then carry out 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 icy ground, then insulate your joints in advance with special bandages or use sports knee pads.
- If you are injured, contact 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 cane to get around.
Traditional medicine for degenerative arthropathy of the knee joint
Traditional medicine recommends drinking beef bone broth or meat jelly for gonoarthrosis.It is believed that the gelatinous substance of jellied meat helps to repair damaged joint tissue.The bones should be cooked until (no water should 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 to combat pain and stiffness.You can add some vinegar, decoctions of medicinal plants or alcohol to honey.
But remember that alternative treatment for arthropathy of the knee joint should still be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.It is best to combine it with drug therapy.Do not abandon traditional medical care in favor of traditional medicine.Gonarthrosis is easily treatable 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 surgery.
Traditional medicine for gonoarthrosis recommends using:
- clay compresses: make a creamy mass of blue or red clay, place it in gauze and wrap around the joint and wrap a woolen scarf on top (keep for 2-3 hours).
- dandelion tincture: pour vodka over the non-blooming heads so that the liquid covers them, place in a cool place for 2 weeks, and then wipe the sore knees with the resulting product at night.
- infusion of lemons, 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 meals).
In order for the folk treatment of knee arthrosis to be effective, the procedures must be systematic.Resort treatment has a beneficial effect on joint health.Relaxing near 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 rapid recovery.