Arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a degenerative disease characterized by progressive wear and tear of the cartilage layer of the knee joint.
Causes of knee arthritis
It is most common in people over the age of 50.Excess body weight worsens the symptoms of the disease, weight loss reduces its manifestation.There is a genetic tendency, that is, in certain families, arthrosis occurs more often than others.Also factors include previous injuries to the knee, menisci and ligaments.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis always progress over time.Patients often note the exacerbation of the disease in the autumn-spring period;Pain can also depend on weather changes.
- Pain at rest, slightly reduced when walking;
- Limiting the range of movement together;
- Stiffness in movement;
- Increased sensitivity in the joint area;
- Swelling of the soft tissues around the joint;
- Joint deformation.
The condition of the joint is assessed through examination and X-rays.Using X-rays, the stage of the disease is determined and appropriate treatment is determined.
Treatment of knee arthrosis
Treatment of gonarthrosis begins with the simplest steps and moves to more complex ones and is adjusted depending on the effectiveness of certain methods.
Weight loss
Less weight, the knee joints are overloaded, and therefore less symptoms of the disease appear.
Activity change
Some types of physical activity associated with joint overload should be limited (running, weightlifting, etc.).And physical exercises (swimming, skiing, orbitrek, etc.) to overcome the joint growth interval, reduce pain and slow down the progression of the disease.
Additional support
When there is significant pain, casts or boxes are used to release the joint.
Physiotherapy
Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint helps reduce joint overload and prevents muscle wasting (atrophy), an important element in maintaining knee function.
Orthopedic traces (insoles)
With the help of orthopedic dream supports, the biomechanics of walking are corrected, the correct distribution of weight in the middle of the knee is achieved, and the manifestations of the disease are reduced.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac sodium, etc.) are used to treat inflammation and pain caused by the disease.
Hormonal injections into the joint
Injections of hormonal drugs (cortisone) help reduce joint pain and inflammation.However, you should be extremely careful when using these drugs, because ... the possibility of side effects of such therapy outweighs the possible good results.
Biological therapy.
The most modern and effective methods of conservative treatment of joint arthrosis are biological therapy methods.These include PRP therapy, cytokine therapy, and CEC therapy.
ProtIt is a serum rich in blood-derived platelets and growth factors that accelerate the healing process of acute and chronic injuries.Growth factors are chemicals that initiate the healing process.Application of access to the injured area stimulates the recovery process, accelerates healing and promotes rapid resolution of the inflammatory process.
Cytokine therapyA therapeutically active protein produced by the body, il-1ra, is a safe and effective treatment for osteoarthritis that combats the chronic progressive degeneration of cartilage.The main role in the development of joint arthrosis is played by Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a substance that develops the inflammatory process in the joints and causes their premature wear.Its biological antipode, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (il-1ra), which reduces inflammation, increases mobility and reduces pain, increases mobility and reduces pain.
CEC therapy- Stem cell therapy is considered an innovative, advanced therapy method based on their main feature (any specific tissue) and therefore the ability to multiply and develop into specialized cells of various tissues.
Joint fluid replacements.
Injections of hyaluronic acid preparations are very effective and have minimal side effects for a long time (up to 1 year) and help to significantly reduce symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
Chondroprotectors
Gluceamine and Chondroitin are safe and effective drugs that are often used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Knee joint denervation is an effective and safe method of pain associated with arthrosis of the knee joint.
Denial of the geniculate nerves
In cases where conservative treatment does not bring relief, joint replacement is not possible due to certain contraindications, gene protection nerve denervation can be used.The essence of the procedure is temperature treatment of the sensitive nerves of the knee joint that transmit pain impulses.After a successful outpatient procedure, a significant long-term reduction of pain in the knee joint is possible.
Arthroscopic debridement of the knee joint
The effectiveness of arthroscopic intervention for arthrosis of the knee joint remains controversial, but it is quite effective in relieving some specific symptoms.
Osteotomy
A surgical procedure used to design the axis of the lower extremity.Effective in young people with minimal damage to the cartilage layer of the joint.
General endoprosthetics
Complete replacement of the articular surfaces of the knee joint with metal implants is the only effective treatment for end-stage gonarthrosis.
Partial knee replacement
The so-called Unicondylar knee replacement, in which the place of the evaluation spur is replaced by a metal plate.Indications for this procedure are very limited.