Gonarthrosis: treatment, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and consequences

In medicine, the term "osteoarthritis" refers to the defeat of the articular cartilage, with degenerative-dystrophic nature. The disease is non-inflammatory nature. According to statistics, the pathology most frequently diagnosed in individuals older than 40 years, but occurs in younger people. Patients with this disease it is necessary to understand that the osteoarthritis knee - this disease, which without timely treatment progresses and may lead to serious consequences, including disability.

Mechanism of development

The Launch of the pathological process occurs when the violation of the blood vessels of the bone that occurs under the influence of various adverse factors. The result at the cellular level, there is degeneration of the cartilage. The fabric becomes thinner, it cracks, it changes its color. Gradually, the disease progresses: the cartilage disappears completely, there is a denudation of the bone. She is losing protection from friction and external influences, begins to grow, warp and thicken.

The development of the disease occurs in several stages:

• Violation of metabolic processes. Metabolism in cartilage largely depends on the increased osmotic pressure. When it is increased release occurs in the synovial fluid, decreasing its absorption. This ensures adequate nutrition of the cartilage. Under the influence of adverse factors develop abnormalities of metabolic processes, resulting in reduced secretion of the synovial fluid and the tissue becomes thinner under pressure.
• Degradation of collagen fibers. Soften the cells that comprise cartilage, disturbed their functioning. It loses firmness and elasticity, thereby deteriorating its damping properties.
• Formation of osteophytes. By disrupting the coherence of metabolic processes in bone tissue are formed outgrowths of a pathological nature. They, in turn, contribute to the innervation of the synovium, where inflammation develops. The natural result is a significant limitation of joint mobility.

According to statistics, gonartroz most commonly affects the inner part of the knee joint. Typically, it is diagnosed in persons of middle and old age, and in athletes.

Causes

There are the following provoking factors, under the influence of which starts the process of disease development:

• Poor circulation;
• Failure of metabolic processes;
• Overweight;
• Genetic predisposition;
• The fragility of blood vessels;
• Knee injury (fracture, crack, dislocation, torn ligaments, pinched meniscus, etc.);
• Inflammation in the joints;
• High intensity physical activity, including its inconsistency age;
• An old injury that was not cured until the end;
• Congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system;
• The violation of the sensitivity of the lower limbs.

In addition, the risk of developing the disease increases with emotional instability, long standing stress, depression. Constant tension provokes a spasm of the muscle, with the result that it may be gonarthrosis.

Symptoms of disease

The Disease has several stages of severity:

• First;
• Second;
• Third.

Each of these has its own symptoms. Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee also depends on the severity of the disease.

The Initial phase of disease is characterized by mild symptoms or even lack of them. In most cases people are not aware of the development of serious disease, since minor pain worry very rarely. Meanwhile, the treatment of gonarthrosis at this stage leads to better results.

In order to prevent progression of the disease, it is recommended to consult a doctor if the following warning signs (even if they are very poorly expressed):

• The pain of whining character;
• Slight stiffness of the joint when trying to bend or straighten the knee;
• Crunching;
• Swelling.

As a rule, the treatment of osteoarthritis of 1 degree is to use non-drug methods of treatment.

At the next stage of development of disease symptoms becomes more pronounced. In the pathological process may be involved as both the knee joint and one.

The Second degree is characterized by the following signs:

• Pain. In most cases, they are periodically disturbed in the morning. The nature of the pain is irregular, as a rule, it is short-lived and disappears on its own.
• Discomfort arising from a long walk. For this reason, most people try to a minimum to reduce strain on the joint that is not right. The lack of normal motor activity also affects the course of the disease.
• Weather dependent. At low atmospheric pressure increases the osmotic rate, so there are pronounced pain.
• Stiffnessjoints.

At this stage of the disease changes the structure of the cartilage, there is deformed, narrowed joint space, formation of osteophytes.

Gonarthrosis grade 3 is the most dangerous and difficult stage of development. It is characterized by pronounced symptoms. Treatment of osteoarthritis of the joints at this stage is rather difficult, as the bone has already grown.

