Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of the integrity of cartilage tissue and structural changes in the underlying bone plate. A progressive pathological process that gradually covers all elements of the joint articulation, leads to a marked weakening of motor function, reduces the ability to work and even becomes the cause of disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists deal with the treatment of gonarthrosis. Timely diagnosis and a competent approach to orthopedic correction provide the opportunity to achieve positive results even in the most severe forms of pathology.
How does osteoarthritis develop in the knee joint?
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint (gony from the Greek language "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of causes that provoke 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;
- stressed heredity (mutations of the gene encoding collagen chains of type II - matrix of hyaline cartilage);
- congenital dysplasias and articular pathologies;
- haemophilia, 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 functional load, compensatory reactions develop. On the adjacent areas of bone tissue, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear that deform the osteoarticular articulation.
Progressive destruction involves inflammation of the inner edge of the joint and a violation of the synthesis of synovial fluid, which exacerbates the destruction of cartilage. As a result, its depreciation properties and functionality are reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The primary complaint is a dull soreness in the right or left knee. It is felt only after a long walk or intense physical activity. Painful sensations may appear when you are on your feet for a long time and when you go down stairs. As the degenerative process develops, other symptoms appear:
- morning stiffness in movements;
- 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;
- deformity of the knee joint;
- limiting flexion and elongation of the leg;
- change in gait stereotype, impaired motor functions;
- development of X or O deformation.
The result of pathological changes, characteristic of an advanced stage, may be closure and complete immobilization of the joint (ankylosis).
Who's in the danger zone?
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 groups. Most vulnerable to the disease:
- elderly and senile persons;
- menopausal women
- people with increased body weight
- professional athletes;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital anomalies in the musculoskeletal system.
Knee osteoarthritis degree
There are 4 degrees of gonarthrosis. In stating them, the percentage of osteoarticular degradation is taken into account:
- I - initial -<10%;
- II - stage with increasing symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most pronounced clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% defeat.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) osteoarthritis 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. He 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 attention can stop the destruction of cartilage. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis 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 sports and in everyday life. Rehabilitation aims at maximum possible recovery, compensation for impaired or completely lost functions. An interdisciplinary, comprehensive, but at the same time individual approach allows you to shorten the recovery time. The clinic's specialists strive to form the patient's responsible attitude towards the rehabilitation process and their health.
Diagnostic methods
Instrumental diagnostic techniques are used to detect structural changes in the knee joint:
- radiography;
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasound examination;
- CT;
- scintigraphy;
- MR.
The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging in orthopedic practice has significantly expanded the diagnostic possibilities. A secure informative visualization method allows you to provide 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;
- cross straps and safety straps;
- synovium and joint cavity.
An MRI image 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
Treatment of gonarthrosis is recommended to start as early as possible. It pursues the following goals: to reduce the development of the pathological process, eliminate pain, restore the congruence of the joint surfaces and achieve 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 drug-free treatment of gonarthrosis. It includes a dosed load on the joint, kinesiotherapy techniques, physiotherapy. The greatest positive effect is given to microwave treatment, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
Rehabilitation
The key point in the recovery of patients suffering from the knee joint is physical rehabilitation. This is a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of a pathological process, reducing pain, removing edema, strengthening periarticular muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving mobility.
The Rehabilitation Center actively uses rehabilitation programs involving 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 the degree of injury to the knee joint.
Consequences
The neglected form of gonarthrosis has irreversible consequences:
- severe deformation and shortening of the diseased limb;
- disorders of the ankle and hip joints, problems with the spine;
- constant excruciating pain and dependence on medication;
- loss of the ability to move independently;
- handicap.
Prophylaxis
To maintain health and prevent a stable development of degenerative processes, you must follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat right and control the calorie content of food;
- maintain a healthy weight and adequate physical activity
- protect your knees from injury and microtrauma;
- minimize the impact of harmful factors
- strengthen immunity;
- when practicing sports, strictly observe the squat technique;
- timely treatment of inflammatory diseases;
- undergo regular examinations, 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 most important thing is not to postpone preventive measures and a visit to a specialist.