Knee arthritis is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of the integrity of cartilage tissue and structural changes in the underlying bone plate. A progressive pathological process, which gradually covers all the elements of the joint, leads to severe impairment of motor function, reduces the ability to work and even becomes a cause of disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists deal with the treatment of gonarthritis. Early diagnosis and the appropriate approach to orthopedic correction allow the achievement of positive results even in the most serious forms of pathology.
How does knee joint arthropathy develop?
Knee arthritis of the knee joint (fertile from the Greek language "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of reasons that cause the development of the pathological process includes:
- wound;
- chronic trauma related to factors of production or violation of the exercise regime;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular).
- overweight, obesity
- strained heredity (mutations in the gene encoding type II collagen chains - the vitreous cartilage matrix).
- congenital malformations and joint pathologies.
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint.
- arthroscopic knee manipulations.
Prolonged exposure to adverse factors leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, death of cartilage tissue cells and a decrease in the density and elasticity of glass cartilage. Due to the weakening of the protection against the operating load, compensatory reactions develop. In the adjacent areas of the bone tissue, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear, which deform the osteoarticular joint.
Gradual destruction involves inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and violation of the composition of synovial fluid, which exacerbates the destruction of cartilage. As a result, its damping properties and functionality are reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthritis
The main complaint is a dull pain in the right or left knee. Initially it is felt after a long walk or intense physical activity. Painful sensations may occur when you are on your feet for a long time and when you go down stairs. As the degenerative process develops, other symptoms appear:
- morning stiffness of movements.
- periodic inflammation of the articular sinus (arthritis) and accumulation of fluid in the joint.
- swelling, redness of the skin.
- increased pain in the anterior-internal articular surface.
- crunching, crepe in motion.
- deformity of the knee joint.
- limiting the flexion and extension of the foot.
- change in gait stereotype, movement disorders.
- X or O-deformation development.
The result of pathological changes, characteristic of an advanced stage, can be the closure and complete immobilization of the joint (anchorage).
Who is at risk?
Gonarthritis is the most common form of osteoarthritis, representing 33. 3% of the total number of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is found in all age categories. The most vulnerable to the disease:
- the elderly and the elderly;
- menopausal women.
- people with increased body weight.
- professional athletes;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital musculoskeletal abnormalities.
Degree of knee arthritis
There are 4 degrees of gonarthritis. In determining them, the rate of osteoarthritis degradation is taken into account:
- I - original -<10%;
- II - stage of increase of symptoms, 10-25%.
- III - the most intense clinical manifestations, 25-50%.
- IV - terminal, >50% defeat.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) arthritis caused by aging of articular cartilage is more commonly bilateral and is diagnosed in elderly patients. The secondary degenerative process is a consequence of trauma and pathological disorders. It is usually one-sided and can make its debut at any age.
Which doctor should I go to?
Arthritis (knee joint), the symptoms of which can develop slowly and imperceptibly, is why it is called a very insidious disease. Only timely medical attention can stop the destruction of cartilage. The treatment of knee arthropathy is the responsibility of orthopedists, traumatologists, arthrologists and sports medicine specialists.
Excerpt from a rehabilitation specialist
Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can significantly reduce the level of activity, both in sports and on a daily basis. The restoration aims at the maximum possible restoration, compensation for weakened or completely lost functions. A multidisciplinary, comprehensive, but at the same time individual approach allows you to shorten recovery time. The specialists of the clinic try to form a responsible attitude of the patient in the recovery process and in his health.
Diagnostic methods
Diagnostic techniques are used to detect structural changes in the knee joint:
- x-ray?
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasound;
- CT;
- scintigraphy;
- Magnetic resonance
The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging in orthopedic practice has significantly expanded the diagnostic possibilities. A secure informative imaging method allows you to make a detailed assessment of the condition of osteoarthritis and proximal soft tissue structures in almost all parameters:
- glass cartilage;
- subchondral bone;
- Bone marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus.
- cruciate and lateral ligaments.
- articular and articular cavity.
An MRI of the knee joint (with arthropathy) reveals the presence of arthritis, bursitis, cysts, deformities and intra-articular bodies. Therefore, tomography can completely replace x-rays and other diagnostic studies.
Treatment
Treatment of gonarthritis is recommended to start as early as possible. It pursues the following goals: reducing the progression of the pathological process, eliminating pain, restoring the convergence of joint surfaces and achieving remission. There are 4 main treatment areas:
- preventive (weight loss, injury prevention, orthosis wear, physical therapy);
- drug treatment;
- physiotherapy treatment;
- surgical correction.
The rehabilitation center successfully uses the drug-free complex treatment of gonarthritis. Includes dosed load on the joint, kinesiotherapy techniques, physiotherapy. The greatest positive effect is provided by microwave therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
Reform
The key point in the recovery of patients suffering from arthritis of the knee joint is physical recovery. This is a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of a pathological process, reducing pain, eliminating swelling, strengthening joint muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving mobility.
The rehabilitation center uses active rehabilitation programs that include the use of modern technical means and patented high-tech simulators. An individual set of physical exercises is developed for each patient. This takes into account age, general condition, lifestyle, physical abilities and the degree of damage to the knee joint.
Concequenses
Neglected form of gonarthritis has irreversible consequences:
- severe deformity and shortening of the diseased limb.
- disorders of the ankle and hip joint, problems with the spine.
- constant excruciating pain and drug addiction.
- loss of ability to move independently;
- disability.
Prophylaxis
To maintain health and prevent the constant development of degenerative processes, you must follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat right and control the calorie content of food.
- maintain a healthy weight and adequate physical activity.
- protect your knees from injuries and minor injuries.
- minimizing the effects of harmful factors;
- strengthening immunity;
- When playing sports, strictly follow the technique of squatting.
- timely treatment of inflammatory diseases.
- undergo regular examinations even with normal health.
- choose comfortable shoes.
It is not yet possible to completely treat deforming arthritis of the knee joint. But the disease can be prevented. The main thing is not to postpone the precautionary measures and the visit to a specialist.