Arthrosis of the knee joint, or gonarthrosis, occupies a leading position in the incidence of arthrosis.This is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of a chronic nature that affects all elements of the joints.Cartilage begins to deteriorate, changes occur in the capsule, synovial membrane, ligament apparatus and adjacent bone structures.This disease also has an additional name - gonarthrosis.
Symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint
They can be more or less clear and depend entirely on the stage.
The pain syndrome at the beginning of the disease is almost undetectable, but when the disease progresses.The first stage is characterized by fatigue in the legs and reduced joint mobility, usually in the morning.
In the second stage of arthrosis of the knee joint, pain is accompanied by noise accompanying movement and limited movement.
The third stage of the disease has a more serious clinical picture - the pain does not go away even with rest, severe deformation can be seen, and the joints lose their function.In addition, change is underway.
Causes of arthrosis of the knee joint
- Various injuries - broken bones, sprains and torn ligaments, bruises and others;
- Excessive pressure on the feet, most often among professional athletes and people who have to stand on their feet for a long time during the working day;
- Various metabolic disorders that lead to the deposition of salt in the joint cavity;
- Previous Surgical Operations Removed the Meniscus;
- Overweight and obesity of all degrees, causing excessive pressure on the legs;
- Inflammatory process in joint tissue - arthritis of various types.
Diagnosis and treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
The diagnosis of arthrosis of the knee joint takes place in the office of a rheumatologist or orthopedist.The doctor examines the affected joint, fixes it, listens to complaints and asks additional questions.Perform some tests - for example, asking the patient to bend his leg or walk a few steps.Then, if it is necessary to clarify the extent of the disease or the nature of pathological changes, he will refer you for additional studies.For example, for computed tomography or radiography.
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is often complicated, which aims to eliminate the feeling of cartilage, restore cartilage, ligaments and joint function.
To reduce pain, anti-inflammatory drugs, creams, and ointments are used.To protect joint tissue - chondoprotectors.Sometimes hormonal drugs are prescribed.
Physiotherapy procedures and therapeutic exercises aimed at activating blood circulation in the joint area and strengthening the surrounding muscles are effective.
If the changes cannot be restored, surgical treatment - prosthetics - is prescribed.
Prevention of arthrosis of the knee joint
- Eat right: Your diet should contain sufficient amounts of micro, protein and vitamins;
- Avoid excessive load on the knee joint and its traumatic lesions;
- leading an active healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits;
- Timely treat all diseases and pathologies that can trigger the appearance of arthrosis;
- control your weight and prevent obesity.