Therapeutic measures in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee

Osteoarthritis is a deformity 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 elderly and professional athletes. The effectiveness of a rapid recovery depends on a properly established rehabilitation plan and on compliance with all the prescriptions of the treating physician. Therefore, it is necessary to consider in more detail the degree of arthrosis and all methods of treating the pathology.

Degrees of osteoarthritis 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 characterized 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. X-ray shows narrowing of the joint space, destruction of the joint is not observed.
• Second degree.Osteoarthritis at this stage of the development of the disease is characterized by the onset of severe joint pain, which restricts movement and the person can no longer travel long distances alone. The erasure of the joint begins, a crunch of the knee is noted, and a gait with lameness appears. The gap in the joint narrows to a minimum, the formation of so-called osteophyte spikes occurs, and inflammation can begin.
• Third grade.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 arthrosis: complete deformity 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 replacement is recommended. Only a qualified specialist can determine the exact degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint after a series of specially conducted studies. If similar symptoms occur, you should immediately go to the hospital to see a rheumatologist.

Basic treatment methods

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee involves the use of a wide variety of techniques 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, and also compliance with all manipulations prescribed by the doctor.

The course of treatment is determined by the attending physician, who determines the recovery plan based 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.

Removal of 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, then corrective measures should be taken to reduce the load on the joint. To do this, you should follow a diet, play sports (use only permissible exercises, regular physical exercises).

They also use a number of special dressings and installations to repair the knee joint and properly distribute the load on it. Such devices are orthopedic and are specifically designed to correct and restore the knee joint. The time for the use of devices and bandages is appointed or extended by the attending orthopedic doctor, who makes the decisions after analyzing the complete clinical picture and studying the radiographic images.

The use of drug therapy

In the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint with drugs, three groups of drugs are used: anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal analgesics, hormonal drugs, condoprotective drugs. Positive results and progress in treatment are given by the correct combination of components in the therapeutic complex.

1. Use of non-steroidal analgesics.These drugs are prescribed as pain relievers that block the inflammatory process. Medicines are taken orally inside or used for external use (ointments, gels, patches). The effect of exposure occurs on average 4-5 days after the start of the drug. 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 hormonal-type drugs that quickly eliminate pain and accelerate the healing process. The duration of treatment with these medicines is short-term, as they have a large number of contraindications for continuous use.
3. Preparations with chondoprotective action.They contain natural sources of structural elements of the connective tissue in the cartilage and perform the function of restoring the knee joint. The use of medications also helps relieve painful symptoms. Medicines are presented in the form of tablets, ointments, gels. The main method of using chondoprotectors is the introduction of the drug into the joint fluid.

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

Surgery

Surgery on the knee joint 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 gentlest way of surgery. This manipulation is carried out in the primary stages of the pathology, and the work of the knee joint is partially restored. The procedure is performed using a special endoscope, punctures are first made, and then the damaged areas of the joint are removed with the apparatus. The operation is effective for young 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 further correct fusion. In this case, the joint is restored, the pain disappears. And also uses the necessary parts of artificial fabrics;
3. Implementation of endoprostheses. 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 further movement of a person. Most patients note quite positive consequences, in which the level of physical activity increases significantly.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy is an effective method of treatment at the initial stage of the development of osteoarthritis. It actively shrinks
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 in the first, second stage of the disease. The total duration of the 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 treatment, 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 combined with intra-articular administration of drugs, and centimeter wave therapy is effective in the initial stages of osteoarthritis. The average duration of the procedures is 10-20 times, and the duration is from 7 to 15 minutes.
• Physiological procedures of intensive influence. A wide variety of procedures are used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Several basic techniques should be considered in detail.
• ultrasonic waves. The best known treatment for this disease. Significantly improves the processes of blood circulation, 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 strong 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 interfering 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 stage, 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 when performing reparative functions in the knee. The full course of rehabilitation is 10-15 procedures lasting about half an hour for 15 days. Take special therapeutic baths. They are an integral part of the procedures for the therapeutic measures of osteoarthritis. Very effective are the combinations of water with sage, hydrogen sulphide, radon, bischofite, therapeutic mud. These procedures have a great analgesic effect and can be applied in local or general use. The duration of the session is 10-30 minutes. The average course of treatment is 10-20 days.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint

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

• Preparation of dandelion flowers.Used fresh, prepared in boiling water and alcohol-based tincture. It is recommended to eat 7-8 pieces of dandelions per day. The tincture is taken three times a day, 100 ml before eating. An alcohol-based solution is applied daily to the affected joint for a month;
• Horseradish wrap.This vegetable effectively reduces pain symptoms and partially restores normal joint function. The process of preparing a dressing is simple: the rubbed horseradish is applied to gauze and applied to a sore spot at night. The procedure must 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 osteoarthritis. You can make flower-based compresses and also use crushed leaves or apply them to the affected area. The duration of treatment with this remedy should last at least a month;
• Tincture based on cinquefoil.The recipe for the preparation is to use the herb together with alcohol and get a suitable solution for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. The medicine is taken 3-4 drops per day or used as compresses. Treatment continued for one month;
• A mixture of mustard, sand and salt.All components of the composition must be thoroughly mixed, then put on a baking sheet and heated well. The hot mixture should be applied to the affected area and not removed until the compress has cooled. This method is effective in relieving pain by 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 restoring 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 area:

1. Leech therapy is called hirudotherapy. This method is very efficient. Since 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 special doctor;
2. The use of acupuncture by introducing needles into the active points of the joint. It also features 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. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide. 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 a ratio of 1 cup to 3 drops of 3% H2O2 and drunk 2 hours after eating. You can also use peroxide-based tablets;
4. Taking gelatin. This component is a natural source of collagen, which is necessary for the strength of bones and joints. The use of gelatin also has a therapeutic effect on the course of arthrosis. The daily dose is 10 grams. And the duration of treatment with 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 arthrosis. Its uniqueness lies in stem cells, which have the ability to regenerate and regenerate in new cell systems. They are obtained from human bone marrow and grown 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 physical therapy exercises, and then perform manipulations. A good effect is added by the use of water procedures in combination with massage. Initially, the first few sessions should last no more than 10 minutes, then gradually increase to 20 minutes.

After the massage, the patient should feel slight relaxation and no pain. If they are present, it is necessary to consult a doctor about the further continuation of the procedure. Manipulation helps well in the early stages of osteoarthritis.

Manual therapy is used in individual cases and is performed by a special doctor. For its implementation, the patient must have certain indications. The essence of the method lies in the soft reduction of the joint and its extension. The muscles in this case are activated and the process of restoring joint mobility begins. Manipulation should be done 3-4 times a year.

Treatment, prevention of osteoarthritis with physical therapy

Performing special exercises called physical therapy is an effective method of treating osteoarthritis. To achieve the desired effect, you should 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 strong physical exertion;
4. During training, you need to take special breaks to relax the joint;
5. The combination of massage, therapeutic drugs and physical therapy;
6. Exercises are performed with a calm course of the disease;
7. The relationship between simple muscle tension and motor activity must be observed. It is this technique that will strengthen the joint;

It is worth remembering that a set of special physical therapy exercises is prescribed exclusively individually and is selected by a doctor who specializes in this field.

Methodology of the Doctor of Medical Sciences

This method of treatment was developed by a famous scientist, a doctor of medical sciences. The essence of therapy is based on caring for 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 an analgesic, the doctor suggests the use of ice and other cooling ingredients.

In parallel with the conduct of this therapy, swimming, bathing procedures, special massages, a steam bath with subsequent cooling are also recommended.

In medical practice, many positive cases have been highlighted in the treatment of osteoarthritis, when joint mobility was restored and the patient was able to lead a normal life.

Methodology of a rheumatologist

The famous doctor developed his own method of treating osteoarthritis. 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 non-steroidal drugs;
• The use of condoprotective drugs;
• External use of creams, ointments of an anesthetic type;
• Apply compresses;
• Introduction of injections into the joint;
• Performing manual therapy;
• Physiological procedures;
• Therapeutic physical culture;
• Wear special bandages, bandages, sticks;
• Diet.

The effectiveness of the technique is confirmed by statistical data. With the first degree of osteoarthritis, more than 95% of patients were treated with this method. The second stage of the disease was rehabilitated in 80% of patients.

Treatment of arthrosis with modern methods of therapy

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

1. The phenomenon of kinesitherapy, in which a specially designed set of 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 type of physiological procedures that appeared relatively recently and which have gained popularity due to their high efficiency;
3. The use of homeopathic remedies of different 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 for the most part they 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. Mud and baths;
2. Physiological therapy;
3. physical therapy;
4. Massage and manual therapy;
5. Modern methods of treatment of arthrosis.

Treatment of a sanatorium type is prohibited with such contraindications:

• Severe deformity of the joint;
• Inflammatory process in the knee;
• deterioration of general conditions;
• The last stage of the disease in the acute stage.

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

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

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 age of the patient and the body's ability to recover.

It should be noted that the use of drugs with chondoprotective action is an expensive procedure, since the terms of their administration are quite long. In the treatment of pathology, a whole range of measures is prescribed, which also have a rather broad pricing policy.

The last stages of osteoarthritis are characterized by a complete deformity 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 start the disease, but to treat it in the early stages of its onset!

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

The third, fourth degree of the disease is practically not treated, and doctors recommend surgery. Depending on the degree of knee deformity, various surgeries are performed from reconstruction to complete joint replacement. The postoperative periods and the further time of remission also recommend prophylaxis and new surgical interventions.

Finally, it is worth highlighting the important point of the article and saying that osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a very serious and severe disease that requires a lot of effort and time for partial recovery. Therefore, if you are willing to this disease, you must strictly observe all preventive methods to prevent the progression of this pathology!