Diseases of the joints in the human body, arising in the background of degenerative changes, bear a common name – arthrosis. They may be of a different origin, but they all have similar mechanisms of development. However, depending on which part of the musculoskeletal system involved in the pathological process, this disease has a name of its own. If the disease develops in the knee, it bears the name of knee osteoarthritis, that is osteoarthritis of the knee. To maintain the function of the knee and to prevent disabilities, with the execution of a form of the disease required hospitalization and surgical treatment. And the debut of the disease with initial symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee with the help of drugs, massage and other techniques can be successful, and in the house.
What is osteoarthritis of the knee, the mechanism of development
Gonarthrosis is osteoarthritis (arthrosis) joints of the knee, which is quite frequent in medical practice, the disease, especially in patients over the age of 40 years.
The anatomical structure of the knee a bit more complicated than all the other joints. Has not covered the muscles and makes a movement in a plane, and its healthy biomechanics a lot depends on the functional status of the hip and ankle.
In knee osteoarthritis occurs in the progressive destruction of the cartilage tissue that covers a surface sustainableuse bones of the knee.
The joint is deformed, is broken in the function. The patient feels pain in the knee, has difficulty walking.
According to statistics, women who suffer from this disease more often than men. And, above all, attentive to the evolution of the disease should be women with excess weight and the tendency to varicose veins.
The causes of malocclusion
There are two forms of osteoarthritis of the knee: primary and secondary.
Primary begins its development fairly early on – in childhood or adolescence.
The cause of this malocclusion is not in the correct formation of the device, or the same of the articular surfaces. In this way, it is broken biomechanics of the body, and during movement has exhibited disproportionate to his capacity loads. This leads to the degenerative changes in the lap of both legs.
Secondary. This form of arthritis is a consequence of other diseases or injuries of the knee. The degenerative processes may affect both knees or just one of them.
The main causes of secondary osteoarthritis of the knee refer to:
- fractures of the bones of the lower limbs, injuries and sprains to the knees, accompanied by lesions of the cartilage tissues of the joint or ligament;
- flat foot, relates to the displacement of the center of gravity of the body and increases the load on the foot;
- rapid removal of the meniscus, which leads to a rapid wear and tear of all the structures of the knee;
- diseases of the blood vessels of the lower limbs, affecting the nutrition of the cartilage tissue;
- needless to high physical activity, which are characteristic for athletes;
- violations of the metabolic processes in the body and excess weight;
- arthritis, especially if the disease is accompanied by abundant formation of fluid in the joint cavity;
- the genetic factors.
Can and the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee
All the cunning gonartrosie is that this disease develops very slowly and, if this is, in a first phase – almost asymptomatic. For many months, or even years, the patient may not be aware of the disease, only occasionally complaining of a feeling of discomfort in the knee.
The initial stage of osteoarthritis of the knee lets you know about yourself mild pain in the early morning walk, when driving on the stairs, during the lessons of physical education. No external changes in the configuration of the knee when this is not the case.
Upon the occurrence of the second phase of the development of the disease, the pain becomes more pronounced and occur throughout the movement, and are clear crunching. The cavity of the knee is inflamed, it forms the liquid. During the inspection, and palpation becomes evident begins the deformation of the organ. The amount of movement is reduced.
For the third phase gonartrosie is characterized by pain, that does not take place even in the absence of movement. Many patients also complain on the increase of the pain of facing climate change. The joints of the knee, patients in this stage of the development of the disease, almost lose their motor function.
The deformation of the knees becomes explicit, the legs of the patient agrees as To the form or X-shaped. Changes dramatically the pace.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, which develops on the background of an accident, you will manifest faster. The knee swells, appear constant painful sensations, which are after strenuous. Later there is a sense of stiffness in the joints. When effective form of disease from the first signs of large changes can pass only a few months.
The diagnostic exam
The diagnosis of the disease is based on the analysis of the complaints of the patient, his or her different risk factors, clinical symptoms and results of instrumental examinations.
The easiest and most cost effective method of obtaining reliable information on the degree of articulation is x-ray diagnostics. It takes place in at least two projections: frontal and lateral. Images allow to reveal the degree of lesion of the cartilage and bone surfaces of the joint.
Ultrasound of the knee gives the possibility to analyze the amount and the state of the liquid in the joint cavity, to evaluate the state of soft tissues – blood vessels, ligaments, muscles.
Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography give a greater amount of information. They allow you to create detailed three-dimensional model of the body.
The conservative treatment of osteoarthritis in the house
Depending on the stage of the disease and the severity of the defeat of the medical body is an individual scheme of treatment for each patient. Arthritis always requires a systemic approach to the care!
For the second and third phase of the development of the disease cure for osteoarthritis of the impossible, but with good treatment outcomes, it is possible to obtain a long-term remission, when the manifestations of malocclusion completely absent or minimal.
In the initial phase could be almost complete healing, if properly diagnosed the cause of the osteoarthritis and there is the possibility to solve the problem (freeing the patient from an excess of weight, for example).
The treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, focusing on the following objectives:
- resolution of the pain;
- the maximum recovery of the victim of the cartilage and ligaments of the device;
- increase the volume of movements of the knee.
And for their realization must be applied to a complex of therapeutic measures.
Medicine for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
Initially it is necessary to relieve the condition of the patient, reducing the pain and inflammation. Well this task cope with anti-inflammatory drugs of the latest generation. These medications have important advantages in comparison with its predecessors, a side effect that has been the dehydration of cartilage tissue, which has led to its further destruction. Effectively, reducing the inflammation and the pain, the FANS of the new generation do not have harmful effects on the articular cartilage surface. But still for a long time they need to take with caution and only on prescription doctor.
Fast at home relieve pain, reduce inflammation helps to compress the solution Dimexidum with novocaine and hydrocortisone.
Quite often when knee osteoarthritis to relieve pain and inflammation in the joint cavity are introduced hormonal drugs. Are also assigned the funds, relaxing the muscles and relieve vascular spasm, improve blood circulation.
After removal of acute inflammation in remission very well-proven intra-articular hyaluronic acid, which acts as a natural joint fluid. Wrap the deformed surface, protecting them and penetrating to the interior of the cartilage, you increase your firmness and elasticity.
Overall, medical therapy with osteoarthritis of the knee patient necessarily prescribed chondroprotectors to restore cartilage in the shape of ointments, tablets, injections.
Their main components – glucosamine and chondroitin – sulfate are necessary for the body to stimulate the synthesis of joint fluid, improve its lubricating properties, the recovery of the cartilage.
Physiotherapy and massage
Massage impact and medical gymnastics designed to reduce pain, relax the terminals and muscle spasms around the affected knee, improve blood flow and nutrition of the joint tissues, adjust the position of the bones, increase the volume of movements.
Services in knee osteoarthritis
An important element in the treatment of osteoarthritis is the diet.
Patients with excess weight, make sure to get rid of extra pounds.
Scientists believe that up to half of reduce the intensity of the pain and greatly improve mobility of the knee with osteoarthritis you can, if you reset only the 10% of their excess weight. A person needs to review the diet and give up some products, in particular, sharp, smoked and marinated products, fat meat and alcohol.
The majority of the menu should be fresh vegetables or steam meals. Meat products applies most often to prepare the jelly, as well as this dish contains collagen and elastin, the cells of the cartilage tissue to restore its normal structure. It is necessary to increase the consumption of foods with calcium content. For information: calcium in large quantities is present in large quantities in fresh cheese, dairy products, hard cheeses, milk and the sesame seeds. Particularly useful dishes containing gelatin: fish gelatin, puddings, jellies. Gelatin-many chondroprotectors necessary for strengthening the cartilage and the prevention of trauma and thinning.
The intended medical use shin guards with osteoarthritis of the knee helps to treat the pain syndrome in the acute period of and restore joint mobility. The effect is achieved through the reduction of direct loading of the affected joint. Bandage helps to restore the blood circulation in the tissues, and the nutrition of the cartilage.
Traditional treatments
The use of techniques of traditional medicine is possible only as adjuvant therapy. Are allowed with the permission of the physician and can give a certain effect only with osteoarthritis of grade 1 and at the initial stage of osteoarthritis of grade 2.
The infusion of nettle, garlic and lemon juice. For the preparation of the beverage is necessary:
- mix 100 g of nettle leaves with three clean heads of garlic;
- lose the mixture through a mincer;
- add 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice;
- mix everything, add 250 ml of boiling water and cover with the lid;
- insist in a matter of 4 hours.
Ready to drink, is taken orally in the amount of 50 ml for 20-30 minutes before a meal. In the first week of the infusion is necessary to take 1 once a day, in the following 8-14 days 2 times per day. Starting from the fifteenth day, the number of moves necessary to increase up to 3 times per day. Treatment long, not less than 2 months.
Infusion of the roots of cinquefoil and a cinquefoil. A mixture of roots, mashed to pour the vodka in a ratio of 2 to 1. Push the tool you need for 3 weeks in a dark place. Ready tincture accepted 1 tablespoon each time before eating.
Vodka infused golden uca. For the preparation of dyes 15 to the kolentsi golden uca poured 0.5 liters of vodka and insist in the course of a crescent. Ready the dye is accepted also 1 tablespoon before eating 3-4 times a day.
The bath with the teeth of a lion. For the preparation of the bath dye used from roots of dandelion. To do this, you need 120 g of chopped dandelion roots mix with 150 ml of vodka and insist in a dark place during the day. Ready the infusion, pour into a container with warm water, mix, lower to her knees.
Taking a bath is recommended 1-2 times a week. You can use this solution for a wrap. After the procedure, the knee pain is becoming less and less, and improves joint mobility. The effectiveness of the treatment will be higher, if you add water 150 g salt enriched with iodine and bromine.
The surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
Shown during irreversible injury of the joint and involves prosthetics – the prosthetic implant of metal instead of the destruction of the organ.