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Treatment of arthritis of the knee (knee joint disease)

As we age, most people face the acute problem of how to treat knee arthritis with typical symptoms.knee arthritisThis disease is inherent in different stages.This includes swelling in the knee area, redness around the swelling, a creaking and rustling sound that can be clearly heard in silence when the knee moves, especially when squatting, and a distinct pain syndrome of varying degrees.Pain may occur immediately after normal daily physical activity or after physical exercise of inappropriate duration and intensity for your age.When talking about the underlying causes of this pain, we must remember that its appearance can also be caused by:

  • Inflammatory process in the knee joint.In other words, it is the result of arthritis.It occurs as an independent pathology or as a complication of other diseases.
  • Arthropathy is a degenerative process in which joint tissue is destroyed, loss of mobility, and, if prolonged, joint deformation.
  • Injuried.The most common occurrence is a fall, a blow to the knee, or a knock to the knee on a hard surface.The joints may become deformed.
  • Ligament damage.Ligaments hold the joint in the correct position and prevent it from moving.But when they are damaged (stretched, displaced, ruptured), the joints can also be affected, experience severe pain, and develop tumors.In order not to aggravate the injury, in this case it is necessary to seek urgent medical attention and rest the injured leg.
  • Knee meniscus injury.This prominent, round, movable cartilage in the knee can be injured even when squatting or turning sharply.Because knee swelling often occurs in this condition, it is not always detectable with the naked eye.Accurate diagnosis using ultrasound, X-rays and palpation by experienced experts.
  • Popliteal cyst (Baker's cyst).Due to inflammation, fluid forms within the joint and accumulates in the tendon area on the inside of the popliteal fossa.
  • Inflammation of ligaments and tendons (tendonitis).They cause an unpleasant, painful sensation in the localized area of the ligament, accompanied by swelling.The pain intensifies when the knee is used (flexion and extension), radiating along the ligaments and nerves to the muscle area, above the knee, into the femoral ligaments and muscles, and below into the calf.
  • Impaired blood circulation in the knee joint causes ischemic pain.They can occur due to sudden changes in weather, prolonged periods of severe hypothermia.For example, sailors who work in high latitudes (Arctic) for long periods of time.In most cases, the localization of pain is symmetrical, equally intense, and does not affect joint mobility in the first phase.

The worst mistake in this situation is to ignore the pain and hope that "it will all go away" if you just rest.Only a specialist can give treatment recommendations and make a correct diagnosis, so it is unacceptable to treat knee arthritis at home based solely on the advice of a "knowledgeable person" or even purely using traditional medicine.Effective treatment is possible only through a combination of medications in the form of tablets, topical liniments, ointments, as well as the use of physical therapy.Sometimes, in severe or advanced cases, surgery is unavoidable.

make a diagnosis

An orthopedic surgeon can diagnose knee arthritis based on exercise testing and medical history.The following procedures are usually prescribed as a supplement to diagnosis:

  • Related to laboratory tests such as biochemical blood tests and bacterial microflora, smears, synovial fluid and/or bone marrow aspiration, serological analysis, i.e. the study of the presence of antibodies and antigens contained in the serum.
  • Instrumental studies, which may include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, densitometry, etc.
  • Examine the internal joint capsule using an arthroscope - a minimally invasive surgical device that penetrates the joint space through an incision.Most commonly, this method is used to restore the anterior cruciate ligament after a meniscal injury or cracks and severe wear and tear in the cartilage tissue.Although arthroscopy has been rarely used as a diagnostic tool in recent years, it has been successfully replaced by completely non-invasive diagnostic methods using MRI.
  • "By the ear" only - With third-degree joint pathology, external sounds such as crunching, rustling, and clicking can be clearly heard in the joints.

The information obtained is compiled into a general medical history, only on the basis of which comprehensive and effective treatment can be started.

How to treat knee joint disease?

Restoring joint mobility does not take a month.Treatment is complex and expensive due to the high cost of medications, and the results depend only on the patient's willingness to cooperate with his doctor and strict compliance with all medical recommendations and prescriptions.

But first.What needs to be done is an immediate reduction of the load on the affected joints.If the job involves such stress, consult with management (bring a doctor's note if necessary) to change the type of activity you do.Temporarily or forever – life will tell you.Although bed rest is often required initially to initially restore joint function.Remember: a joint is not a muscle and you can't "exercise" it with strenuous exercise, which will only make it worse.After the most acute inflammation has subsided, vigorous exercise may be necessary to revitalize the body.But even if you increase the weight, you still need to use elastic bandages, canes, crutches and other support methods.Sometimes, special orthopedic insoles or even custom-made orthopedic shoes are all that is needed.

