Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, or gonarthrosis, occupies a leading position in the incidence of osteoarthritis.It is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects all elements of the joint.Cartilage begins to deteriorate, changes occur in the capsule, synovial membrane, ligamentous apparatus and adjacent bone structures.The disease also has an additional name - gonarthrosis.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
They can be more or less pronounced and depend entirely on the stage.
The pain syndrome at the beginning of the disease is almost imperceptible, but as the disease progresses it intensifies.The first stage is characterized by fatigue in the legs and decreased joint mobility, usually in the morning.
In the second stage of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, pain is accompanied by a crunch that accompanies movement and limited mobility.
The third stage of the disease has a more severe clinical picture: the pain does not disappear even at rest, a pronounced deformation is noted, and the joints lose their functions.Also, the gear changes.
Causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
- Various injuries: bone fractures, sprains and ligament tears, bruises and others;
- excessive tension in the legs, most often among professional athletes and people who are forced to stand for a long time during the working day;
- various metabolic disorders leading to the deposition of salts in the joint cavities;
- previous surgical operations to remove the meniscus;
- excess weight and obesity in all degrees, causing excessive tension in the legs;
- Inflammatory processes in joint tissues: arthritis of various types.
Diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is made in the office of a rheumatologist or orthopedist.The doctor examines the affected joint, palpates it, listens to complaints and asks additional questions.Perform various tests, for example, asking the patient to bend their leg or walk a few steps.Then, if it is necessary to clarify the stage of the disease or the nature of pathological changes, he will refer you to additional studies.For example, for CT scan or x-ray.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is usually complex and aims to eliminate pain and restore cartilage, ligaments and joint functions.
Anti-inflammatories, creams and massages are used to reduce pain.To protect joint tissue: condoprotectors.Hormonal medications are sometimes prescribed.
Physiotherapeutic procedures and therapeutic exercises aimed at activating blood circulation in the joint area and strengthening the surrounding muscles are effective.
If the changes are irreversible, surgical treatment (prosthetics) is prescribed.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
- Eat right: your diet should contain a sufficient amount of microelements, proteins and vitamins;
- avoid excessive loads on the knee joint and its traumatic injuries;
- lead an active and healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits;
- timely treat all diseases and pathologies that can cause the appearance of osteoarthritis;
- Control your body weight and prevent obesity.