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Arthrosis of the knee joint
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Our joints are made up of cartilage, which is highly resilient and shock-absorbing. These cartilage features help the knees, elbows, and other parts of the body to move freely. Moreover, they protect the skeleton from premature wear, excessive friction and mechanical damage. Under the influence of internal or external factors, cartilage can begin to deform and collapse. In this case, the work of the joint is disturbed, and the person begins to experience pain. If the knee joint got into the affected area, then we are talking about arthrosis of the knee.
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Arthrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease. It is characterized by the destruction of the entire structure of the joint (cartilage, synovium, ligaments, muscles). Initially, the deformation occurs at the cellular level, gradually manifesting itself as anatomical and physiological changes (in the mechanism of cartilage, in bone structures). In response to violations, the immune system launches protective reactions, which is expressed by the development of inflammation around the affected area.
Classification and etiological factors
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is considered an age-related disease: pathology makes itself felt after 40 years. According to statistics, at risk are women, especially obese physique. Provoking the development of arthrosis can be excessive sports with a high load on the joints, as well as injuries.
Factors that contribute to the appearance of arthrosis of the knee joint include:
- metabolic disorders and hormonal disruptions;
- pathology of the circulatory system;
- excessive stress on the knee;
- overweight.
According to the factors of origin, arthrosis is divided into:
- primary – occurs without any external causes;
- secondary – provoked by one or more factors (trauma, fractures, inflammation).
Also, the disease is classified according to the degree of prevalence, highlighting 3 stages:
- I – characterized by the first signs of bone deformity and pain during movement;
- II – a crunch is added to the knees, the pain intensifies and arises from the slightest load, the mobility of the joint decreases.
- III – the cartilage tissue is almost completely worn out, the mobility of the entire leg is impaired, the pain can be permanent.
Signs and symptoms
The disease can progress over the years and not make itself felt at first. Once in the “open” stage, osteoarthritis causes stiffness in the joint and pain when bending the knee. Anatomical changes also appear: bone deformation begins, the leg may take an unnatural bend, the knee increases in size. Over time, pain becomes a constant companion of a person. It is difficult for him to perform non-natural movements: walking, sitting down and getting up.
The main symptoms of arthrosis, depending on the stage:
- at the initial stage – a slight discomfort in the joint while walking with an increase in the ascent and descent of the stairs;
- with the progression of the disease – intense unrelenting pain, a crunch in the joint, limited mobility, an increase in the knee in size.
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
The disease is treatable with timely treatment to the doctor. Delay with therapy can lead to disability. The most favorable prognosis awaits patients who turn to specialists at stages 1-2 of arthrosis. Treatment is based on non-pharmacological methods. Taking medication only helps to eliminate the symptoms: relieve pain and inflammation. To restore joint mobility, normal blood circulation, and relieve edema, physical therapy, physiotherapy, and exercise therapy are used.
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Arthrosis 1 degree
The goal of therapy at the initial stage of the disease is to stop degenerative processes, restore knee mobility, and reduce pain. Doctors take a holistic approach to treatment. In addition to painkillers, physiotherapy and physical therapy are used.
In the course of treatment apply:
- Shock wave therapy.
Sound waves are applied to the affected joint. As a result, cartilage tissue is restored, salt deposits are removed, inflammation subsides, and blood flow improves.
- Myostimulation.
In this case, the muscles surrounding the joint are affected, which has a beneficial effect on the work of the entire knee.
Special attention in the treatment of arthrosis is paid to physical therapy. In the Spinal Ambulatory, physical therapists-rehabilitators work with patients. The list of restorative procedures includes:
- rehabilitation exercise complexes (exercise exercises);
- VKT – Restorative Kinesiotherapy.
As part of exercise therapy, moderate-intensity workouts are carried out, which strengthen the muscles of the legs, smoothly redistributing the load from the knee joints.
Mechanotherapy includes rehabilitation exercises performed on simulators under the supervision of a physical therapist-rehabilitologist. Exercises are selected individually, depending on the patient’s condition.
Arthrosis 2 degrees
At stage 2, the disease manifests itself more clearly: pain increases, stiffness progresses. Anti-inflammatory drugs and course administration of painkillers are connected to therapy. Physical therapy at this stage does not lose its effectiveness. The patient is prescribed:
- recovery gymnastics;
- restorative kinesiotherapy;
- mechanotherapy.
In the Spine Ambulatory, all classes are held under the supervision of rehabilitation doctors. The purpose of the procedures is to restore joint mobility, relieve pain, and stop degenerative processes. Therapy is selected individually, with a focus on the patient’s condition.
Arthrosis 3 degrees
This is the most advanced stage of the disease. Treatment tactics are chosen based on the severity of degenerative processes and the degree of joint damage and the intensity of symptoms. Often they resort to surgical interventions: arthroplasty, arthroscopy, puncture. Even with a severe course of the disease, doctors do not ignore physiotherapy. Properly selected procedures help patients recover after surgery, and in some cases even avoid surgery.
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is complex and is not limited to medication. Properly selected physiotherapy helps to effectively cope with the symptoms of the disease and stop degenerative processes. Experienced physical therapists work with patients in the Physical Rehabilitation Centers ®Spine Ambulatory. Doctors do not use drug therapy and are ready to treat diseases with a complex of effective physiotherapy.
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This site is for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
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