Osteoarthritis of the knee is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of the integrity of cartilage tissue and structural changes in the lower bone plate. A progressive pathological process that gradually encompasses all the elements of articular articulation, leads to a clear violation of motor function, reduces the ability to work and even leads to disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists treat gonarthrosis. Timely diagnosis and competent approach to orthopedic correction allow to achieve such positive results even in the most severe pathological forms.
How does osteoarthritis of the knee joint develop?
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint (from the Greek "knee" gony) is a multifactorial disease. The list of reasons for the development of the pathological process includes:
- trauma;
- chronic trauma associated with factors of production or violation of the training regime;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- loaded heredity (gene mutations encoding type II collagen chains - hyaline cartilage matrix);
- congenital dysplasia and articular pathologies;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint;
- arthroscopic knee manipulation.
Prolonged exposure to adverse factors leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, the death of cartilage tissue cells, a decrease in the density and elasticity of hyaline cartilage. Compensatory reactions develop due to the weakening of protection from functional load. In adjacent areas of bone tissue, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear that deform the osteoarticular articulation.
Progressive destruction leads to inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and disruption of the synthesis of synovial fluid, which aggravates the destruction of cartilage. As a result, its depreciation properties and functionality are reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The main complaint is aching pain in the right or left knee. Initially, it is felt after a long walk or strenuous physical activity. Painful sensations may appear when you are on your feet for a long time and when descending stairs. As the degenerative process progresses, other symptoms appear:
- stiffness of morning movements;
- intermittent inflammation of the synovium (synovitis) and fluid accumulation in the joint;
- redness, swelling of the skin;
- increased pain on the anterior-internal joint surface;
- crisis, crepitus in motion;
- deformation of the knee joint;
- to limit the bending and extension of the leg;
- changes in walking stereotypes, impaired motor function;
- Development of X or O-deformation.
The pathological changes characteristic of an advanced stage can result in joint closure and complete immobilization (ankylosis).
Who is at risk?
Gonarthrosis is the most common form of osteoarthritis, accounting for 33. 3% of the total number of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is found in all age categories. The most susceptible to the disease:
- the elderly and the elderly;
- women during menopause;
- people with increasing body weight;
- professional athletes;
- Patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system.
Degree of knee osteoarthritis
There are 4 degrees of gonarthrosis. When determining them, the percentage of osteoarticular degradation is taken into account:
- I - initial -<10%;
- II - stage of increasing symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most obvious clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% defeat.
Knee diseases can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) osteoarthritis caused by aging of articular cartilage is more bilateral and is diagnosed in elderly patients. The secondary degenerative process is the result of trauma and pathological disorders. It is usually one-sided and can debut at any age.
Which doctor should I go to?
Osteoarthritis (knee joint), the symptoms of which can develop slowly and imperceptibly, is therefore called a very insidious disease. Only timely medical care can stop the destruction of cartilage. Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is the responsibility of orthopedists, traumatologists, arthrologists and sports medicine specialists.
Quote from a rehabilitation specialist
Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can significantly reduce the level of activity, both in terms of sports and on a daily basis. Rehabilitation is aimed at the maximum possible recovery, compensation for impaired or completely lost functions. A multifaceted, comprehensive, but at the same time individual approach allows you to shorten the recovery period. The clinic's specialists try to form a responsible attitude to the patient's rehabilitation process and health.
Diagnostic methods
Instrumental diagnostic methods are used to detect structural changes in the knee joint:
- radiography;
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasound;
- CT;
- scintigraphy;
- MRI.
The application of magnetic resonance imaging in orthopedic practice has significantly expanded diagnostic capabilities. The safe informed visual method allows detailed assessment of the condition of osteoarticular and nearby soft tissue structures in almost all parameters:
- hyaline cartilage;
- subchondral bone;
- Bone Marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- crucifixion and hostage gardens;
- synovium and synovial cavity.
MRI of the knee joint (with osteoarthritis) reveals the presence of synovitis, bursitis, cysts, deformities and intra-articular bodies. Therefore, tomography can completely replace radiography and other diagnostic tests.
Treatment
It is recommended to start treatment for gonarthrosis as early as possible. It aims to: reduce the course of the pathological process, relieve pain, restore the alignment of articular surfaces and achieve remission. There are 4 main therapeutic areas:
- prophylactic (weight loss, injury prevention, orthosis, physical education);
- drug treatment;
- physiotherapy treatment;
- surgical correction.
The rehabilitation center successfully uses a complex drug-free treatment of gonarthrosis. The load on the joint includes kinesiotherapy techniques, physiotherapy. The greatest positive effects are provided by microwave therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises and hand therapy.
Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation is a key factor in the recovery of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint. These are a number of measures aimed at preventing the development of the pathological process, reducing pain, eliminating edema, strengthening periarticular muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving mobility.
The rehabilitation center actively uses rehabilitation programs that use modern technical means and patented high-tech simulators. An individual set of physical exercises is prepared for each patient. It takes into account age, general condition, lifestyle, physical abilities and the degree of damage to the knee joint.
Results
The negligent form of gonarthrosis leads to irreversible consequences:
- severe deformity and shortening of the diseased joint;
- disorders of the ankle and hip joints, spinal problems;
- constant unbearable pain and drug addiction;
- loss of ability to move independently;
- disability.
Prophylaxis
To protect your health and prevent the sustainable development of degenerative processes, you should follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat properly and control the calorie content of food;
- maintain a healthy weight and adequate physical activity;
- protect your knees from injuries and microtrauma;
- to minimize the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthen immunity;
- strictly follow the squat technique when playing sports;
- timely treatment of inflammatory diseases;
- to undergo such regular examinations in normal health;
- Choose comfortable shoes.
It is not yet possible to completely cure deforming arthrosis of the knee joint. But the disease can be prevented. The main thing is not to delay preventive measures and a visit to a specialist.