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.
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:
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.
To pinpoint the disease, just pay attention to the symptoms - they are quite common in arthrosis. These include:
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.
Arthrosis of this degree is almost asymptomatic, but there are a number of factors that are characteristic of this phase of the disease:
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.
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:
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.
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:
The main goals of treatment are as follows:
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.
At the moment, there are such groups of medicines that are prescribed for the treatment of arthrosis at the initial stage:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
But it is important not only to choose the right knee pads, but also to use them. Doctors give several important recommendations to follow:
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.
