Osteoarthritis of the knee 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, gradually covering all elements of the articular joint, leads to a pronounced impairment of motor function, reduces the capacity for work and even becomes the cause of disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists are engaged in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Timely diagnostics and a competent approach to orthopedic correction make it possible to achieve positive results even in the most serious forms of pathology.
How does osteoarthritis of the knee joint develop?
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint (gony from the Greek "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of reasons provoking the development of the pathological process includes:
- trauma;
- chronic trauma associated with production factors or a violation of the exercise regimen;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- overwhelmed heredity (mutations in the gene encoding type II collagen chains - the matrix of hyaline cartilage);
- congenital dysplasias and joint pathologies;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint;
- arthroscopic manipulations of the knee.
Prolonged exposure to unfavorable factors leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, the 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. On adjacent areas of bone tissue, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear, deforming the osteoarticular joint.
Gradual destruction leads to inflammation of the inner wall of the joint and a violation of the synthesis of synovial fluid, which aggravates the destruction of cartilage. As a result, its damping properties and functionality are reduced.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
The main complaint is a dull, aching pain in the right or left knee. It is first felt after a long walk or strenuous physical activity. Painful sensations may appear when standing for a long time and going down stairs. As the degenerative process develops, 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 anterointernal articular surface;
- cracking, crackling on movement;
- deformation of the knee joint;
- limit flexion and extension of the leg;
- change in the stereotype of walking, impaired motor functions;
- development of deformations X or O.
The result of pathological changes, characteristic of an advanced stage, can be the closure and complete immobilization of the joint (ankylosis).
Who is at risk?
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 categories. The most vulnerable to the disease:
- elderly and senile people;
- women during menopause;
- people with increased body weight;
- professional athletes;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system.
Degree of osteoarthritis of the knee
There are 4 degrees of knee osteoarthritis. When specifying them, the percentage of osteo-articular degradation is taken into account:
- I - initial -<10%;
- II - stage of increased symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most pronounced clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% loss.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) osteoarthritis caused by aging 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 contact?
Osteoarthritis (knee joint), the symptoms of which can develop slowly and imperceptibly, which is why it is called a very insidious disease. Only seeking timely medical help can stop the destruction of cartilage. The treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is the responsibility of orthopedists, traumatologists, arthrologists and sports physicians.
Quote from a rehabilitation specialist
Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can significantly reduce the level of activity, both in sport and in everyday life. Rehabilitation aims at the maximum possible recovery, the compensation of impaired or completely lost functions. A multidisciplinary, comprehensive, but at the same time individual approach allows you to shorten the recovery time. The specialists of the clinic strive to form a responsible attitude of the patient to the rehabilitation process and his health.
Diagnostic methods
To detect structural changes in the knee joint, instrumental diagnostic techniques are used:
- radiography;
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasound;
- CT;
- scintigraphy;
- MRI.
The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging into orthopedic practice has dramatically expanded diagnostic capabilities. A safe, informative visualization method allows you to give a detailed assessment of the condition of bone and joint structures and surrounding soft tissues in almost any setting:
- hyaline cartilage;
- subchondral bone;
- Bone marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- cruciate and collateral ligaments;
- synovial and synovial 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 x-ray and other diagnostic studies.
Treatment
It is recommended to start treatment for knee osteoarthritis as soon as possible. It pursues the following objectives: to reduce the progression of the pathological process, to eliminate pain, to restore the congruence of the articular surfaces and to achieve remission. There are 4 main therapeutic areas:
- preventive (weight loss, injury prevention, wearing orthotics, physical education);
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy treatment;
- surgical correction.
The rehabilitation center successfully uses the complex drug-free treatment of knee osteoarthritis. It includes a metered load on the joint, physiotherapy techniques, physiotherapy. The greatest positive effect is provided by microwave therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
Rehabilitation
The key point in the recovery of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint is physical rehabilitation. This is a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of a pathological process, reducing pain, eliminating edema, strengthening the periarticular muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improvingmobility.
The rehabilitation center actively uses rehabilitation programs that involve 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 the age, general condition, lifestyle, physical abilities and the degree of damage to the knee joint.
Consequences
The neglected form of knee osteoarthritis leads to irreversible consequences:
- severe deformation and shortening of the diseased limb;
- ankle and hip joint disorders, spine problems;
- constant excruciating pain and drug addiction;
- loss of the ability to move around independently;
- disability.
Prophylaxis
To maintain health and prevent the constant development of degenerative processes, you need to follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat well and control the calorie content of food;
- maintain a healthy weight and sufficient physical activity;
- protect your knees from injuries and strain injuries;
- minimize the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthen immunity;
- when playing sports, strictly adhere to the squat technique;
- timely treat inflammatory diseases;
- undergo regular examinations even with normal health;
- choose comfortable shoes.
It is not yet possible to completely cure osteoarthritis deformans of the knee joint. But the disease can be prevented. The main thing is not to postpone preventive measures and a visit to a specialist.