Therapeutic measures in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Arthrosis is a deformation of the knee joint, which is accompanied by an inflammatory process with characteristic signs of redness and swelling of the lesions. Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a long and difficult procedure.

This disease is most often diagnosed in the elderly and professional athletes. The effectiveness of rapid recovery depends on a properly established rehabilitation plan and compliance with all prescriptions of the attending physician. Therefore, it is necessary to consider in more detail the degree of arthrosis and all methods of treatment of pathology.

Degree of arthrosis of the knee joint

The course of arthrosis of the knee joint is divided into four specific stages, which characterize the severity of the disease.

• Excellent quality.The onset of the disease is marked by constant pain in the legs of a pulling nature. At the same time, the mobility of the joints is limited, and a sharp movement causes a corresponding cramp. Increased physical activity increases joint deformation. If you do not load the leg, then the pain is practically not manifested. The X-ray shows a narrowing of the joint space, no joint destruction is observed.
• second degree.At this stage of the development of the disease, arthrosis is characterized by severe pain in the joint, which limits movement, and the person is no longer able to travel long distances on his own. Joint destruction begins, knee cramping occurs, and walking with a limp appears. The gap in the joint narrows to a minimum, so-called osteophyte spots appear and inflammation may begin.
• third degree.The most severe complication of arthrosis. A person can no longer move independently, and the pain in the knee does not stop even when resting. Signs of arthrosis are expressed: complete deformation of the knee, absence of joint space on X-ray, limitation of joint mobility.
• fourth degreeIt is characterized by complete destruction of the knee joint. In this case, a surgical operation in the form of a joint prosthesis is recommended. Only a qualified specialist can determine the exact degree of arthrosis of the knee joint after a series of specially conducted studies. If you have similar symptoms, you should immediately go to the hospital to see a rheumatologist.

Basic treatment methods

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee involves the use of various techniques from medical therapy to alternative medicine. The process of rehabilitation and recovery of the knee can take a long time and requires the use of various methods, as well as compliance with all manipulations prescribed by the doctor.

The course of treatment is determined by the attending physician, who determines the recovery plan depending on the degree of arthrosis and the age of the person. At the same time, every effort is made to avoid surgical intervention and keep the knee intact.

Removing excess stress on the joint

One of the reasons for the increased load on the knee joints is the presence of excess weight, which puts pressure on the legs and can gradually lead to the formation of deformed arthrosis. If this diagnosis occurs when the body is overweight, corrective measures should be taken to reduce the load on the joint. To do this, you need to follow a diet, do sports (use only permitted exercises, regularly carry out exercise therapy).

They also use a number of special bandages and installations to fix the knee joint and properly distribute the load on it. Such devices are orthopedic and specially designed to correct and restore the knee joint. The time of use of tools and bandages is appointed or extended by the attending orthopedic doctor, who makes decisions after analyzing the complete clinical picture and studying the X-ray image.

Use of drug therapy

In the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint with drugs, three groups of drugs are used: anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal analgesics, hormonal drugs, chondroprotectors. Positive results and treatment progress are provided by the correct combination of components in the therapeutic complex.

1. Use of non-steroidal analgesics.These drugs are prescribed as pain relievers that stop the inflammatory process. Medicines are taken orally inside or used for external use (ointments, gels, patches). The effect of exposure appears on average 4-5 days after the start of the medication. The general course of treatment does not exceed 2 weeks, since further use leads to the development of side effects in the form of indigestion, nausea and ulcerative manifestations.
2. Hormonal drugs.When the course of the disease is complicated, doctors prescribe the use of hormonal drugs that quickly relieve pain and accelerate the recovery process. The duration of treatment with these drugs is short, because they have a large number of contraindications for continuous use.
3. Chondroprotective drugs.They contain natural sources of structural elements of the connective tissue in the cartilage and perform the function of restoring the knee joint. The use of medication also helps to relieve painful symptoms. Medicines are presented in the form of tablets, ointments, gels. The main method of using chondroprotectors is to inject the drug into the joint fluid.

