Therapeutic measures in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee

Arthrosis is a deformation 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 well-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 treating 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 pulling nature. At the same time, the mobility of the joints is limited, and with a sharp movement a corresponding crunch occurs. Increased physical activity increases joint deformity. If you do not load the leg, the pain practically does not manifest itself. The x-ray shows the narrowing of the joint space, the destruction of the joint is not observed.
• Second degree.Arthrosis at this stage of the development of the disease is characterized by the appearance of severe pain in the joints, which restrict movement, and the person can no longer walk long distances on their own. The effacement of the joint begins, a cracking of the knee is noted and a limping gait appears. The gap in the joint narrows to a minimum, the formation of so-called osteophyte spikes occurs, and inflammation can begin.
• Third degree.The most serious complication of osteoarthritis. The person can no longer move independently and the pain in the knee does not stop even at rest. There are pronounced signs of osteoarthritis: complete deformation of the knee, absence of joint space on the x-ray, limitation of joint mobility.
• fourth degreecharacterized by complete destruction of the knee joint. In this case, surgery 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, you should immediately go to the hospital to see a rheumatologist.

Basic treatment methods

Treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee includes the use of a wide variety of techniques ranging 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 the observance of 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, the age of the person. At the same time, maximum efforts are made to avoid surgery and keep the knee intact.

Eliminate excessive 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 excessive body weight, corrective measures should be taken to reduce the load on the joint. To do this, you need to follow a diet, play sports (use only permitted exercises, regularly exercise therapy).

They also use a number of special dressings and installations to fix the knee joint and correctly distribute the load on it. These devices are orthopedic and are specifically designed to correct and restore the knee joint. The time of use of devices and bandages is set or extended by the attending orthopedic doctor, who makes decisions after analyzing the full clinical picture and studying X-ray images.

The use of drug therapy

In the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint with drugs, three groups of drugs are used: anti-inflammatories, nonsteroidal analgesics, hormonal drugs, chondoprotective drugs. Positive results and progress in treatment are given by the right combination of components in the therapeutic complex.

1. Use of nonsteroidal analgesics.These drugs are prescribed as painkillers that stop the inflammatory process. Medicines are taken orally inside or for external use (ointments, gels, patches). The effect of exposure occurs on average 4-5 days after the start of treatment. The general course of treatment does not exceed 2 weeks, since further use provokes 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-like drugs that quickly eliminate pain and speed up the recovery process. The duration of treatment with these drugs is short-lived, since they have a large number of contraindications for continuous use.
3. Preparations of chondroprotective 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 relieve painful symptoms. Medicines come in the form of tablets, ointments, gel. The main method of using chondoprotectors is the introduction of the drug into the joint fluid.

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

Operation

Knee joint surgery 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 means of surgical intervention. This manipulation is carried out at the primary stages of the pathology, and the work of the knee joint is partially restored. The procedure is carried out using a special endoscope, punctures are first made, and then the damaged areas of the joint are removed with the device. The operation is effective for younger people and quickly eliminates pain;
2. The use of an osteotomy is indicated for more severe joint deformities. The essence of the procedure lies in a special fracture of the bone and its subsequent correct fusion. In this case, the joint is restored, the pain disappears. And also use the necessary parts of the artificial fabrics;
3. Placement of stents. It is one of the most difficult types of surgery. In this case, a complete replacement of the knee joint with a special implant takes place, which performs all the functions of restoring flexion and subsequent movement of a person. Most patients note quite positive consequences, in which the level of physical activity increases markedly.

Treatment with physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an effective method of treatment at the initial stage of 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:

• Performing analgesic magnetotherapy. This procedure performs the general functions of restoring and relieving pain in the body. The use of this method is effective at the first, second stage of the disease. The total duration of treatment is 9-15 procedures, lasting 30 minutes.
• The use of laser therapy as an anti-inflammatory action. When using this technique, the following types are used: infrared radiation therapy, low-frequency UHF, centimeter wave therapy. Such methods favorably affect the restoration of the joint. Saturate connective tissue cells with nutrition, improve blood circulation. It should be noted that the use of UHF is associated with the intra-articular administration of drugs, and centimeter wave therapy is effective in the early stages of osteoarthritis. The average duration of the procedures is 10-20 times, and the duration is 7-15 minutes.
• Physiological procedures of intense influence. A wide variety of procedures are used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Several basic techniques need to be examined in detail.
• ultrasonic waves. The best known treatment for this disease. Significantly improves blood circulation processes, nutrition in the joint, restores cartilage tissue. It is recommended to use within 14 days. The use of electrophoresis. The use of electric currents in conjunction with the introduction of drugs. The advantage of this method is a 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 the phenomenon of interferential therapy. A distinctive feature of the method is the stimulation of atrophied muscles and the restoration of blood circulation processes in the lymphatic system. With the development of the acute phase, 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 consists of 10-15 procedures lasting about half an hour for 15 days. Take special therapeutic baths. They are an integral part of the procedures of therapeutic measures of osteoarthritis. Combinations of water with sage, hydrogen sulfide, radon, bischofite, therapeutic mud are very effective. These procedures have a great analgesic effect and can be applied for local or general use. The duration of the session is 10 to 30 minutes. The average duration of treatment is 10-20 days.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint

The process of complex treatment of pathology can stop the 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 means are traditional medicine recipes in the form of compresses, plasters, ointments, tinctures that have a beneficial effect on the lesion. The most effective way:

• Preparation of dandelion flowers.Used fresh, infused in boiling water and alcohol-based tincture. It is recommended to eat 7-8 dandelions per day. Tincture is taken three times a day, 100 ml before eating. An alcohol solution is applied daily to the affected joint for a month;
• Horseradish compress.This vegetable effectively reduces pain symptoms and partially restores the normal functionality of the joint. The process of making a bandage is simple: rubbed horseradish is applied to gauze and applied to a sore spot overnight. The procedure should be repeated daily for about 30 days;
• Use of aloe.The plant has natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is actively used in the treatment of arthrosis. You can make compresses from the flowers, and also use crushed leaves or apply them to the affected area. The course of treatment with this remedy should last at least a month;
• Cinquefoil tincture.The preparation recipe is to use the grass with alcohol and get a suitable solution for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. The drug is taken 3-4 drops per day or used in the form of compresses. Treatment is continued for a month;
• A mixture of mustard, sand and salt.All components of the composition must be thoroughly mixed, then put on a baking sheet and warmed up well. The hot mixture should be applied to the affected area and not removed until the compress cools. 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 the disease, calendula, burdock, juniper are also used, as they have a beneficial effect on the restoration of the knee joint.

Non-traditional remedies for the treatment of osteoarthritis

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

1. Therapy with leeches is called hirudotherapy. This method is very effective. Since the insects are attached to the points of biological impact 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 specialized doctor;
2. The use of acupuncture by introducing needles into the active points of the joint. It also presents a number of effective procedures in the treatment of osteoarthritis. They use direct acupuncture, point massage and special moxibustion sticks. Manipulation is carried out only by a qualified specialist who prescribes the required number of sessions;
3. Hydrogen peroxide treatment. The chemical compound is involved in all vital processes in the body, so it is also used for osteoarthritis. The drug 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 compresses;
4. Take gelatin. This component is a natural source of collagen, necessary for strong bones and joints. The use of gelatin also has a therapeutic effect on the course of osteoarthritis. The dosage per day is 10 grams. And the duration of treatment by this method should be at least 90 days. It is also good to use foods and dishes rich in gelatin (chicken, pork offal, cartilage, aspic);
5. The use of stem cells. Innovative method of treating osteoarthritis. Its uniqueness lies in stem cells, which have the ability to regenerate and regenerate into new cellular systems. They are obtained from human bone marrow and cultured in the laboratory for 2 months. The cells are then injected into the affected joint. This therapy partially replaces 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 manipulations. A good effect is added by the use of water procedures in conjunction with massage. Initially, the first sessions should last no more than 10 minutes, then gradually increase to 20 minutes.

After the massage, the patient should feel a slight relaxation and no pain. If they are present, you need to consult a doctor about continuing 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 implementation, the patient must have certain indications. The essence of the method lies in the gentle reduction of the joint and its extension. In this case, the muscles are activated and the process of restoring joint mobility begins. Manipulation should be carried out 3-4 times during the year.

Treatment, prevention of osteoarthritis with exercise therapy

Performing special exercises called physiotherapy is an effective method of treating osteoarthritis. In order to achieve the desired effect, you need to follow the rules of complex gymnastic exercises:

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 heavy physical exertion;
4. During training, you need to take special breaks to relax the joint.
5. The combination of massage, therapeutic drugs and exercise therapy;
6. Exercises are performed with a calm course of the disease;
7. The relationship between simple muscle tension and motor activity should be observed. It is this technique that will strengthen the joint;

It should be remembered that a set of special exercises of exercise therapy is prescribed purely individually and is selected by a doctor who is a specialist 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 therapy is based on healing 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 additional load on the joint, but special simulators are used. As painkillers, the doctor suggests the use of ice and other cooling ingredients.

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

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

Methodology of a rheumatologist

The famous doctor has 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:

• The use of nonsteroidal drugs;
• The use of chondroprotective drugs;
• External use of creams, ointments of anesthetic type;
• Apply compresses;
• Introduction of injections into the joint;
• Perform manual therapy;
• Physiological procedures;
• Therapeutic physical culture;
• Wear special bandages, bandages, canes;
• Go on a diet.

The effectiveness of the technique is confirmed by statistical data. In 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 using modern therapeutic methods

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

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

These medications 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 selected by a qualified rheumatologist.

Treatment of arthrosis in sanatorium conditions

An 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. Wraps and mud 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 deformity of the joint;
• Inflammatory process in the knee;
• Deterioration of general condition;
• The last stage of the disease in the acute phase.

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

The average cost of osteoarthritis treatment and feedback on the effectiveness of treatment

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 patient's age and the ability to recoverfrom the body.

It should be noted that the use of drugs with a chondoprotective action is an expensive procedure, since the administration times are quite long. In the treatment of pathology, a whole range of measures are prescribed, which also have a fairly large price policy.

The final stages of osteoarthritis are characterized by a complete deformation of the joint, which requires prostheses. The prices for this operation are quite high. Therefore, the average cost of treatment is quite high, and it is better not to trigger the disease, but to treat it in the early stages of its onset!

Reviews of patients with arthrosis who have undergone complex treatment are pronounced. Most people say that arthrosis is best treated in the early stages of the disease, fully observing all the prescribed manipulations. At the same time, continuous preventive measures should be taken to prevent the development of the disease.

The third and fourth degrees of the disease are practically untreated, and doctors recommend surgical intervention. Depending on the degree of knee deformity, various surgical operations are performed, from reconstruction to complete replacement of the joint. Postoperative periods and additional remission times also recommend prophylaxis and further surgical interventions.

Finally, it is worth emphasizing the 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 predisposed to this disease, you must strictly observe all preventive methods to prevent the progression of this pathology!