What is arthrosis of the knee joint (knee): causes, symptoms and treatment of the disease

Arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a degenerative lesion of the joint, which eventually leads to its deformation. Inside, the cartilage tissue begins to collapse. Gradually, knee function is disrupted and the patient loses the ability to move normally. This disease is very common.

Treatment of knee arthrosis is long -term, but cannot provide a complete cure for the problem. However, therapy is needed to maintain joint mobility and function for as long as possible, as well as improve the patient’s quality of life.

Type of disease

It is possible to classify gonarthrosis of the knee joint as the reasons for its development. It is primary and secondary. The first type of disease occurs most often. It also has another name - idiopathic osteoarthritis. The exact reason for the development of this form of knee arthrosis is difficult to find, as there are too many influencing factors.

The type of secondary pathology is clearly related to one cause or another. For example, it often occurs after a knee injury due to severe physical exercise on the knee joint. Such gonarthrosis is often genetically determined. Certain diseases can also cause dystrophic changes in the knee joint: diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, congenital malformations of the lower legs.

Why pathology develops

The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It is formed by the femur, tibia and patella. The articulation also includes a triangular cartilage with curved edges - menisci. Well-coordinated knee work is ensured by the musculoskeletal-ligament apparatus. Almost all surfaces of the joint bone are covered by cartilage tissue, the thickness of which is about 0, 5 cm. It feeds on blood vessels, as well as by way of diffusion (obtaining useful substances from synovial fluid).

The cartilage in the knee allows the surface of the bone to glide and protect it. If the nutrition of this tissue is disturbed, then the process of dystrophy begins in it, it becomes thinner. If left untreated, the cartilage disappears completely and the knee joint stops moving. The reasons for the development of arthrosis can be different. For example, the following factors can give rise to the emergence of secondary form pathology:

• Excessive pressure on the knee joint. In this case, changes may occur that the person is not aware of. Therefore, the load should be moderate, especially in old age. The greatest damage comes from squatting and running on hard surfaces (asphalt).
• Knee injury. These include damage to the meniscus, joint dislocations, fractures. This reason contributes to the development of the disease in young people. After correcting the limb, the blood circulation in it deteriorates. Damage or removal of the menisci in 90% of cases leads to arthrosis.
• Too much weight. Being overweight can damage menisci. Rehabilitation of the knee joint is protracted and difficult. In obese people, bilateral knee arthrosis often occurs. An additional negative point is the presence of varicose veins. In this case, the patient experienced the most severe form of knee gonarthrosis.
• Weakness of the ligament apparatus. Therefore, the joint movement is too high. Although a person can sit on the thread without problems even without warm -up, at this time the joint receives microtrauma. If the knee is damaged enough, arthrosis begins to develop.
• Violation of metabolic processes. In this case, the knee joint is not getting enough nutrients.
• Articular pathology. The pathology shown can be provoked by arthritis of the knee joint (reactive, rheumatoid). It is characterized by the development of inflammation and the accumulation of too much fluid in the articular cavity. The cartilage tissue in the knee begins to deteriorate.
• Depressed situation. Mood swings, the constant presence of the nervous system in a state of tension can lead to arthrosis of the knee joint.
• Congenital diseases of muscles, ligaments, and dysplasia.
• Chondrocalcinosis (premature deposition of calcium salts in the cartilage of the knee). Pathology is systemic.
• Osteomyelitis. This is an inflammation of the bone marrow, where a purulent mass is formed. They have a negative effect on the surrounding tissues. Over time, the purulent mass extends beyond the bone of the knee joint. Lack of treatment threatens the development of sepsis.
• Acromegaly. This is an endocrine disease in which the levels of growth hormone - growth hormone - increase. Often, benign tumors in the anterior pituitary gland contribute to an increase in their number. If such a disease develops in adolescence, the child suffers from a certain physical. Excessive growth rate of cartilage tissue leads to deformation of the knee joint.
• Diabetes.
• Hypothyroidism. The disease is also endocrine in nature. It occurs due to a lack of thyroid hormones. A person's mass begins to increase, he moves a little, and the cartilage of the knee joint is depleted.
• Frostbite. In this case, ice crystals form in the soft tissue, which kills living cells.
• Synovitis (inflammation localized to the synovial bags of the joints).

All of these reasons are capable of provoking knee gonarthrosis, while the person will not even realize it when the disease begins to develop.

What stage does arthrosis go through in its development?

