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. The progressive pathological process, gradually covering all elements of the joint articulation, leads to severe impairment of motor function, reduces performance and even causes damage.
Orthopedic traumatologists treat gonarthrosis. Timely diagnosis and a competent approach to orthopedic correction allow to achieve positive results even in the most severe forms of pathology.
How does osteoarthritis of the knee joint develop?
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint (Greek for "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 exercise disorder;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- burdened heredity (mutations in the gene encoding type II collagen chains - the hyaline cartilage matrix);
- congenital dysplasia and joint pathologies;
- 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 cells and a decrease in the density and elasticity of hyaline cartilage. Due to the weakening of the protection against functional load, compensatory reactions develop. Marginal growths (osteophytes) appear in the adjacent areas of the bone tissue, deforming the osteoarticular articulation.
Progressive destruction leads to inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and disruption of synovial fluid synthesis, which complicates the destruction of cartilage. As a result, its damping properties and functionality are reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The main complaint is dull pain in the right or left knee. It is first felt after a long walk or intense physical activity. Painful sensations can occur when you are on your feet for a long time and when going down stairs. With the development of the degenerative process, other symptoms appear:
- morning stiffness of movements;
- periodic inflammation of the synovium (synovitis) and accumulation of fluid in the joint;
- swelling, redness of the skin;
- increased pain in the anterior-internal joint surface;
- crunching, crepitating when moving;
- knee joint deformity;
- limiting bending and stretching of the legs;
- change in the stereotype of walking, impaired motor functions;
- development of X or O-deformation.
The result of pathological changes characteristic of an advanced stage may be closure and complete immobilization of the joint (ankylosis).
Who is at risk?
Gonarthrosis is the most common form of osteoarthritis, representing 33. 3% of the total number of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is found in all age categories. Most vulnerable to the disease:
- elderly and elderly people;
- women during menopause;
- overweight people;
- 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 gonarthrosis. In determining them, the percentage of osteoarticular degradation shall be taken into account:
- I - initially -<10%;
- II - stage of increase in symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most pronounced clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% defeat.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) osteoarthritis caused by aging of 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 go to?
Osteoarthritis (knee joint), whose symptoms can develop slowly and imperceptibly, which is why it is called a very insidious disease. Only timely seeking medical help can stop the destruction of cartilage. The treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee 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 sports and in everyday life. Rehabilitation is aimed 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. The specialists of the clinic strive to form a responsible attitude of the patient to the rehabilitation process and his health.
Diagnostic methods
Instrumental diagnostic techniques are used to detect structural changes in the knee joint:
- radiography;
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasound;
- CT;
- scintigraphy;
- NMR.
The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging in orthopedic practice has significantly expanded the diagnostic possibilities. A safe informative method of visualization allows you to give a detailed assessment of the condition of osteoarticular and proximal soft tissue structures by almost all parameters:
- hyaline cartilage;
- subchondral bone;
- Spinal cord;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- cross and collateral ties;
- synovium and synovial cavity.
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 tests.
Treatment
It is recommended that gonarthrosis treatment be started as early as possible. It pursues the following goals: reducing the progression of the pathological process, eliminating pain, restoring the congruence of joint surfaces and achieving remission. There are 4 main therapeutic areas:
- preventive (weight loss, injury prevention, wearing orthoses, physical education);
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy treatment;
- surgical correction.
The rehabilitation center successfully uses the complex drug-free treatment of gonarthrosis. It includes dosed joint loading, kinesitherapy 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 suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee is physical rehabilitation. This is a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of a pathological process, reducing pain, eliminating swelling, strengthening the periarticular muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving mobility.
The rehabilitation center actively uses rehabilitation programs, which include 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 age, general condition, lifestyle, physical capabilities and the degree of damage to the knee joint.
Consequences
The neglected form of gonarthrosis leads to irreversible consequences:
- severe deformity and shortening of the diseased limb;
- disorders of the ankle and hip joint, problems with the spine;
- constant excruciating pain and drug dependence;
- loss of ability to move independently;
- disability.
Prevention
To maintain health and prevent the stable development of degenerative processes, you must follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat properly and control the caloric content of food;
- maintaining a healthy weight and sufficient physical activity;
- protect your knees from injury and microtrauma;
- minimize the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthening immunity;
- when exercising, strictly follow the squat technique;
- timely treatment of inflammatory diseases;
- perform regular check-ups even in normal health;
- choose comfortable shoes.
It is still not possible to completely cure deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint. But the disease can be prevented. The main thing is not to delay preventive measures and a visit to a specialist.