Therapeutic measures in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Arthrosis is a deformity of the knee joint, which is accompanied by an inflammatory process with characteristic signs of redness and swelling of the lesion. Treatment of knee joint osteoarthritis is a long and complex procedure.

The disease is most commonly diagnosed in the elderly and professional athletes. The effectiveness of a speedy recovery depends on a properly established rehabilitation plan and adherence to all the prescriptions of the attending physician. Therefore, it is necessary to consider in more detail the degree of arthrosis and all methods of treating the pathology.

Degree of arthrosis of the knee joint

The course of arthrosis of the knee joint is divided into four specific stages, which characterize the severity of the disease.

• First degree.The onset of the disease is characterized by constant pain in the legs of a pulling nature. At the same time, the joint mobility is limited and, with sharp movements, a corresponding crunch occurs. Increased physical activity increases joint deformity. If you do not load the legs, then the pain is practically not manifest. X-ray shows joint space narrowing, joint destruction is not observed.
• Level two.Arthrosis at this stage of the development of the disease is characterized by the occurrence of severe pain in the joints, which limits movement, and the person is no longer able to travel long distances on his own. Removal of the joint begins, a crunch in the knee is noted and a gait with lameness appears. The gap in the joint narrows to a minimum, the formation of so-called osteophyte spikes occurs, and inflammation can begin.
• Third degree.The most severe complications of arthrosis. The person can no longer move independently, and the pain in the knee does not stop even at rest. There are obvious signs of arthrosis: complete deformity of the knee, absence of joint space on X-ray, limited joint mobility.
• fourth degreecharacterized by complete destruction of the knee joint. In this case, a surgical operation in the form of a joint prosthesis is recommended. Only a qualified specialist can determine the exact degree of arthrosis of the knee joint after a series of specially conducted studies. If you experience similar symptoms, you should immediately go to the hospital to see a rheumatologist.

Basic care method

Treatment of knee osteoarthritis includes the use of a variety of techniques ranging from medical therapy to alternative medicine. The process of rehabilitation and restoration of the knee can take a long time and requires the use of various methods as well as compliance with all the manipulations prescribed by the doctor.

The course of treatment is determined by the attending physician, who determines the recovery plan depending on the degree of arthrosis, the age of the person. At the same time, maximum efforts are made to avoid surgical intervention and keep the knee intact.

Eliminate excess stress on joints

One of the reasons for the increased load on the knee joint is the presence of excess weight, which puts pressure on the legs and can gradually lead to the formation of deforming arthrosis. If this diagnosis occurs with excess body weight, corrective measures should be taken to reduce the load on the joint. To do this, you need to follow a diet, exercise (use only permitted exercises, regular exercise therapy).

They also use a number of bandages and special installations to fix the knee joint and distribute the load properly. These devices are orthopedic and are specifically designed to repair and restore the knee joint. The time for use of the device and bandage is determined or extended by the attending orthopedic doctor, who makes a decision after analyzing the full clinical picture and studying the x-ray images.

Use of drug therapy

In the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint with drugs, three groups of drugs are used: anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal analgesics, hormonal drugs, condoprotective drugs. Positive results and progress in treatment are provided by the right combination of components in the therapeutic complex.

1. Use of non-steroidal analgesics.The drug is prescribed as a painkiller that stops the inflammatory process. Medicines are taken internally or used for external use (ointments, gels, patches). The effect of exposure occurs on average 4-5 days after the start of treatment. The general course of treatment is no more than 2 weeks, since further use leads to the development of side effects in the form of indigestion, nausea and ulcerative manifestations.
2. Hormonal drugs.When the course of the disease is complicated, doctors prescribe the use of drugs of a hormonal type that quickly relieve pain and speed up the recovery process. The duration of treatment with these drugs is short-term, since they have a large number of contraindications to continuous use.
3. Preparation for condoprotective action.They contain a natural source of connective tissue structural elements in cartilage and perform the function of restoring the knee joint. The use of medication also helps relieve painful symptoms. Medicines are presented in the form of tablets, ointments, gels. The main method of using a condoprotector is to introduce the drug into the joint fluid.

