Therapeutic measures in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee

Arthropathy is a deformity of the knee joint, which is accompanied by an inflammatory process with characteristic signs of redness and swelling of the lesion. The treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a time-consuming and complex process.

This disease is diagnosed more often in the elderly and professional athletes. The effectiveness of a quick recovery depends on a properly formulated rehabilitation plan and compliance with all the prescriptions of the attending physician. Therefore, it is necessary to consider in more detail the degree of arthropathy and all methods of treatment of the pathology.

Articulation grades of the knee joint

The course of the 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 mobility of the joints is limited and with a sudden movement, a corresponding crease appears. Increased physical activity increases joint deformation. If you do not load the leg, then the pain practically does not manifest itself. The x-ray shows the narrowing of the joint space, the destruction of the joint is not observed.
• Second degree.Arthropathy at this stage of the disease progression is characterized by the appearance of severe pain in the joint, which limits movement and the person can no longer walk long distances alone. The joint wears off, there is tingling in the knee and a limping gait occurs. The gap in the joint is reduced to a minimum, the formation of so-called osteophytes occurs and inflammation may begin.
• Third degree.The most serious complication of arthropathy. The person can no longer move independently and the knee pain does not stop even at rest. There are strong signs of arthrosis: complete deformation of the knee, absence of joint space on X-ray, limitation of joint mobility.
• fourth gradecharacterized by complete destruction of the knee joint. In this case, surgery in the form of a joint prosthesis is recommended. Only a qualified specialist can determine the exact degree of articulation of the knee joint after a series of special studies. If you experience similar symptoms, you should immediately go to the hospital to see a rheumatologist.

Basic treatment methods

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee involves the use of a wide variety of techniques from medical therapy to alternative medicine. The process of restoring and restoring the knee can take a long time and requires the use of various methods and also compliance with all the manipulations prescribed by the doctor.

The course of treatment is determined by the attending physician, who determines the rehabilitation plan depending on the degree of articulation, the age of the person. At the same time, every effort is made to avoid surgery and keep the knee intact.

Removing excess pressure on the joint

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

They also use a series of special bandages and installations to fix the knee joint and properly distribute the load on it. Such devices are orthopedic and specifically designed to correct and restore the knee joint. The time of use of devices and bandages is defined or extended by the attending orthopedic doctor, who makes decisions after analyzing the complete clinical picture and studying the radiographs.

The 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, bone-protecting drugs. Positive results and progress in treatment are given by the correct combination of components in the therapeutic complex.

1. Use of non-steroidal analgesics.These drugs are prescribed as painkillers that stop the inflammatory process. Medicines are taken orally internally or used for external use (ointments, gels, patches). The effect of exposure appears on average 4-5 days after the start of medication. The general course of treatment does not exceed 2 weeks, as further use causes 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 hormonal drugs that quickly eliminate pain and speed up the recovery process. The duration of treatment with these drugs is short-term, as they have a large number of contraindications for continuous use.
3. Preparations with a fat-protecting action.They contain natural sources of structural elements of the connective tissue in the cartilage and perform the function of restoring the knee joint. The use of medication also helps to relieve painful symptoms. Medicines are presented in the form of tablets, ointments, gel. The main method of using cartilage protectors is to introduce the drug into the synovial fluid.

The total duration of treatment lasts about 4 months. As practice shows, the results give positive changes, which are clearly visible on radiographic images. Hyaluronic acid is called a protector of joint fluid. It has a practically identical composition, which actively nourishes and restores the primary structure of the knee joint.

Surgery

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 surgical methods are distinguished:

1. Performing arthroscopy. The most delicate way of surgery. This manipulation is carried out in the initial stages of the pathology, and the work of the knee joint is partially restored. The procedure is carried out using a special endoscope, first punctures are made and then the damaged areas of the joint are removed with the device. The operation is effective for younger people and quickly eliminates pain.
2. The use of osteotomy is indicated for more severe deformity of the joint. The essence of the procedure lies in a special fracture of the bone and its further proper fusion. In this case, the joint is restored, the pain disappears. And also additionally use the necessary parts of artificial tissues.
3. Endoprosthetic application. It is one of the most difficult types of surgery. In this case, a complete replacement of the knee joint is carried out with a special implant, which performs all the functions of restoring the bending and further movement of a person. Most patients note quite positive consequences, in which the level of physical activity increases significantly.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy is an effective method of treatment at the initial stage of the development of arthropathy. It is actively decreasing
pain, relieves muscle tension and partially restores the primary structure of the joint. There are the following types of physiological processes:

• Implementation of analgesic magnetotherapy. This process performs the general functions of restorative and pain relief in the body. The use of this method is effective in the first, second stage of the disease. The total duration of the treatment is 9-15 procedures, lasting 30 minutes.
• The use of laser therapy as an anti-inflammatory agent. When using this technique, the following types are used: infrared therapy, low frequency UHF, centimeter wave therapy. Such methods favorably affect the restoration of the joint. Saturation of connective tissue cells with nutrition, improvement of blood circulation. It should be noted that the use of UHF is combined with intra-articular drug administration, and centimeter wave therapy is effective in the early stages of arthritis. The average duration of the procedures is 10–20 times and the duration is from 7 to 15 minutes.
• Physiological processes of intense influence. A wide variety of procedures are used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Several basic techniques should be examined in detail.
• ultrasonic waves. The best known treatment for this disease. Significantly improves blood circulation processes, nutrition in the joint, restores cartilage tissue. Use within 14 days is recommended. The use of electrophoresis. The use of electric currents in combination with the introduction of drugs. The advantage of this method is the significant restoration of the knee joint, while the absence of a strong drug load on the body. The number of procedures of one course is 10-12 times. The combination of several currents acting on the joint is the phenomenon of interference therapy. A distinctive feature of the method is the stimulation of atrophied muscles and the restoration of blood circulation processes in the lymphatic system. With the development of the acute stage, it is prescribed twice a day for two weeks. The use of alternating current of an impulsive nature also has an effective effect on the affected joint. This process is called darsonvalization and it actively reduces pain while performing restorative functions on the knee. The full recovery course is 10-15 procedures lasting about half an hour for 15 days. Taking special therapeutic baths. They are an integral part of the procedures for the therapeutic measures of the joint. The combinations of water with sage, hydrogen sulphide, radon, dischophyte, therapeutic mud are very effective. These operations have a great analgesic effect and can be applied in local or general use. The duration of the session is 10-30 minutes. The average duration of treatment is 10-20 days.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint

The process of complex treatment of the pathology can stop the further development of the disease, but it is impossible to get rid of the disease completely! 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 ways is traditional medicine recipes in the form of compresses, bandages, ointments, tinctures that have a beneficial effect on the lesion. The most effective means:

• Preparation of dandelion flowers.It is used fresh, prepared in boiling water and an alcohol-based tincture. It is recommended to eat 7-8 pieces of dandelions daily. The 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.
• Horseradish compress.This vegetable effectively reduces pain symptoms and partially restores the normal functionality of the joint. The procedure for making a dressing is simple: rubbed horseradish is applied to gauze and applied to a sore spot overnight. The process should be repeated daily for about 30 days.
• Use of aloe.The plant has natural anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties and is actively used in the treatment of arthritis. You can make poultices based on the flowers and also use crushed leaves or apply them to the affected area. The duration of treatment with this drug should last at least one month.
• Tincture based finish.The recipe is to use the herb along with alcohol and get the proper solution to prevent and treat arthritis. The drug is taken 3-4 drops a day or used as compresses. Treatment continues for one month.
• A mixture of mustard, sand and salt.All the components of the composition must be mixed well, and then placed on a baking sheet and heated well. The warm mixture should be applied to the affected area and not removed until the compress cools down. This method is effective in relieving pain by improving blood circulation in the joint. The procedure is not recommended during the acute course of the disease.

Calendula, burdock, juniper are also used in the treatment of the disease, as they have a beneficial effect on the restoration of the knee joint.

Non-traditional therapies for the treatment of arthropathy

In the treatment of arthropathy, non-traditional medicine is used. The most popular methods in this industry:

1. Treatment with leeches is called hirudotherapy. This method is very effective. Since insects attach to biological impact points on the joint. At the same time, they secrete special enzymes that have healing properties, improve metabolic processes and increase blood circulation in the joint. The time and duration of the treatment is prescribed by a specialist doctor.
2. The use of acupuncture by inserting needles into the active points of the joint. It also presents a series of effective procedures in the treatment of arthritis. They use direct acupuncture, point massage and special moxibustion sticks. The manipulation is carried out only by a qualified specialist who prescribes the required number of sessions.
3. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide. The chemical compound is involved in all life processes of the body, so it is also used for arthropathy. The medicine is diluted with water in the ratio of 1 cup to 3 drops of H2O2 3% and drunk 2 hours after eating. You can also use compresses based on peroxide.
4. Taking gelatin. This ingredient is a natural source of collagen, which is essential for bone and joint strength. The use of gelatin also has a therapeutic effect on the course of arthritis. The daily dose is 10 grams. And the duration of treatment with this method must be at least 90 days. It is also good to use foods and dishes rich in gelatin (chicken, pork offal, cartilage, aspic).
5. The use of stem cells. Innovative method of treating arthritis. Its uniqueness lies in stem cells, which have the ability to regenerate and regenerate into new cell systems. They are taken from human bone marrow and cultured in the lab for 2 months. The cells are then injected into the affected joint. This treatment partially replaces the cartilage tissue and improves the mobility of the knee.

