Arthritis of the knee (knee joint disease) is a degenerative disease characterized by the progressive wear and tear of the cartilage layer of the knee joint.
Causes of knee joint disease
It occurs most often in people over 50 years of age.Excess weight can worsen disease symptoms, while weight loss can lessen their manifestations.There is also a genetic predisposition, meaning that joint disease is more common in some families than in others.Exacerbating factors include previous knee, meniscus, and ligament injuries.
Symptoms of knee joint disease
Symptoms of knee joint disease always progress over time.Patients often notice that the disease worsens in the fall and spring; pain may also depend on changes in weather.
- Pain at rest, slightly relieved when walking;
- Limited range of motion of joints;
- Stiff movements;
- increased sensitivity in joint areas;
- Swelling of the soft tissues around the joints;
- Joint deformities.
The condition of the joint is evaluated through examination and X-rays.X-rays are used to determine the stage of the disease and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment of knee joint disease
Treatment of knee joint disease begins with the simplest steps and then moves to more complex ones, with adjustments based on the effectiveness of certain methods.
lose weight
The lighter the body weight, the smaller the load on the knee joint, and accordingly, the fewer symptoms of disease will occur.
Activity changes
Certain physical activities associated with overloading the joints must be limited (running, weightlifting, etc.).And physical exercises that do not involve overloading the joints can increase the range of motion, reduce pain and slow the progression of the disease (swimming, skiing, orbital travel, etc.).
additional support
If significant pain occurs, crutches or canes can be used to reduce the load on the joints.
physical therapy
Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint helps reduce the load on the joint and prevents muscle wasting (atrophy), which is an important factor in maintaining knee joint function.
Orthopedic insoles (insoles)
With the help of orthopedic instep support, the biomechanics of walking can be corrected, the weight of the knee joint can be correctly distributed, and the manifestations of the disease can be reduced.
anti-inflammatory drugs
To treat inflammation and pain caused by the disease, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac sodium, etc.) are used.
Intra-articular hormone injection
Injectable hormone medications (cortisone) are effective in helping to reduce joint pain and inflammation.However, you should be very careful when using these medications because... the potential for side effects from this treatment often outweighs the possible good results.
Biological therapies.
The most modern and effective method of conservative treatment of joint disease is biological treatment.These include PRP therapy, cytokine therapy, and MSK therapy.
platelet rich plasmais a serum rich in platelets and growth factors extracted from the blood that accelerates the healing process of acute and chronic injuries.Growth factors are chemicals that initiate the healing process.The introduction of PRP into the site of injury stimulates regenerative processes, accelerates healing, and promotes rapid resolution of inflammatory processes.
Cytokine therapyis a safe and effective treatment for osteoarthritis in which the therapeutically active protein IL-1Ra produced by the body combats the chronic progressive degeneration of cartilage.Interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays a key role in the development of arthritis in the joints, enhancing the inflammatory process in the joints and causing premature wear and tear on the joints.Its biological enantiomer is the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), which reduces inflammation, increases mobility, and reduces pain.
MSK therapy- Stem cell therapy is considered an innovative, advanced treatment method based on their key characteristics - non-differentiation (do not belong to any specific tissue), therefore, they have the ability to reproduce and develop into specialized cells of various tissues.
Joint fluid substitutes.
Injectable hyaluronic acid preparations are highly effective with minimal side effects, helping to significantly reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease over a long period of time (up to 1 year).
chondroprotectant
Glucosamine and chondroitin are safe and effective medications commonly used to treat arthritis of the knee.
Knee denervation is an effective and safe method of treating knee joint pain.
geniculate nerve denervation
If conservative treatment fails to relieve symptoms and joint replacement is not possible due to certain contraindications, genucodenal denervation may be used.The essence of the surgery is to apply temperature therapy to the sensitive nerves in the knee joint that transmit painful impulses.After successful outpatient surgery, significant long-term relief of knee pain can be achieved.
Arthroscopic knee debridement
The effectiveness of arthroscopic interventional treatment of the knee remains controversial, but it is quite effective in relieving certain symptoms.
Osteotomy
A surgical procedure used to realign the axis of the lower extremity.Effective for young people with minimal damage to the joint cartilage layer.
total endoprosthesis
Complete replacement of the articular surface of the knee joint with a metal implant is the only effective treatment for end-stage knee arthrosis.
partial knee replacement
The so-called unicondylar knee replacement involves replacing the defective joint cartilage with a metal plate.The indications for this procedure are very limited.