The effectiveness of knee treatment depends on the stage of development of the arthrosis diagnosed in the patient:

• First stage knee arthrosis. The pain at this stage is not much felt. The patient can experience discomfort for years, while he or she is in no hurry to contact a specialist or do any type of treatment. Someone needs help during suffering. The onset of sharp pain is not uncommon for knee arthrosis.
• Arthrosis of the knee joint degree 2. The intensity of discomfort increases. Pain occurs not only after physical activity on the knee joint, but also at rest. To get rid of the unpleasant sensation, you need to rest more. In the area of the knee joint, swelling appears, the patient hears irritation. X-rays show narrowing of the joint space, slight deformation of the knee joint.
• Arthrosis of the knee joint is degree 3. In this case, the movement of the knee is very limited, and sometimes the leg cannot be fully straightened. Joint pain becomes severe and persistent, it appears in response to changes in weather conditions. The discomfort is painful, and it is difficult to get rid of it even at rest. Often the patient’s sleep is disturbed, and to alleviate his condition at least slightly, he uses NSAIDs. Someone suffers from lameness, and joint deformities are very noticeable.

Treatment of arthrosis should be started as early as possible, before the destruction of bone tissue becomes critical. In the event of irreversible changes, only surgery will help the patient.

Symptoms of knee arthrosis

The development of arthrosis does not occur overnight. As it progresses, the symptoms get worse. For gonarthrosis, the following manifestations are characteristic:

• Complete and click heard with specific movements. Patients may notice these symptoms somewhat late. Still, he says that the articular surface is damaged, grooves and bone growth have appeared on it.
• Swelling and enlargement of the knee.
• Painful sensation. In the first stage of the development of arthrosis, they are invisible and can appear only after a serious static load on the knee joint. Subsequent dynamic training improves the condition of the joint, its nutrition, and subsequent prognosis. As the top layer of cartilage is obliterated in arthrosis, the nerve endings are exposed. After some time (after resting), the fibers are covered with a small layer of fibrin and become less sensitive - the pain in the knee disappears. If the knee joint continues to collapse, then the discomfort is not causing the person to rest. Edema appears in the bursa, which further depresses the nerve. The inflammatory process begins.
• Limited mobility. These symptoms allow you to distinguish arthrosis from other pathologies of the knee joint. Stiffness appears in the morning after sleep and disappears after half an hour. If this condition lasts longer, then this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process.
• The range of motion decreases. The patient is unable to straighten the limb to the end. Since the patient always feels pain, he tries to reduce the range of motion, and the ligaments adapt to this. That is, they are shortened and do not let the knee joint fulfill its function fully.
• Jamming together. It arises as a result of strong changes in the articular surface.
• Dislocation and subluxation. They appear in the last stages of the development of arthrosis, when the joints are severely deformed.

Over time, a person experiences muscle atrophy, osteophyte proliferation, and lateral ligament weakness. The consequences of arthrosis are severe, as a person becomes deformed.

How to correctly diagnose arthrosis?

To begin proper arthrosis treatment, the patient must undergo a thorough examination. Diagnostics should be different, and include the following studies:

1. X-ray of the knee joint. With gonarthrosis, it is done in two projections. The specialist needs an X-ray of both the damaged and healthy knee. Radiography allows you to determine the following signs of arthrosis: narrowing of the joint space, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis. Also, studies presented on the knee joint revealed subluxation, a site of oscillation of cartilage tissue.
2. Arthroscopy. This is a minimally invasive procedure used not only to diagnose arthrosis, but also to treat it. It provides the use of a special LED conductor with a camera at the end. It is inserted through a small opening on the side of the knee. The overall picture of the internal state of the joint is reflected on the monitor. However, this procedure has drawbacks: the joint is stressed and pathogenic microorganisms can enter it.

3. Ultrasound. This diagnostic method is completely safe. This procedure helps examine the soft tissues of the knee, as well as cartilage, synovium, blood vessels.
4. CT. This is an X-ray examination method, however, this allows you to see not only the bone structure, but also the soft tissue. Thanks to computer equipment, experts were able to build three -dimensional knee models. However, to get accurate information, patients must receive large doses of radiation.
5. Scintigraphy. This is an x-ray examination using a contrast agent.
6. MRI. In this case, a magnetic beam is used to obtain information. The picture shows the soft tissue more clearly.

