While moving, do you feel any sharp pain that arises in the knee joint? Are similar signs observed if you bend or bend your legs? Doctors diagnose diseases such as arthrosis. At the same time, it is impossible to delay the treatment of this disease.
Note the fact that the sooner you start taking effective measures, the sooner you get the disease, and the outcome of the disease will not be so sudden. It is impossible to start the disease itself, because thus the intra-articular cartilage is depleted.
Arthrosis of the knee is also referred to as gonarthrosis. In terms of the incidence of this disease, it occupies a leading position. Statistics show that there are more patients with this diagnosis in the clinic than people with other serious illnesses. For treatment, it takes a lot of time. An integrated approach and drug use are important here.
The disease is characterized by calcification of the soft tissues and ligaments, as well as in places where tendons are glued. Salt deposits are limited. This process is characterized by an imbalance in the optimal blood circulation in the bone vessels, which provokes changes in cartilage tissue.
Cause
Pathological microtrauma formed in cartilage. The main causes of the onset of the disease include excessive mechanical stress on the cartilage surface.
In other words, arthrosis of the knee joint develops rapidly in those who often experience physical exercise and excessive pressure on the joints. Osteoarthritis can develop in those who squat often. The magnitude of the load increases rapidly if a person is overweight.
The main causes of knee joint arthrosis should be highlighted:
- Chronic disability. Dysplasia affects the formation of chronic cartilage microtrauma. This factor leads to imbalance of proper load on the joints. Note that the risk of developing a horrible disease increases in people with defects in the musculoskeletal system.
- Obesity. This factor is the main cause of the development of arthrosis. It has been clinically proven that overweight people tend to get sick. Therefore, every 6 kg. weight gain increases the likelihood of developing arthrosis by 45%.
- Genetic predisposition. The fact that arthrosis of the interphalangeal joint occurs more frequently in women than in men has been proven. This indicator is explained by the autosomal dominant inheritance.
- Inflammation. The fact is that infectious and chronic arthritis provokes the formation of arthrosis. The appearance of immunoglobulins indicates the role of similar factors in the development of arthrosis.
- Neurogenic disorders. Violation triggers a decrease in muscle tone located near the joint. Therefore, the load on the joints only increases.
Symptoms of knee arthrosis
The main symptoms of arthrosis include the sharp pain observed in the knee joint. They appear during exercise, and then disappear again, provided the patient is at rest.
With nodular arthrosis, dense formations appear that are the size of a bean. In addition, seals in the form of cysts, viscous fluid, can appear near the nail bed.
If the knee joint is affected during the development of the disease, then the pain increases with walking or climbing stairs. The main symptom of arthrosis is cracking during movement. With hip arthrosis, pathology associated with hip joint development is observed.
Symptoms:
- knee pain that does not go away for a long time
- if you have an X-ray examination, then osteophytes are found.
- while taking analysis for synovial fluid, it was confirmed that the composition is indeed characteristic of this disease.
- This disease is characterized by the fact that the joint space is narrowed.
- joint cramps in the morning
- changes in soft tissue, osteoporosis and cartilage calcification.
Optional signs: these are subluxations or dislocations, as well as various erosions and cysts. Overall, arthrosis of the knee joint is divided into three stages of development, which we will consider below.
1 degree
Admitting a first degree is somewhat problematic. The interesting fact is that a person also moves as usual for him, yet sometimes the disease can manifest itself in the form of pain and stiffness.
But such symptoms are often associated with weather changes or uncomfortable positions. And even if you undergo this study using X-rays, the imperfections are not immediately recognizable. Here you need qualified help, as well as full palpation and examination, which will help detect uneven surfaces in the affected joint area.
People with disabilities turn to traditional medicine as their first aid. And this is a competent approach to problem solving, because at an early stage, the disease is difficult to cure.
Grade 2
If, after seeing the first signs of the disease, you do not take action, then it tends to enter the second stage. In this case, the arthrosis is chronic, and the cartilage begins to deteriorate rapidly.
These symptoms are especially noticeable with increased physical activity. However, it does not make sense to prioritize traditional medicine. However, it can be used as an effective supplement for conventional treatment.
Arthrosis of the knee joint and its symptoms begin to manifest themselves: absurd fatigue appears, and the joints of the feet begin to "ache", and after a few seconds there is a shift. If the disease is not treated, it will cause joint deformity.
grade 3
It also happens that, by seeing the obvious changes, the patient still does not take action, while the mechanism that works against it begins to activate. Meanwhile, inactivity poses irreversible consequences.
It should also be noted that severe pain occurs in the joints. This factor does not depend on whether you are in action or resting. There are also cases when the joint does not allow a person to move.
Treatment of knee arthrosis
Therapy for arthrosis is a very long process, and depends mainly on the stage of the disease.
Basically, the treatment of knee arthrosis is based on the following stages:
- Anesthetics of the affected joint. As a rule, doctors prescribe painkillers - analgesics.
- Inflammation should be eliminated. If inflammation is shown in the affected area, as well as swelling, then the defect should be removed immediately. In this case, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
- Cartilage tissue recovery. This is considered the most important factor in treatment. If it cannot be rearranged, then it is important to stop the degenerative journey. You can not expect immediate action from drugs, but the medication must be taken based on individual characteristics.
If the joint is affected by the absence of symptoms, then in this case the patient will be given an effective ointment with a warming effect. Their main purpose is to increase blood circulation in the affected area.
This includes heating ointments that have no side effects. Treatment is accompanied by a pleasant sensation of warmth.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
It is divided into secondary and primary.
The first focuses on weight control and injury prevention. The likelihood of getting arthrosis can be reduced by wearing the right shoes and regularly doing exercises that work to strengthen muscles and support the joints.
Secondary prevention involves eating healthy foods, and red meat and animal-based foods are replaced with lean fish and chicken. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and as a precaution - capsules containing fish oil. Drink at least 8-9 glasses of water.
Focus on minerals and vitamins that improve optimal bone function. Also known as your ally is antioxidants, which actively fight free radicals that destroy cartilage. Arthrosis is a disease that is not tolerated by amateurs, so you need to seek the help of an experienced doctor.