Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is an inflammatory disease of the intra-articular cartilage, with progressive degenerative disorders of its structure and its functions.This disease is very common in older women, as well as professional athletes, even at a young age.
Many believe that the development of osteoarthritis is associated with an excess of salt, but in fact, salt deposits have nothing to do with the osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Reasons
If osteoarthritis occurs without reason, it is called idiopathic or primary.But if the development of osteoarthritis has been influenced by pathological processes in the body or disease, this form is called secondary.The following factors can affect its development:
- Age of the elderly.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Traumatic damage to the knee.
- Excessive knee load.
- Constant pressure and repetition of microtraumas - shots and so on.
- Inflammatory diseases of joints and muscles - arthritis, synovitis, bursitis, myositis, tendonitis, lymphadenitis.
- Inflammatory process in the body.
- Viral, fungal and infectious diseases.
- Metabolism disorders.
- Excess weight.
- Calcium deficiency in the body.
- Hypothermia.
- Congenital deformations of the knee joint.
Athletes and people who are often subject to strong physical activity and submit them to the knee joint are subject to osteoarthritis.They are teachers, movers, manufacturers, teachers, etc.
Particularities
Before the treatment or detection of specific symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of this disease.
The joint surfaces of human bones are covered with cartilage.In some joints, as well as in the knees, menisci are the layers of cartilage which act as shock absorbers.The inner lubricant is a synovial liquid produced in our body.
When the knee joint is affected, there is a change in the development of the lubrication between spases.Cartilage partially or completely abrasion.The body is trying to face this violation, as well as reducing pain.When the disease progresses, the joint is distorted, the bones begin to develop due to osteophytes.This condition only occurs in advanced cases.The surface of the bones is uneven and does not adapt.The result is limited mobility.
Symptoms
The first symptom with osteoarthritis of the knee joint is pain that can occur after prolonged physical activity or constant stress.Its nature is diversified, often the pain intensifies in the evening or at night, preventing a person from falling asleep, which leads to a violation of normal life.At this point, you should visit a doctor.
There are three levels of osteoarthritis in the knee joint, each with its own characteristics.In the first stage, pain is not easy, and in many people, it passes alone.In addition, there is discomfort and insignificant recurring edema.This will require a certain treatment: laser therapy and other physiotherapeutic procedures.
In the second stage, the symptoms are complicated, deterioration in mobility is added to all of the above and the pain is intensifying.A slight bleeding can also occur.
In this case, laser therapy and the prescription of drugs by a doctor can help.If not, the pain will constantly intensify and the third degree of the disease will come.At the third stage, the integrity of the cartilage is radically raped, until destruction.The painful feelings are constant, a person cannot normally walk.Going up the stairs is a real problem, the joints swell.Various pathologies are observed during the movement, trembling of the limbs.
In addition, with osteoarthritis, the redness of the skin appears on the knee, and by touching them, you can find an inflammatory process.This happens due to internal bleeding caused by the rupture of blood vessels or veins.If this cosmetic defect is greatly noticeable, remove it with a laser.
In the last stages, a person becomes unstable due to muscle weakness and other faults.Walking is only possible with a stick and only at short distances.This ends with knee deformation, which even the laser cannot repair.The person becomes motionless.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee joint can include:
- Analysis of clinical symptoms.
- General and biochemical blood tests.
- X -Ray.
- Computer tomography, magnetic resonance.
- Ultrasound (ultrasound of the joint).
- Arthroscopy, biopsy and biochemical studies of synovial fluid.
Treatment
Many people are perplexed by the treatment of this disease.The drug arsenal is very important, their uncontrolled use is impossible.
If you abuse drugs for arthritis, you can buy a stomach ulcer.You can also worsen osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
The doctor first prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory patients, who, as well as inflammation, also relieve pain.But the treatment does not stop there.Extended physical exercises, physiotherapy.Special therapeutic gymnastics is chosen by a doctor who provides the maximum therapeutic effect.
Use drugs
The main treatment lies in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Other means are used to improve the power of cartilage and contribute to their progressive restoration.The most proven in this regard are glucosamine and chondroitine drugs.To speed up the treatment, you can use special creams and ointments that have a local effect.
It should be noted that painful and antipyretic drugs without a prescription a doctor are very dangerous.Such treatment can negatively affect the state of the stomach, liver and heart.Recently, drugs are produced with a minimum of negative effects, according to some manufacturers, these drugs can be used for several months.
Gymnastics and physiotherapy
Other treatment methods can improve blood circulation and, therefore, the nutrition of cartilage.To strengthen ligaments and muscles, special exercises are prescribed.But the effect of gymnastics will only be in the early stages, when the joint has changed a little.The exercises are selected strictly individually, depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's physical capacities.
These exercises are supplemented by physiotherapeutic procedures in large quantities.Magnetotherapy and laser therapy, UHF, electrophore, ultrasound are used and much more.
Injections
In the final phase, where physiotherapy and laser do not help relieve pain, resort to injection into the joint cavity.Preparations based on hyaluronic acid increase the regenerative properties of cartilage.Nevertheless, such treatment often leads to the complete uselessness of cartilage.
Endoprosthetics
The endoprothetics of the knee joint is an extreme measure which is carried out when you cannot sleep normally and move.
Prevention
Arthrosis most often occurs in old age, so its prevention must be engaged younger, especially after 30 years.For that, you need:
- Do not overload the knee joint and do not provide a rational load on the feet.
- Do not wear weight.
- Eat well.
- Lead an active lifestyle.
- Over time, heal all inflammatory and infectious diseases in the body.
- To control body weight, because due to an excess weight at the knee joint is a very strong load.
- Do not cool the joints.
- Avoid knee injuries.
- When you play sports, put special knee pads.
- With a constant load on the knees, do the internship regularly.
