All about arthrosis of the knee joint: what it is, symptoms, causes, treatment, prevention

8 April 2021

Arthrosis, gonarthrosis, osteoarthritis are synonymous terms that define the same disease: deformation of the cartilage tissue of the knee joint.

The human knee joint is formed by three bones: the femur, tibia, and patella. At the point of contact with each other, these bones are covered with cartilage tissue, which ensures a smooth surface sliding between them.

Over time, this cartilage becomes thinner, losing flexibility and elasticity. Cartilage is fertilized by synovial fluid; the shock -absorbing properties of the joints depend on the quantity and quality of this fluid.

The first symptoms and signs

Usually appears in people aged 45-50 years. The disease is common in both men and women, but the "weaker sex" more often suffer from the disease.
At the onset of the disease, the patient experiences tolerable pain in the knee joint area, and over time, severe pain appears.
The intensity of pain changes: with movement, physical activity, it becomes stronger, at rest - the pain subsides.

If you do not pay attention to the symptoms of this approaching disease, the disease will begin to develop and, in severe cases, cause disability.

When contacting a doctor, the diagnosis of arthrosis is clarified using X-rays. The picture shows the narrowing of the joint space from inside or outside the joint. But over time, the pathological process captures the entire joint. And along the edges of the articular surface, osteophytes can be seen - bone growth.

The main signs of knee joint arthrosis:

During the day, the pain increases; at night rest, the pain subsides. But if venous insufficiency occurs, then the dull pain persists into the night.
Muscle tension in the joint area
While walking, cramps are heard in the knee joints

In cases of severe disease, deformation and swelling of the affected joint is observed, an increase in its volume
On palpation, the joints ache
While trying to move the knee, the pain increases
In the later stages of the disease, muscle shortening occurs, and the patient is unable to place the foot in the correct position
If left untreated, joint movement decreases or disappears completely

What is patellofemoral arthrosis of the knee?

Often from a doctor you can hear a diagnosis of "patellofemoral arthrosis" - what is it? Indeed, in the international classification of diseases, such arthrosis does not exist. Few people know that knee joint arthrosis begins with the development of patellofemoral syndrome.

This syndrome occurs when a part of the body suffers excessive or repeated injuries. That is, patellofemoral arthrosis is similar to patellofemoral syndrome.

The main causes of this disease are:

congenital defects and those acquired from the lower extremities;
various anomalies in patellar development;
excessive knee joint load (e. g. , in athletes).

Patellofemoral arthrosis of the knee joint has the following clinical manifestations: pain in the anterior side of the knee joint, which increases significantly with physical exercise (running, jumping, going up and down stairs, various squats). The pain can also increase when the patient sits with the legs bent underneath. The patient may experience a sensation of tension and stiffness in the knee, both on the inside and on the front of it.

Patellofemoral syndrome is diagnosed clinically, as a rule, additional studies are not required.

This disease, as a rule, does not require special treatment. However, to reduce pain and provoke undesirable consequences (patellar instability, deformity of the knee joint, accumulation of inflammatory exudates), the following procedures are required:

decreased physical activity. This does not mean that the patient should lead a passive lifestyle, just that the level of activity should not be painful;
using special bandages worn on the knee joint area during exercise or pressure, thereby supporting and improving the patella;
with significant pain syndrome, glucocorticosteroids and anesthetics are injected into the painful joint area with precise injections, which will relieve pain and help prevent the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in the future.

If patellofemoral arthrosis has caused complications or is accompanied by other degenerative-dystrophic pathologies of the knee joint, then therapy is carried out according to the treatment regimen for arthrosis of the knee joint.

