Knee arthritis, also known as gonorrhea, occupies a leading position in the incidence of arthritis.This is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of a chronic nature, affecting all parts of the joints.Cartilage begins to deteriorate, changes occur in the capsule, synovial membrane, ligamentous apparatus and neighboring bone structures.The disease also has another name - gonorrhea.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
They can be more or less pronounced and completely depend on the stage.
Pain syndrome at the beginning of the disease is hardly noticeable, but as the disease progresses, it becomes more intense.The first stage is characterized by leg fatigue and reduced joint mobility, usually in the morning.
In the second stage of knee osteoarthritis, pain is accompanied by a crunching sound accompanied by limited movement and mobility.
The third stage of the disease has more severe clinical manifestations - pain that does not disappear even with rest, severe deformity and loss of function of the joints.In addition, gait changes.
Causes of knee osteoarthritis
- Various injuries - fractures, sprains and torn ligaments, bruises and others;
- excessive stress in the legs, most often seen in professional athletes and people who are forced to stand for long periods of time during the work day;
- Various metabolic disorders lead to salt deposition in the joint cavity;
- previous surgical operations to remove cartilage;
- overweight and obesity of any degree, causing excessive stress on the legs;
- Inflammatory process in joint tissues - arthritis of various types.
Diagnosis and treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Diagnosis of knee arthrosis is made in the office of a rheumatologist or orthopedist.The doctor examines the affected joint, palpates it, listens to complaints and asks additional questions.Perform some tests - for example, ask the patient to bend their legs or walk a few steps.Then, if it is necessary to clarify the stage of the disease or the nature of pathological changes, the doctor will refer you for additional studies.For example, for computed tomography or radiography.
Treatment for knee osteoarthritis is often complex, aimed at eliminating pain and restoring cartilage, ligaments and joint function.
To relieve pain, people use anti-inflammatory medications, creams, and rubs.To protect joint tissue - chondoprotector.Sometimes hormonal drugs are prescribed.
Physiotherapeutic 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 - prosthetics - is indicated.
Prevent knee osteoarthritis
- Eat properly: your diet must contain sufficient amounts of trace elements, proteins and vitamins;
- avoid excessive load on the knee joint and its traumatic damage;
- have an active, healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits;
- Timely treatment of all diseases and pathologies that can cause arthritis;
- Control body weight and prevent obesity.