Knee arthritis can also be treated at home with outpatient medications prescribed by your doctor—chondroprotectants, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medications.Depending on the extent of joint damage and the type of inflammation, your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).But while they are effective at relieving symptoms, they do not eliminate the cause of the disease.

Do not apply heat to arthritic joints!Instead, apply an ice pack to the inflamed area—this will help relieve swelling, redness, and inflammation.

In contrast, the use of chondroprotectants did not relieve pain.But the recovery of cartilage tissue will proceed slowly but surely.The only question is the effectiveness of the medication, but you should try treatment with proven and certified medications.Preferably internationally recognized.

For some types and degrees of joint injuries, it can be helpful to apply and permanently (or temporarily) wear a tightening bandage that immobilizes the joint.However, this measure should be used only with the approval of the attending physician, since in some types of arthropathy, wearing such bandages can aggravate the course of the disease.

If you have knee pain, you won't be able to fully immobilize yourself.Additionally, with some types of inflammation, only moderate physical activity will benefit the joints.Your orthopedic surgeon can tell you when to exercise and how much to exercise.Moreover, being completely passive when it comes to physical activity can lead to weight gain, which can further aggravate the situation and put a strain on the joints.

Treatment of arthropathy is most beneficial with pharmacotherapy, which is often combined with physical therapy: magnetic and laser therapy (using coherent laser radiation at safe frequencies), mechanical vibration and ultrasound therapy, microwave devices with a deep effect on the tissue - when this is therapeutically justified.

At the time of diagnosis, three degrees of arthropathy of the knee joint can be distinguished.

arthritis degree 1

The mildest form of illness.It is characterized by the fact that treatment does not require a large degree of drug action, there are few types of drugs, and measures such as physical therapy, massage and exercise therapy are very effective.One of the most effective methods is considered laser therapy, which significantly reduces pain, stimulates regeneration of the irradiated area, and reduces inflammation.Furthermore, the use of coherent radiation with tightly defined wavelengths eliminates the need to use glucocorticoids in treatment, which can cause many side effects.

Arthritis II Degree

It is characterized by a more intense and acute process of inflammation and degeneration of cartilage tissue.In the acute phase, special medications are prescribed, special diets are recommended, and physical therapy is recommended for such cases.Physiotherapy and massage are not included during this period.

Recommendations: Reduce load on affected joints, limit walking, and avoid any movement related to squatting.Special orthotics may be prescribed for the knee joint—devices that immobilize the joint and severely limit its ability to move.

In the medical arsenal for the treatment of second-degree arthropathy there may be chondroprotectants containing glucosamine and chondroitin, steroid drugs, and anti-inflammatory non-steroids.Hyaluronic acid and other drugs may be injected into the joint capsule to promote the sliding of the cartilage surfaces relative to each other.

Special diets containing excess collagen are prescribed: aspics, jellies, aspics and confectionery products - gelatin soufflés.Adding fish oil to your diet can be beneficial.

Arthritis III degree

When the knee joint is affected by third-degree arthropathy, the treatment approach is not much different from the previous case - except for the increased frequency of medication and a slight shift to glucocorticoids.If there are no results, surgery and then joint replacement will be required.

knee arthropathy

The above is mainly applicable to people of working age. Organic damage to the knee joint is caused by extreme environments and has nothing to do with the aging of the body.

When a person reaches the age of 50, a completely different situation occurs - the flexibility of the ligaments is lost, the process of tissue dehydration begins, metabolism slows down.

Under these conditions, knee arthropathy - deformed joints of varying severity - begins to appear.In medically accepted classifications, knee arthritis is divided into degrees I, II and III.

Once the disease begins, it progresses quickly.Refers to acquired age-related pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.To some extent, this is inherent to all patients after age 50 - another thing is that the integrity of the articular cartilage layer can be preserved after 70 and 80 years by leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding extreme physical activity.

disease may occur

The knee joint, located between the tibia and femur, is one of the most heavily loaded joints in the human body.An example is regular running on a hard (usually asphalt) surface: every step in such running places an impact load on the knee joint.

The joint also includes the largest sesamoid mobile bone, the patella, which sits on top of the quadriceps tendon.The joint surface is covered by a perichondrium composed of chondrocytes up to 2.5 mm thick.Medications with the generic name chondroprotectants help restore these cartilage tissue cells, which are primarily affected by knee joint disease.

There are primary arthropathy and secondary arthropathy of the knee joint.The etymology of the first word is not entirely clear and there may be different reasons.When - from a sedentary lifestyle, and when, vice versa, from too much physical activity.Poor ecological environment, being overweight, and smoking or drinking alcohol can also play a role.Doctors consider it a great success to identify the first stage of joint disease, since the pathological causes are difficult to analyze.

Frequent hypothermia in the feet can also trigger the onset of the disease.Therefore, people who are prone to such diseases are better not to choose careers related to cold (refrigerators, navy working in northern latitudes), etc.

