Probably everything was heard on arthrosis (deformation of osteoarthritis).The disorder is included in the first three most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system.However, despite this popularity, not everyone can say with confidence that it has complete information on this joint disease.Since osteoarthritis of the lower ends is often diagnosed, we will tell in detail the arthrosis of the knee and the methods of its treatment.
Briefly on the arthrosis of the knee joint
So what is it: the arthrosis of the knee and how much do we know about it?In medicine, there are several names of this disease, each of which characterizes the pathology on its part.
Therefore, the term "gonartrosis" clarifies where the pathological process develops (with a Greek knee).
The name "Artrosis" (Arthros - Articulation) indicates an inflammatory disease in which the degeneration and atrophy of the cartilage tissues occur.
There is another more accurate concept - deformation of osteoarthritis.With a long flow pathology, not only the surface of the knee joint, but also ligaments, tendons and muscles nearby.Blood circulation deteriorates, the trophy (nutrition) is upset and the metabolism in the periarticular tissues is disturbed.The cartilage is quickly thinned and destroyed, bone growth (osteophytes) are formed on the lateral surfaces of the joint, the ligaments thicken and lose elasticity.All this leads to the growing restriction of the mobility of the joint, up to the complete absence of movements in it.
The main cause of the disease are age -related changes.In addition, there are a series of further factors that cause the development of osteoarthritis:
- various lesions of the lower limbs;
- increase in body weight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Hereditary predisposition to diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- Violation of the metabolism.
The disorder develops slowly and for several years the symptoms of joint damage are absent.However, degenerative changes are gradually underway in joint structures.Consequently, the pain and the creaking appear while walking, limiting the mobility in the knee, the atrophy of the close muscles of the thigh and the lower part of the leg develops.
The symptoms of the deformation of osteoarthritis depend on the degree of damage to the articulation of the knee, becoming more intense and acute as the process advances.
Therefore, do not postpone a visit to the doctor.It should be remembered that it is impossible to finally take care of arthrosis, but it is completely possible to suspend its development.The first therapy begins, more possibilities for a positive outcome and reduce the risk of complications.
Methods of disease treatment
If the patient comes from the doctor with the question: "Doctor, I have the arthrosis of the knee joint, tell me how and what to treat" - most likely he will not receive an unequivocal and concrete response.Honartrosis therapy is a long process that includes a whole complex of therapeutic measures.The treatment of any pathology always begins with the collection of anamnesis and diagnosis.
When planning the tactics of the treatment, the doctor takes into account the age of the patient, the stage of the disease, the degree of damage to the articulation, the presence and severity of the pain syndrome.Unified osteoarthritis therapy of the knee, as well as a drug that helps everyone at once, does not exist.The fight against joint pathology should be complex and include not only drugs, but also physiotherapy procedures, therapeutic exercises and traditional medicine recipes.With the inability of all conservative measures, surgery is performed.
Drug therapy
All drugs used in the fight against the deformation of osteoarthritis can be conditioned in two groups:
- Drugs that relieve the main symptoms of the disease (non -pounded anti -anti -inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroid hormones);
- It means restoring the articulation and preventing its further destruction (chondroprotectors, including hyaluronic acid).
The treatment of gonartrosis always begins with the drugs of the first group, which quickly eliminate pain syndrome.It is the pain in the joint that the patient is more suffered by the patient.
Fans
Non -system anti -inflammatory drugs are used to eliminate serious pain, discomfort, removal of the edema and inflammation of joint tissues and nearby.These drugs can be used orally, intramuscular or locally, directly on the area of the articulation concerned.
For external use, various ointments and gels are used.The anesthetic effect, as a rule, occurs quite quickly and persists for several hours.Ointments are also useful for using them for a long time, having coordinated the duration of the course with the frequency specialist.
The course of treatment with non -steering anti -inflammatory drugs taken inwards is not more than two weeks, since they have many side effects.
Therefore, caution fans are prescribed for people with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and elderly patients.
Corticosteroids
If the treatment of fans is an ineffective and painful syndrome, the doctor may prescribe intra -articular injections of hormonal drugs.They act much more effective than the non -steroid group drugs.
Due to the many unwanted consequences, glucocorticosteroid hormones are introduced into the intraarticular cavity of the knee interested in no more than once every 10-14 days and only during a period of pronounced exacerbation.
