Knee osteoarthritis: why knees hurt and how to deal with it

Osteoarthritis is the most common of all diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The knees are particularly vulnerable for him as they carry most of the load. Let's take a closer look at what osteoarthritis of the knee joint is and how to deal with this disease.

Features of the disease

Arthrosis of the knee joints is a pathology associated with the development of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the cartilage tissue of these joints. As the disease progresses, the disease affects not only the cartilage itself, but also other tissues, including the ligaments and periarticular muscles, and over time, processes that contribute to the destruction of the bone can develop.

Risk groups

With increasing age, the body has difficulties that lead to malnutrition of the tissues and accelerated wear and tear. Under the influence of mechanical, biochemical and other factors, the cartilage tissue gradually begins to deteriorate, which further develops into osteoarthritis of the right knee or left joint.

With age, the frequency of diagnosis of this pathology increases. Women are especially prone to developing osteoarthritis of the knee, which is due to the characteristics of their body and hormonal changes.

Also at risk are athletes and people whose work involves lifting weights and constant stress on the legs.

In general, the following risk groups can be distinguished:

• older people;
• athletes;
• people with knee injuries;
• patients who have had knee surgery;
• sitting;
• obese;
• associated with hard physical work or the need to be constantly on your feet;
• patients with endocrine diseases;
• people with hormonal imbalances;
• leads an unhealthy lifestyle;
• with congenital pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

If you enter a risk group, you need to regularly monitor the condition of your joints and take preventive measures.

Reasons for development

If we talk about the specific causes of dystrophic processes in cartilage tissue, then they are largely related to a person's daily life. Existing health problems also play a role.

The main causes of osteoarthritis of the knee are:

1. Injuries. Any damage to the knee and adjacent tissues, i. e. bruises, dislocations, tears and sprains, tears, fractures, etc. , may occur some time after the injured area has completely healed.
2. Congenital disorders. This includes, for example, joint joint instability, curvature, and other developmental and functional disorders associated with the structural features of the human skeleton.
3. Age changes. Gradually, the cartilage tissue wears out and calcium is washed out of the bones. The older a person is, the more pronounced these processes are.

4. Obesity. Obesity slows down metabolism and contributes to excessive stress on the limbs. Overweight people almost always have foot problems.
5. Endocrine diseases.An unhealthy state of the endocrine system leads to hormonal imbalance and metabolic disorders.
6. Operative interventions. Surgical manipulations have a particularly strong effect on the meniscus. If it is removed, gonarthrosis will develop 90% of the time.
7. Stress. Strong emotional experiences negatively affect the state of the entire organism, including the elements of the musculoskeletal system.
8. Malnutrition of the tissue. Most of these processes are associated with impaired blood flow, as all necessary nutrients are supplied via the vessels in the tissue.
9. Heavy loads.Lifting and carrying weights, improper running and jumping, violation of the technique of performing physical exercises, prolonged standing - all these are excessive loads on a person's legs.

If you do not take measures to prevent the influence of these causes, the cost of such negligent treatment of your health is represented by several problems with the musculoskeletal and other body systems.

Manifestation symptoms

The illness is initially asymptomatic or anxiety states only occasionally. Most often, the knees hurt after a long stay in one position or an intense day at work. Since such signs are not bothersome and completely go away after resting, a person does not immediately realize that they have serious health problems.

Gradually the discomfort increases, severe pain occurs. They are painful in nature, but when they move they can be sharp and abrupt. As the disease progresses, the discomfort increases.

Other symptoms of gonarthrosis are:

• Deterioration in motor skills of the knee;
• the appearance of a sonorous crunch when moving;
• swelling and hyperemia of the tissue;
• curvature of the limbs.

It is the desire to relieve pain that is often the main stimulant factor in referring a person to the clinic. The sooner you do this, the more chance you have of stopping the pathological process. Otherwise, the changes will become irreversible and it will not be possible to use conservative methods to solve the problem.

In some cases, an increased temperature is observed. This phenomenon is rarely observed, it indicates an intense inflammatory process. An infection could be the cause, for example if you recently sustained a leg injury.

Types of pathology

In medical practice, the disease has a special classification.