In women over 45 years old, knee joint disease often occurs due to reduced natural synthesis of estrogen and is related to long-term use of birth control pills.It also often occurs during menopause or is affected by gynecological diseases such as uterine fibroids, fibroadenomas, endometriosis, and endometrial hyperplasia.Often in women, joint disease is also caused by a strict weight loss diet, during which many useful minerals and vitamins disappear from the diet.

It is much easier to decide on the method of affecting secondary arthropathy, which may be due to:

  • Defects in tissue development and formation;
  • Effects of neurodystrophic processes in the cervical and lumbar spine;
  • Arthritis of the Knee;
  • his injuries and minor injuries;
  • Meniscectomy, the surgical removal of the meniscus;
  • hormonal imbalances and endocrine chronic diseases;
  • Vigorous and sustained physical activity, including exercise.To prevent joint injuries after 40 years, it is best to significantly limit and subsequently abstain from all activities associated with extreme loading on the knee joint (such as running on a hard surface or squatting with weights);
  • Abnormal joint movement.This condition occurs when the ligaments that hold the joints in their correct position are underdeveloped or inherently weak;
  • Stress and constant nervousness.

Signs and symptoms of disease onset (stage or degree)

  • Stiffness in the knee joints in the morning;
  • If you walk for one and a half kilometers, you will experience pain in your knees;
  • Joint pain after standing for long periods of time (even without exercise);
  • Knee pain even with complete rest (up to 2 hours in a sitting position);
  • Pain before going to bed or in the middle of the night while sleeping.

These signs need to be taken seriously because if you do not see a doctor during this period, the disease can begin to progress rapidly, leading to the second stage of the disease.

Golan disease II

This is typical:

  • Pain at night and in the first minute after waking up in the morning.
  • Pain when climbing stairs.
  • Public transport can be used with restrictions.
  • There is a slight noticeable limp.
  • Pain occurs when moving distance reaches 800-1000 meters.
  • Limited self-care ability.

Often, measures that simply increase synovial fluid production in the joints are effective in curing secondary knee joint disease.

Golan disease grade III

Features are:

  • Pain that begins immediately after rest or occurs after 500 meters of quiet exercise;
  • Severe lameness when assistance with improvised tools (canes, crutches) is required;
  • Stiffness for half an hour or even longer after waking up;
  • Inability to climb stairs or enter a high-rise vehicle independently or without assistance;
  • Pain occurs at night even if the joint is not moved.

Affected joints can develop ankylosis, a condition in which the joint ends of adjacent opposing bones fuse.The leg has completely lost mobility and the only way to regain it is to replace the joint with an artificial joint.

The choice of drugs and treatments depends not only on the degree of damage to the cartilage tissue, but also on the age of the patient, his ability to tolerate the effects of certain drugs and physical therapy methods.

At diagnosis, a distinction is usually made between unilateral and bilateral arthropathy, as well as unilateral, right-sided, and left-sided arthropathy.The latter is usually diagnosed in left-handers.

Nutrition for knee joint disease

First, doctors recommend eliminating red meat and offal such as liver from the diet.Priority should be given to fruits and vegetables, cereals that are high in gluten and fiber, and that are free of salt and sugar.There are also fermented dairy products, fish and nuts.

The last eating time must be no later than 19:00.The frequency of food intake is still familiar because it has evolved over the years.But it’s best to eat in smaller portions – 5-6 small portions each morning.

Breakfast should be the most substantial - it gets the body in the mood for work and maintains strength until lunch.

If hunger pangs become unbearable, especially at first, trick your stomach into eating an apple or chewing a carrot.Just don’t eat the high-calorie bananas and grapes!

Don’t give up on aspic.Delivers collagen to the body and joints - the raw material for building cartilage tissue.

Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day: water and/or natural juices.

Eliminate from your diet:

  • red meat;
  • Lard, bacon of any kind;
  • Everything is spicy;
  • Semi-finished products of unknown origin;
  • sweetened carbonated drinks;
  • Vegetables: cabbage, tomatoes, red bell peppers.
  • Potatoes, because they are high in calories (carbohydrates!), will help you gain extra pounds.Therefore, the Dukan Diet is relevant.

Nursing home treatment for knee joint disease

The facility makes extensive use of physiotherapy, mud therapy, acupuncture and various massages to treat knee arthritis.

One of the advanced treatments is intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid.They compensate for the lack of their own production of hyaluronic acid, which acts as a lubricating element for the joint surface and protects it from wear.The effects of the program can be felt on the first day.The effects of one injection last for an average of one month.Patients with advanced joint disease experience a significant reduction in the pain that has plagued them for years on the first day, while patients with a moderate course of the disease (grades 1-2), after a course of 5 injections, will in most cases completely forget about the pain for about six months.