Everything was probably heard about arthrosis (deforming osteoarthritis).The disease is contained in the three most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Despite this popularity, not everyone can say with confidence that they have complete information about this joint disease.Since the osteoarthrosis of the lower extremities is most frequently diagnosed, we are informed in detail about the osteoarthritis of the knee and the methods of its treatment.
Shortly over the arthrosis of the knee joint
So what is it - the osteoarthritis of the knee and how much do we know about it?There are several names of this disease in medicine, each of which characterizes the pathology from their side.
The term "gonarthrosis" therefore makes it clear where the pathological process develops (from the Greek Gony knee).
The name "arthrosis" (arthros - joint) means a pathological disease that occurs in degeneration and atrophy of cartilage tissue.
There is another precise concept - deforming osteoarthritis.With a long flowing pathology, not only the surface of the knee joint is affected, but also in the vicinity of ribbons, tendons and muscles.The blood circulation worsens, trophy (nutrition) is upset and the metabolism in periartic tissue is disturbed.The cartilage is quickly thinned out and destroyed, bone growth (osteophytes) are formed on the side surfaces of the joint, the ligaments thicken and lose elasticity.All of this leads to a growing restriction of the mobility of the joint to the complete lack of movements.
The main cause of the disease is age -related changes.There are also a number of additional factors that cause the development of osteoarthritis:
- different injuries to the lower extremities;
- increased body weight;
- sitting lifestyle;
- hereditary disposition for diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- Violation of the metabolism.
The disease develops slowly and for several years the symptoms of joint damage are missing.Nevertheless, degenerative changes are gradually taking place in the joint structures.As a result, pain and grinding occur when walking.The limitation of mobility in the knee is the atrophy of the nearby muscles of the thigh and lower leg.
The symptoms of deforming arthrosis depend on the degree of damage to the knee joint and become more intense and acute in the course of the process.
So do not move a visit to the doctor.It must be remembered that it is impossible to finally heal osteoarthritis, but it is quite possible to suspend its development.The earlier the therapy begins, the more chances of a successful result and the risk of complications reduce.
Treatment methods of the disease
When the patient comes to the doctor: "Doctor, I have arthrosis of the knee joint, tell me how and what to treat" - he will most likely not get a clear and concrete answer.Honartrosis therapy is a long process that includes an entire complex of therapeutic measures.The treatment of a pathology always begins with the collection of an anamnesis and a diagnosis.
When planning the treatment tactics, the doctor takes into account the age of the patient, the stage of the disease, the degree of damage to the joint, the presence and the severity of pain syndrome.The uniform therapy of the arthrosis of the knee and a medication that suddenly helps does not exist.The struggle against articular pathology should be complex and should not only include drugs, but also physiotherapeutic procedures, therapeutic exercises and recipes in traditional medicine.Surgical intervention is carried out with the failure of all conservative measures.
Pharmaceutical therapy
All drugs used in the fight against deforming arthrosis can be divided into two groups:
- Medicines that alleviate the main symptoms of the disease (non -steroid anti -inflammatory medication, glucocorticosteroid hormones);
- Means to restore the joint and prevent its further destruction (chondroprotectors, including hyaluronic acid).
The treatment of gonarthrosis always begins with medication in the first group that quickly eliminate pain syndrome.It is the pain in the joint that the patient suffered the most from the patient.
NSAID
Non -steroid anti -inflammatory drugs are used to eliminate severe pain, symptoms, removal of edema and inflammation of the joint and nearby tissues.These drugs can be used orally, intramuscular or locally directly on the area of the affected joint.
Various ointments and gels are used for external use.Anesthesia effect usually occurs quickly enough and remains for several hours.The ointments are also good to use them for a long time after you have coordinated the duration of the course with the participating specialist.
The course of treatment with non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs that have been taken inwards is no longer than two weeks because they have many side effects.
Therefore, with caution for people with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and older patients, NSAIDS are prescribed.
Corticosteroid
If the treatment of NSAIDs is ineffective and painful, the doctor intra -karticular injections can prescribe hormonal drugs.They look much more effective than drugs in the non -steroid group.
Due to the many undesirable consequences, glucocorticosteroid hormones are no more than once every 10 to 14 days into the intra -articular cave of the affected knee, and only during a time of the pronounced exacerbation.
