Arthrosis of the knee joint is one of the most common joint diseases, and in terms of the severity of the disease it is in second place after coxarthrosis.
According to the latest research, this disease affects one in five adults on earth. In the material, we will tell you what the symptoms of this disease are and how to properly treat it so as not to get complications.
Reasons for the appearance
Every day, the knee joints of a person are subjected to stress, since while walking, playing sports withstand the entire body weight. Over time, the cartilaginous tissue wears out, which leads to changes in the joints. It is for this reason that people of age may experience arthrosis of the knee joints.
In addition, there is a risk group, which includes people:
- overweight;
- suffering from osteoporosis;
- with hereditary disorders;
- elderly;
- working in specific specialties with heavy workload;
- have metabolic disorders;
- having a deficiency of microelements in the body;
- with spinal injuries;
- athletes.
It should be remembered that this disease develops rather slowly and it is very important to consult a doctor in time for advice if the main symptoms are found.
This will avoid possible complications such as disability in the future.
Knee arthrosis symptoms
To pinpoint the disease, just pay attention to the symptoms - they are quite common in arthrosis. These include:
- Pain or discomfort after sleeping (or when trying to get up after sitting for a long time).
- Pain in knees on prolonged standing.
- When climbing stairs - burning sensation.
- Night pain or discomfort after exercise.
- Feeling of weakness and “buckling” in the lower limbs.
One of the most important symptoms is pain and sting in the knee area.
At the same time, the disease itself does not appear "suddenly": such sensations can increase for months or years, and at first they will bother only with increased loads, and then the pain will be felt even at rest.
But it's worth remembering that symptoms differ depending on the degree of the disease.
Let's take a closer look at each option.
I degree
Arthrosis of this degree is almost asymptomatic, but there are a number of factors that are characteristic of this phase of the disease:
- feeling of tiredness in the limbs;
- decrease in mobility, which usually occurs after sleep.
If there is pain, it is almost invisible. It is very difficult to diagnose the disease at this stage, therefore, you cannot do without an X-ray: arthrosis will manifest itself as a small unevenness on the surface of tissues and bones.
II degree
At this "stage" the symptoms are brighter. Pain can appear even with a slight load on the legs, and over time, such sensations can appear with a simple movement. Discomfort only disappears after a long rest.
In addition, at this stage of development, symptoms such as:
- crunch when moving;
- changes in the bones in the joint;
- synovitis;
- inability to bend the leg.
III degree
A characteristic feature of this degree is severe pain, which no longer depends on the load: the joints can disturb even at night in the absence of any movement.
Mobility is also impaired - a person cannot bend his leg at the knee. Sensitivity to weather may also be observed.
Diagnostics and principles of further treatment
After listening to the doctor, the doctor will examine the appearance of the knee, assess its mobility. After that, the patient will be sent for an X-ray, and several images can be taken during the treatment period, which will allow assessing the dynamics of the development of arthrosis. In some cases, MRI or tomography is prescribed.
If research is required in order to correctly identify the root cause of arthrosis and separate it from other diseases with similar symptoms.
Treatment usually includes the following:
- Drug therapy.
- Massage and manual therapy.
- Surgical intervention.
- Exercise therapy and other methods of rehabilitation therapy.
The main goals of treatment are as follows:
- elimination of pain;
- restoration of the ligamentous apparatus and destroyed cartilage;
- increased range of motion in the joint.
Massage procedures, physical therapy, and even proper nutrition are also important. If you see a doctor too late or none of the above methods will help you, an operation will be prescribed: the installation of an endoprosthesis.
Treatment of arthrosis - choice of methods and means
At the moment, there are such groups of medicines that are prescribed for the treatment of arthrosis at the initial stage:
- NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors;
- medicated ointments;
- compressor tools.
NSAIDs are aimed at eliminating pain and inflammation. And only after the pain syndrome has been reduced, further treatment can begin.
If the use of non-steroidal drugs did not give any result, especially if the disease only progresses, doctors usually prescribe hormonal drugs.
However, it is worth remembering that due to a number of side effects, such drugs are prescribed only during the period of illness - if fluid accumulates inside the articular part. The solution is injected no more than 1 time in 10 days.
