Failure of any part of the motor organs, especially the knees, leads to disturbance of movement and balance of the body. Pain during the movement of the knee joint (during flexion, extension, inward plus lateral rotation, rotation, lifting and lowering) can occur in different circumstances and under the influence of various factors. The severity of the pain syndrome, as well as its duration, vary depending on the depth of the lesion, the etiology and pathogenesis of the pathology.
Painful sensations and specific crunch most often occur after exercise, trauma or on the background of chronic somatic pathologies. After medical therapy and elimination of the root cause, which is the source of the pathology, the pain and movement restrictions disappear. Otherwise, the prognosis is not reassuring: complete or partial paralysis of the locomotor system can lead to lifelong disability.
What can harm?
The anatomical design of the knee joint has its own characteristics, which react with pain with each change. The knee joint includes the bony structure of the femur and tibia plus the patella. The limiting shape of each bone is equipped with condyles, their thickened shape and a certain relief create conditions for ideal biomechanics, stable balance of the body in a horizontal position, as well as safe movement with joint absorption of shocks. The bones are reinforced with a special split of soft tissues.
The muscles, their tendons that hold the knee joint together, are directed both on the side of the thigh and on the side of the lower leg. On the side of the thigh there is a thin muscle plus a large adductor, as well as a biceps femoris, a half-tendon and a half-membrane. The most powerful muscle of the joint knee structure is the quadriceps, in turn it is divided into 4 muscle heads: rectus, lateral broad, medial broad + intermediate broad muscle. The Sartorian, thin, adductor, biceps femoris, semitendinosus + semimembranous, as well as the triceps muscle of the leg and hamstring are also involved in the formation of the knee joint. Their combined split creates stiffness, mobility and mobility of the lower limbs.
Attention!Forced disruption of the integrity of the articulatory genus, such as rupture, shock, inflammation, destruction, or infection, leads to the development of a pain syndrome with limited motor function.
Inside the articulatory genus, ie the internal space of the joint consists of supraspinous cartilage tissue, cross ligaments, menisci, synovial bursa. The blood supply and innervation of the knee joint is carried out through very complex plexuses. The sciatic, peroneal, tibial and peroneal nerves are responsible for the sensitivity of the anterior and medial knee. The posterior part provides sensitivity to the tibial nerve with its branches.
Plexus nerves and vessels (pulp and nonpulp nerve fibers) enter the menisci along its peripheral part of the cartilage plate and inside it. Trauma to the menisci develops a syndrome of acute pain, as the menisci are quite sensitive. With the development of dystrophic processes in the articulatory genus, the pain increases and becomes permanent, and the organ itself loses its functionality plus the ability to move.
Risk factors and anxiety symptoms
Knee pain develops as a result of certain risk factors, including special conditions related to the general condition of the body, lifestyle, plus harmful environmental factors. The risk group for pathologies of the genus of articulation, accompanied by pain, consists of people with:
- genetic abnormalities;
- abnormalities in the development of cartilage and connective tissue;
- patients with pathologies of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- neurodysfunctions;
- obesity II, III - IV degree;
- diseases of the endocrine glands (thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, adrenal dysfunction);
- pathologies of the kidneys and liver (pyelonephritis, renal failure, urolithiasis, hepatitis B + C);
- allergic reactions to various agents;
- bronchial asthma;
- reactive pathologies of the immune system.
An alarming symptom of pathology of the knee joint structure is a crunching sound during biomechanical actions such as flexion, extension or rotation. This symptom indicates destruction of the joint, ie disruption of metabolic processes, wear of the overhanging cartilage plate from the distal parts of the bones, plus thickening of the joint capsules with scarce production of synovial fluid. Being overweight with excessive strain on the knee joints or constant motor operation of the lower limbs gradually destroys the cushioning structure of the motor organs, leading to destructive processes.
The causes leading to gonarthrosis or pain in the knee joints can be divided into three major groups, namely:
- Infectious and inflammatory type.
- Traumatic origin.
- Degenerative-dystrophic causes.
Gonarthrosis (inflammatory-destructive arthrosis) affects 65-70% of patients in the total number of patients suffering from joint pathologies. Rheumatoid arthritis is second only to osteoarthritis and arthritis. The mechanism of pain development begins from the moment of damage to the cartilaginous periosteal tissue, ligamentous plexus, accumulation of fluid in the intra-articular space with leakage into the area of adjacent tissues, as well as due to reduction of synovial lubrication, bone fragments, cartilage, meniscus or other postpartumbody. Acute pain occurs after compression of the nerve plexus as a result of injury or disproportionate exercise.
Inflammatory causes
Most often, inflammation of the articulatory genus (unilateral or bilateral) begins as a result of heavy physical exertion, as well as against the background of other pathologies leading to the deposition of salts in the joints or the extraction of Ca + cartilage. The latter is the trigger for the inflammatory process in the joints of the lower extremities.
