Arthrosis or gonarthrosis of the knee joint takes a leading place in the incidence of arthrosis.It is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of a chronic nature that affects all elements of the joint.The cartilage begins to deteriorate, changes occur in the capsule, the joint membrane, the ligamentous apparatus and the neighboring bone structures.The disease has another name - gonarthrosis.
Symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint
They can be more or less pronounced and depend entirely on the stage.
The pain syndrome is almost imperceptible at the beginning of the disease, but increases as the disease progresses.The first stage is characterized by leg fatigue and reduced joint mobility, usually in the morning.
In the second stage of arthrosis of the knee joint, the pain is accompanied by a screeching sound, which accompanies movement and limited movement.
The third stage of the disease has a more serious clinical picture - the pain does not go away even at rest, severe deformation can be observed, the joints lose their functions.In addition, the gait changes.
Causes of arthrosis of the knee joint
- Various injuries - bone fractures, sprains and ligament tears, bruises and others;
- excessive stress on the legs, most often among professional athletes and people who are forced to stand on their feet for a long time during the working day;
- various metabolic disorders that lead to the deposition of salts in the joint cavities;
- previous surgical interventions to remove the meniscus;
- overweight and obesity of any degree, which causes excessive stress on the legs;
- inflammatory processes in joint tissues - various types of arthritis.
Diagnosis and treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Arthrosis of the knee joint is diagnosed in the rheumatologist's or orthopedist's office.The doctor examines the affected joint, palpates it, listens to complaints and asks additional questions.He performs several tests - for example, he asks the patient to bend the leg or walk a few steps.Then, if it is necessary to clarify the stage of the disease or the nature of the pathological changes, he will refer you to further tests.For example, for computed tomography or radiography.
The treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is often complex and aims to eliminate pain and restore cartilage, ligaments and joint functions.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, creams and rubbing are used to reduce pain.To protect joint tissues - chondroprotectors.Sometimes hormonal drugs are prescribed.
Physiotherapy procedures and medical exercises aimed at activating blood circulation in the joint area and strengthening the surrounding muscles are effective.
If the changes are irreversible, surgical treatment - prosthesis - is prescribed.
Prevention of arthrosis of the knee joint
- Eat right: your diet should contain a sufficient amount of microelements, protein and vitamins;
- avoid excessive load and traumatic changes of the knee joint;
- leading an active healthy lifestyle, abandoning bad habits;
- timely treat all diseases and pathologies that can cause the appearance of arthrosis;
- control your weight and prevent obesity.