Condroprotectors
Glucosamine and condroitin sulphate prevent further destruction of the joint and contribute to the restoration of the surface of the cartilage plates.
The chondroprotectors improve the nutrition 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 -articular injections.
The course of treatment with drugs that restores the structure of the cartilage lasts at least 4-5 months.The result is a persistent and prolonged effect for several years.
Speaking of chondroprotectors, one cannot fail to mention generation III.These products contain, in addition to the conductor of Condroprotector, not -non -steroid inflammatory, which allows you to reduce the amount of drugs taken and obtain good results.
Hyaluronic acid preparations are almost adapted to the synovial fluid in its composition.Having hit the joint, the substance creates a thin film on the surface of the cartilage plates that protect them during the movements.
Intra -articular injections of hyaluronic acid are prescribed only during persistent remission.
Surgical treatment
Surgery is used only in extreme cases when conservative treatment does not provide positive results.Modern medicine has several ways to conduct operations that differ in the trauma level:
- Arthroscopy- The most delicate method of surgery.It can also be used in the early stages of the arthrosis of the knee joint.The procedure is suitable for young people who lead an active lifestyle and can be repeated if necessary.
- Osteotomy.The operation is prescribed to patients with serious deformation of the joint.During the procedure an artificial fracture of the deformed bone is performed.So experts provide him with anatomically and physiologically correct fusion.
- Endopropostetic.The most radical type of surgery.During the operation, the joint is replaced by the plant.Despite the complexity of the execution and the duration of the recovery, the endoprothetic is the best alternative to the arthrodesis (joints of the joint ends in order to complete the immobilization of the joint).
Physiotherapy in the treatment of illegal knee
In the initial stages of the development of the disease, the physiotherapy procedures are very effective.They quickly eliminate pain, breed muscle spasm, prevent the destruction of cartilage and accelerate its regeneration.
Using physiotherapy measures, drugs can be administered through the skin directly in the articulation concerned.Very often, with the arthrosis of the knee, the following physiotherapists are prescribed:
- magnetotherapy (10-20 sessions);
- medical baths (radon, mud, biscuits, hydrogen sulphide);
- Ultraviolet irradiation to the middle volume (6-7 times);
- Uhf-therapy;
- electrophoresis with anti -inflammatory, vascular and analgesic drug solutions;
- darsonvalition;
- Laser therapy (at least 10 sessions).
To determine what treatment is necessary in a particular case, the duration of the course of therapy can only be a specialist, focusing on the degree of damage to the joints, the patient's age and the presence of concomitant diseases in him.
Operating therapy
Therapeutic gymnastics is one of the components of successful therapy to deform osteoarthritis.The charge strengthens the muscles, improves blood circulation, returns to the articulations lost flexibility.
An approximate set of exercises
The classes are selected for each patient individually.LFK must be involved regularly, gradually increasing the load on the joint.The exercises are done better several times a day for 10-15 minutes.
After an evening exercise, it is advisable to take a shower with a comfortable water temperature, after which it is necessary to rub the patients with a terry towel and massage with anti -inflammatory ointments.
Therapy with popular remedies
The folk treatment methods are very popular among patients with the arthrosis of the knee joints.All types of compressions, scrolls and ointments from medicinal herbs have been widely used.Before using recipes for traditional medicine, you need to consult a doctor.It should be remembered that in no case can they replace the main drug therapy.
With severe pain in the joint, it is possible to prepare a compress of 100 grams of honey and a spoonful of diet.The procedure is performed at night.
Among patients, the heating of salt, sand or cereals are very popular.It is easy to make them: simply heat the selected product in a pan, pour it into a bag and a hot but not on fire and stick to the joint.
In addition to these means, to combat the arthrosis of the knees, it is possible to use paraffin applications, compression of cabbage or basic leaves.
By applying recipes for traditional medicine, it must be remembered that with their help, gonartrosis cannot be treated.You can only reduce the manifestations of the disease and improve the quality of human life.
Conclusion
To prevent age -related joint deformation, it is necessary to play regularly in sport, monitor correct nutrition, avoid injuries and wear comfortable shoes.If the discomfort appears in the knee area, you need to contact your doctor immediately.Only a specialist can make a diagnosis and say how to treat the arthrosis of the knee.The car -mediation will only aggravate the disease.