Inflammatory diseases, symptoms:
| Inflammation of the ligament plexus and muscles of the knee joint (tendinitis) | The pathology manifests itself at a young age (16 - 28 years), as well as in physically active patients aged 30-45 years. Athletes often get sick. The pain is sharp, with variable exacerbations. With the recession of inflammation, it becomes painful. At rest, the leg does not hurt, the slightest movement causes sharp pain, which increases rapidly. Motor function is partially or completely limited, it all depends on the degree of inflammation. |
| Arthritis of the knee | Inflammation of the genus articuldtio occurs suddenly after trauma, intoxication. The joint increases in volume, the skin is hyperemic and swollen. The pain syndrome is severe. Motor paralysis occurs. A microbial infection may be involved in the process. After removing the cause, the pain disappears and the functionality of the knee is restored. |
| Genus Bursitis articulatio | The list of causes is identical to arthritis. The clinical picture is completely similar to inflammation of the knee joint. Method of treatment: medical + surgical (puncture of the bag, stress during heating / destruction). |
| Inflammation of certain muscle groups of the genus articuldtio or myositis | Intense sports or long transitions lead to muscle soreness. A large accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle tissue causes an inflammatory reaction in the muscles of the limbs and especially the knee joints. The volume of the motor organ increases visually. On palpation, muscle tightness is felt, the patient responds to sharp pain, trying to remove the doctor's hand. The general condition of the patient is satisfactory, in some cases the temperature rises locally above the affected tissues and is common throughout the body (up to 38-39 degrees). After drug therapy the pain disappears, the joint regains its previous shape + functionality. |
By eliminating the source of pathology through medication or surgical treatment, the functional capacity of the knee joint is restored and the acute or painful pain disappears completely. If the inflammatory process has attracted larger areas and the depth of the lesion is quite large, then motor function can be partially restored. In some cases, surgical restoration of the joint is performed.
Traumatic causes
Any injury of a mechanical nature can lead to gonarthrosis. Injuries, compressions, knee fractures, open or closed injuries, as well as rupture of the meniscus plus bursitis, rupture of ligaments, soft tissue injury are included in the list of traumatic causes. Chemical and physical exposure can also lead to knee pain. This group of causes includes burns, intoxication with toxic substances.
Causes of degenerative-dystrophic nature
There are several factors that can trigger the mechanism of degenerative-dystrophic destruction with partial or irreversible processes in the knees, namely: constant physical activity with heavy lifting, excessive sports, injuries of any etiology. And also a sedentary lifestyle with improper diet, stressful situations. Finally: aging of the human body with disruption of the normal functioning of all systems and organs.
Pathologies causing degeneration and destruction of the knee joint:
- Arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Sclerotherapy of muscles, ligaments, ligaments, bursae.
- Many osteophytes replacing cartilage.
- Meniscopathy.
- Metabolic disease.
- Dysfunction of the hormonal system.
- Intoxication of the body with heavy metals.
In the place of the erased cartilage, bare areas appear, ie bare bone, which when moving the joint creates unbearable pain in the knee. After a certain period of time, pointed osteophytes develop in this area. Gradual deformation of the joint with gonarthrosis leads to a change in the anatomical configuration of the joint structure and to partial or complete paralysis of the motor function of the knee (or knees). The symptoms of destructive gonarthrosis are sharp pain and constant crunch of the knee with swelling of the soft tissues.
Advice!Gonarthrosis of the degenerative-destructive type is not treated with folk remedies or drug regimen, invented individually, but only permanently under the strict guidance of doctors. Self-medication will lead to lifelong disability!
Diagnosis of pathology and first aid
The final diagnosis of the pathology is made in an inpatient setting. Laboratory and instrumental tests determine the causes of pain and limit the biomechanics of the knees. They approach the diagnosis individually, as each case of morbidity has its own source + mechanism of development, therefore not all patients are suitable for the same tests.
List of diagnostic measures:
- Taking general and biochemical blood tests.
- General urinalysis (if pyelonephritis and urolithiasis are suspected, other urine tests are recommended).
- Performing tests to identify rheumatoid factor.
- X-rays of the knee in three projections.
- CT plus MRI of the genus articuldtio to identify the degree of damage to bones, cartilage, ligament-muscle apparatus.
Patients with gonarthrosis of unknown etiology are advised to consult the following physicians: traumatologist, arthrologist, rheumatologist and endocrinologist. If there is a suspicion of a malignant process in the joints, the patient is referred to an oncologist.
First aid for acute knee pain is provided at home or in case of injury. Before the ambulance arrives, the joint must be immobilized, ie fixed with a splint. In addition, intramuscular injection of an analgesic drug plus one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended. A cold compress should be applied to the inflamed joint and the vessels should never be warmed or dilated. If the injury is open bleeding, apply a tourniquet above the knee to stop the bleeding.