7. Thermography. This procedure is made based on the registration of thermal radiation from the surface of the patient's body. Thus, you can identify the tumor, the focus of inflammation. One study was commissioned for the purpose of differential diagnosis.
8. General blood analysis. It helps determine the severity of inflammation, to determine its nature.
9. General urine examination. Thanks to him, it is possible to determine the systemic nature of the pathology.
10. Blood chemistry.

Thanks to these diagnostic measures, specialists are able to accurately diagnose knee arthrosis, and prescribe a truly effective treatment.

Treatment of knee arthrosis

Treatment of arthrosis must be versatile and long -term. Since it is not possible to completely stop joint destruction, therapy should be performed continuously to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Drugs in the treatment of arthrosis

The doctor may prescribe the following medications:

• Non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used in the form of tablets and ointments. However, in the event of severe pain syndrome, which cannot be eliminated with normal methods, injections are used. It helps soothe pain quickly, relieves swelling and reduces the intensity of inflammation. This medication can only relieve symptoms, but cannot cure arthrosis. Only a doctor should prescribe this fund. The course of treatment lasts no more than 14 days, and relief already lasts in 2-3 days.
• Chondroprotectors for arthrosis of the knee joint. Each of these drugs contains useful substances that can regenerate cartilage. However, it will be effective only if the application is started on time. If the cartilage is completely removed, then the use of chondroprotectors will not be useful. Treatment with such a method will last a long time (at least 6 months). Pills and topical medications are most often used, although injections may be done.
• Vasodilator. They help relieve cramps and pain syndromes, restore normal blood circulation, and improve the nutrition of the knee joint.
• Glucocorticosteroids. Often it is used in the most difficult cases, when other drugs do not give a positive effect. Intra-articular injections into the knee are used for arthrosis. They are allowed to be used only once a year.
• Enzymes. They provide regrowth of cartilage structure in the early stages of the development of knee arthrosis. They are also prescribed to be injected into the joints.
• Hyaluronic acid. It provides smooth movement of the knee joint, as it can replace synovial fluid.
• Local preparations - ointments, creams, gels. They also only relieve symptoms.
• Compressing medicine. In this case, the drug used can penetrate the skin, help relieve muscle spasms, and have a reabsorption effect. Compresses can be done using medical bile.

Drug therapy in the treatment of arthrosis is essential. However, the drug must be used strictly in the dosage prescribed by the doctor. It is impossible to raise or lower rates independently, changing daily rates without expert knowledge.

Features of physiotherapy treatment and exercise therapy

You can also treat arthrosis of the knee joint using physiotherapy procedures:

• Sort. It helps restore normal blood circulation in the tissues, relieving muscle spasms.
• Electrophoresis with drugs allows you to eliminate inflammation in the joints, as well as produce analgesic effects.
• Magnetic therapy. With the help of certain radiation, the tissues around the affected right or left joint are stimulated. Metabolic processes in cells improve.
• UHF. The waves induce the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the knee.
• Phonophoresis with corticosteroids.
• Electrotherapy helps relieve not only pain, but also swelling.

• Mud therapy.
• Hirudotherapy.
• Shock wave therapy.
• Heat treatment. This includes paraffin therapy. Thanks to this procedure, local blood circulation is improved.
• SMV therapy. This physiotherapy stimulates blood circulation, relieves swelling and helps improve the nutrition of cartilage tissue.

Physical therapy is very useful. It is necessary to restore the elasticity of muscle tissue and ligaments, increase the mobility of the knee joint. The following exercises will be useful:

1. Lying on your stomach, you should take turns lifting your legs up. In this case, they should not be bent at the knees. Lifting height is about 20 cm.
2. Lying on your left side, you need to bend the left leg and lift it 30 degrees. It is necessary to hold the limb in this position for up to 30 seconds. The same exercise should be done with the right leg.
3. Sitting on a chair, the legs should be straightened and lifted as high as possible.

The training set was selected individually by the attending physician. Gymnastics is best done after a small massage with medicated ointment. Physiotherapy is an effective adjunct method of treating arthrosis, which enhances the effects of medications.

Is surgery necessary?

