Prevention and treatment of knee arthritis

Of all joint diseases, arthropathy is the most common.This pathology is present in nearly 20% of the world's population.It is of great significance to both developing and developed countries.More than 2 million patients have been registered with various forms of arthropathy.The likelihood of fatal consequences of arthropathy is extremely low, but it can lead to early disability, loss of work ability, and significant deterioration in quality of life.

Prevention and treatment of joint disease should be carried out by highly qualified medical experts.

traditional treatment

To effectively treat degenerative dystrophic joint injuries, a complete range of pharmaceutical, physical therapy, orthopedic, and surgical medications is required.It should be noted that in the treatment and prevention of joint diseases, it is very important to choose optimal exercise patterns and normalize body weight.Traditional treatments include the following methods:

• Symptomatic treatment.
• Take chondroprotectants.
• Topical treatment.
• physiotherapy.
• Surgical treatment.

Symptomatic treatment

In most cases, the cause of joint pain is considered to be reactive inflammation of the joint synovium.Therefore, it makes perfect sense to take NSAIDs to suppress pain and inflammation.Most commonly, standard drugs from the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug group are used.

When selecting medications, he prioritizes those that are highly effective, safe, and appropriate for most people.At the same time, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause serious lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, manifested as erosion and ulcers.To prevent such complications, special medications may be prescribed.

It is strongly recommended not to combine different types of NSAIDs as this will not enhance the therapeutic effect and will only significantly increase the risk of adverse effects.

chondroprotectant

Currently, chondroprotective agents are successfully used to restore cartilage tissue and prevent the development of pathological changes in joints.In the early stages of the disease, these drugs can effectively inhibit the progression of degenerative processes.However, in the third and fourth stages of the disease, chondroprotectants are of little use.

Most chondroprotectants are well tolerated by patients.Unfortunately, however, they cannot be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Their distinguishing feature is that the therapeutic effects appear on average 3-4 weeks after the start of treatment.At the same time, they continue to function for 2-5 months after completion of chondroprotective treatment.

synovial fluid prosthesis

Every expert will tell you that without synovial fluid, joints cannot function properly.Certain types of medications are used as synovial fluid substitutes.

All drugs improve the properties of synovial fluid while inhibiting the inflammatory and destructive processes of articular cartilage.On average, a course of treatment may include up to 5 intra-articular injections.It is recommended that a maximum of two courses be offered per year.Indications for repeated treatment with hyaluronic acid drugs are increased pain and severe limitations in the function of the affected joints.

Only the treating physician can decide whether to prescribe a specific medication.

topical treatment

It is rare to treat arthropathy without the use of topical therapy.Intra-articular injection of glucocorticoids can be used when there is chronic inflammation of the joint synovium and NSAIDs lack adequate analgesic effects.Intra-articular glucocorticoid injections are allowed 3-4 times during the year.The interval between injections is approximately 90 days.

If there are no contraindications, heat compresses can be used with painkillers.To achieve the desired results, 10-12 procedures are prescribed.The option of extending treatment or repeating the course is not excluded.Additionally, to reduce pain and reduce the dose of prescribed NSAIDs, various pain relief ointments, gels, or creams are used.

physical therapy

A variety of physical therapy procedures are available during various stages of degenerative dystrophic joint disease.Basic methods of physical therapy help eliminate pain caused by stress on joints, reduce inflammation and improve the recovery of cartilage tissue.What are the physical procedures used to treat joint disease:

• electromagnetic field.
• Magnet therapy.
• UV exposure.
• Electrophoresis.
• ultrasound.
• Induction heating method.
• Infrared laser therapy.
• Balneotherapy.
• Mud application.

