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 joint.The cartilage begins to break down, changes occur in the capsule, synovial membrane, ligamentous 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 completely depend on the stage.
The pain syndrome at the beginning of the disease is almost invisible, but as the disease progresses, it becomes more severe.The first stage is characterized by fatigue in the legs and decreased joint mobility, usually in the morning.
In the second stage of arthrosis of the knee joint, pain is accompanied by a crunching sound accompanying movement and limited mobility.
The third stage of the disease has a more serious clinical picture - the pain does not go away even at rest, severe deformation is visible, and the joint loses its function.Apart from that, his gait also changed.
Causes of arthrosis of the knee joint
- Various injuries - fractures, sprains and torn ligaments, bruises and others;
- excessive pressure on the feet, most common in professional athletes and people who are forced to stand for long periods during the working day;
- various metabolic disorders leading to the deposition of salts in the joint cavity;
- previous surgical operation to remove the meniscus;
- overweight and obesity of any degree, causing excessive pressure on the feet;
- inflammatory processes in joint tissues - various types of arthritis.
Diagnosis and treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Diagnosis of arthrosis of the knee joint is carried out in the office of a rheumatologist or orthopedist.The doctor examines the affected joint, feels it, listens to complaints and asks additional questions.Carrying out some tests - for example asking the patient to bend their legs or take a few steps.Then, if it is necessary to clarify the stage of the disease or the nature of pathological changes, he will refer you for additional research.For example, for computer tomography or radiography.
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is often complex, aimed at eliminating pain and restoring the function of cartilage, ligaments and joints.
To reduce pain, anti-inflammatory drugs, creams and liniments 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 are irreversible, surgical treatment - prosthetics - is prescribed.
Prevention of arthrosis of the knee joint
- Eat right: your food should contain sufficient amounts of microelements, proteins and vitamins;
- avoid excessive stress on the knee joint and its traumatic lesions;
- lead an active healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits;
- timely treat all diseases and pathologies that can provoke the appearance of arthrosis;
- Control body weight and prevent obesity.