The reasons

Occupational diseases of athletes who experience increased pressure on the knee joint. Athletes suffer injuries and microtraumes to joints, bruises and ruptured ligaments. After retiring from sports, the muscular skeleton becomes weak, which leads to the development of the disease.
Increased life expectancy and increased physical activity in middle -aged people
Increased physical activity at the knee joint in people who spend the day working "on their feet"
Genetic predisposition
Congenital diseases of the joints and bones
Lack of collagen
Knee injury
Excess weight that puts more pressure on the knee joint
Having joint disease
Knee surgery

To achieve a positive treatment result, it is necessary to perform clinical and radiological examinations, which show several stages of the disease:

Arthrosis of the knee joint 1 degree. . . There is a slight narrowing of the joint slit, slightly sharp surface edges, slight restriction of movement. During the arthroscopic examination, the doctor examines the softness of the cartilage.
Degree 2 knee joint arthrosischaracterized by significant limitations in the movement of the knee joint, strong spasms. The picture clearly shows osteophytes and narrowing of the joint space by 2-3 times. Small cracks were observed on the joint surface.
Grade 3 knee arthrosis- this is already a complete restriction of movement, when joint deformation, deformation and compaction, osteophytes and cysts are observed on the joint surface. There are changes in cartilage tissue along its thickness.
Grade 4 knee arthrosis- arthroscopy shows complete absence of cartilage tissue.

Drug treatment

In the complex treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, drug therapy occupies an important place. Combining it with physiotherapeutic procedures, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy, you can achieve excellent results, up to the restoration of limb function.

When diagnosed with knee joint arthrosis, drug treatment helps relieve pain, normalize blood circulation in problem areas, improve cartilage metabolism and nutrition, activate the recovery process, and improve joint mobility.

Since it is impossible to use other methods of therapy with a background of sharp pain sensations, first of all, patients are given painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it is not recommended to use such funds for a long time, because, in addition to side effects (most often these are negative effects on the digestive system), they can contribute to dehydration and further destruction of cartilage tissue.

Chondroprotectors are used to restore cartilage nutrition, regenerate cartilage plates and improve synovial fluid quality.. . . The drugs of this group are injected directly into the aching joint and are safest for the patient. Immediately falling to the affected area, chondroprotectors save the joint from destruction and help restore its function. One of the disadvantages of this method is the long wait for the results - patients may see an improvement only after a few months. In addition, it is not recommended to take chondroprotectors if the disease is in the third stage and the joint is almost completely destroyed.

A variety of ointments and creams are used to reduce pain, relieve swelling and slightly improve joint mobility.Various warming agents are good for stretching ligaments and muscles, improving blood circulation, and speeding up metabolism in the joints. But they can not be used in case of inflammation, in which case it is proven to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory gels and ointments.

Compresses should not be ignored - they have the ability to penetrate, improve blood circulation, have anesthetic and anti -inflammatory effects, and accelerate metabolic processes in cartilage.

Therefore, you should not delay a visit to the doctor for a person suspected of disease or arthrosis of the knee joint is found - drug treatment, started in a timely manner and chosen correctly, can save the joint and help avoid surgical intervention.

Medications for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint

Treatment of knee arthrosis is never complete without the use of medication.

Drug therapy aims primarily to relieve inflammation and pain, improve local blood circulation and nutrition of articular cartilage, activate metabolic processes, and restore joint mobility.

What medications are prescribed for knee joint arthrosis?

For successful treatment of the disease, you should initially get rid of the pain and get rid of the inflammatory process. For this, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. However, you should not get carried away with these funds - with prolonged use, they tend to hide the true clinical picture of the disease.
To restore the cartilage joint surface, restore its structure, nourish the cartilage and increase the production of intra-articular fluid, chondroprotectors are used. The action of this drug is very slow, therefore, before the patient notices a noticeable improvement, you should undergo 2-3 treatments with chondroprotectors, which will take about a year.
To improve the general condition of the patient and relieve pain, in combination with other medications, gels and ointments can be used. If the course of arthrosis is accompanied by synovitis, then preference is given to ointments based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances.
Intra-articular injections are used to provide emergency treatment for arthrosis. Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid are most often injected.
For local treatment, compresses with drugs are prescribed - dimethyl sulfoxide, biscuit and medicinal bile. Dimethyl sulfoxide has the ability to penetrate the skin barrier, that is, its action is directed directly to the site of inflammation. This material has analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties, absorbs and increases metabolism in the area of its application. Bischofite - a derivative of the oil - also has an anti -inflammatory effect on the affected joints, providing a warming effect. Medical bile has properties similar to dimethyl sulfoxide with bischofite, but its use is limited by some contraindications. Medical bile should not be taken by patients with pustular skin disease, increased body temperature and inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Before starting any medication for arthrosis of the knee joint, it is necessary to consult a doctor, discuss the dosage, features of administration and duration of treatment.