There are the following types of osteoarthritis of the knee joint:

1. Left or right. It is localized on only one side, that is, it affects either the left or right knee. Most often, this situation occurs after an injury to an extremity.
2. Double-sided. At the same time, pathological processes develop in both legs. The symmetrical development of the disease is typical in most cases, since internal processes in the human body have a great influence.
3. Primary. It develops as a disease in its own right. The provoking factors are the wrong lifestyle, stress, age-related changes, etc.
4. Secondary. Osteoarthritis of the knee becomes a consequence of another disease of the musculoskeletal system and its closely related systems. This category also includes traumatic injuries to the limbs.

It is also worthwhile to differentiate between periarthrosis. This disease affects the muscles and ligaments, thanks to which the joint is set in motion.

Another important category is knee hyperarthrosis. This is the name given to progressive degenerative processes in cartilage. In the last stages there is a pronounced deforming osteoarthritis of the knee. It is worth going into more detail about the stages of development of the pathology.

Levels of progression

There are four main stages of knee osteoarthritis. Each of them is characterized by a more pronounced manifestation of the disease and the appearance of new negative processes.

1. Level 1. Occasional discomfort occurs, but these disappear after resting and exercising the leg. No changes in the structure of the tissue are noticeable to the diagnostician, but the nutrition of the cartilage has already been disturbed, which gradually provokes the progression of the pathology.
2. Level 2. The pain becomes annoying, the cartilage becomes significantly thinner, which leads to a narrowing of the joint space. A characteristic crunch occurs, movements are also accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
3. 3rd - 4th level. The x-ray clearly shows the changes that have occurred in the joint. The cartilage tissue is worn out, the bone begins to deform at the friction points, some areas are overgrown with osteophytes and there are salt deposits. All of this blocks the movement of the leg and provokes the strongest incessant pain.

If it is possible to get rid of the first degree of osteoarthritis of the knee with economical methods and completely restore the health of the extremities, then the third to fourth stages are irreversible and practically inaccessible to conservative treatment. This is why it is important to get help from a medical facility as early as possible.

Consequences and possible complications

With regard to the consequences of osteoarthritis of the knee, there are initially no particular risks to human health if suitable measures are taken in good time. Of course, knee inflammation causes some discomfort, but the symptoms and the dystrophic process itself can still be eliminated.

The more the patient ignores the problem, the more it is neglected. In the second stage, the cartilage begins to deteriorate and can hardly be restored. Severe pain disrupts a person's usual way of life and exerts psychological pressure.

The main consequences of a progressive osteoarthritis of the knee are:

• incessant pain;
• blocks leg mobility;
• the formation of bone salt growth;
• complete destruction of the hyaline cartilage;
• spread of the pathological process to other areas;
• involvement of the muscular apparatus;
• disability.

The main question: is it possible to walk with osteoarthritis of the knee? Exercise helps heal the entire organism, but this rule only works if the disease is detected early.

In later stages, movement can only aggravate the destructive process. Therefore, the patient is recommended to rest and wear special orthotics. By deforming and blocking leg mobility, walking is impaired, that is, a person becomes disabled. This is the main risk in developing osteoarthritis of the knee.

Diagnostic rules

In order to avoid such complications and not be hindered, you must seek help immediately. An orthopedic surgeon can advise you on treating osteoarthritis of the knee.

The success of further treatment largely depends on the level of detail in the diagnosis. Therefore, one should not ignore the specialist's prescriptions regarding the need to undergo certain examination procedures.

The comprehensive diagnosis of osteoarthritis can include the following methods:

1. Laboratory blood tests. Required to identify deviations from the norm for basic indicators. The presence of violations indicates an inflammatory process or other problems that can, directly or indirectly, speak of joint disease. A rheumatic test can be performed separately if necessary. It is also important to determine the level of glucose in the blood, since its increase can indicate problems in the endocrine system, which also affect the state of the musculoskeletal system and metabolic processes in the body.
2. radiography. This is a mandatory procedure that will allow you to take into account the condition of the diseased area. The picture shows areas of bone. The degree of cartilage wear is assessed based on the size of the joint space, the position of individual joint elements, the presence of foreign formations and other indicators.
3. ultrasound. Ultrasonic waves allow a more detailed study of the condition of the soft tissues themselves, including cartilage. Ultrasound detects inflammatory processes, solid inclusions and tumor formations.
4. MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best way to study the condition of your joints. The picture clearly shows all elements of the articulation and the adjacent soft tissues as well as the vessels. The image contains a layer-by-layer structure, and the process itself takes place dynamically so that the doctor can see everything he needs to make a diagnosis. Alternatively, if MRI is contraindicated, CT can be used.
5. arthroscopy. A more detailed examination of the knee is possible by inserting an arthroscope into its cavity. The procedure is less traumatic and therefore can be performed without fear for your health. The camera clearly shows the condition of the cartilage and other tissues.

