Arthrosis of the knee joint

Arthrosis of the knee joint

Arthrosis of the knee joint is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology that leads to deformation and destruction of joint cartilage. Gradually, the limb loses mobility. According to statistics, almost every third inhabitant of the planet suffers from arthrosis, and this number is not decreasing. Elderly people are at risk, especially those who are overweight. After 65 years, arthrosis is diagnosed in 70-85% of cases of knee pain treatment.

A rheumatologist helps preserve the quality of life of patients with joint pathology.

Causes of arthrosis

  • Destruction of the joint due to natural wear and tear (aging of the body).
  • Hormonal disorders (menopause, endocrine diseases).
  • Congenital defects of the musculoskeletal system.
  • Injuries, surgical operations on the knee joint.
  • Professional sport.
  • Monotonous physical work with increased load on knee joints.
  • Excessive weight.
  • genetic predisposition.
  • Autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of the disease

Deforming arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) develops slowly and takes a chronic form. In the early stages, the disease does not cause pain: the person feels only discomfort, stiffness in the lower limb. Motor limitations gradually increase. Without adequate treatment, the knee is noticeably deformed. Motor functions are so disturbed that it is difficult for a person to walk, sit down, stand up. Deforming arthrosis progresses to the patient's disability. In order to save the joint, it is necessary to consult a doctor when the first symptoms of pathology appear.

According to the severity, there are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint:

  • 1 degree. Clinical manifestations of the disease are mild. Most patients do not pay attention to the symptoms and continue to lead a normal life. With arthrosis of the 1st degree, a person may feel discomfort in the knee after a long stay on his feet, intensive walking, physical exertion. The x-ray shows a narrowing of the joint space, osteophytes growing inside the joint are visible. If arthrosis is accidentally detected in the first stage, for example, during a medical examination, its development can be significantly slowed down and even stopped.
  • 2 degree. The pain of osteoarthritis of the knee becomes intense, it is difficult to ignore it. The leg is especially disturbing early in the morning or in the evening. During the day at rest, the pains still remain. Degenerative processes in the joint are reflected in the gait: the person begins to limp. During movement, a crunch is heard in the knee. Arthrosis of the 2nd degree can be complicated by "joint mouse" - this is a condition in which a particle of bone or destroyed cartilage enters the synovial cavity. The foreign body causes severe pain that interferes with limb movement. During the examination, the knee was deformed. Perhaps joining inflammation, swelling. The x-ray shows narrowed joint space and osteophytes, bone thickening.
  • 3 degree. A severe form of the disease that develops in the absence of treatment. Arthrosis of the 3rd degree is the cause of permanent disability. The pain in the knee is very strong, mobility is limited, the person cannot walk independently, every step is painful. The leg is deformed and begins to crackle violently. On the x-ray, the doctor determines the degeneration of cartilage tissue, destruction of ligaments, meniscus and growth of connective tissue.

Diagnosis of arthrosis

Physical, laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods are used to examine the patient:

  • Blood analysis is general, biochemical, immunological.
  • Synovial fluid analysis.
  • Radiography.
  • Ultrasound of the knee.
  • CT or MRI if indicated.

The examination plan is always individual and depends on the patient's condition.

Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint

Therapy includes a set of procedures, medications, recommendations for lifestyle changes. It is important not to try to treat arthritis on your own. Often, patients in the early stages of the disease use anesthetic ointments and go to the doctor when the joint is already destroyed. The sooner treatment is started, the more effective it is.

Treatment

The doctor prescribes drugs to relieve inflammation and swelling, to reduce pain, activate metabolic processes and tissue regeneration. Medicines are chosen individually.

The following funds are available:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) in the form of tablets, ointments, injections. The agents relieve pain, swelling, and improve the patient's well-being.
  • Glucocorticosteroidsin the form of injections directly into the knee joint. Injections are indicated in severe cases of the disease, when the limb is practically immobilized.
  • Blockade of pain. Help to cope with symptoms and alleviate the course of the disease.
  • Chondroprotectors. Medicines contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue and slow down the destruction of the joint.

Conservative treatment

shock wave therapy

The method is non-invasive, helps to remove salt deposits, improves connective tissue trophism. Physiotherapy improves blood circulation, has a favorable effect on the elasticity of ligaments. Shock wave therapy is carried out in cycles of 4-10 procedures.

Plasmolifting (PRP therapy)

Platelet-rich plasma is injected into the patient's joint. The course of plasmolifting accelerates tissue regeneration.

Phonophoresis

The method combines the effects of ultrasound and therapeutic ointments. Means for physiotherapy, as a rule, have a complex composition and are prepared in a pharmacy with a prescription. Ultrasound increases the penetrating power of the active substance.

Massage

The procedure is contraindicated in the phase of exacerbation of arthrosis. When the inflammation is removed, the pain syndrome decreases, you can start a massage course. The lymphatic drainage technique helps prevent the accumulation of synovial fluid. Massage also improves blood circulation in the knee, relieves muscle spasm. The procedure is most effective after performing special exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint.

Bathing

You can take the course at home on the recommendation of a doctor or as part of a spa treatment. Radon, turpentine, and hydrogen sulfide baths are indicated for arthrosis. The procedures have a beneficial effect not only on the knees, but also on the hip and ankle joints.

Hirudotherapy

Medical leeches are placed around the deformed joint. The saliva of these creatures contains active substances that contribute to cartilage regeneration. Hirudotherapy is usually prescribed for 1st and 2nd degree arthrosis to relieve swelling and reduce pain.

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics for arthrosis of the knee joint is a mandatory part of complex treatment. Special exercises help maintain muscle tone in the affected limb, prevent congestion. He starts doing gymnastics in the morning without getting out of bed. Then, during the day, another 3-4 series of exercises lasting a few minutes are performed. It is useful to supplement therapeutic exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint with swimming.

Operation

Surgical intervention is indicated for grade 2 and 3 arthrosis:

  • Puncture. With the help of a syringe, the accumulated fluid is pumped out of the joint cavity. Reduces internal pressure, reduces swelling, inflammation, improves mobility. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, by agreement with the surgeon.
  • Arthroscopy. The method is used for the rehabilitation of the knee joint. Arthroscopy is performed through small punctures, so the operation is quite easy to tolerate, the rehabilitation period is short.
  • Corrective osteotomy. A classic technique for the treatment of deforming arthrosis, which consists in correcting the deformed anatomical axis of the lower extremity, followed by fixing the site of wedge resection of the bone with a titanium plate. After the osteotomy, the patient needs several months of rehabilitation.
  • Endoprosthetics. Implantation of an artificial joint is performed with an extreme degree of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint and allows the knee to return to its previous range of motion without pain. After total arthroplasty, the patient needs a long (about 2-3 months) rehabilitation.

Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive method of treatment. A video camera and microsurgical instruments are introduced into the joint cavity. The doctor conducts a thorough examination of the joint, extracts osteophyte particles, destroyed cartilage, and scar tissue. Arthroscopy helps temporarily relieve pain and restore joint mobility.