The total duration of treatment lasts about 4 months. As practice shows, the results give positive changes, which are clearly visible on the radiographic image. Hyaluronic acid is known as a protective fluid in the joints. It has a practically identical composition, which actively maintains and restores the main structure of the knee joint.

Operation

Surgery on the knee joint is performed only in extreme cases, when other methods of treatment do not give positive results. Depending on the severity of the disease, the following methods of surgical intervention are distinguished:

1. Perform arthroscopy. The most subtle way of surgical intervention. These manipulations are carried out at the main stage of the pathology, and the work of the knee joint is partially restored. The procedure is carried out using a special endoscope, the first puncture is made, and then the damaged area of the joint is removed with equipment. This surgery is effective for younger people and quickly relieves pain;
2. The use of osteotomy is indicated for more severe joint deformities. The essence of the procedure lies in special fractures and their correct further union. In this case, the joint is restored, the pain goes away. And also additionally using the necessary parts of the artificial tissue;
3. Endoprosthetic implementation. This is one of the most difficult types of surgery. In this case, a complete replacement of the knee joint with a special implant occurs, which performs all the functions of restoring flexion and further movement of a person. Most patients note quite positive consequences, in which the level of physical activity increases sharply.

Treatment with physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an effective method of treatment in the early stages of the development of arthrosis. He is actively reducing
pain relief, relieve muscle tension and restore some of the major joint structures. There are the following types of physiological procedures:

• Perform analgesic magnetotherapy. This procedure performs the general function of restoring and relieving pain in the body. The use of this method is effective in the first, second stage of the disease. The total duration of treatment is 9-15 procedures, lasting 30 minutes.
• The use of laser therapy as an anti-inflammatory action. When using this technique, the following types are used: treatment with infrared radiation, low-frequency UHF, centimeter wave therapy. Such a method favorably affects the recovery of the joint. Saturates connective tissue cells with nutrients, improves blood circulation. It should be noted that the use of UHF in combination with intra-articular administration of drugs, and centimeter wave therapy is effective in the early stages of arthrosis. The average duration of the procedure is 10-20 times, and the duration is from 7 to 15 minutes.
• Intensive influence physiological procedures. A variety of procedures are used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Some basic techniques should be considered in detail.
• ultrasonic waves. The most famous treatment for this disease. Significantly improves the processes of blood circulation, nourishes the joints, restores cartilage tissue. It is recommended to use within 14 days. Uses of electrophoresis. The use of electric current in conjunction with the introduction of drugs. The advantage of this method is a significant restoration of the knee joint, while the absence of a strong drug load on the body. The number of procedures for one course is 10-12 times. The combination of several currents acting on the joint is a phenomenon of interference therapy. A distinctive feature of this method is the stimulation of atrophic muscles and restoration of the processes of blood circulation in the lymphatic system. With the development of the acute stage, it is prescribed twice a day for two weeks. Impulsive use of alternating current also has an effective effect on the affected joint. This procedure is called darsonvalization and actively relieves pain while performing restorative functions in the knee. The full course of rehabilitation is 10-15 procedures that last about half an hour for 15 days. Special therapeutic bath. They are an integral part of the procedure for the therapeutic action of arthrosis. The combination of water with sage, hydrogen sulfide, radon, bischofite, therapeutic mud is very effective. This procedure has a great analgesic effect and can be applied to local or general use. Session duration is 10-30 minutes. The average course of treatment is 10-20 days.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of arthritis of the knee

The complex process of treatment of pathology can stop the further development of the disease, but it is impossible to completely eliminate the disease! Therefore, it is very important to use all techniques aimed at maintaining a stable state and prolonging the established effect. One of the most effective means is the prescription of folk remedies in the form of compresses, dressings, ointments, tinctures that have a beneficial effect on the lesion. The most effective way:

