Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of cartilage tissue integrity and structural changes in the underlying bone plate. A progressive pathological process, which gradually covers all the elements of the articular joint, leads to a pronounced impairment of motor function, reduces the ability to work and even becomes the cause of disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists are engaged in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Timely diagnosis and a competent approach to orthopedic correction allow the achievement of positive results even in the most severe forms of pathology.
How does osteoarthritis of the knee joint develop?
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint (goni from the Greek "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of reasons that provoke the development of the pathological process includes:
- trauma;
- chronic trauma related to factors of production or violation of the training regime;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- loaded inheritance (gene mutations encoding type II collagen chains - hyaline cartilage matrix);
- congenital dysplasia and joint pathology;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint;
- arthroscopic manipulations of the knee.
Prolonged exposure to adverse factors leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, death of cartilage tissue cells and decreased density and elasticity of hyaline cartilage. Due to the weakening of the protection against functional load, compensatory reactions develop. In adjacent areas of bone tissue, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear, which deform the osteoarticular joint.
Progressive destruction includes inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and violation of synovial fluid synthesis, which exacerbates cartilage destruction. As a result, its amortization properties and functionality are reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The main complaint is a dull aching pain in the right or left knee. Initially it makes itself felt after a long walk or an intense physical activity. Painful sensations may appear when you are standing for a long time and when you go down the stairs. As the degenerative process progresses, other symptoms appear:
- stiffening of morning movements;
- periodic inflammation of the synovium (synovitis) and accumulation of fluid in the joints;
- swelling, redness of the skin;
- increased pain in the anterior-internal articular surface;
- crackling, crepe in motion;
- knee joint deformity;
- limiting the flexion and extension of the foot;
- change in walking stereotype, impairment of motor functions;
- development of X or O-deformation.
The result of pathological changes, characteristic of an advanced stage, may be complete closure and immobilization of the joint (ankylosis).
Who is at risk?
Gonarthrosis is the most common form of osteoarthritis, which accounts for 33. 3% of the total number of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is found in all age categories. Most susceptible to the disease:
- the elderly;
- women during menopause;
- overweight people;
- professional athletes;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system.
Degree of knee osteoarthritis
There are 4 degrees of gonarthrosis. When specifying them, the percentage of osteoarticular degradation is taken into account:
- I - beginners -<10%;
- II - stage of increase of symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - more pronounced clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminals, >50% loss.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) arthrosis caused by articular cartilage aging is more often bilateral and is diagnosed in elderly patients. The secondary degenerative process is a consequence of trauma and pathological disorders. He is usually one-sided and can make his debut at any age.
Which doctor should I go to?
Osteoarthritis (knee joint), the symptoms of which can develop slowly and invisibly, is why it is called a very secretive disease. Only timely seeking medical help can stop cartilage destruction. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis is the responsibility of orthopedists, traumatologists, arthrologists and sports medicine specialists.
Quote from a rehabilitation specialist
Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can significantly reduce the level of activity, both in terms of sports and daily. Rehabilitation aims at the maximum possible recovery, compensation for damaged or completely lost functions. A multidisciplinary, comprehensive but at the same time individual approach allows you to shorten recovery time. Clinic specialists strive to form a responsible attitude of the patient towards the rehabilitation process and their health.
Diagnostic methods
To detect structural changes in the knee joint, instrumental diagnostic techniques are used:
- radiography;
- arthroscopes;
- ultrasound;
- CT;
- scintigraphy;
- MRI.
The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging in orthopedic practice has significantly enhanced diagnostic capabilities. A reliable informative visualization method allows you to give a detailed assessment of the condition of osteoarticular structures and nearby soft tissues in almost all parameters:
- cartilage hyaline;
- subchondral bone;
- Bone marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- cruciate ligaments and collaterals;
- synovium 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 radiography and other diagnostic studies.
Treatment
Treatment of gonarthrosis is recommended to start as soon as possible. It pursues the following goals: reducing the progression of the pathological process, eliminating pain, restoring the congruence of articular surfaces, and achieving remission. There are 4 main therapeutic areas:
- preventive (weight loss, injury prevention, orthoses wearing, physical education);
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy treatment;
- surgical correction.
The rehabilitation center successfully uses the complex drug-free treatment of gonarthrosis. It includes a dosed load on the joints, kinesiotherapy techniques, physiotherapy. The greatest positive effect is provided by microwave therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
reHabiLitatiON
The key point in curing patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis is physical rehabilitation. This is a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of a pathological process, reducing pain, eliminating edema, strengthening periarticular muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving mobility.
The rehabilitation center actively uses rehabilitation programs that include the use of modern technical tools and patented high-tech simulators. An individual set of physical exercises is developed for each patient. This takes into account age, general condition, lifestyle, physical abilities and the degree of damage to the knee joint.
Consequences
The neglected form of gonarthrosis has irreversible consequences:
- severe deformity and shortening of diseased limbs;
- disorders in the ankle and hip, back problems;
- persistent excruciating pain and drug addiction;
- loss of ability to move independently;
- disability.
Prophylaxis
To maintain health and prevent the sustainable development of degenerative processes, you should follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat right and check the caloric content of food;
- maintain a healthy weight and adequate physical activity;
- protect your knees from injury and microtrauma;
- minimize the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthening immunity;
- when playing sports, strictly observe the technique of gathering;
- timely treatment of inflammatory diseases;
- undergo regular examinations even with normal health;
- choose comfortable shoes.
It is still not possible to completely cure deforming arthrosis 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.