Treatment methods

To get rid of osteoarthritis of the knee and its consequences, the solution to this problem must be approached correctly. Only the attending physician can choose the most effective remedy.

Most often, various drugs, as well as folk methods, are used. Some of the techniques closely overlap with each other, such as different compresses.

If done correctly, it is possible to significantly weaken the manifestations of the disease and restore the health of your legs to some extent. In no case should he hesitate with treatment, otherwise it is not possible to do without drastic measures.

Drug therapy

The first thing that treatment should begin with is drug therapy. Depending on the goals to be achieved, it can be divided into several areas:

1. Pain relief. In osteoarthritis, it is the need to relieve pain that causes most patients to seek help from a specialist for a list of medications. Analgesics are necessary for severe discomfort, for example, injections are performed in the third stage of osteoarthritis of the knee.
2. Removal of inflammation. Since it is possible to relieve pain in osteoarthritis of the knee joint by stopping the inflammatory process, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are imperative to prescribe. If the situation is neglected, short courses of glucocorticoids can be prescribed to enhance the effect.
3. cartilage restoration. It is necessary to stimulate the regeneration of hyaline cartilage, improve its nutrition and protect it from future destruction. Different groups of chondroprotectors are used for this. If we wonder whether the medicine will help with osteoarthritis of the knee, pay attention to the composition of the drug. The combination of important ingredients is one of the most effective products in this category.
4. Improved tissue nutrition. In order to accelerate the recovery processes and strengthen the joint, various drugs and additives are prescribed to improve metabolism, stimulate blood circulation and saturate cells with vitamins and minerals.

Only the attending physician has the right to prescribe and correct drug therapy for knee osteoarthritis. Independent use of drugs is undesirable, only the use of vitamin preparations and the use of some chondroprotectors are allowed.

Diet and Lifestyle

An important phase in the treatment process is changing your lifestyle, especially your eating habits. Much depends on the severity of the disease. For example, cycling can be beneficial at the beginning of development and can stimulate recovery processes.

If at the same time there are problems with flexion / extension movements, then such stress can only worsen the patient's condition and worsen destructive processes.

In general, activity is encouraged because exercise helps treat many musculoskeletal disorders. In this case, it is extremely important to adhere to the rest program, do not overload your legs and avoid sudden movements.

In particular, the question is examined whether it is possible to walk with osteoarthritis of the knee joint. It is better to replace this type of physical activity with brisk walking.

When we talk about nutrition, contraindications for osteoarthritis of the knee refer to the consumption of alcohol and junk food. It is especially important to exclude fatty and salty foods.

The diet should be as healthy as possible, meaning vegetables and fruits, whole grains, milk and cheese, lean meat and fish. Products that help restore hyaline cartilage are very useful: seafood, offal, jelly, apples, seaweed, etc.

Physiotherapy and other procedures

Physiotherapy is a mandatory part of treatment. Modern medicine also actively uses a variety of manual and non-traditional methods of manipulating the body. It is recommended to pay attention to such procedures.

1. Magnetotherapy. This is one of the techniques of physiotherapy. The magnetic effect stimulates recovery processes and increases the effectiveness of medication. Alternatively, electrophonophoresis can also be used.

2. massage. Various types of manual intervention should be carried out by a qualified specialist on the basis of the results of the diagnosis and the prescriptions of the attending physician. Massage stimulates metabolic processes in the tissue, improves leg mobility and alleviates discomfort.
3. Hirudotherapy. This is a leech treatment. Leeches are known for their safe blood purification. They bite through the patient's skin, substances that prevent blood clotting come with saliva. Minor bloodshed of this type helps clear the inflammatory process, improve tissue nutrition, and have an overall health impact on the body.
4. acupuncture. This is one of the methods of reflexology, the core of which is to influence active points that are located not only in the diseased area, but also throughout the body. The doctor inserts special needles into the skin precisely in those places where the problem of osteoarthritis of the knee needs to be solved.