In the most difficult cases, when the joint is severely damaged by arthrosis, the patient is prescribed surgery. There are several types of interventions:

1. Articulatory attraction. It involves stretching a joint damaged by arthrosis to increase the gap between the cartilage. This will make it possible to prevent tissue destruction and its gradual recovery.
2. Endoprosthetics are the complete replacement of joints destroyed by arthrosis. It is run as a last resort. Replacement can be complete or partial. The prosthesis should be changed in 10-15 years.
3. Osteotomy. Treatment of such arthrosis makes it possible to improve the mechanical deviation of severely deformed bones. In this case, the solid element breaks at a strictly defined place. Next, the bones are placed properly and fused together.
4. Arthroscopy. With its help, restoration of the cartilage surface destroyed by arthrosis is performed. In addition, by using an arthroscope, foreign objects and bone fragments can be removed from the joint. Such surgery is used for joint hypermobility. Arthroscopy is considered a low trauma procedure, so recovery after it does not last long.

Better not take him to surgical intervention. Treatment should be started in the first stage of arthrosis development. Orthopedic devices will help consolidate the result: crutches, orthoses to reduce the load, knee braces with infrared radiation.

The use of folk remedies

It is impossible to cure arthrosis completely, because the degenerative process will gradually run. However, you can relieve the symptoms and stop the destruction of the knee joint in arthrosis. Folk remedies can be used during exacerbations, as well as during relative calm. But first you need expert consultation. The following recipe will be useful for arthrosis:

1. Chopped radish root should be boiled in a little water over low heat. After that, the gruel must be filtered and placed around the arthrosis -affected knee. The compress must be fitted with a bandage. You need to perform the procedure every day for a month. Compresses improve blood circulation and tissue repair.
2. Applying vegetable oil to the knee joint area for arthrosis will help relieve the pain. However, it needs a little warming.
3. Mummy makes a good impression. You need to mix 3-4 g of raw material with 100 g of honey and mix everything thoroughly. You need to rub the medicine into the sore spot at night, before bed. Next, wrap the affected part with a warm scarf. A mummy reception inside is also welcome. You can use it at the rate of 0. 2 g per day.
4. Fresh dandelion flowers can be washed clean and eaten 5-6 pieces a day. Also dry the raw material in the amount of 1 tbsp. you should pour a glass of boiling water, insist and drink 1/3 cup three times a day.
5. Rub aloe leaves. You need to turn 10 pieces of crop and squeeze a thin cloth. The juice is mixed with half a glass of honey and 150 ml of red wine. The resulting product is poured into a dark glass container, and used daily for a month.

Cabbage leaves and burdock will help relieve inflammation in arthrosis. Folk remedies should not be considered panacea, but they increase the effectiveness of other therapies.

Dietary rules for arthrosis

Treatment of arthrosis does not require a strict diet, but you should still adhere to some dietary rules:

• Reduce your salt intake. The amount per day should not exceed 2 g. It is better to salt the dish before use, and not during cooking.
• The amount of spices used during the treatment of arthrosis should also be reduced. The same goes for fermented foods, pickles. Pickles and canned foods are better, in general, not included in the diet.
• Animal fats are not recommended.
• The menu should not contain sweets, pastries and breads made from wheat flour.

• With arthrosis, alcohol and nicotine are strictly prohibited.
• Dishes with useful gelatin content: aspic, meat jelly, beef bone broth.
• It is important for arthrosis to consume milk protein (non -fatty products), fish, seafood.
• The diet should contain vegetable oils, vegetables and fruits, fresh juices.
• One should consume an adequate amount of fluids every day.

A proper diet for arthrosis should be developed by a specialist. You can not go to extremes, even if the patient is overweight. Dramatic and improper weight loss will only worsen your health. In this case, treatment will be significantly delayed.

Prevention of arthrosis

To avoid the possibility of arthrosis, as well as not to lose the ability to walk, you need to follow the following expert advice:

• We must not forget the movement. Better go to the pool, ride a bike, travel in the fresh air. You can also go dancing.
• It is best to avoid any injuries and hypothermia in the knee joint, as this gives rise to post-traumatic arthrosis.
• It is best to use a knee protector or other orthopedic device for prolonged activity.
• It is best to wear comfortable shoes.

• It’s important to eat properly - arthrosis doesn’t stand a chance if all the necessary nutrients are regularly supplied to the joints.
• If you are overweight, you should get rid of it.
• It is better to avoid stress, as well as organize work and rest routines properly.
• It is necessary to strengthen the body's defenses.
• All inflammatory or infectious pathologies that can provoke the development of arthrosis should be eliminated in a timely manner.

Proper prevention can slow down the destruction of joints, which under normal circumstances is a natural aging process in the body.

Arthrosis of the knee joint is an incurable disease, but its progression can be slowed and even stopped by improving quality of life.