Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, also known as gonarthrosis, is a leading cause of osteoarthritis.This is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of a chronic nature that affects all elements of the joint.The cartilage begins to decompose, changes occur in the capsule, the synovial membrane, the ligamentous apparatus and the adjacent bone structures.The disease also has an additional name – gonarthrosis.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
They can be more or less pronounced and depend entirely on the stage.
The pain syndrome is barely noticeable at the beginning of the disease, but increases as the disease progresses.The first stage is usually characterized by leg fatigue and reduced joint mobility in the morning.
In the second stage of arthrosis of the knee joint, pain is accompanied by a crunching sound that accompanies 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 deformations are noticeable and the joints lose their function.In addition, the gait changes.
Causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
- Various injuries – broken bones, sprains and torn ligaments, bruises and others;
- excessive load on the legs, most common in professional athletes and people who are forced to stand on their feet for long periods of time during the working day;
- various metabolic disorders that lead to the deposition of salts in the joint cavities;
- previous surgical procedures to remove the meniscus;
- Overweight and obesity of all degrees of severity, leading to excessive stress on the legs;
- inflammatory processes in joint tissue – arthritis of various types.
Diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is made in the office of a rheumatologist or orthopedist.The doctor examines the affected joint, feels it, listens to complaints and asks additional questions.Performs several tests - for example, asking the patient to bend their leg or take a few steps.If it is then necessary to clarify the stage of the disease or the nature of the pathological changes, he will refer you for further examinations.For example for computer tomography or radiography.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is often complex and is aimed at eliminating pain and restoring cartilage, ligaments and joint functions.
Anti-inflammatory medications, creams and rubs are used to relieve pain.To protect the joint tissue – chondoprotectors.Sometimes hormonal medications are prescribed.
Physiotherapeutic procedures and therapeutic exercises that are 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 osteoarthritis of the knee joint
- Eat right: your diet should contain a sufficient amount 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 your body weight and prevent obesity.