Remedial gymnastics

If we take a closer look at treatment with the help of physical exercises, the first thing to note is that the norms for permissible loads are established by a specialist. It is best to take part in group exercises. Exercise against osteoarthritis of the knee is a must, even during rehabilitation after the operation.

Let's highlight the main directions for gonarthrosis:

1. swimming pool. Swimming relieves the legs from stress and tension, and helps the problem area develop smoothly. Water aerobics is particularly useful for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, especially in overweight people and the elderly.
2. hiking. There is no doubt about whether walking is useful for osteoarthritis of the knee, but at the same time, walks should be short and regular. However, running is not a recommended treatment.
3. Training with simulators. These can be special block trainers or an exercise bike, for example, if you have no contraindications. They are useful for strengthening the muscles and ligaments.
4. Remedial gymnastics. Orthopedists and professional rehabilitation therapists develop special exercises with which all joint groups can be gently trained and their health restored.

Physical activity with osteoarthritis of the knee joint should be regularly and strictly dosed. Overloading your legs or skipping classes will not have any beneficial effects. It is also important to choose the right exercises for your specific situation. Check this point with the curator in advance. For example, is it possible to squat in your case with osteoarthritis?

Traditional medicine

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint at home is also closely linked to the use of traditional medical prescriptions. Remember that before using one or another self-prepared medicine, you need to make sure that there are no allergies and other contraindications, and consult your doctor.

Otherwise the effects may be reversed or the effects of home remedies may excessively intensify the effects of pharmacy medications. Even so, traditional methods are still in demand as their price is much lower than that of most medicines bought.

The following remedies are most commonly used for osteoarthritis of the knee:

1. Herbal teas. Infusions and decoctions of bay leaves, chamomile, St. John's wort, yarrow and other medicinal plants are actively used for both external and internal use. They can relieve inflammation, relieve pain, remove salts, and provide the body with vitamins and other useful substances.
2. Beekeeping products. Propolis, perga, bee plague, wax and honey have an omnidirectional healing effect. That is why the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint with honey is such a popular direction. However, it should be noted that beekeeping products can cause severe allergies. So first make sure that they can be used safely.
3. Alcohol tinctures. It is an excellent means of warming and stimulating blood circulation, relieving inflammation, and improving leg mobility. For joints, white lilac is especially useful, which must be cleaned from green and poured with vodka for two weeks. The infusion is also used to rub the affected area.
4. Fresh plants. You can also use nature's raw gifts. For example, a leaf of burdock or cabbage must be lightly kneaded and then tied around the knee for at least 10 hours. You can use ready-made compresses, e. g. B. medicinal bile, unrefined sunflower oil, honey, etc.
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5. Animal fats. They are added to homemade creams. To achieve optimal consistency, the fat must be mixed with beeswax, herbal cookings and other components can be added.

Surgical intervention and rehabilitation

Most patients are concerned about the question: Can osteoarthritis of the knee joint be cured if it has already passed into the 2nd to 3rd stage? Unfortunately, it will not be possible to restore the health of the cartilage mucosa, but there is still a way out of the situation.

If you have advanced osteoarthritis of the knee joint, treatment options are divided into surgical and conservative assistive techniques. When the cartilage is completely worn out, the only way to restore the damaged limb's functions is through surgery.

The best option is to use endoprostheses. In this case, the damaged elements of the joint are partially or completely removed and special prostheses with bolts and surgical cement are installed in their place. Over time, they become overgrown with bone tissue and completely take up all the necessary load.

As it is not always possible to treat osteoarthritis of the knee in this way, the arthrodesis method is used as an alternative to relieve pain and prevent further deformation of the limb.

If, in the first case, the motor ability of the leg is maximally restored, then with arthrodesis the opposite effect occurs - the limb is fixed in a certain position, and after the incision of the bone, the elements are fused. Movement is only possible in one direction.

Disease prevention

To prevent the development of the disease, it is supposed to prevent osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

To do this, follow the guidelines below:

• Avoid injuries;
• Don't overload your knees.
• be less nervous;
• lead an active lifestyle;
• giving up bad habits;
• eat right;
• Watch your weight;
• Treat other diseases in a timely manner.

When you first worry, contact your doctor so that you can start fighting the disease in good time.