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

Osteoarthritis is the most common of all diseases of the musculoskeletal system. His knees are especially vulnerable, because they are the ones who bear the bulk of the burden. Let's take a closer look at what knee arthrosis is and how to deal with this disease.

Characteristics of the disease

Osteoarthritis 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 cartilage, but also other tissues, including ligaments and periarticular muscles, and over time, processes can develop that contribute to bone destruction.

Risk groups

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

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

Also at risk are athletes and people whose job involves weightlifting and constant leg strain.

In general, the following risk groups can be distinguished:

• elderly people;
• athletes;
• people with knee injuries;
• patients who underwent knee surgery;
• sitting;
• obese;
• associated with hard physical work or the need to be constantly on our feet;
• patients with endocrine diseases;
• people with hormonal disorders;
• leading an unhealthy lifestyle;
• with congenital pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

When entering the risk group, you must regularly monitor the condition of the joints, as well as take preventive measures.

Reasons for development

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

The main causes of gonarthrosis are:

1. Injuries. All damage to the knee and adjacent tissues, ie bruises, sprains, tears and sprains, cracks, fractures, etc. Consequences may occur some time after the injured area has completely healed.
2. Congenital disorders. These include, for example, joint instability, curvature and other developmental and functional disorders associated with the structural characteristics of the human skeleton.
3. Age Changes. Gradually, the cartilage tissue is depleted and calcium is washed out of the bones. The older a person is, the more pronounced these processes are.

4. Obesity. Being overweight slows down metabolic processes and contributes to limb strain. Obese people almost always have foot problems.
5. Endocrine diseases.An unhealthy condition of the endocrine system leads to hormonal imbalance and metabolic disorders.
6. Surgical Interventions. Surgical manipulations on the meniscus have a particularly strong effect. When removed, gonarthrosis develops in 90% of cases.
7. Stress. Strong emotional experiences negatively affect the state of the whole organism, including the elements of the musculoskeletal system.
8. Tissue malnutrition. Most often, these processes are associated with impaired blood circulation, because all the necessary nutrients are delivered through the veins in the tissue.
9. Large loads.Lifting and carrying weights, improper running and jumping, violation of the technique of performing physical exercises, prolonged standing - all this is an excessive load on a person's legs.

If you do not take steps to prevent the impact of these causes, the cost of such careless treatment of your health will pose multiple problems with the musculoskeletal system and other body systems.

Symptoms of manifestation

Initially, the disease is asymptomatic or anxiety occurs only occasionally. Mostly the knees start to ache after a long stay in one position or an intense day at work. Since such signs are not annoying and completely disappear after the rest, the person does not immediately realize that he has serious health problems.

Gradually the discomfort increases, severe pains appear. They are painful in nature, but when they move, they can be sharp and sudden. As the disease progresses, the discomfort increases.

Other symptoms of gonarthrosis are:

• deterioration of the motor ability of the knee;
• occurrence of audible crunch when moving;
• swelling and tissue hyperemia;
• curvature of limbs.

It is the desire to relieve pain that is most often the main stimulating factor for a person's referral to a clinic. The sooner you do this, the better your chances of stopping the pathological process. Otherwise, the changes will become irreversible and it will not be possible to solve the problem by conservative methods.

In some cases there is a fever. This phenomenon is rarely noticed, indicating an intense inflammatory process. The cause could be an infection, for example, if you have recently suffered 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:

1. Left or Right. It is localized on one side only, ie it affects the left or right knee. This situation is most often observed after a limb injury.
2. Double Sided. At the same time, pathological processes develop on both legs. The symmetrical development of the disease is typical for most cases, because the internal processes in the human body have a huge impact.
3. Primary. It developed as an independent disease. Provoking factors are improper lifestyle, stress, age changes, etc.
4. Secondary. Gonarthrosis becomes a consequence of another disease of the musculoskeletal system and systems closely related to it. Traumatic limb injuries are also included in this category.

It is also worth distinguishing between periarthrosis. This disease covers the muscles and the ligament apparatus, thanks to which the ankle joint moves.

Another important category is knee hyperarthrosis. This is the name of progressive degenerative processes in cartilage. In the last stages, there is a pronounced deforming gonarthrosis. It is worth discussing in more detail the stages of pathology development.

Stages of progress

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. Stage 1. Occasionally there is discomfort, but after resting and working out the leg disappears. There are still no changes in the tissue structure noticeable to the diagnostician, but the cartilage nutrition is already disturbed, which gradually causes the pathology to progress.
2. Stage 2. The pain becomes dull, the cartilage becomes significantly thinner, leading to narrowing of the joint space. A characteristic crunch appears, the movements are also accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
3. Phases 3 - 4. An X-ray clearly shows the changes that have occurred on the joint. The cartilage tissue is worn out, the bone begins to deform at the sites of rubbing, some areas are overgrown with osteophytes and salt deposits are present. All this blocks the movement of the leg and causes severe constant pain.

If the first degree of gonarthrosis is quite possible to eliminate by sparing methods and completely restore the health of the extremities, the third - fourth phase are irreversible and practically not subject to conservative treatment. That is why it is important to seek help from a medical institution as soon as possible.

