The arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is quite common, only the frequency of coxarthrosis.
Statistics show that every five persons on the planet suffer from gonarthrosis (about 22%).There is a certain relationship between this pathology and the gender of man - women twice as often suffer from this disease as men.When it comes to age, patients over 40 are in the risk group.
Degenerative changes occur at a molecular level, but over time as the disease develops, it is observed to damage the structure of the cartilage tissue.If timely treatment is not initiated, bones exposure and cartilage destruction are a real danger.
The joint causes of the knee joint joint
To understand the characteristics of the disease, it is extremely important to know the reasons for gonarthosis.It should be understood that the knee joint experiences tremendous stress every day of the weight of the human body.The natural wear and tear of the tissues, which occurs with the aging of humans, leads to a change in the structure of the joints.This is the reason why middle -aged and old people are most often suffered from this disease.
In addition, knee arthrosis may occur for the following reasons:
- Damage and injury.These factors most often affect the development of the disease at an early age.
- Constant loads.Despite the contraindications and the advanced age, we are talking about involving active sports.
- Overweight.This factor negatively affects the state of menisci.In addition, there is increased pressure on the knee joints, which provokes the disease.
- The varicose of the lower limbs.
- Poor metabolism.The lack of minerals negatively affects the condition of the cartilage.
- Arthritis and other specific and inflammatory arthritis.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The first phase of the knee arthrosis is characterized by the presence of low intensity pain.As a general rule, one does not take any action to treatment, ignoring the initial signs of the body.This condition can take years until it deteriorates.
One feels severe discomfort when he tries to stand up for a long time.Similar feelings arise in the morning when you wake up.
In addition to the varying degree of intensity pain, the arthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Combustion in the lower limbs.The condition worsens when climbing the stairs.
- Decreased muscle tone.
- Not sufficient joint mobility.
- Characteristics of crisis.
Specific symptoms depend on the stage of the disease.Obviously, the more advanced the problem, the more they pronounce the manifestations of the pathology.
The first grade is joint
Arthrosis of the 1st degree knee joint is characterized by the satisfactory condition of the patient, so there is no discomfort.The only thing that can interfere with the patient is limited mobility after awakening and the fatigue of the lower limbs.
The pain is virtually absent or mild.Diagnosis of the disease at this stage is only possible with X -ray or MRI.The image shows the narrowing of the space between the joint surfaces and the slight irregularities of the cartilage.
Unfortunately, patients are extremely rarely seeking help at this stage of the disease.Most people are accustomed to not paying attention to minor concerns, which often leads to deterioration of the condition of the disease and rapid progress in the disease.
The second grade is joint
Degree knee joint arthrosis is more clearly manifested.The pain occurs immediately after any effort or immediately during the heavy lifting.This condition disappears after relaxation, but the inconvenience returns again after physical activity continues.
This stage is also characterized by other symptoms:
- Characteristics of crisis.It is quite sharp and very often painful feelings.
- Synovitis is a condition in which the synovial membranes of the joint has inflammation and swelling.
- Deformations.In the initial stages, swelling in the knee area is noticeable, but the situation can be significantly exacerbated without proper treatment.
- Insufficient mobility of the knee joint.The patient has fundamental problems by bending or straightening his leg.
All of these symptoms gradually increase if treatment is not used.The joint gradually loses its properties, and its structure changes, which becomes noticeable during visual control.
The third grade is joint
The osteoarthritis of the knee joint is characterized by the presence of intense pain, which can occur in both heavy loads and at rest.Many patients are worried about similar symptoms at night.
Meteorological addiction appears, so sudden changes in weather conditions cause significant discomfort to humans.The joint loses its bending ability, so the patient's movement will be extremely difficult.
Pathological changes are visible to the naked eye.X -ray shows sharp narrowing of joint space and bones.
The fourth grade is joint
Arthrosis of the 4th degree knee joint is characterized by severe destruction of the joint, almost complete lack of movement and intense pain.
Diagnosis of the disease
The physician consults to require the appropriate treatment.He talks about the patient's complaints at the time of the day at rest or any action.The doctor then takes directly to the examination and feels the knee area.
In later stages, arthrosis can be assumed even without the use of instrumental diagnostic methods.When the knee is bowed, we hear a crunch and the patient will experience quite discomfort.The process of touch itself is accompanied by pain.
To achieve a lighter image, the patient is sent to an X -ray examination.To clarify the diagnosis, the use of computer tomography and MRI is also practiced.
Treatment methods for the joint joint of the knee joint
Treatment of knee arthrosis can contain many techniques that depend on the stage of the disease:
- Drug treatment.
- Massage treatments.
- Manual therapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy.
- Operation.
The main purpose of the treatment is to relieve pain and increase the movement range of the joint.
Conservative treatment shows quite high efficiency results, especially in the early stages.If there is no positive dynamics during treatment, a decision is made to perform surgical intervention.
Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs
The initial purpose of any treatment is to relieve pain.Medicines from the NSAID category alleviate the patient's condition, reducing the pain, but also in the problematic area of the inflammatory process.Only after eliminating these symptoms can you move on to other treatment methods.
In this group, medicines are first aid for this disease.Their efficiency depends on the severity of the clinical picture and the unique characteristics of the patient's body.
Hormonal
If the use of non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs does not result in positive results, the patient may prescribe hormonal drugs in the form of injections.This is a much more effective medicine that can quickly eliminate discomfort.
The difficulty of such treatment lies in the fact that these drugs have a rather aggressive effect on the human body, so it must be extremely careful when using them.The doctor should prescribe a short -term treatment process and only if the patient experiences the accumulation of joint fluid.The injection is given every 5-7 days.
Chondropotectors
The drugs in this group act directly based on the cause of arthrosis.It is designed to restore the structure of damaged cartilage and normalize the production of joint fluid.This is very important in complex treatment, when not only the symptoms but also the cause of the pathology should be influenced.
Recently, hyaluronic acid injections have been exercised directly into the joint.This procedure avoids early wear of the cartilage.It is very important that the medicine is treated by a qualified specialist.
Using other methods
Treatment of the arthrosis of the knee joint can be done not only in the form of drugs, in the form of tablets and injections, but also in many other methods:
- Ozone therapy.This method has analgesic and anti -inflammatory effects and also promotes normalization of blood circulation.Particularly effective in complex therapy, along with other treatment methods.
- External devices.Various creams and gels help eliminate pain, swelling and inflammation.The exact list of medicines must be prescribed by your doctor, so we do not recommend that you medicate it.
If you suffer this disease, you must contact the clinic for qualified help.Our experts have the necessary levels of knowledge and extensive medical practices to help solve problems.
Keep in mind that the main key to success in the treatment of arthrosis is timeliness, so be more attentive to your health and the signs that your body gives you.