Arthritis of the knee joint, or gonoarthritis, occupies a leading position in the incidence of joints.It is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of a chronic nature that affects all elements of the joint.The cartilage begins to wear out, changes occur in the capsule, the synovial membrane, the ligamentous apparatus and the adjacent bone structures.The disease also has an additional name - gonarthrosis.
Arthritis symptoms of the knee joint
They can be more or less intense and completely depend on the scene.
The pain syndrome at the beginning of the disease is almost imperceptible, but as the disease progresses it intensifies.The first stage is characterized by leg fatigue and reduced joint mobility, usually in the morning.
In the second stage of arthrosis of the knee joint, the pain is accompanied by a cracking sound that accompanies movement and limited mobility.
The third stage of the disease has a more serious clinical picture - the pain does not subside even at rest, severe deformation is noticeable and the joints lose their functions.In addition, the gait changes.
Arthritis causes of the knee joint
- Various injuries - broken bones, sprains and tears of ligaments, bruises and others.
- excessive stress on the legs, more often in professional athletes and people who are forced to stand on their feet for a long time during the working day.
- various metabolic disorders that lead to the deposition of salts in the joint cavities.
- previous surgeries to remove the meniscus;
- overweight and obesity of all degrees, causing excessive stress on the legs.
- inflammatory processes in the tissues of the joints - arthritis of various types.
Diagnosis and treatment of joints of the knee joint
The diagnosis of arthrosis of the knee joint is made in the rheumatologist's or orthopedist's office.The doctor examines the affected joint, palpates it, listens to complaints and asks additional questions.He performs several tests - for example, asking the patient to bend his leg or walk 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 studies.For example, for a CT or X-ray.
The treatment of knee arthrosis is often complex, aiming to eliminate pain and restore the functions of the cartilage, ligaments and joints.
To reduce pain, anti-inflammatory drugs, creams and rubbing are used.To protect the tissue of the joints - cartilage protectors.Hormonal drugs are sometimes 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 is prescribed - prosthetic.
Prevention of arthropathy of the knee joint
- Eat right: your diet must contain a sufficient amount of trace elements, proteins and vitamins.
- avoid excessive loads on the knee joint and its traumatic damage.
- lead an active healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits.
- timely treat all diseases and pathologies that can cause the appearance of arthropathy.
- control your body weight and prevent obesity.