• Dandelion flower preparation.Used fresh, brewed in boiling water and alcohol-based tincture. It is recommended to eat 7-8 pieces of dandelion every day. Tincture is taken three times a day, 100 ml before meals. An alcohol-based solution is applied to the affected joint daily for a month;
• Radish compress.This vegetable effectively reduces pain symptoms and partially restores normal joint function. The process of making the sauce is simple: rubbed horseradish is applied to gauze and applied to the sore spot overnight. The procedure should be repeated daily for about 30 days;
• Use of aloe vera.This plant has anti-inflammatory, natural analgesic properties and is actively used in the treatment of arthrosis. You can make a flower based compress and also use crushed leaves or apply it to the affected area. The duration of treatment with this drug should last at least one month;
• Tincture based on cinquefoil.The recipe for the preparation is to use the decoction together with alcohol and get the right solution for the prevention and treatment of arthrosis. The drug is taken 3-4 drops per day or used as a compress. Treatment is continued for a month;
• Mix mustard, sand and salt.All components of the composition must be thoroughly mixed, and then put on a baking sheet and heated well. The hot mixture should be applied to the affected area and not removed until the compress has cooled. This method is effective for relieving pain, improving blood circulation in the joints. This procedure is not recommended during the acute course of the disease.

In the treatment of diseases, calendula, burdock, juniper are also used, as they have a beneficial effect on the restoration of the knee joint.

Non-traditional medicine for the treatment of arthrosis

In the treatment of arthrosis, non-traditional drugs are used. The most popular methods in the industry:

1. Therapy with leeches is called hirudotherapy. This method is very efficient. Because insects are attached to the biological impact points on the joints. At the same time, they secrete special enzymes that have healing properties, improve metabolic processes, and improve blood circulation in the joints. The time and duration of treatment is determined by a specialized doctor;
2. The use of acupuncture by inserting needles into active points of joints. It also presents a number of procedures that are effective in the treatment of arthrosis. They use direct acupuncture, point massage and special moxibustion wands. Manipulations are carried out only by a qualified specialist who determines the required number of sessions;
3. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide. Chemical compounds are involved in all life processes of the body, so they are also used for arthrosis. The drug is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 cup with 3 drops of 3% H2O2 and taken 2 hours after eating. You can also use a peroxide-based compress;
4. Take the gelatin. This component is a natural source of collagen, which is necessary for the strength of bones and joints. The use of gelatin also has a therapeutic effect on the course of arthrosis. The daily dose is 10 grams. And the duration of treatment with this method should be at least 90 days. It is also good to use foods and dishes rich in gelatin (chicken, pork offal, cartilage, aspic);
5. Stem cell use. Innovative method of arthrosis treatment. Its uniqueness lies in stem cells which have the ability to regenerate and regenerate into new cell systems. They were obtained from human bone marrow and grown in the laboratory for 2 months. The cells are then injected into the affected joint. This therapy partially replaces cartilage tissue and improves knee mobility.

Combination of massage and manual therapy

Massage is a prerequisite for the treatment of this pathology. This is done by a qualified massage therapist or a trained patient. It is recommended that before starting the procedure, warm up the muscles with exercise therapy exercises and then carry out the manipulations. A good effect is added with the use of water procedures in conjunction with massage. Initially, the first session should last no more than 10 minutes, and then gradually increase to 20 minutes.

After the massage, the patient will feel a little relaxation and no pain. If there is, then you need to consult a doctor about the further continuation of the procedure. Manipulation helps well in the early stages of arthrosis.

Manual therapy is used in individual cases and is carried out by specialized doctors. For its implementation, the patient must have certain indications. The essence of this method lies in the soft reduction of the joint and its extension. The muscles in this case are activated, and the process of restoring joint mobility begins. Manipulation should be carried out 3-4 times throughout the year.

Treatment, prevention of arthrosis with exercise therapy

Performing special exercises called physical therapy is an effective method of treating arthrosis. To get the desired effect, you need to follow the rules of complex gymnastic exercises:

1. Exercises are carried out only on the recommendation of the attending physician;
2. The exercise regimen should be several times throughout the day;
3. Exclusion of vigorous physical activity;
4. During training, you need special breaks to relax the joints;
5. Combination of massage, therapeutic drugs and exercise therapy;
6. Exercises are carried out with a calm course of the disease;
7. The ratio of simple muscle tension and motor activity should be observed. This technique will strengthen the joints;

It should be borne in mind that a specific set of exercise therapy exercises is determined individually and selected by a specialist in this field.