Combination of massage and manual therapy

Massage is a necessary condition for the treatment of this pathology. Performed by a qualified massage therapist or trained patient. It is recommended that before starting the procedure, warm up the muscles with exercise exercises and then do manipulations. A good effect is added by using water procedures in combination with massage. Initially, the first sessions should not last more than 10 minutes and then gradually increase to 20 minutes.

After the massage, the patient should feel a slight relaxation and no pain. If there are, then you need to consult a doctor to continue the process further. Manipulation helps well in the early stages of arthrosis.

Manual therapy is used in individual cases and is carried out by a specialist doctor. For its application, the patient must have certain indications. The essence of the method lies in the gentle reduction of the joint and its extension. The muscles in this case are activated and the process of restoring joint mobility begins. Handling should be done 3-4 times during the year.

Treatment, prevention of arthropathy with exercise therapy

Performing specific exercises called physical therapy is an effective method of treating arthropathy. To get the desired result, you should follow the rules of complex gymnastic exercises:

1. The exercises are done only on the recommendation of the attending physician.
2. The exercise program should be several times during the day.
3. Exclusion of vigorous physical exercise.
4. During training, you need to take special breaks to relax the joint.
5. The combination of massage, therapeutic drugs and exercise therapy.
6. Exercises are performed with a calm course of the disease.
7. The proportion of simple muscle tension and motor activity should be observed. It is this technique that will strengthen the joint.

It is worth remembering that a set of special exercise therapy exercises is prescribed purely individually and is selected by a specialist doctor in this field.

Methodology of the Doctor of Medical Sciences

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

After a thorough examination, an individual treatment regimen is prescribed. In this case, there is no additional load on the joint, but special simulators are used. As analgesics, the doctor suggests the use of ice and other cooling ingredients.

Along with carrying out this treatment, swimming, bathing procedures, special massages, steam bath with subsequent cooling are also recommended.

In medical practice, many positive cases have been proven in the treatment of arthropathy, when joint mobility was restored and the patient could lead a normal life.

Rheumatologist methodology

The famous doctor has developed his own method of treating arthropathy. It is based on a combination of medical, mechanical treatment of the affected joint.

This method is performed according to the following scheme:

• The use of non-steroidal drugs.
• The use of fat-protecting drugs.
• External use of anesthetic-type creams, ointments.
• Application of compresses;
• Insertion of injections into the joint.
• Conduct manual therapy.
• Normal processes?
• Therapeutic natural cultivation?
• Wearing special bandages, bandages, walking sticks.
• Dieting.

The effectiveness of the technique is confirmed by statistical data. With the first degree of arthrosis, more than 95% of patients were treated with this method. The second stage of the disease was restored in 80% of patients.

Treatment of arthropathy with modern treatment methods

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

1. The phenomenon of physiotherapy, in which a specially designed set of exercises is prescribed, which aims to achieve the most positive result.
2. The introduction of ozone into the joint is called ozone therapy. It is a kind of physiological processes that have appeared relatively recently and have gained popularity due to their high efficiency.
3. The use of homeopathic medicines of various nature.
4. Application and use of biologically active substances.

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

These treatment methods are used quite often in the treatment of arthropathy and mostly give positive results. The combination of methods is chosen by a specialized rheumatologist.

Treatment of joints in sanatorium-resort conditions

An indication for the treatment of arthropathy in a special sanatorium complex is the development of degenerative-dystrophic arthropathy.

In the sanatorium, the patient prescribes the following procedures:

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

Treatment of a sanatorium-resort type is prohibited with such contraindications:

• Severe joint deformity.
• Inflammatory process in the knee.
• Worsening of the general condition.
• The last stage of the disease in the acute phase.

The correct implementation of all prescribed procedures in the sanatorium and further improvement of the general condition, restoration of the joint, resumption of its mobility for 6 months is a confirmation of favorable treatment in these conditions. At the same time, the general analyzes show a positive trend.

The average cost of arthropathy treatment and feedback on treatment effectiveness

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 its deformation, the age of the patient and the ability of the body to recover.

It should be noted that the use of drugs with a chondroprotective action is an expensive procedure, since the terms of their administration are quite long. In the treatment of pathology, a whole series of measures are prescribed, which also have a fairly large pricing policy.

The last stages of arthrosis are characterized by complete deformation of the joint, which requires a prosthesis. The prices for this operation are quite high. Therefore, the average cost of treatment is quite high, and it is good not to start the disease, but to treat it in the initial stages of its appearance!

Reviews of patients with arthropathy who have undergone complex treatment are intense. Most people say that arthropathy is best treated in the initial 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, fourth degree of the disease is practically not treated and doctors recommend surgery. Depending on the degree of deformity of the knee, various surgical operations are performed from rehabilitation to complete joint replacement. Post-operative periods and further remission time also recommend prophylaxis and new surgeries.

Finally, it is worth emphasizing the important point of the article and saying that arthropathy 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 must strictly adhere to all preventive methods to prevent the development of this pathology!