Injections into the knee joint for arthrosis

Intra-articular injections are one of the most effective methods of treating knee joint arthrosis. This relatively expensive procedure can reduce pain and inflammation, and new modern medicines not only improve the general condition of the patient, but also treat the affected cartilage tissue.

Injections into the knee joint for arthrosis is a relatively difficult procedure, therefore, you should see a doctor, even if the patient knows what medication to inject and in what quantity.

For intra-articular injections, the following medications are most often prescribed:

Corticosteroid hormones. This is the most common drug, because the effect after its introduction is achieved within minutes. However, by relieving inflammation and pain, corticosteroids have a negative effect on the joint itself-cartilage tissue remains deteriorating, in addition, drugs in this group cause narrowing of blood vessels, which also damage joint tissues. Therefore, the use of corticosteroid hormones is allowed only in the event of unbearable pain in end -stage arthrosis. Injections can be repeated no more than once every two weeks.
Chondroprotectors and enzymes. Unlike hormones, they do not reduce inflammation, so giving is meaningless if there is swelling of the joints. But they have a regenerating effect, partially restoring cartilage tissue. The use of such drugs is very effective in the early stages of arthrosis. The course of treatment is 5-10 injections.
Hyaluronic acid. Very effective drug, but at the same time expensive. Its effectiveness lies in the fact that the acid itself is similar in composition to the natural lubrication of the joints. After the introduction of a drug with hyaluronic acid into the knee, the friction of the affected articular surface is reduced, and knee mobility is improved. Such injections are very effective in the early stages of arthrosis, a slightly lower effect is observed in the second stage, and with arthrosis of the third knee joint, such drugs can only alleviate the patient's condition temporarily. The course of treatment usually includes three to four injections once a year.

Injections into the knee joint for arthrosis are strictly contraindicated in the following cases:

infection of the skin or subcutaneous tissue at the intended injection site;
sepsis;
infectious arthritis;
hemophilia;
the presence of a viral infection;
lack of results from previous injections;
individual intolerance to drugs.

Nor should intra-articular injections be made for prophylactic purposes.

Orthopedic knee bandages for knee joint arthrosis

During the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, to prevent various injuries, as well as to support damaged tissue and relieve pressure from the joint, knee pads are used.

Orthopedic knee pads are essentially similar to elastic bandages. However, compared to the latter, knee braces have their advantages: no need to be wrapped several times a day, will not slip or dangle, properly installed knee pads will not press on the foot and provoke swelling and other unpleasant consequences of prolonged squeezing.

Orthopedic knee bandages for knee joint arthrosis perform the following functions:

reduce inflammation and pain;
relieves swelling;
relieves cramps and tension;
normalize blood circulation;
facilitates free joint movement.

When choosing an orthopedic knee pad, you should pay attention to the following features:

Type of knee pad - selected depending on the severity of the pain. There are the following types of knee protectors:
- closed - used when it is impossible to determine the localization of pain;
- open with adjustable tension - used during recovery and for mild pain;
- open with hardened ribs - for pain during ascent and descent of stairs, etc. ;
- articulated - for various types of pain;
- to support tendons - used if pain is localized below the patella.
The material from which the knee is made is very important, because not only the degree of fixation, but also the intensity of the heating effect depends on it. Modern knee pads are made of cotton, lycra, nylon, neoprene, spandex, camel and dog hair.
Knee pad measurements, calculated individually for each patient.

The doctor will help determine the parameters of future purchases - he or she will not only choose the optimal size and type of knee pad for the patient, but will also advise on which material is most effective.

Orthopedic knee pads for arthrosis can be purchased at pharmacies or specialty medical equipment stores, the price is quite acceptable. You should be wary of such purchases in non-specialized stores or from dubious companies, because you can easily buy fakes, which, if not harmful, it certainly will not help.

Proper nutrition

Nutritionists have studied the nutritional characteristics of various people over the years. By comparing national cuisines, scientists seek to understand the influence of people’s culinary preferences on the occurrence of certain diseases. This kind of research has been done many times in connection with common diseases such as arthrosis of the knee joint.

