Causes of arthrosis
We can say that arthrosis of the knee joint is a disease caused on the one hand by lifestyle and on the other hand by age.
The direct (internal) causes of arthrosis are as follows:
- previous injuries in the joint area (sports, household and others),
- inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis),
- metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus),
- common orthopedic defects of the lower limbs, including flat feet and valgus feet, X-shaped deformity of the legs; these defects violate the correct movement of the knee joints, which leads to their deformation and degeneration of the joint tissues.
Factors provoking arthrosis (external, individual):
- overweight, obesity,
- female,
- circle,
- high constant loads (work in a standing position, monotonous movement of joints with weights during the working day).
As a result of external and internal factors, the degeneration and aging of the knee joint begins, and all its structures participate in the process: bones, cartilages, joint membrane, joint capsule, ligaments.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Manifestations of the knee joints are directly related to the stage of arthrosis. The more pathological changes in the joint and adjacent tissues, the more pronounced the symptoms.
- In the initial stage, a person may be bothered by an unpleasant feeling, a slight pain after physical activity, passing on their own.
- With the passage of time (from 1 year to several years), the pain becomes stronger and permanent, joint movements are limited, characteristic "crunching" and "creaking" appear when moving.
- In the final stage of gonarthrosis, movements are sharply limited, the joint is visually deformed, walking is difficult, and serious complications can develop up to complete immobility ("joint mice", joint fusion, etc. ).
Diagnosis of arthrosis of the knee joints
Arthrosis of the knee joint can be detected using the available diagnostic methods:
- The ultrasound of the knee joint enables assessment of the cartilage and bone surface of the joint, as well as the condition of the surrounding soft tissues; it is especially important in the initial stages of arthrosis, as it helps to identify pathological changes even before the appearance of serious symptoms;
- Radiography is also one of the main diagnostic methods, but it is not always available, moreover, it involves radiation exposure of the body;
- MRI, CT and arthroscopy are also used to clarify the diagnosis or to identify the characteristics of the course of the disease.
Treatment of gonarthrosis
In arthrosis of the knee joint, various exposure methods are used:
- drug therapy, including intra-articular administration of drugs,
- traction (unloading) therapy,
- physiotherapy, classical and innovative methods,
- physiotherapy and massage,
- manual therapy,
- autoplasma therapy (PRP therapy).
The combination of these methods selected by the doctor can reduce the symptoms of arthrosis, stop the inflammation and degeneration of the joint, and preserve its mobility and range of motion.
The initial stages of arthrosis
In the initial stages of the disease, pain-relieving and restorative drugs (NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, vitamins) prescribed by a doctor are used. In addition, various orthopedic devices are used: insoles, shoe inserts, special shoes). Physiotherapy, manual massage, physiotherapy exercises have a good effect.
The noticeable effect of the treatment does not appear immediately, but if the doctor's recommendations are followed, the condition will improve.
Progressive arthrosis
More serious measures are needed here, in these cases the doctor can resort to minimally invasive interventions - arthroscopy, injection of enriched plasma into the joint (PRP therapy).
In severe forms of arthrosis, in severe pain, with simultaneous synovitis (accumulation of excess intra-articular fluid), corticosteroids are injected into the joint, which leads to rapid pain relief. The method is considered one of the most effective, and if the intervention is carried out correctly, there are no complications (increased pain is rarely possible as a reaction to the drug, a negative effect on the cartilage, and others).
Among the surgical methods that preserve joint functionality and range of motion, arthroplasty, arthroscopy and endoprosthetic operations deserve attention.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in a professional clinic
Experienced surgeons and arthrologists hold appointments in a professional, modern clinic. The clinic applies an individual approach to each patient, carries out accurate diagnostics with expert-class equipment (ultrasound), selects the optimal combination of treatment methods, taking into account the stage of arthrosis and the leading symptoms, and prescribes drugs in time to reduce painful manifestations.
Arthrosis of the knee joint is rightly considered an age-related disease, but its development can be prevented or slowed down if the condition of the joints is assessed in time and therapy is carried out (for preventive or therapeutic purposes).
The clinic provides physiotherapy procedures that improve the condition of the joints (electrophoresis, darsonval, massage, acupuncture) and minimally invasive interventions (arthroscopy, intra-articular injections), and prescribes supportive drug courses that help consolidate and prolong the effects of the joints. main therapy, prevents exacerbation.