The Last stage is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Severe pain, which is a regular occurrence;
• Visible changes in gait;
• Severe deformity of the knee;
• Weather dependent (the pain is worse when weather conditions change);
• Crunch when making movements, they become inhibited.

At this stage, lose of cartilage is the maximum, narrowing the gap between joints, on the bone, forming large spikes, with the result that the shape of the knee.

Diagnostics

Need to contact the radiologist at the first disturbing symptoms. The treatment of gonarthrosis and further observation of the patient is engaged in the specialist.

In the process of receiving a physician conducts primary diagnosis, including survey and inspection. This information allows him pre-diagnosis. To confirm or exclude the doctor sends the patient for x-ray examination. Using this method it is possible to determine the stage of the disease, which is especially important in the preparation of the scheme of treatment of gonarthrosis.

Along with the x-rays are widely used modern methods: magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. In the process of carrying out the changes found not only in bones but also in soft tissues, allowing early detection of a number of complications.

Conservative treatment

The choice of the scheme depends on the degree of development of the disease. On the basis of the diagnostic results the doctor will decide which drugs and procedures will be most effective in each case.

The Treatment of osteoarthritis of 1 degree implies the use of the following methods:

1. Physiotherapy (iontophoresis, mud baths, UHF, etc.).
2. Massage.
3. Physiotherapy.
4. Osteopathy.
5. Sanatorium and resort treatment.

In addition, to achieve maximum efficiency in the treatment of gonarthrosis patients should follow a diet. Its task is to reduce body weight, which is one of the main reasons for the development of pathology. The diet should also be balanced, and the diet should be organized in such a way that it was 4-5 meals. The size of the portions should not exceed 250 g. in addition, the menu must include products, the use of which promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue. These include: jelly, jelly, broth, jelly.

In most cases for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint of 1 degree is sufficient use of the above ways, but sometimes doctors consider it appropriate appointment of chondroprotectors. It's the drugs that positively affect the condition of the cartilage and contribute to its recovery. They may be taken inside or used externally.

When pain rheumatologist assigns a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are also available in tablet form and in the form of gels, ointments and creams.

When The treatment of gonarthrosis of the knee joint 2 degree to do without medication. At this stage, the treatment plan usually looks like the following:

1. Intake or external use of drugs: chondroprotectors, hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
2. Physical therapy.
3. Massage.
4. Physiotherapy.
5. Stay in sanatoriums and resorts.

NSAIDs have a complex effect: eliminate inflammation, relieve pain and help restore normal functioning of the joint. As a rule, the doctor prescribes the following medications: “Substance”, “Ibuprofen”, “Indomethacin”, “Nimesulide".

The Composition of chondroprotectors is represented by substances that are similar to those that comprise cartilage. Treatment of such drugs is long, but they can significantly improve the course of the disease and stop its development.

Products containing hyaluronic acid are analogues of synovial fluid. They speed up the process of recovery of cartilage tissue, protecting it from damage and also reduce the degree of friction of the bones.

For the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint are sometimes assigned corticosteroids. Data of the hormonal drugs significantly improve the course of the disease. In most cases, they are used in the form of injections. Despite the high efficiency, this method is not very common. This is due to the high risk of serious side effects.

Thus, the treatment of gonarthrosis 2nd degree is reduced to accept and external use drugs. Maximum efficiency from the therapy is achieved by auxiliary methods: massage, physiotherapy, etc., In exceptional cases, doctors recommend intra-articular injectionshormonal drugs.

The Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee 3 degrees associated with a number of difficulties, due to the presence of severe deformation of the bone tissue, which is almost impossible to bring back the original look.

The Main objectives of treatment at this stage are:

• The elimination of the inflammatory process;
• The deliverance of the patient from pain;
• Recovery of joint mobility.