The total duration of treatment lasts about 4 months. As practice shows, the results give positive changes, which are clearly visible on radiographic images. Hyaluronic acid is called a joint fluid protector. It has a practically identical composition, which actively nourishes and restores the primary structure of the knee joint.

surgery

Surgery on the knee joint is performed only in extreme cases, when other methods of treatment do not give positive results. Depending on the severity of the disease, the following methods of surgical intervention are distinguished:

1. Performing arthroscopy. The most delicate way of surgical intervention. This manipulation is carried out in the initial stages of the pathology and partially restores the work of the knee joint. The procedure is performed using a special endoscope, first a puncture is made, and then the damaged areas of the joint are opened with the device. The operation is effective for young people and quickly relieves pain;
2. Osteotomy is indicated for more severe deformity of the joint. The essence of the procedure lies in a special bone fracture and its subsequent correct fusion. In this case, the joint is restored, the pain disappears. Also additionally use the necessary parts of artificial fabrics;
3. Introduction of endoprosthetics. This is one of the most difficult types of surgery. In this case, the knee joint is completely replaced with a special implant that performs all the functions of restoring flexibility and further human movement. Most patients report quite positive results, in which the level of physical activity increases significantly.

Treatment with physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an effective method of treatment in the initial stage of arthrosis development. It actively reduces
relieves pain, relieves muscle tension and partially restores the primary structure of the joint. There are the following types of physiological procedures:

• Conducting pain-relieving magnetic therapy. This procedure performs the general functions of restoring and alleviating body pain. The use of this method is effective in the first and second stages of the disease. The total duration of the treatment is 9-15 procedures, the duration of which is 30 minutes.
• Use of laser therapy as anti-inflammatory action. When using this technique, the following types are used: treatment with infrared radiation, low-frequency UHF, centimeter wave therapy. Such methods have a positive effect on joint recovery. Saturation of connective tissue cells with food, improvement of blood circulation. It should be noted that the use of UHF is combined with intra-articular administration of drugs, and centimeter wave therapy is effective in the initial stages of arthrosis. The average duration of procedures is 10-20 times, and the duration is from 7 to 15 minutes.
• Physiological procedures of intense influence. A variety of procedures are used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint. A few basic techniques should be discussed in detail.
• ultrasonic waves. The most famous treatment for this disease. Significantly improves blood circulation processes, nutrition in the joint, restores cartilage tissue. It is recommended to use for 14 days. Use of electrophoresis. The use of electric currents with the introduction of drugs. The advantage of this method is the significant restoration of the knee joint, and the absence of a strong drug load on the body. The number of procedures for one course is 10-12 times. The combination of several currents acting on the joint is a phenomenon of interference therapy. A distinctive feature of the method is stimulation of atrophied muscles and restoration of blood circulation processes in the lymphatic system. With the development of the acute stage, it is prescribed twice a day for two weeks. The use of pulsed alternating current also has an effective effect on the affected joint. This procedure is called darsonvalization and actively reduces pain while performing the restorative functions of the knee. The full course of rehabilitation is 10-15 procedures lasting about half an hour for 15 days. Taking special therapeutic baths. They are an integral part of the procedures of therapeutic measures for arthrosis. The combination of water with sage, hydrogen sulfide, radon, bischofite, healing mud is very effective. These procedures have a great pain-relieving effect and can be used for local or general use. The duration of the session is 10-30 minutes. The average course of treatment is 10-20 days.

Traditional medicine for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint

The process of complex treatment of pathology can stop the further progress of the disease, but it is impossible to get rid of the disease completely! Therefore, it is very important to use all techniques aimed at maintaining a stable state and prolonging the established effect. One of the most effective means is the recipes of traditional medicine in the form of compresses, bandages, ointments, tinctures, which have a beneficial effect on the injury. The most effective means:

• Preparation of dandelion flowers.It is used fresh, boiled in boiling water and in an alcohol-based tincture. It is recommended to eat 7-8 pieces of dandelion every day. Tincture is taken three times a day, 100 ml before meals. An alcohol-based solution is applied to the affected joint daily for a month;
• horse compress.This vegetable effectively reduces the symptoms of pain and partially restores the normal functioning of the joint. The process of making the dressing is simple: rub the grated onion on the gauze and apply it to the painful area at night. The procedure should be repeated daily for about 30 days;
• Use of aloe.The plant has natural anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving properties and is actively used in the treatment of arthrosis. You can make compresses on the flowers and also use crushed leaves or apply on the affected area. The duration of treatment with this remedy should last at least one month;
• Tincture based on cinquefoil.The recipe for the preparation is to use the herb with alcohol and obtain a suitable solution for the prevention and treatment of arthrosis. The medicine is taken 3-4 drops a day or used in the form of compresses. The treatment lasts for one month;
• A mixture of mustard, sand and salt.All components of the composition should be thoroughly mixed, and then put on a baking sheet and heat well. The hot mixture should be applied to the affected area and not removed until the compress cools down. This method is effective in relieving pain, improving blood circulation in the joint. The procedure is not recommended during the acute course of the disease.

Calendula, burdock, juniper are also used to treat the disease, as they have a beneficial effect on the recovery of the knee joint.

Non-traditional remedies for arthrosis

Non-traditional medicine is used to treat arthrosis. The most popular methods in this industry:

1. Puppy therapy is called hirudotherapy. This method is very effective. Since insects are attached to the joint at points of biological impact. At the same time, they secrete special enzymes that have healing properties, improve metabolic processes and increase blood circulation in the joint. The time and duration of treatment is determined by a special doctor;
2. The use of acupuncture by inserting needles into the active points of the joint. It also represents a number of effective procedures for the treatment of arthrosis. They use direct acupuncture, point massage and special moxibustion sticks. Manipulation is performed only by a qualified specialist who determines the required number of sessions;
3. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide. The chemical compound participates in all vital processes of the body, therefore it is also used in arthrosis. The drug is mixed with water in 1 glass of 3 drops in the ratio of 3% H2O2 and drunk 2 hours after eating. You can also use peroxide-based compresses;
4. Taking gelatin. This component is a natural source of collagen, which is essential for the strength of bones and joints. The use of gelatin also has a therapeutic effect on the course of arthrosis. The daily dose is 10 grams. And the duration of treatment with this method should be at least 90 days. It is also good to use foods and dishes rich in gelatin (chicken, pork, cartilage, aspic);
5. Use of stem cells. Innovative method of arthrosis treatment. Its uniqueness lies in stem cells, which have the ability to regenerate and regenerate into new cell systems. They are obtained from human bone marrow and grown in the laboratory for 2 months. The cells are then injected into the affected joint. This therapy partially replaces the cartilage tissue and improves knee mobility.

A combination of massage and manual therapy

Massage is a prerequisite for the treatment of this pathology. It is carried out by a qualified massage therapist or a trained patient. Before the procedure, it is recommended to warm up the muscles with exercise therapy exercises and then carry out manipulations. The use of water procedures together with massage adds a good effect. Initially, the first sessions should last no more than 10 minutes, and then gradually increase to 20 minutes.

After the massage, the patient should feel a little relaxed and without pain. If they are present, then you need to consult a doctor about the further continuation of the procedure. Manipulation helps well in the initial stages of arthrosis.

Manual therapy is used in individual cases and is carried out by a special doctor. For its implementation, the patient must have certain instructions. The essence of the method lies in the soft reduction of the joint and its expansion. In this case, the muscles are activated and the process of restoring joint mobility begins. Manipulation should be done 3-4 times throughout the year.

Treatment of arthrosis, prevention with exercise therapy

An effective method of treating arthrosis is to perform special exercises called physiotherapy. To achieve the desired effect, you must follow the rules of complex gymnastics:

1. Exercises are performed only on the recommendation of the attending physician;
2. The exercise regimen should be several times throughout the day;
3. exclusion of strong physical activity;
4. During training, special breaks are needed to rest the joint;
5. combination of massage, therapeutic drugs and exercise therapy;
6. Exercises are performed during a quiet course of the disease;
7. The ratio of simple muscle tension and motor activity should be observed. This technique will strengthen the joint;

We remind you that a set of special exercise therapy exercises is prescribed purely individually and is selected by a medical specialist in this field.