Physical therapy may also be used to prevent joint disease.For example, ultrasound therapy, hydrogen sulfide and radon baths can prevent pathological changes in articular cartilage.

therapeutic exercise

The main goal of therapeutic exercises is to restore the function of the affected joints, strengthen the musculoligamentous system and prevent the progression of the disease.Let's consider an approximate set of exercises that can be used to prevent and treat the most common site of arthrosis - the knee joint:

• Let's take a chair.We stood behind the chairs.The left leg is slightly bent at the knee joint.We take a step back with our right foot.Then the foot of this leg moves downward.This movement can cause tension in the calf muscles.You should hold this position for 15 seconds.Repeat a few times and switch legs.
• We sit on chairs.We straighten our legs at the knees and hold them straight in front of us.Holding your legs for about 5 to 7 seconds is enough.If this is difficult, you can perform the exercise with only one leg straight.Repeat 10-12 times.If you feel good and have no pain, you can increase the number of approaches.
• We stood with our backs to the wall.Let's take a small step forward.My back was pressed against the wall.We lower the body into a half squat.We try to hold this position for 5-7 seconds.Then we slowly rise.At the same time, your back will not come away from the wall.Gradually increase the static load (while maintaining a half-squat position).
• Regular squats are considered an ideal exercise for developing knee joints.The optimal number of squats depends on the patient's condition and the severity of the disease.
• We lay on the floor.Lift your legs and perform a motion similar to riding a bicycle.Practice for 20-30 seconds.Then take a short break and take another approach.If your physical fitness allows, increase the time and frequency of practice.

At any stage where the arthrosis is not worsening, therapeutic exercises can help restore joint function.

surgical treatment

Clinical practice shows that not all patients can cope with this disease using conservative methods.If standard treatments do not achieve the desired results and severe joint damage is observed, resulting in disability, surgical treatment is required.Many patients with severe deformities of large joints are recommended to undergo endoprosthetic treatment.Replacing affected joints with artificial joints is more than 70% effective.Most patients who undergo endoprosthetic treatment experience a significant improvement in their quality of life.

traditional medicine

It is difficult not to acknowledge the fact that the use of folk remedies in the treatment of various diseases, including joint diseases, has increased dramatically in recent years.Today you can easily find many folk recipes for compresses, ointments and tinctures.Let's list the most common ones:

• clay compression.Clay and water are mixed in certain proportions to obtain a uniform mass.Next, we place it on a small piece of fabric.We apply clay to the affected joint.The duration of this process can last up to about one and a half hours.You will notice positive results after 5-7 days.
• Cabbage and honey compress.It is particularly popular because it is so simple to make and apply.Eat 3-4 cabbage leaves before bed.For one thing, you need to lubricate them with honey and apply them to your sore joints.To increase compression, you can wrap the joint with polyethylene and warm cloth.It is best to apply heat at night.
• Oatmeal compress.Take a cup of oatmeal and cook it for 8 minutes.You'll need less water than normal cooking to get a fairly thick porridge.After cooking, let the porridge cool.Next, place the oatmeal on a thick fabric.The compressed package is ready for use.In addition, it is recommended to wrap the affected joint with a polyethylene and woolen scarf.
• Horseradish compress.Horseradish roots need to be chopped.Fill them with water and boil them for a few minutes.We then place the horseradish evenly on the natural fabric and apply it to the painful joints.The dressing lasts about 2 hours.
• Oil rub of celandine.The leaves and stems of medicinal plants should be finely chopped.Take 3 tablespoons of celandine and pour it into a small jar.Pour 200 ml vegetable oil.We lasted 14 days.Then we get nervous.This celandine oil liniment can be used as a topical application three times a day for a month.
• Dandelion rub.Find a bottle, jar, or any other container made of opaque glass.Fill the glass container approximately halfway with dandelion flowers.Then add 400 ml of vodka to the container.You have to stick with it for at least a month.Before use, the liquid must be filtered.Dandelion tincture is used as a joint rub.Typically, a rubbing routine is best completed before bed.
• Take herbal baths.To prepare this bath, you will need medicinal plants such as St. John's wort, oregano, calendula, nettles and burdock.Take 3 tablespoons of each ingredient and soak in hot water for 60 minutes.The infused liquid is then poured into the tub.Take herbal bath for about 15 to 20 minutes.

You should definitely consult your doctor before using folk remedies to prevent and treat arthrosis of the joints (elbows, knees, hips).

prevention

If you do not want to undergo long-term continuous treatment, take measures to prevent joint disease.Some helpful tips will significantly reduce your risk of developing degenerative disease in your joints:

• Normalize your weight.
• Avoid injury and damage.
• Eat right.
• Stick to optimal exercise patterns.
• The most useful exercises for joint disease are swimming, skiing and walking.

Your musculoskeletal system will be in good condition if you do not ignore the advice of medical experts and undergo regular physical examinations.