Consequences and possible complications

As for the consequences of gonarthrosis, initially there are no special risks to human health if appropriate measures are taken in a timely manner. Of course, knee inflammation causes some discomfort, but the symptoms and the dystrophic process itself can still be removed.

The more the patient ignores the problem, the more neglected it becomes. In the second stage, the cartilage begins to deteriorate and is difficult to regenerate. Severe pain disrupts a person's normal lifestyle, exerts psychological pressure.

The main consequences of progressive gonarthrosis are:

• constant pain;
• blocking leg mobility;
• formation of bone salt growths;
• complete destruction of hyaline cartilage;
• spreading 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? Movement contributes to the healing of the whole organism, but this rule works only if the disease is detected early.

In the later stages, movement can only worsen the destructive process, so the patient is recommended to rest in bed and wear special orthoses. By deforming and blocking the mobility of the legs, walking is weakened, ie the person becomes disabled. This is the main risk in developing gonarthrosis.

Diagnostic Rules

To prevent such complications and not become disabled, you must seek help immediately. An orthopedic surgeon can advise on the treatment of gonarthrosis.

The success of further treatment largely depends on the level of detail in the diagnosis, and therefore it is not necessary to disregard the prescriptions of the specialist regarding the need to undergo certain examination procedures.

A comprehensive diagnosis of osteoarthritis may include the following methods:

1. Laboratory blood tests. Needed to determine deviations from the norm in terms of basic indicators. The presence of a violation indicates an inflammatory process or other problems that may directly or indirectly indicate joint disease. The rheumatic test can be taken separately, if there is such a need. It is also important to assess the level of glucose in the blood, because its increase may indicate problems of the endocrine system, which also affects the state of the musculoskeletal system and metabolic processes in the body.
2. Radiography. This is a mandatory procedure that allows you to take into account the condition of the diseased area. The figure shows areas of bone. The degree of cartilage wear is assessed according to the size of the joint space, the position of individual joint elements, the presence of foreign formations and other indicators.
3. ultrasound. Ultrasound waves allow a more detailed examination of the condition of the soft tissues themselves, including cartilage. Ultrasound reveals inflammatory processes, reveals solid inclusions, as well as tumor formations.
MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best method for examining the condition of the joints. The figure clearly shows all the elements of the joint and 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. If MRI is contraindicated, CT can be used as an alternative.
4. Arthroscopy. A more detailed study of the knee is possible by inserting an arthroscope into its cavity. The procedure is less traumatic, so it can be performed without fear for your health. The camera clearly shows the condition of cartilage and other tissues.

Treatment Methods

In order to get rid of gonarthrosis and its consequences, it is necessary to approach the solution of this problem correctly. Only the attending physician will be able to choose the most effective medication in each case.

Various medicines are most often used, as well as folk methods. Some techniques overlap, for example, various wraps.

If performed correctly, it will be possible to significantly reduce the manifestations of the disease and to some extent restore the health of your feet. In no case should he hesitate with treatment, otherwise he will not be able to do so without drastic measures.

Drug Therapy

The first thing to start treatment with is drug therapy. It can be divided into several areas, depending on the goals you plan to achieve:

1. Pain relief. With osteoarthritis, the need to relieve pain forces most patients to seek help from a list of medication specialists. Analgesics are needed for serious discomfort, for example, injections are given in the third stage of gonarthrosis.
2. Removal of inflammation. Because stopping the inflammatory process can relieve pain in osteoarthritis of the knee, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed without success. If the situation is ignored, short courses of glucocorticoids may be prescribed to enhance the effect.
3. Cartilage restoration. It is necessary to stimulate the regeneration of hyaline cartilage and improve its nutrition, as well as protect it from future destruction. Different groups of chondroprotectors are used for this. If we consider the question of whether the drug helps 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 speed up the recovery process and strengthen the ankle joint, various medications and additives are prescribed to improve the metabolism, stimulate blood circulation and saturate the cells with vitamins and minerals.

Only a doctor who has the right to prescribe and correct therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee. Independent use of drugs is undesirable, only the use of vitamin supplements and the use of some chondroprotectors are allowed.

Nutrition and lifestyle

An important step in the healing process is lifestyle changes, especially eating habits. Much depends on the severity of the disease, for example, cycling at the beginning of development can be useful and stimulate recovery processes.

At the same time, when problems with flexion extension movements occur, such a load can only worsen the patient's condition and worsen the destructive processes.

Activity is generally encouraged, as movement contributes to the treatment of many diseases of the musculoskeletal system. At the same time, it is extremely important to adhere to a rest regime, not to overload your legs and avoid sudden movements.

Special consideration is given to whether it is possible to run with osteoarthritis of the knee. It is better to replace this type of physical activity with brisk walking.

If we talk about diet, contraindications for gonarthrosis are related to alcohol intake and unhealthy foods. It is especially important to exclude fatty and salty foods.

The diet should be as close to healthy as possible, that is, include vegetables and fruits, whole grains, milk and cheese, lean meat and fish. Products that help restore hyaline cartilage are very useful: seafood, offal, jellies, apples, algae, etc.

