Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of the integrity of cartilage tissue and structural changes in the lower bone plate. The progressive pathological process, which gradually covers all the elements of the articular joint, leads to a pronounced impairment of motor function, reduces the ability to work, and even becomes a cause of disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists treat gonarthrosis. Timely diagnosis and a competent approach to orthopedic correction enable the achievement of positive results even in the most severe forms of pathology.
How does osteoarthritis of the knee develop?
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint (gony from the Greek language "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of reasons that cause the development of the pathological process includes:
- trauma;
- chronic trauma associated with production factors or violation of exercise regimen;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- burdened heredity (mutations of the gene encoding type II collagen chains - hyaline cartilage matrix);
- congenital dysplasias and joint pathologies;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint;
- arthroscopic knee manipulations.
Prolonged exposure to adverse factors leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, death of cartilage tissue cells and a decrease in the density and elasticity of hyaline cartilage. Due to the weakening of the protection against the functional load, compensatory reactions develop. In adjacent areas of bone tissue, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear that deform the osteoarticular articulation.
Progressive destruction involves inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and a violation of synovial fluid synthesis, which exacerbates the destruction of cartilage. As a result, its damping properties and functionality are reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The primary ailment is dull pain in the right or left knee. It is first felt after a long walk or intense physical activity. Painful sensations can occur when you are on your feet for a long time and when descending stairs. With the development of the degenerative process, other symptoms appear:
- morning stiffness of movement;
- periodic inflammation of the synovium (synovitis) and accumulation of fluid in the joint;
- swelling, redness of the skin;
- increased pain in the anterior-internal joint surface;
- crunch, crepitus on movement;
- knee joint deformity;
- limiting leg flexion and extension;
- change in walking stereotypes, impaired motor function;
- development of X or O-deformation.
The outcome of pathological changes, characteristic of the advanced phase, may be closure and complete immobilization of the joint (ankylosis).
Who is in danger?
Gonarthrosis is the most common form of osteoarthritis and accounts for 33. 3% of the total number of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is found in all age categories. Most susceptible to the disease:
- elderly and senile people;
- women during menopause;
- overweight people;
- professional athletes;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system.
Degree of knee arthrosis
There are 4 degrees of gonarthrosis. When specifying them, the percentage of osteoarticular degradation is taken into account:
- I - initial -<10%;
- II - degree of increase in symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most pronounced clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% defeat.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) arthrosis caused by aging of articular cartilage is more often bilateral and is diagnosed in elderly patients. The secondary degenerative process is a consequence 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) whose symptoms can develop slowly and imperceptibly, which is why it is called a very insidious disease. Only timely seeking medical help can stop the destruction of cartilage. Orthopedists, traumatologists, arthrologists and sports medicine specialists are responsible for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.
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 aims at maximum recovery, compensation of damaged or completely lost functions. A multidisciplinary, comprehensive, but at the same time individual approach allows you to shorten recovery time. The specialists of the clinic strive to form a responsible attitude of the patient towards the rehabilitation process and their health.
Diagnostic methods
Instrumental diagnostic techniques are used to detect structural changes in the knee joint:
- radiography;
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasonography;
- CT;
- scintigraphy;
- MRI.
The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging in orthopedic practice has significantly expanded diagnostic possibilities. A secure informative visualization method allows you to make a 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;
- cruciate and collateral ligaments;
- synovium and synovial cavity.
An MRI scan 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 studies.
Treatment
Treatment of gonarthrosis is recommended to begin as soon as possible. It pursues the following goals: reducing the progression of the pathological process, eliminating pain, restoring congruence of joint surfaces, and achieving remission. There are 4 main therapeutic areas:
- preventive (weight loss, injury prevention, wearing orthoses, physical education);
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy treatment;
- surgical correction.
The rehabilitation center successfully uses the complex treatment of gonarthrosis without drugs. It includes dosed joint loading, kinesiotherapy techniques, physiotherapy. The greatest positive effects are given by microwave therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
Rehabilitation
A key point in the recovery of patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee joint is physical rehabilitation. This is a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of the pathological process, reducing pain, eliminating edema, strengthening the periarticular muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving mobility.
The Rehabilitation Center actively uses rehabilitation programs that include the use of modern technical means and patented high-tech simulators. An individual set of physical exercises is developed for each patient. This takes into account age, general condition, lifestyle, physical abilities and degree of knee joint damage.
Consequences
A neglected form of gonarthrosis has irreversible consequences:
- severe deformity and shortening of the affected limb;
- ankle and hip disorders, spine problems;
- constant excruciating pain and drug addiction;
- loss of ability to move independently;
- disability.
Prophylaxis
To preserve health and prevent the constant development of degenerative processes, you must follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat properly and control the caloric content of food;
- maintain a healthy weight and sufficient physical activity;
- protect your knees from injury and microtrauma;
- minimize the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthening immunity;
- when doing sports, strictly adhere to the squat technique;
- timely treatment of inflammatory diseases;
- undergo regular check-ups even with normal health;
- choose comfortable shoes.
It is not yet possible to completely cure deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint. But the disease can be prevented. The main thing is not to delay preventive measures and visit a specialist.