Diseases of other organs as a cause of knee pain
Pain and impaired functional movements of the knee joints are not only the result of inflammation, osteoarthritis / arthritis or trauma, but a complication of concomitant pathologies. After a full course of medical therapy, the pain may disappear or disappear completely, it all depends on the remission of somatic diseases.
The list of diseases of organs and systems leading to pain in the knee joint structures:
- Hepatitis B, C
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Urolithiasis disease
- Bronchial asthma
- Crohn's disease
- Blood diseases
- Hits
History, laboratory and instrumental tests help determine the cause. Each pathology has its own treatment regimen. It is prescribed by a doctor after receiving test results.
Varieties of pain
The pain of the knee joint is completely different, depending on the cause, location, involvement of soft tissues and microbial infection, as well as the degree of destruction of the joint. By the nature of the painful sensations can be: sharp, stitches, pain. By localization: from the inner, outer, front, back of the knee joint, as well as from above and below the patella. By type of distribution: the pain is strictly localized or radiating to the thigh or lower leg. By duration: temporary, permanent, variable.
How to get rid of knee pain
Before starting therapeutic therapy, the exact cause of the pathology is established, once the source is identified, they begin to eliminate it and stabilize the general condition. The therapy consists of a complex of drug treatment, physiotherapy (according to medical indications), exercise therapy, massage plus time-tested folk remedies.
Medicines
All the forces of treatment are aimed at eliminating the cause of the pain, and then at treating the underlying disease. In parallel, you can use drugs in the form of ointments, gels, topical compresses. In the first days of acute pain it is recommended to administer the drug intravenously or intramuscularly. After losing weight you can switch to oral administration.
The complex of therapeutic measures consists of:
- Relieve pain in affected joints.
- Eliminate inflammation of the knee.
- Restorative measures of biomechanical nature, ie the motor function of the articulatory genus.
- Treatment of pathology leading to knee pain (treatment regimen is prescribed by the attending physician or highly specialized specialists such as endocrinologist, hepatologist, allergist, rheumatologist, arthrologist, oncologist).
- Increasing the body's resistance.
- Normalization of metabolism.
- Hepatoprotectors.
- Restoration of the cartilaginous periosteal layer and normalization of synovial fluid production (use of the latest generation of chondroprotectors, vitamins B and C, D).
Attention!Obese patients are advised to lose weight through special diets prescribed by a nutritionist. All people, without exception, should reduce the load on the lower extremities by working in a gentle mode.
Therapeutic gymnastics and massage
The constant passive movements of the diseased joint and massage of the inflamed organs for 1-1, 5 months will restore the function of the lower extremities. The set of exercises is chosen by the doctor of exercise therapy. The massage is done locally only on the joints of the feet or of a general nature. The use of warming, anti-inflammatory or analgesic ointments will improve blood circulation and metabolism. The course of massage procedures depends on the speed of recovery of the organs. In addition, a special diet is applied to these activities, with the exception of fried, fatty, sweet, sour. The nutritionist adjusts the menu by adding gelatin-rich dishes in the form of small meals. All procedures in the complex in one course of treatment will eliminate the pain and paralysis of the knee joints.
Folk remedies
Grandma's techniques in the form of folk recipes can be used in parallel with drug therapy. All means are agreed with the attending physician and applied topically directly to the affected joint. The effect of folk remedies is aimed at eliminating pain + swelling, as well as warming, which in turn improves blood supply, innervation, intensively nourishing the diseased knee.
Popular folk remedies:
- Herbal baths: celandine, chamomile, mint, wormwood + ginseng root. Take the ingredients on a spoon, pour boiling water in an amount of 1 liter, then boil for 2-3 minutes. At a tolerable temperature, a foot bath is performed.
- Baking soda compress: a spoonful of baking soda per 1 liter of boiling water. After copious lubrication of the knee with reinforced cream, apply a compress at night.
- Compress of moonlight and grated potatoes: half a kilo of grated potatoes + 0, 5 moonlight. It is advisable to keep an appointment. Repeat 3-4 times a week until the pain and swelling disappear.
- Honey: honey 200g + 100ml vodka + 200g grated horseradish. Insist for one day. Sick joints are rubbed 2-5 times a day.
Patients with an increased reaction to certain herbs or substances should refrain from traditional medicine.
Prevention
For preventive purposes, so that the lower extremities are healthy until old age, it is recommended to adjust the diet, be careful when moving, except for injuries, exercise constantly, swim and walk more often. fresh air. People over the age of 45 are advised to correct the hormonal background of sex hormones, plus eat foods rich in gelatin. Spa treatments are recommended for all patients with musculoskeletal problems. Have a check-up by your doctor once every six months.
Pain in the knee joints occurs spontaneously, it is the result of increased wear of the joint structure, which leads to irreversible consequences. The reasons for the development of pathologies can be both somatic diseases and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system itself. Timely treatment will help avoid the consequences.