Physiotherapy and other procedures

Physiotherapy is a mandatory component of treatment. Also, modern medicine actively uses various manual and non-traditional methods of influencing the body. It is recommended to pay attention to such procedures.

1. Magnetotherapy. This is one of the techniques of physiotherapy. Magnetic effect stimulates recovery processes, enhances the effect of drugs. Electrophonophoresis can also be used as an alternative.

2. Massage. Different types of manual influences should be performed by a qualified specialist based on the results of the diagnosis and the instructions of the attending physician. Massage stimulates metabolic processes in the tissues, improves leg mobility, relieves discomfort.
3. Hirudotherapy. This is a leech treatment. Leeches are known for their safe blood purification. They bite the patient's skin, substances that prevent blood clotting come with saliva. Less bloodletting of this type helps to eliminate the inflammatory process, improve tissue nutrition and the overall health effect on the body.
4. Acupuncture. This is one of the methods of reflexology, the essence of which is to influence the active points that are located not only in the diseased area, but also in the whole body. The doctor inserts special needles into the skin exactly in those places that should be used to solve the problem of gonarthrosis.

Rehabilitation gymnastics

If we look more closely at the treatment with the help of physical exercises, it should first be noted that the norms of permissible loads are determined by a specialist. It is best to attend group therapy classes with exercise. Sports for osteoarthritis of the knee are included in the mandatory program, including during rehabilitation after surgery.

Let's highlight the main instructions used for gonarthrosis:

1. Pool. Swimming relieves stress and tension from the legs and helps the smooth development of the problem area. Water aerobics is useful in osteoarthritis of the knee joint, especially for overweight people and elderly patients.
2. Hiking. Undoubtedly, the question is whether walking is useful for gonarthrosis, but at the same time walks should be short and regular. But running is not recommended as a method of treatment.
3. Trainings with simulators. These can be special block trainers or, for example, an exercise bike, if you have no contraindications. They are useful for strengthening the muscular and ligament apparatus.
4. Rehabilitation gymnastics. Orthopedic doctors and professional rehabilitation therapists are developing special sets of exercises that help gently train all joint groups and restore their health.

Physical activity in osteoarthritis of the knee joint should be regular and strictly dosed. If you overload your legs or skip classes, there will be no beneficial effect. It is also important to choose the right exercises for your specific situation. Check this point with the curator in advance, for example, whether it is possible in your case to squat from osteoarthritis.

Traditional medicine

Also, the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint at home is closely related to the use of traditional medicine recipes. It is worth remembering that before using this or that medicine that you have prepared yourself, you must be sure that there are no allergies and other contraindications, and also consult your doctor.

Otherwise, the effect may be reversed or the effect of home remedies may increase the effect of pharmacy drugs too much. However, traditional methods are still in demand, as their price is much lower than most medicines purchased.

The following medications are most commonly used for gonarthrosis:

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 are able to relieve inflammation, relieve pain, remove salts, and also nourish the body with vitamins and other beneficial substances.
2. Bee products. Propolis, perga, bee plague, wax and honey have an all-round healing effect. This is why treating knee arthrosis with honey is such a popular direction. However, you should keep in mind that bee products can cause serious allergies, so first make sure that they are safe to use.
3. Alcoholic tinctures. It is an excellent remedy for warming and stimulating blood flow, relieving inflammation and improving leg mobility. White lilacs are especially useful for the joints, which must be cleaned of greenery and poured with vodka for two weeks. Further, the infusion is used to rub the affected area.
4. Fresh herbs. You can also use raw gifts of nature. For example, a leaf of burdock or white cabbage must be lightly kneaded and then tied to the knee for at least 10 hours. You can use ready-made compresses, for example, add medical bile, unrefined sunflower oil, honey, etc.
5. Animal fats. They are added to homemade creams. To create an optimal consistency, the fat must be mixed with beeswax, herbal decoctions and other components can be added.

Surgical intervention and rehabilitation

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

If you have advanced osteoarthritis of the knee, treatment options are divided into operative and conservative assistive techniques. If the cartilage is completely worn out, only surgery can restore the functions of the damaged limb.

The best option is to use endoprostheses. In this case, the damaged elements of the ankle joint are partially or completely removed, and special prostheses are placed in their place using screws and surgical cement. Over time, it will become overgrown with bone tissue and will completely take over all the necessary load.

Because osteoarthritis of the knee joint is not always treatable, the arthrodesis method is used as an alternative to reduce pain and prevent further limb deformities.

If in the first case the motor ability of the leg is maximally restored, the opposite effect occurs in arthrodesis - the limb is fixed in a certain position, and after the bone incision the elements are fused. Thus, movement will only be available in one direction.

Disease Prevention

To prevent the development of the disease, osteoarthritis of the knee joint should be prevented.

To do this, follow these guidelines:

• avoid injuries;
• do not overload the knees;
• be less nervous;
• lead an active lifestyle;
• give up bad habits;
• eat right;
• track your weight;
• Treat other diseases in a timely manner.

In the first place, visit your doctor to start fighting the disease in time.