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Gonarthrosis

pain due to arthrosis of the knee joint

Often, the disease occurs in elderly patients (especially women).Joint pain with gonarthrosis is explained by dystrophic changes in the cartilage covering the intra-articular surfaces of the bones.First, the blood circulation in the vessels feeding the cartilage deteriorates.Then the cartilaginous cover begins to thin and is completely removed.The bones inside the knee joint are exposed.As a result, they rub against each other while walking, causing severe pain.

Over the years, bone growths begin to appear in the joint.They lead to the development of deformation, the leg is bent.

Causes of gonarthrosis

Gonarthrosis of the knee joint occurs for various reasons.It is customary to distinguish two forms:

  • primary;
  • secondary.

Primary gonarthrosis usually develops in older people.It causes:

  • metabolic disorders;
  • obesity;
  • hereditary tendency;
  • taking hormonal drugs.

The primary form affects both knee joints at once and is called bilateral gonarthrosis.However, there are cases when the inflammatory process first covers one knee and only after a few years it moves to the second.

Secondary gonarthrosis, on the other hand, is always unilateral.He is told:

  • heavy physical work and sports that put stress on the right or left knee joint;
  • trauma (ligament rupture, dislocation, bleeding into the knee joint cavity, meniscus damage, intra-articular fracture, etc.).
  • knee joint operations;
  • inflammation/swelling of the joint.

Symptoms of gonarthrosis

Common symptoms of gonarthrosis of the knee joints include:

  • severe pain in the knee when moving;
  • knee dysfunction;
  • swelling in the knee joint;
  • lameness;
  • joint stiffness;
  • instability in the affected joint.

The late stages of the disease are also characterized by deformation (curvature) of the leg.

In most cases, gonarthrosis develops slowly and passes through four consecutive stages.

First-degree gonarthrosis of the knee joint is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Unexplained knee pain when going up/down stairs, squatting.
  • "Starting" pain when starting to move.
  • Restriction of mobility.
  • Disappearance of anxiety when the patient "leaves".
  • Knee pain after vigorous physical activity.
  • The knee appears healthy or slightly swollen.
  • Manifestations of synovitis (inflammation of the inner membrane, due to which fluid begins to form in the joint) may occur.

Secondary bilateral gonarthrosis of the knee joint has the following symptoms:

  • The pain becomes stronger.
  • Anxiety increases sharply when squatting and walking.
  • The pain is localized in the inner part of the knees and gradually disappears during rest.
  • Creaking in the knees.
  • The joint expands and fluid begins to accumulate inside it (synovitis).
  • Intra-articular fluid can fill the popliteal fossa at the back of the joint (Baker's cyst).
  • Individual joint areas are warm to the touch.
  • Stiffness may pass after physical warm-up.
  • The shape of the legs changes in the knee area (curvature is observed).

The following symptoms are characteristic of third-degree gonarthrosis:

  • Pain occurs day and night, while resting and walking.The patient should seek a position to reduce the severity of the pain symptom.
  • It is difficult to straighten and bend the joint.Movement is limited.It is impossible to straighten the leg completely.
  • An O- or X-shaped deformity of the lower limbs may occur.
  • The knee joint significantly increases in size and deforms.Severe synovitis is observed.
  • The patient's gait is unsteady, shaky, and requires the use of a cane/cane or outside assistance.

There is also the fourth degree of gonarthrosis of the knee joints.Clinically, orthopedists classify it as the third stage of the disease.This can only be determined by X-ray examination.

In the fourth degree, the articular surfaces of the bones are deformed so strongly that there is almost no space between them, without which movement is impossible.The patient suffers from constant pain.

If you notice similar symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.It is easier to prevent the disease than to deal with its consequences.