Methodology of Doctor of Medicine

This method of treatment was developed by a famous scientist, doctor of medical sciences. The essence of therapy is based on curing the patient with the help of physiological procedures without the use of drugs.

After a thorough examination, an individual treatment regimen is prescribed. In this case, there is no extra load on the joint, but special simulators are used. As pain relievers, the doctor recommends using ice and other cooling ingredients.

Along with this therapy, swimming, bath procedures, special massages, steam room with further cooling are recommended.

In medical practice, many positive cases have been shown in the treatment of arthrosis, when joint mobility was restored and the patient could lead a normal life.

Methodology of a rheumatologist

The famous doctor developed his own method of treating arthrosis. It is based on a combination of medical and mechanical treatment of the affected joint.

This method is implemented according to the following scheme:

• use of non-steroidal drugs;
• use of property protection means;
• external use of anesthetic type creams, ointments;
• applying compresses;
• injecting into the joint;
• conducting manual therapy;
• physiological procedures;
• therapeutic physical culture;
• wearing special bandages, bandages, crutches;
• diet.

The effectiveness of the technique is confirmed by statistical data. With the first degree of arthrosis, more than 95% of patients were cured by this method. The second stage of the disease was rehabilitated for 80% of patients.

Treatment of arthrosis with modern methods of therapy

Modern methods of arthrosis therapy are actively combined with medicines and other treatment methods. The following types are used:

1. The phenomenon of kinesotherapy, in which a specially developed set of exercises is prescribed, aimed at obtaining the most positive effect;
2. The injection of ozone into the joint is called ozone therapy. These are a kind of physiological procedures that appeared relatively recently and gained popularity due to their high efficiency;
3. Use of various homeopathic remedies.
4. Application and use of biologically active substances.

These drugs should be taken only on the doctor's prescription.

These treatment methods are quite often used for the treatment of arthrosis and mostly give positive results. A qualified rheumatologist chooses a combination of methods.

Treatment of arthrosis in sanatorium-resort conditions

The indication for the treatment of arthrosis in a special sanatorium complex is the development of degenerative-dystrophic arthrosis.

In the sanatorium, the patient is prescribed the following procedures:

1. mud wraps and baths;
2. physiological therapy;
3. exercise therapy;
4. massage and manual therapy;
5. Modern methods of arthrosis treatment.

Sanatorium-resort type treatment with such contraindications is prohibited:

• severe deformation of the joint;
• inflammatory process on the knee;
• worsening of the general condition;
• The last stage of the disease in the acute phase.

The correct performance of all prescribed procedures in the sanatorium and further improvement of the general condition, restoration of the joint, restoration of its mobility within 6 months are proof of favorable treatment under these conditions. However, the general analysis shows a positive trend.

The average cost of treatment of arthrosis and feedback on the effectiveness of therapy

The cost of complex treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint depends on the degree of the disease, the general condition of the joint, the stage of its deformation, the age of the patient and the ability of the body to recover.

It should be noted that the use of chondroprotective drugs is an expensive procedure, because the term of their administration is quite long. In the treatment of pathology, a number of measures are prescribed, which also have a rather large price policy.

The last stages of arthrosis are characterized by complete deformation of the joint, which requires prosthetics. The prices of this operation are quite high. Therefore, the average cost of treatment is quite high, and it is better not to start the disease, but to treat it at an early stage!

Reviews of patients with arthrosis and who underwent complex treatment are expressed. Most people say that arthrosis is best treated in the early stages of the disease, with full compliance with all prescribed manipulations. At the same time, constant preventive measures should be taken to prevent the development of the disease.

The third and fourth degrees of the disease are practically not treated and doctors recommend surgery. Depending on the degree of knee deformity, various surgical operations are performed, from reconstruction to complete joint replacement. Postoperative periods and subsequent remission times also recommend prophylaxis and new surgical interventions.

Finally, it is worth emphasizing an important point of the article and saying that arthrosis of the knee joint is a very serious serious disease that requires a lot of effort and time for partial recovery. Therefore, if you are prone to this disease, you must strictly follow all preventive methods to prevent the progression of this pathology!