Therapeutic measures in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

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

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

Degrees 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.

• First degree.The onset of the disease is marked by constant pain in the legs of a receding nature. At the same time, the mobility of the joints is limited and, with a sudden movement, there is a corresponding creaking. Increased physical activity increases joint deformity. If you do not load the leg, then the pain practically does not manifest itself. The X-ray shows a narrowing of the joint space, and the destruction of the joint is not observed.
• Second degree.Arthrosis in this stage of disease development is characterized by the appearance of severe pain in the joint, which limits movement, and the person can no longer travel long distances independently. The joint begins to wear out, there is a creaking in the knee, and a gait with lameness appears. The gap in the joint narrows to a minimum, so-called osteophyte spikes are created and inflammation can begin.
• Third degree.The most severe complication of arthrosis. The person can no longer move independently, and the pain in the knee does not stop even at rest. There are pronounced signs of arthrosis: complete knee deformity, absence of joint space on X-ray, limitation of joint mobility.
• fourth degreecharacterized by complete destruction of the knee joint. In that case, a surgical intervention 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 experience similar symptoms, immediately go to the hospital to see a rheumatologist.

Basic methods of treatment

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee involves the use of a wide range of techniques from medical therapy to alternative medicine. The process of knee rehabilitation and recovery can take a long time and requires the use of various methods, as well as compliance with all the 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, maximum efforts are made to avoid surgical intervention and preserve 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 deforming arthrosis. If this diagnosis occurs with excess body weight, corrective measures should be taken to reduce the load on the joint. To do this, you should follow a diet, do sports (use only permitted exercises, regularly practice exercise therapy).

They also use a number of special pads and installations to strengthen the knee joint and properly distribute the load on it. Such devices are orthopedic and are specially designed for correcting and restoring the knee joint. The time for the use of devices and bandages is determined or extended by the orthopedic doctor, who makes the decision after analyzing the entire clinical picture and studying X-rays.

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, chondroprotective drugs. Positive results and progress in treatment 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, plasters). The effect of exposure occurs on average 4-5 days after the start of taking the drug. The general course of treatment does not exceed 2 weeks, because further use causes 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 hormone-type drugs that quickly remove pain and speed up the recovery process. The duration of treatment with these drugs is short-term, because they have a large number of contraindications for continuous use.
3. Preparations with hondoprotective action.They contain natural sources of structural elements of connective tissue in 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 introduce 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.

Operation

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 differ:

1. Performing arthroscopy. The most delicate way of surgical intervention. This manipulation is carried out in the primary stages of the pathology, and the work of the knee joint is partially restored. The procedure is carried out with a special endoscope, first punctures are made, and then the damaged areas of the joint are removed with the device. The operation is effective for younger people and quickly relieves pain;
2. The use of osteotomy is indicated for severe joint deformities. The essence of the procedure lies in the special fracture of the bone and its subsequent proper joining. In this case, the joint is restored, the pain disappears. And you also additionally use the necessary parts of artificial tissues;
3. Performing endoprosthetics. It is one of the most difficult types of surgery. In this case, there is a complete replacement of the knee joint with a special implant, which performs all the functions of restoring flexion and further movement of the person. Most patients note quite positive consequences, in which the level of physical activity increases significantly.

Physiotherapy treatment

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

• Implementation of analgesic magnetic therapy. This procedure performs the general functions of restoring and relieving pain in the body. 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 lasting 30 minutes.
• The use of laser therapy as an anti-inflammatory effect. When using this technique, the following types are used: infrared radiation treatment, low-frequency UHF, centimeter wave therapy. Such methods have a favorable effect on joint restoration. Saturate connective tissue cells with food, improve 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 the procedure is 10-20 times, and the duration is from 7 to 15 minutes.
• Physiological procedures of intense impact. A wide range of procedures are used to treat knee osteoarthritis. 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 within 14 days. Use of electrophoresis. The use of electric currents in conjunction with the introduction of drugs. The advantage of this method is the significant restoration of the knee joint, while the absence of a heavy drug load on the body. The number of procedures of one course is 10-12 times. The combination of several currents acting on the joint is a phenomenon of interference therapy. The specialty of the method is the stimulation of atrophied muscles and the restoration of blood circulation in the lymphatic system. With the development of the acute stage, it is prescribed twice a day for two weeks. The use of alternating current of an impulsive nature also has an effective effect on the affected joint. This procedure is called darsonvalization and actively reduces pain while performing restorative functions in 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 procedures for therapeutic measures of arthrosis. Combinations of water with sage, hydrogen sulfide, radon, bischophyte, therapeutic mud are very effective. These procedures have a great analgesic effect and can be applied locally or generally. The duration of the session is 10-30 minutes. The average course of treatment is 10-20 days.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint

The process of complex treatment of the pathology can stop the further progression of the disease, but it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease! 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 ways is traditional medicine recipes in the form of poultices, poultices, ointments, tinctures that have a beneficial effect on the lesion. The most effective means:

• Preparation of dandelion flowers.It is used fresh, boiled in boiling water and alcohol-based tincture. It is recommended to eat 7-8 pieces of dandelion per day. The tincture is taken three times a day for 100 ml before meals. An alcohol-based solution is applied to the affected joint daily for a month;
• Horseradish compress.This vegetable effectively reduces the symptoms of pain and partially restores the normal functionality of the joint. The procedure for making bandages is simple: rubbed horseradish is placed on gauze and placed on the painful area overnight. The procedure must be repeated daily for about 30 days;
• The use of aloe.The plant has natural anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties and is actively used in the treatment of arthrosis. You can make poultices based on flowers and use crushed leaves or apply them on the affected area. The duration of treatment with this drug should last at least one month;
• Tincture based on petroleum.The recipe for the preparation is to use the plant 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 as compresses. Treatment continues for a month;
• A mixture of mustard, sand and salt.All components of the composition should be mixed well, then placed on a baking sheet and heated well. Apply the hot mixture to the affected area and do not remove it until the dressing 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.