Diagnosis of gonarthrosis of knee joints

Diagnosis of the disease includes interviewing the patient, examining the inflamed joint, checking its volume and assessing mobility.If you suspect gonarthrosis, the orthopedist prescribes instrumental methods:

  • x-ray.With gonarthrosis, X-rays show narrowing of cracks, thinning of bone tissue and compression under cartilage, ossification of articular cartilage.There may be osteophytes - bony growths extending along the edges of the cartilage.
  • Ultrasound diagnostics of the knee joint.
  • Arthroscopy.During the study, the surgeon inserts a special microvideo camera connected to the arthroscope into the joint through punctures.A description of all parts of the studied area appears on the screen.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).This allows to assess the degree of damage to the knee joints.
  • A blood test is an auxiliary diagnostic method and does not always give a complete picture of the clinical picture.The fact is that with gonarthrosis, signs of inflammation cannot be detected in the blood.

Treatment of gonarthrosis of knee joints

Medicines

The following drug groups are used in the treatment of gonarthrosis of the knee joint:

  • anti-inflammatory;
  • pain relievers;
  • chondroprotectors (provides restoration of damaged cartilage tissue).

They come in different forms - ointments, creams, gels, tablets, capsules, intra-articular and intramuscular injections.

Orthopedics

Orthopedic treatment of pathology involves the use of special devices to minimize the load on diseased joints:

  • orthopedic insoles for shoes,
  • orthoses (special hard knee pads that limit mobility in the affected joint),
  • reeds.

Surgery

Surgical methods are used in the treatment of gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the third degree.Indications for endoprosthetics:

  • uncontrolled pain,
  • significant dysfunction of the knee and hip joints.

The time spent on implantation is 2-3 hours.Before installing the prosthesis, the collapsed part of the joint and the back of the knee cap are removed, the axis of the leg is aligned.If necessary, ligaments are restored.When the endoprosthesis is placed, the wound is sutured.

In the first hours after the operation, the patient does not feel the lower limbs due to anesthesia.The rehabilitation period is long - 3-4 months.

Endoprosthetic surgery is not possible if the patient suffers from osteoporosis (fragility and fragility of bones).

Additional methods of treatment of gonarthrosis

The following can be used as auxiliary treatment methods for gonarthrosis:

  • manual therapy;
  • massage;
  • acupuncture;
  • hirudotherapy;
  • physiotherapy;
  • Exercise therapy.

Exercise therapy for gonarthrosis

Exercises for gonarthrosis of the knee joint are selected individually.Their regular application allows you to strengthen the muscles surrounding the inflamed joint and improve blood circulation in the pathological area.They should be performed lying on the back or sitting.

In the first days, therapeutic exercises for gonarthrosis of the knee joint should not exceed 10 minutes.Gradually, the training period should be increased to half an hour.It is important to perform all movements smoothly and ensure that the pain does not intensify.

Universal exercises include:

  • Raise the straightened leg to a height of 15-20 cm from the floor and keep it in this position for the maximum time.
  • Raise the straightened leg to a height of 15-20 cm and gradually lower it to the starting position.
  • Bending and extending the legs while sitting in a chair.

Any squats and long walks are contraindicated without prior consultation with an orthopedist.

Features of treatment of gonarthrosis depending on the degree of the disease

Treatment of gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the first degree

The first degree of the disease is the mildest.The patient is prescribed:

  • Massage.
  • Therapeutic gymnastics.
  • Physiotherapy procedures.

If you are obese, you need to lose weight.A special diet is followed for this.

Treatment of secondary knee gonarthrosis

Complex treatment of pathology includes:

  • Performing exercises recommended by the therapist.
  • Taking anti-inflammatory and painkillers, chondroprotectors, joint introduction of hyaluronic acid.
  • Phytotherapeutic procedures (in the absence of an open inflammatory process).
  • Weight normalization.

Treatment of third-degree gonarthrosis

Therapeutic treatment of third-degree pathology is similar to the measures used in the second stage of the disease.However, if there is no expected effect, the patient is recommended to undergo a surgical procedure.

If we talk about the beginning of the third degree, it is possible to remove part of the damaged cartilage and bone protrusions.Using an arthroscope, the doctor examines the cavity of the knee joint and finds out how serious the problem is.

Corrective osteotomy is indicated while preserving healthy tissue areas.During this operation, the doctor reshapes the bone by breaking it.Then he installs a special plate that allows you to fix the limb in the correct position.