Chondroprotectors
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate prevent further destruction of the joint and contribute to the restoration of the surface of the cartilage panels.
Chondroprotectors improve the diet of intra -articular tissues, saturate the synovial fluid with the necessary trace elements, reduce pain, edema and inflammation.They can be used in the form of tablets, ointments, intra -cardboard injections.
Treatment with medication that restores the structure of the cartilage takes at least 4-5 months.The result is a persistent and longer effect for several years.
If one speaks of chondroprotectors, you cannot mention the III generation.In addition to the chondroprotector, these products do not contain steroidal anti -inflammatory addition, which reduces the number of medicines taken and good results can be achieved.
In its composition, hyaluronic acid preparations are almost sufficient for the synovial fluid.After the substance has hit the joint, the substance creates a thin film on the surface of the cartilage plates, which you protect during the movements.
Injections of hyaluronic acid are only prescribed during the continuing remission.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is only used in extreme cases if conservative treatment does not provide positive results.Modern medicine has different options for carrying out operations that differ in the trauma level:
- Arthroscopy- The most gentle method of surgical intervention.It can also be used in the early stages of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.The procedure is suitable for young people who have an active lifestyle and can be repeated if necessary.
- Osteotomy.The operation is prescribed patients with severe deformation of the joint.An artificial fracture of the deformed bone is carried out during the procedure.Then the experts offer it anatomically and physiologically correct fusion.
- Endoprosthetics.The most radical type of surgical intervention.The connection is replaced by the implant during operation.Despite the complexity of the execution and the recovery duration, endoprosthetics is the best alternative to arthrodesis (joints of common ends to complete the immobilization of the joint).
Physiotherapy in the treatment of knee arthrosis
In the early stages of the development of the disease, physiotherapeutic methods are very effective.They quickly remove pain, relieve muscle cramp, prevent the destruction of cartilage and accelerate their regeneration.
Using physiotherapeutic measures, medication can be administered directly into the affected joint via the skin.The following physiotherapists are most frequently prescribed with osteoarthritis of the knee:
- Magnetotherapy (10–20 sessions);
- Medical baths (radon, mud, bishophytic, hydrogen sulfide);
- Medium ultraviolet radiation (6–7 times);
- UHF therapy;
- Electrophoresis with solutions of anti -inflammatory, vascular, analgesic drug;
- Darsonvalization;
- Laser therapy (at least 10 sessions).
In order to determine which treatment is necessary in a certain case, the duration of the therapy course can only be a specialist who focuses on the degree of damage to the joints, the age of the patient and the presence of simultaneous diseases.
Training therapy
Therapeutic gymnastics is one of the components of successful therapy to deform osteoarthritis.Lading strengthens the muscles, improves blood circulation, returns to the flexibility of the joints.
An approximate series of exercises
The classes are selected individually for each patient.LFK must be regularly committed and gradually increase the load on the connection.The exercises are best performed several times a day for 10-15 minutes.
After an evening exercise, it is advisable to shower with a comfortable water temperature.Then you have to rub the sick with a Terry towel and a massage with anti -inflammatory ointments.
Therapy with folk remedies
Folk treatment methods are very popular in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee joints.All types of compresses, rubbing and ointments from medical herbs have been widespread.Before you use recipes for traditional medicine, you need to consult a doctor.It must be remembered that you can never replace the main medication therapy.
With severe pain in the joint you can prepare a compress of 100 grams of honey and a tablespoon of food salt.The procedure takes place at night.
Warming compresses made of salt, sand or grain are very popular in patients.It is easy to make you - it is enough to heat the selected product in a pan, to pour it into a bag and into a hot but non -burning state and to attach it to the connection.
In addition to these means, you can use applications from paraffin, compress from Kohl or Lurdock leaves to combat the osteoarthritis of the knee.
If you use recipes for traditional medicine, it must be remembered that gonarthrosis cannot be healed with your help.You can only reduce the manifestations of the disease and improve the quality of human life.
Diploma
In order to prevent the deformation of age, exercise regularly, monitor the right nutrition, avoid injuries and wear comfortable shoes.If the discomfort occurs in the knee area, you must immediately contact the doctor.Only one specialist can make a diagnosis and say how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.Self -medicine will only make the disease worse.