Many theories have been put forward, many different assumptions have been made. For example, at one time it was thought that the consumption of tomatoes contributed to the development of the disease, so it was recommended that table salt be "blamed" for the appearance of arthrosis.

In the twentieth century, the situation with the development of this disease has deteriorated sharply.

Proper nutrition is the key to joint health.

To prevent the development of this disease, it should be understood that nutrition plays an important role in arthrosis of the knee joint. From the diet, the consumption of meat products included in the fast food segment should be minimized. These products are:

semi -finished products made from meat production waste: sausages, sausages, all kinds of sausages, etc.
smoked meats sold in stores (often such products are prepared using chemicals, and not in smoky stores).
ready -to -eat meats - ham, bacon (manufacturers in this case do not hesitate to use flavor enhancers and colorings).
snacks.

Of course, not everyone can get rid of the above food products. Over the years have developed the habit of indulging in a smoked sausage sandwich or boiled sausage in the morning. In this case, we advise you to buy a piece of meat at the market, bake in the oven with spices, cut and then use as a base for sandwiches. Fast food like this will not harm the body.

So we learned that it is best to reject semi -finished products, smoked meats and fast food. But what about meat if injected?

The ideal option, of course, is to buy meat from a trusted supplier, but in urban conditions, this advice is not feasible.

Accordingly, it is necessary to use such a method of cooking so that as many harmful chemical compounds as possible are destroyed. Sometimes the use of only this factor makes it possible to achieve an excellent effect in the fight against arthrosis.

How to cook food properly for knee joint arthrosis

Keep in mind that the diet for knee joint arthrosis should not be saturated with fat.

Therefore, when preparing food, it is necessary to cut the visible fat from the meat, and remove the skin from the poultry. In fats, the most abundant amount of harmful substances is concentrated.

Boiling, stewing, baking with foil, and steaming are the healthiest ways to prepare food.

With arthrosis of the knee joint, jelly and jelly meat should not be eaten. There is an opinion from the series "grandma in the yard says" that this dish is good for the joints, but this is not so. A person with arthrosis will only get worse than high cholesterol levels.

Meat soups and stews should be eaten as little as possible. Even if you remove the broth first, there is still a lot of unhealthy fat on the second. It is better to get acquainted with vegetable soups, which are very popular in Western countries. Mushroom soup is also beneficial.

Attempts to substitute meat for soups with dry broth and cubes will not lead to good: this product contains a large number of chemical components.

Unfortunately, fish sold in our markets are also injected with dyes and preservatives and are therefore dangerous for arthrosis of the knee joint. Therefore, you should buy live fish when possible. It is clear that not everyone has enough money for this. The above method will help cook frozen fish properly.

Prevention of arthrosis of the knee joint

It is impossible to let living conditions worsen because of this disease, therefore, the cause of arthrosis must be excluded. It is much easier to prevent disease than to deal with expensive and long -term treatment.

You need to lose weight.
Joints require constant physical activity: jump rope, squat, small runs. But everything must be in moderation. Excessive exercise also leads to disease. Spare joint loads with adequate rest.
Because of the knee injury, arthrosis develops. When skiing, skating, biking or cycling, padded knee pads should be worn. For sale there is an adequate selection of both knee mounts and warming from fleece.
Do not ignore the help of others if the weight exceeds your strength.
Eat more vegetables and fruits. It has been observed that vegetarians practically do not suffer from arthrosis. Replace mayonnaise with olive oil or mustard. Very useful are plums, dried apricots, apricots, apples, raspberries, cranberries with honey.
Strong tea and coffee wash away calcium in large quantities.
Cottage cheese and homemade cheese will help strengthen bones.
Walking with a cane will save you from excessive knee joint strain.
Shoes must be comfortable, with small heels.
Swimming and water aerobics will relieve stress from the whole body and fatigue from the knee joints.
Of these vitamins, vitamin E is very useful, which prevents the destruction of cartilage tissue.
Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of cartilage tissue.
The disease progresses faster than vitamin D deficiency.
Calcium helps keep your bones strong. High calcium content in sesame seeds and celery.

By following these simple rules of a healthy lifestyle, you can avoid serious illness. If there are manifestations of the disease, they will slow down the development of pathological processes.