The second method of surgical treatment is endoprosthetic - an operation to replace the entire knee joint or its individual parts with prostheses.

Treatment of gonarthrosis of knee joints with folk remedies

Traditional recipes help to achieve good results only in the 1st and 2nd stages of the disease.When the cartilage tissue is destroyed and the joint is severely deformed, they are weak.

Ficus tincture

The solution is prepared according to the recipe:

  • Pass the ficus leaf through a meat grinder.
  • Place in a glass container.
  • Add 100 ml of vodka.
  • Cover with a lid and leave to infuse for 3 weeks.
  • Store the prepared liquid in the refrigerator.Rub the joints with tincture once a day for 10 days.

Clay compresses

  • Place the blue/red clay in a glass jar.
  • Dilute with water to the consistency of sour cream.
  • Apply clay to a linen/cotton cloth about 1.5-2 cm thick.
  • Apply to the painful joint.
  • Tie it with a bandage and wrap it with a towel.
  • Compress 2-3 times a day.The duration of treatment is 1.5 weeks.

Dandelion tincture

  • Fill a glass bottle with dandelion flowers.
  • Pour a triple layer of cologne on top.
  • Close the lid.
  • Put in a dark place for a month.
  • After the specified time, the tincture is filtered.Rub your knees twice a day.

Apple cider vinegar for arthrosis of the knee joints

  • Mix 6 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of natural honey.
  • Apply the mixture to the joint area.
  • Cover the top with a cabbage leaf.
  • Wrap with plastic and a scarf.
  • It is better to apply the compress at night.Remove the leaves after they are completely dry.The course of treatment is about 4 weeks.

Garlic with celery and lemon

  • 250 g of celery, 120 g of garlic, 3 lemons, mince, mix.Transfer to a three liter jar and add boiling water.
  • Cover with a warm blanket.
  • After cooling, use 70 ml before meals, at first once a day, after a few days - 2-3 times a day.

Diet for gonarthrosis

Diet for gonarthrosis of the knee joint aims to normalize body weight, fight obesity and saturate the body with nutrients.If the patient manages to lose weight, the pain is less pronounced because less stress is placed on the joints.In this case, you should not starve and resort to a mono-diet.Nutrition should be balanced.

Proteins contribute to the regeneration of intra-articular cartilage.The patient can get them from lean meat, cheese, cottage cheese, fish, lentils, beans, buckwheat.Jelly meat made from bone broth is useful for gonarthrosis because it contains a lot of collagen.

Carbohydrates should be taken by eating vegetables and fruits.Fats should be mainly vegetable.A small amount of butter is allowed.Vitamins, especially group B, are of great importance to improve the patient's condition.They are found in eggs, legumes, bananas, dairy products, cabbage, nuts and lentils.

If you have gonarthrosis of the knee joints, it is forbidden to drink alcohol.This not only has a negative effect on the body as a whole, but also increases appetite, which is undesirable.

The danger of gonarthrosis

With primary and secondary gonarthrosis, we are not talking about disability.The third stage of the disease can disable the patient when the functions of the joints are completely lost and unaided movement is impossible.

It is necessary to understand that gonarthrosis is a constantly developing chronic pathology.Proper selection of drugs and regular exercise are necessary for a favorable prognosis.

Risk group for gonarthrosis

The risk group for gonarthrosis includes:

  • professional dancers;
  • athletes;
  • builders, loaders, miners;
  • people with a hereditary predisposition;
  • obese people;
  • with poor posture;
  • fractures;
  • with malformations of the ligamentous-articular apparatus;
  • suffering from hormonal, rheumatoid and metabolic diseases.

Prevention of gonarthrosis

To reduce the risk of developing gonarthrosis of the knee joints, the following recommendations should be followed:

  • do physical exercise;
  • avoid excessive physical activity;
  • weight control;
  • seek qualified medical care for injuries, inflammatory diseases of the joints;
  • do not overcool (if there is a problem, it is recommended to wear warm knee pads);
  • drink 2 liters of water a day;
  • wear comfortable shoes;
  • avoid stressful situations.

This article is posted for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.