Do you feel the sharp pain that forms in the knee joint when moving? Are the same signs seen if you bend or unbend your leg? Doctors diagnose a disease such as osteoarthritis. At the same time, it is impossible to delay the treatment of the disease.
Note that the earlier you start taking effective measures, the faster you will deal with the disease and the outcome of the disease will not be so dramatic. It is impossible to start the disease itself, because with it the intra-articular cartilage wears out.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is also called gonarthrosis. In terms of the incidence of the disease, it occupies a leading position. Statistics show that there are more patients with this diagnosis in clinics than people with other serious diseases. As for the treatment, it takes an impressive amount of time. An integrated approach and drug use are important here.
The disease is characterized by calcification in the soft tissues and ligaments, as well as where the tendons are fixed. Salt deposits are limited. The process is characterized by an imbalance in the optimal blood circulation in the bone vessels, which provokes changes in the cartilage tissues.
Causes
Pathological microtrauma that forms on cartilage. The main causes of the disease include excessive mechanical stress on the surface of the cartilage.
In other words, osteoarthritis of the knee develops rapidly in those who are exposed to frequent physical exertion and joint overload. Osteoarthritis can develop in those who often squat. The size of the load increases rapidly if the person is overweight.
The main causes of osteoarthritis of the knee should be emphasized:
- Chronic defects. Dysplasia affects the formation of chronic cartilage microtrauma. This factor leads to an imbalance in the proper loading of the joints. Note that the risk of developing a terrible disease increases in people with defects in the musculoskeletal system.
- Obesity. This factor is the main reason for the development of osteoarthritis. It has been clinically proven that overweight people are more likely to get sick. Thus, every 6 kg. weight increases the chance of developing osteoarthritis by 45%.
- Genetic predisposition. It has been proven that osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal joints is much more common in women than in men. This indicator is explained by autosomal dominant inheritance.
- Inflammation. The fact is that infectious and chronic arthritis provoke the formation of osteoarthritis. The appearance of immunoglobulins indicates the role of similar factors in the development of osteoarthritis.
- Neurogenic disorders. The disorders provoke a decrease in the tone of the muscles located near the joint. In this way, the load on the joints only increases.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis include sharp pain that is observed in the knee joint. They appear during exertion and then disappear again, provided the patient is at rest.
In nodular arthrosis, dense formations the size of a pea appear. In addition, near the nail bed may appear seals in the form of cysts, viscous fluids.
If the knee joints are affected during the development of the disease, then the pain increases with prolonged walking or climbing stairs. The main symptom of osteoarthritis is crunching while moving. In hip osteoarthritis, pathologies related to the development of the hip joint are observed.
Signs of the disease:
- knee pain that doesn't go away for a long time
- If you have an X-ray, then osteophytes are found. When taking a synovial fluid test, it is confirmed that the composition is indeed characteristic of the disease.
- The disease is characterized by the fact that the joint space is narrowed.
- stiffness in the morning
- changes in soft tissues, osteoporosis and calcification of cartilage.
Optional signs: these are subluxations or dislocations, as well as various erosions and cysts. In general, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is divided into three stages of development, which we will discuss below.
1 degree
Recognition of the first degree is quite problematic. An interesting fact is that a person also moves as usual for him, but sometimes the disease can manifest itself in the form of pain and stiffness.
But such signs are often due to a change in weather or an awkward situation. And even if you go through the examination with the help of an X-ray, the imperfection cannot be noticed immediately. Here you will need qualified help, as well as palpation and a complete examination, which will help you find an uneven surface in the area of the affected joint.
People with disabilities turn to traditional medicine as first aid. And this is a competent approach to solving the problem, because in the initial stage the disease is difficult to treat.
2nd degree
If you have not taken action after noticing the first signs of the disease, it tends to move on to the second. In this case, the osteoarthritis is chronic and the cartilage begins to deteriorate rapidly.
These signs are especially noticeable with increased physical activity. However, it makes no sense to give preference to traditional medicine. However, it can be used as an effective adjunct to conventional treatments.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint and its symptoms begin to appear more and more: unreasonable fatigue appears and the joints of the legs begin to "hurt" and after a while crunches appear. If the disease is not treated, it leads to deformity of the joints.
3rd degree
It also happens, observing obvious changes, the patient still does not take action until the mechanisms that work against him begin to actively start. Meanwhile, inaction causes irreparable consequences.
It should also be noted that severe pain occurs in the joint. This factor does not depend on whether you are in action or at rest. There are also cases when the joints do not allow a person to move.
Treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis therapy is a very long process and will depend mainly on the extent of the disease.
In general, the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is based on the following stages:
- Anesthetize the affected joint. As a rule, the doctor prescribes painkillers - analgesics.
- Inflammation must be eliminated. In case the inflammation is shown on the affected area as well as swelling, then such a defect should be removed immediately. In this case, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
- Restoration of cartilage tissue. This is considered to be the most important factor in treatment. In case it cannot be reconstructed, it is imperative to stop the degenerative course. You should not expect immediate action from medications, but they should be taken based on individual characteristics.
If the joint is affected by the lack of symptoms, then in this case the patient will be prescribed effective ointments with a warming effect. Their main purpose is to increase blood circulation in the affected area.
These include warming ointments that have no side effects. The treatment is accompanied by a pleasant feeling of warmth.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
It is subdivided into secondary and primary.
The first focuses on weight control and injury prevention. The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis can be reduced by wearing appropriate shoes and doing regular exercises that work to strengthen muscles and maintain joints.
Secondary prevention involves eating healthy foods, and red meat and food of animal origin are best replaced by lean fish and poultry. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and as a preventative measure - capsules containing fish oil. Drink at least 8-9 glasses of water.
Focus on minerals and vitamins that promote optimal bone function. Antioxidants are also recognized as your allies, which actively fight free radicals that destroy cartilage. Osteoarthritis is a disease that is not tolerated by amateurs, so you should seek help from an experienced doctor.