Methodology Doctor of Medical Sciences

This method of treatment was developed by a famous scientist, doctor of medical sciences. The essence of therapy is based on healing the patient with the help of physiological procedures without the use of drugs.

After a thorough examination, an individual treatment regimen is determined. In this case, there is no additional load on the joints, but special simulators are used. As an analgesic, doctors recommend the use of ice and other cooling agents.

In parallel with the implementation of this therapy, swimming, bath procedures, special massages, steam rooms with subsequent cooling are also recommended.

In medical practice, many positive cases have been shown in the treatment of arthrosis, when joint mobility is restored and the patient can lead a normal life.

Methodology of a rheumatologist

Famous doctors have developed their own methods for treating arthrosis. It is based on a combination of medical and mechanical treatment of the affected joint.

This method is carried out according to the following scheme:

• Use of non-steroidal drugs;
• Condoprotective drug use;
• External use of anesthetic creams, ointments;
• Applying compresses;
• the introduction of injections into the joint;
• Perform manual therapy;
• Physiological procedures;
• therapeutic physical culture;
• Wearing special bandages, bandages, sticks;
• Diet.

The effectiveness of this technique is confirmed by statistical data. With first-degree arthrosis, more than 95% of patients are cured by this method. The second stage of the disease is rehabilitated in 80% of patients.

Arthrosis treatment using modern therapeutic methods

Modern methods of arthrosis therapy are actively combined with drugs and other treatment methods. The following types are used:

1. The phenomenon of kinesitherapy, in which a specially designed set of exercises is prescribed, aimed at obtaining the most positive effect;
2. The introduction of ozone into the joints is called ozone therapy. This is a kind of physiological procedure that appeared relatively recently and has gained popularity due to its high efficiency;
3. The use of homeopathic medicines are diverse in nature.
4. Application and use of biologically active substances.

These medicines should only be taken as directed by your doctor.

This method of treatment is quite often used in the treatment of arthrosis and mostly gives positive results. The combination of methods is selected by a qualified rheumatologist.

Treatment of arthrosis in resort conditions of a sanatorium

An indication for the treatment of arthrosis in specialized sanatorium complexes is the development of degenerative-dystrophic arthrosis.

In the sanatorium, the patient is prescribed the following procedures:

1. Mud wraps and baths;
2. Physiological therapy;
3. exercise therapy;
4. Massage and manual therapy;
5. Modern methods of treating arthrosis.

Treatment of the resort type of sanatorium is prohibited with such contraindications:

• severe joint deformity;
• Inflammatory processes in the knee;
• Decrease in general condition;
• The last stage of the disease is in the acute phase.

The correct implementation of all the prescribed procedures in the sanatorium and the further improvement of the general condition, restoration of the joints, the resumption of their mobility for 6 months are confirmation of favorable treatment in this condition. At the same time, the general analysis shows a positive trend.

Average cost of arthrosis treatment and feedback on the effectiveness of therapy

The cost of complex treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint depends on the degree of the disease, the general condition of the joint, the stage of deformation, the age of the patient and the ability of the body to recover.

It should be noted that the use of condoprotective drugs is an expensive procedure, because the conditions for administration are quite long. In the treatment of pathology, a wide range of measures is prescribed, which also has a rather large pricing policy.

The final stage of arthrosis is characterized by complete deformity of the joint, which requires prosthetics. The price for this operation is quite high. Therefore, the average cost of treatment is quite high and it is best not to start the disease, but to treat it in the early stages of its appearance!

Reviews of patients with arthrosis and who have undergone complex treatment are pronounced. Most people say that arthrosis is best treated in the early stages of the disease, with full compliance with all prescribed manipulations. At the same time, continuous preventive measures should be taken to prevent the development of the disease.

The third degree, these four diseases are practically not treated, and doctors recommend surgery. Depending on the degree of knee deformity, various surgical operations are performed from reconstruction to complete joint replacement. The postoperative period and time of further remission also recommend new prophylaxis and surgical interventions.

Finally, it is important to emphasize the important point of the article and say that arthrosis of the knee joint is a very serious serious disease that requires a lot of effort and time for partial recovery. Therefore, if you are prone to this disease, you should strictly observe all preventive methods to prevent the development of this pathology!