Osteoarthritis of the knee, or gonarthrosis, mainly affects women, usually after the age of forty. At an early age, such a pathology can develop as a result of injuries or professional sports. A particularly severe course of the disease is observed in people who are overweight or suffering from varicose veins of the lower extremities.
The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of moderate pain in the knee during movement, especially when walking on stairs. Also, pain may occur if a person stands for a long time or stands up after a long stay in a sitting position. At rest, the pain usually subsides. Sharp and intense pain in osteoarthritis of the knee joint does not occur spontaneously, it is usually preceded by long-term discomfort during walking, physical activity. It is pain that gradually increases that is one of the main signs of gonarthrosis.
Stages of the disease
First stage
In the initial stage of development of gonarthrosis, the bones of the knee do not change shape, only swelling of the joint can occur, usually associated with the accumulation of fluid in the knee. If its amount exceeds the permissible level, edema develops, affecting the back of the leg. In this case, you can relieve swelling with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Second stage
The next stage of knee osteoarthritis is characterized by a significant increase in pain intensity. The pain is felt even after a light load, a crunch appears in the knee joint, which intensifies if the disease progresses. The patient bends the leg with difficulty, there is severe pain, up to the complete impossibility of bending it at the knee. Even in the second stage of the disease, the joint begins to change shape, which becomes quite noticeable on palpation: expansion and engorgement of the joint bones are felt. Synovitis manifests itself much more strongly at this stage - the appearance of swelling due to the accumulation of fluid.
Third phase
The third stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of intense pain that occurs even at rest. The patient has been looking for a suitable position for a long time, in which the pain will be weaker. With impaired blood circulation, pain can bother a person even during sleep, causing a painful sensation in the joint. The mobility of the joint is reduced to a minimum, the person is often unable to keep the leg in a straight position and is forced to bend it while walking. With a significant deformation of the bones, the gait becomes swaying, a change in the shape of the lower limbs becomes noticeable.
How to recognize osteoarthritis of the knee joint?
The patient is initially referred for a blood test, followed by an X-ray, MRI, or computed tomography.
In some cases, an ultrasound or arthroscopy (examination of the joint with a special device through a small incision) may be prescribed.
During the X-ray examination, the stage of development of the disease is determined, the picture shows the changes in the joint and bones, as well as the distance between the bones. At an early stage of the disease, changes in cartilage tissue are not visible on an x-ray.
Ultrasound examination, as well as computed tomography, allows to reveal abnormalities in soft joint tissues and to determine the amount of fluid accumulated during the development of synovitis.
How is knee osteoarthritis treated?
Osteoarthritis of the knee is treated by specialists such as a rheumatologist or an orthopedist. At an early stage, the disease in most cases is treatable without surgery, but the treatment must necessarily be comprehensive and qualified. In the second and third stages, it is impossible to return the joint to its previous shape without surgery, it is only possible to improve the condition of the periarticular tissues.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to reduce inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis of the knee joint. After reducing the pain syndrome, the patient can be prescribed massage, therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy procedures.
For the treatment of gonarthrosis, drugs that are part of the group of chondroprotectors are also used and provide for the restoration of cartilage tissues. Such preparations also help to maintain the elasticity of the cartilage, the saturation of its tissue with moisture. In the first and second phase the chondroprotectors have a gradual effect, the treatment is quite long and can last up to a year or a year and a half. Taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate together has a greater effect. In the third stage, such drugs are no longer able to have a positive effect.
A good effect in the treatment of osteoarthritis has drugs that serve to expand blood vessels. They are able to improve blood circulation in the joint and relieve spasm in small vessels, which helps restore the affected joint. It is recommended to combine the intake of such drugs with the use of chondroprotectors. To relieve painful muscle spasm, the patient may be prescribed muscle relaxants. Such drugs are used only in combination with chondroprotectors and joint traction. A Dimexide compress also has a positive effect in treating osteoarthritis, which reduces inflammation and relieves pain, especially when fluid builds up. To prepare such a compress, you should mix a spoonful of boiled water with a spoonful of Dimexide. Then moisten a medical bandage in the resulting solution, then apply the affected joint and cover with a plastic bag and diaper on top. The duration of the procedure is from twenty to sixty minutes, once a day, no more, for two to three weeks.
All drugs are used in the absence of contraindications, strictly according to the doctor's prescription. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint requires medication, physiotherapy, and therapeutic exercises.