The only group of agents that directly affect the cause of arthrosis is chondroprotectors. They are especially effective in the early stages.
Also in the early stages, hyaluronic acid, which is injected into the joint, is very effective. This procedure is not the cheapest, but it helps to abrade the cartilaginous surface.
When arthrosis is detected, ointments are also prescribed - they also reduce the feeling of pain and remove inflammation.
How traditional medicine can help
It should be said right away that you should not use only traditional medicine methods - they should only be used as an addition to medical treatment.
Let's take a look at some of the things that can help with knee arthrosis:
Dandelion flowers
You just need to eat 5 dandelion flowers daily, be sure to rinse them with boiled water. You can also make tinctures: take 5 dark glass bottles, fill 50% with flowers, fill the container with triple cologne to the neck. Insist for a month, then wipe your knees with the infusion.
Lapping
This is a compound that must be rubbed into the knee joint regularly.
It is very simple to make such a composition: take the egg yolk, mix with 1 tbsp. l. turpentine, add 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar. All ingredients must be mixed and left overnight.
Lubricate your knees every night, and top with a woolen scarf.
Moreover, it is very important to thoroughly wash off the applied mixture in the morning. To relieve symptoms, you should use this method for 2-3 weeks.
Burdock
According to folk effects, you need to attach 3-4 large burdock leaves to the sore knee and wrap it with a bandage. Repeat this manipulation for at least a week to relieve pain. And to enhance the effect, you need to lubricate the joints with cinquefoil oil.
Celandine Juice
Soak a piece of cloth with juice and place it on the affected knee. After an hour, brush with vegetable oil. Repeat the procedure for a week.
Harpagophytum Root
Take 2 tbsp. l. means, pour into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for two hours. Take at least 3 glasses a day warm.
Choosing knee pads for arthrosis
Often, for arthrosis of the knee joint, it is recommended to wear special knee pads, which both reduce the feeling of discomfort and have a therapeutic effect. Typically, when used for a short period of time, you will see improvements such as:
- the inflammatory process decreases;
- the puffiness disappears;
- pain relief;
- decreases pressure on joints;
- the work of the musculoskeletal system is stabilized.
It is very important to choose the right model that will be effective when worn. To do this, let's first study what types of knee pads are:
- Open.Essential for those who experience pain after suffering any injury or minor pain.
- Elastic productswith stiffeners. This type of knee pads is more suitable for those who have pains when squatting, climbing or descending stairs.
- Openknee pads with adjustable tension. Such products are ideal after the operation.
- Closed type- they are used if the source of pain is unclear, that is, it is not concentrated in any specific place. Allows you to minimize the stress on the joints.
- Magnetic appearanceof the knee pad is characterized by the presence of a special magnet, thanks to which there is a warming effect, improves blood circulation.
- Hinged.Considered a universal option. Used to minimize pain after injury, arthrosis.
In addition to the type, you must also take into account the material from which the knee pad is made. So, such items can be made from:
- Animal fur.These products warm, absorb moisture, reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation in tissues.
- Polyester.Knee pads made of this artificial fabric are very comfortable, reliable, but they do not keep warm and are quite expensive.
- Cotton.Nice to wear, waterproof. True, there are also disadvantages: lack of elasticity and fragility of use.
- Nylon.Knee pads made of this material are considered the most durable, fit nicely to the body. But there is also a minus - this is an artificial material.
- Neoprene.Despite the fact that it is a man-made fabric, this material is elastic and has a warming effect. There is also a drawback - wearing such knee pads can cause allergies.
But it is important not only to choose the right knee pads, but also to use them. Doctors give several important recommendations to follow:
- you must not wear them for more than three hours a day;
- the duration of wearing depends on the degree of arthrosis - the doctor will inform you in more detail about this;
- if you have an allergy, you need to urgently consult a doctor who will prescribe another bandage;
- it is impossible for the agent to strongly squeeze the joints;
- wash knee pads by hand, the water temperature should not be more than +40 degrees.
In conclusion, it must be said that you should not neglect a healthy lifestyle - in this case, the body will function as it should. If you feel pain in the joints, you need to urgently consult a doctor to make the correct diagnosis.