Knee joint arthrosis (gonarthrosis) is a relatively common disease, the second only for coxarthrosis in frequency.
Statistics show that every fifth person on the planet has gonarthrosis (about 22%).There is a specific relationship between this pathology and the gender of a person - women suffer from the disease twice as often as men.If we talk about age, risk groups include patients over 40.
Degenerative changes occur at the molecular level, but over time, as the disease begins to develop, damaging the structure of cartilage tissue is observed.If timely treatment is not initiated, there is a real danger of bone exposure and the destruction of the cartilage itself.
Causes of arthrosis of the knee joint
To understand the specificity of the disease, it is very important to know the causes of gonarthrosis.It is necessary to understand that the knees together suffer from great pressure daily from the human weight.Natural wear and tear of tissue that occur as people grow older causing changes in the structure of the joints.That is why middle -aged and old people are most likely to suffer from this disease.
In addition, knee arthrosis can occur for the following reasons:
- Damage and injury.These factors most often affect the development of disease at an early age.
- The burden continues.We talk about engaging in active sports, despite contraindications and advanced age.
- Overweight.This factor negatively affects the condition of the menisci.In addition, there is an increase in pressure on the knee joint, which causes the development of the disease.
- Varicose veins from the lower part of the foot.
- Poor metabolism.Negative mineral deficiency affects the cartilage.
- Arthritis and specialized shared pathology and other inflammation.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The first stage of knee arthrosis is characterized by the presence of low intensity pain.As a rule, one does not take action for treatment, ignoring the body's initial signal.This condition can last for several years until it gets worse.
One feels uncomfortable when trying to stand after sitting for a long time.The same sensation arises in the morning when you wake up.
In addition to pain that varies the level of intensity, knee joint arthrosis is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Burning at the lower leg.Things are increasing when climbing the stairs.
- Decreasing muscle tone.
- Insufficient joint mobility.
- CRUNCH FEATURES.
Specific symptoms depend on the level of the disease.It is clear that the problem is advanced, the more pathological manifestations.
The first stage arthrosis
The first degree knee joint arthrosis is characterized by a satisfactory condition of the patient, so he may not have any discomfort.The only thing that can disturb the patient is limited mobility after waking and fatigue in the lower leg.
Practical pain is absent or mild.The diagnosis of the disease at this stage is only possible with the help of X-ray or MRI examination.The image shows the narrowing of the space between the articular surface, as well as a slight distortion in the cartilage.
Unfortunately, patients rarely seek help at the level of the disease.Most people are used to paying attention to small concerns, which often causes severe conditions and the rapid development of the disease.
The second stage arthrosis
Arthrosis of the knee joint from the 2nd degree shows itself more clearly.Pain occurs shortly after any effort, or directly during weight lifting.The situation disappears after the break, but the discomfort returns again after continuing physical activity.
This level is also characterized by other symptoms:
- CRUNCH FEATURES.It is quite sharp and is very often accompanied by painful sensations.
- Synovitis is a condition in which there is inflammation and swelling of the synovial membrane of the joints.
- Deformation.In the early stages, swelling in the knee area was significant, but the condition could worsen without proper treatment.
- Insufficient mobility of the knee joint.The patient has a basic problem of bending or straightening his feet.
All of these symptoms gradually increase if no treatment is taken.Gradually losing its properties, the structure began to change, which became significant on visual examination.
The third stage arthrosis
Osteoarthritis from grade 3 knee joints is characterized by the presence of intense pain, which can occur under heavy load and rest.Many patients are concerned about the same symptoms at night.
Meteorological dependence arises, so the sudden change in the weather causes significant difficulties to a person.The joints lose their ability to bend, so the patient's movement becomes very difficult.
Pathological changes become visible to the naked eye.X-rays show sharp narrowing of the joint space and double bone growth.
The fourth -level arthrosis
Arthrosis of the knee joint from the 4th degree is characterized by severe joint destruction, the absence of almost complete movement in it and intense pain.
Diagnosis of a disease
To prescribe the appropriate treatment regimen, the doctor conducts a consultation.Patients talk about their complaints, at what time the day of pain gets worse, rest or during action.Next, the doctor continues the examination itself, wiping the knee area.
Arthrosis at the later stage can be suspected even without the use of instrumental diagnostic methods.When bending the knee, the characteristic crisis will be heard, and the patient will experience unpleasant sensations.The palpation process itself is also accompanied by pain.
To get a clearer picture, the patient was sent for an X-ray examination.To explain the diagnosis, the use of computed tomography and MRI is also practiced.
Treatment method for knee joint arthrosis
Treatment of knee arthrosis may include several techniques, its effectiveness depends on the level of the disease:
- Drug therapy.
- Massage treatment.
- Manual therapy, physiotherapy treatment, physical therapy.
- Operation.
The main goal of treatment is to relieve pain and improve various movement in the joints.
Conservative treatment shows relatively high efficacy, especially in the early stages.If there is no positive dynamic during treatment, then the decision is made to perform surgical intervention.
Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs
The initial goal of any treatment is to relieve pain.Drugs from the NSAID category reduce the patient's condition, reduce not only pain, but also eliminate the inflammation process in the problem area.Only after eliminating these symptoms, can you move on to other treatment methods.
The drug in this group is the first aid for the disease.Its effectiveness depends on the severity of the clinical picture, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Hormone agents
If the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs does not produce positive results, the patient may be prescribed hormone medication in the form of injection.This is a more effective remedy that you can quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
The difficulty of such treatment lies in the fact that these drugs have a relatively aggressive effect on the human body, so you need to be careful when using it.The doctor should prescribe short -term treatment and only if the patient has a joint fluid accumulation.Injection administration may not be more than once every 5-7 days.
Chondroprotectors
The drug in this group acts directly on the cause of arthrosis.They are designed to restore the structure of damaged cartilage tissue, as well as normalize the production of joint fluid.This is very important in complex treatment, when it is necessary to affect not only symptoms, but also the main cause of pathology.
Recently, the use of hyaluronic acid injection directly into the joints itself has been practiced.This procedure prevents premature cartilage clothing.It is very important that the drug is administered by a qualified specialist.
Using other methods
Treatment of knee joint arthrosis can be performed not only with the help of medications in the form of tablets and injections, but also with several other methods:
- Ozone therapy.This method has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and also helps normalize blood circulation.Especially effective in complex therapy, together with other methods of treatment.
- External means.Various creams and gels help relieve pain, swelling and inflammation.The right list of medicines must be prescribed by the doctor who attended you, so we do not recommend that you treat yourself.
If you have this disease, then you should contact the clinic for qualified assistance.Our experts have the necessary levels of knowledge, as well as extensive medical practice, so they can help you solve your problem.
Keep in mind that in the treatment of arthrosis, the key to success is timeliness, so pay attention to your health and the signals your body gives.