For the first two goals are assigned to NSAIDs, corticosteroids, chondroprotectors, such as hyaluronic acid. However, in advanced cases, the treatment of gonarthrosis of the knee joint drugs ineffective. In such situations, the doctor recommends the procedure of bone traction in conjunction with physical therapy, as well as the issue regarding the appropriateness of surgical intervention.

Surgical treatment

In very severe cases, conservative methods of treatment does not bring positive results. In these situations, surgical intervention is the only way to prevent disability and maintain mobility.

Currently the following operations for the treatment of osteoarthritis of joints:

1. Joint replacement. This technique involves the replacement of natural tissue implants. They have an anatomical shape and perform all the functions of the joint.
2. Arthrodesis. Operation, in which there is a complete immobilization of the joints is not curable.
3. Artrosis. This method is characterized by the excision of adhesions after opening the joint cavity.
4. Arthroplasty. This operation, during which the simulated new surface, between which are laid tissue taken from the patient.

The Choice of method is performed by a physician based on the diagnostic results. The rehabilitation period is approximately 6 months. At this time, it is necessary to strictly follow all doctor's orders and regularly perform physical exercises that strengthen the muscles and provide joint optimal capacity.

Physiotherapy

It is an integral part of the therapeutic schemes used in all stages of the disease. In addition, with the help of exercise reduces the period of rehabilitation after surgery and faster restores joint flexibility.

Exercises:

1. Stand up straight, hands lower down. To make the body light shaking.
2. Standing, pull the heel of the right leg to the buttock. Then the limb should be straightened. The number approaches 20. Repeat the exercise with your left leg.
3. Put the palms on the knees in a standing position. To make joints in a circular motion (in turn).
4. Walking on all fours forward or backward.
5. Lie on your back. Pull up to your chest your right leg bent at the knee. Grab the toe and try to straighten the limb. Repeat the exercise with the other leg.
6. Ankles, snap tape-expander. Its other end secured, for example, on the battery. Lie on your back and bend your legs, trying to pull them to the chest.

Regular performance of these exercises improves the disease course and increases the effectiveness of medication therapy.

Non-traditional methods

Treatment of osteoarthritis folk remedies does not eliminate the need to visit a rheumatologist. In addition, they must be agreed with the doctor, so as not to aggravate the situation.

The Most effective recipes:

• To Prepare dandelion flowers (can be used as freshly harvested, and pharmacy). Place them in the bottle of dark glass. Flowers pour alcohol or vodka classic with no additives. To remove in a cool place for 1 month. After this period, lubricate the joints twice a day.
• Grind 1.5 kg of leaves and stems of Jerusalem artichoke. Pour them with hot water. Liquid need 8. give the infusion to cool, then put it in his affected joint for 30 minutes. The course of treatment is 10 days.
• Mix 5 grams of fat (preferably pork) and 1 g of salt. The resulting mass is put on the joint and wrap it with a warm scarf. The procedure must be done twice a day.

Forecast

It is Important to understand that to get rid of the disease impossible. Patients with a similar diagnosis have to undergo regular courses of treatment. Without timely medical care, the disease will slowly progress, significantly impairing quality of life. The natural result of ignoring pathology become disabled.

Patients who promptly sought medical assistance, prognosis in most cases favorable, regardless of the degree of osteoarthritis of the knee. Treatment of diseases by using modern methods which allow to stop the progression of the disease and restore quality of life of the patient to the normal level.

In conclusion

The term "osteoarthritis" refers to a disease in which the gradual destruction of cartilage. As a result of its destruction exposed the bones, between them there is friction. Then begin to form osteophytes, which significantly limits the motor activity of the patient.

The Disease has several stagesdevelopment. At the initial stage, the person is usually unaware of the presence of serious illness. In most cases, the pathology is detected in the process of examination designated for a different reason. Many patients turn to a specialist only when pain in the knee joint occur regularly.

Treatment of osteoarthritis involves the intake of drugs, invasive procedures (injections), physical therapy, physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage, diet and stay in sanatoria and resorts. In addition, a positive dynamics can be achieved using non-traditional methods of therapy. With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment, surgical intervention.