In the treatment of diseases, calendula, thistle, and juniper are also used, because they have a beneficial effect on the restoration of the knee joint.

Non-traditional medicines for the treatment of arthrosis

In the treatment of arthrosis, non-traditional medicine is used. The most popular methods in this industry:

1. Leech therapy is called hirudotherapy. This method is very effective. Since the insects are attached to the points of biological influence on the joint. 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 prescribed by a special doctor;
2. The use of acupuncture by inserting needles into the active points of the joint. It also represents a series of effective procedures in the treatment of arthrosis. They use direct acupuncture, point massage and special sticks for moxibustion. Manipulation is carried out only by a qualified specialist who prescribes the required number of sessions;
3. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide. The chemical compound is involved in all life processes of the organism, so it is also used in arthrosis. The medicine is diluted with water in the ratio of 1 cup to 3 drops of 3% H2O2 and drunk 2 hours after eating. You can also use peroxide-based dressings;
4. Taking gelatin. This component is a natural source of collagen, which is necessary 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 food and dishes rich in gelatin (chicken, pork offal, cartilage, aspic);
5. Use of stem cells. An innovative method of treating arthrosis. 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.

Combination of massage and manual therapy

Massage is a prerequisite for the treatment of this pathology. It is performed by a qualified massage therapist or a trained patient. Before starting the procedure, it is recommended to warm up the muscles with exercise therapy exercises, and then perform the manipulations. A good effect is given by the use of water procedures in combination with massage. Initially, the first sessions should not last more than 10 minutes, then gradually increase to 20 minutes.

After the massage, the patient should feel relaxed and pain-free. If they are present, it is necessary to consult a doctor about the further continuation of the procedure. Manipulation helps well in the early stages of arthrosis.

Manual therapy is used in individual cases and is carried out by a specialist doctor. For its use, the patient must have certain indications. The essence of the method is 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, prevention of arthrosis by exercise

Performing special exercises called physical therapy is an effective method of treating arthrosis. To achieve the desired effect, you should follow the rules of complex gymnastic exercises:

1. Exercises are done only on the recommendation of the attending physician;
2. The exercise regime should be several times during the day;
3. Exclusion of strong physical effort;
4. During training, you must take special breaks to relax your wrist;
5. A combination of massage, therapeutic drugs and exercise therapy;
6. Exercises are performed with a calm course of the disease;
7. Attention should be paid to the ratio of simple muscle tension to motor activity. This technique will strengthen the joint;

It is worth reminding that a set of special exercise therapy exercises is prescribed exclusively individually and is selected by a specialist doctor in this field.

Methodology of the doctor of medical sciences

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

After a detailed examination, an individual treatment regimen is prescribed. In this case, there is no additional load on the joint, but special simulators are used. As analgesics, the doctor suggests using ice and other cooling ingredients.

In parallel with the implementation of this therapy, swimming, bathing, special massages, steam rooms with subsequent cooling are also recommended.

In medical practice, many positive cases have been shown in the treatment of arthrosis, when joint mobility is restored and the patient can 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 carried out according to the following scheme:

• Use of non-steroidal drugs;
• Use of hondoprotective drugs;
• External use of anesthetic-type creams, ointments;
• Application of coatings;
• Introduction of injections into the joint;
• Implementation of manual therapy;
• Physiological procedures;
• Therapeutic physical culture;
• Wearing special bandages, bandages, sticks;
• 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 in 80% of patients.

Treatment of arthrosis with modern methods of therapy

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

1. The phenomenon of kinesitherapy, in which a specially designed set of exercises is prescribed, which aims to achieve the most positive effect;
2. The introduction of ozone into the joint is called ozonotherapy. It is a type of physiological procedures that appeared relatively recently and gained popularity due to its high efficiency;
3. The use of homeopathic medicines of different nature.
4. Application and use of biologically active substances.

These medicines should only be taken as directed by your doctor.

These treatment methods are quite often used in the treatment of arthrosis and mostly give positive results. The combination of methods is chosen by a qualified rheumatologist.

Treatment of arthrosis in sanatorium-healing facilities

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 treatment of arthrosis.

Sanatorium-resort type treatment is prohibited with such contraindications:

• Severe joint deformity;
• Inflammatory process in the knee;
• Worsening of the general condition;
• The last stage of the disease in the acute phase.

Proper implementation of all prescribed procedures in the sanatorium and further improvement of the general condition, restoration of the joint, restoration of its mobility in 6 months is confirmation of favorable treatment in these conditions. At the same time, general analyzes show a positive trend.

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

The price 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 drugs with hondoprotective action is an expensive procedure, since the terms of their application are quite long. In the treatment of pathology, a whole series 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 for this operation are quite high. Therefore, the average cost of treatment is quite high and it is best not to start the disease, but to treat it in the early stages of its occurrence!

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

The third and fourth degree of the disease is 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 further periods of remission also recommend prophylaxis and new surgical interventions.

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