The knee joint is a part of the musculoskeletal system that has a complex structure and performs many important functions. It is in this zone that the maximum load falls both during intensive training and during rest. Moreover, she is vulnerable to various injuries and diseases. If the knee does not bend, the cause lies in the inflammatory process. This condition is an occasion to see a doctor. Only he, based on the results of a comprehensive examination, can make an accurate diagnosis. The most likely causes are described below.
Gonarthrosis
This term refers to a pathological process, the course of which is accompanied by the destruction of cartilage tissue. At the initial stage of the disease, there are no alarming symptoms, due to the fact that dystrophic changes occur at the molecular level. Over time, the cartilage tissue is destroyed, which leads to exposure of the bone. On the latter, in turn, osteophytes begin to form. These are growths that are the result of the protective system of the body, which is activated against the background of continuous irritation of the adjacent bone.
Gonarthrosis is a disease, the development of which occurs under the influence of the following provoking factors:
- Various kinds of injuries.
- Regular high-intensity physical activity.
- Overweight.
- Anomalies in the structure of the knee joint.
- Varicose veins.
- Infectious diseases.
- Weakness of the muscular and ligamentous apparatus, which is hereditary.
- Violation of innervation.
- Pathology of the endocrine system.
The disease has several degrees of severity. Each of them is characterized by certain clinical manifestations:
- I. A person complains of fatigue of the lower limb. There are no painful sensations, only stiffness of the joints in the morning is noted.
- II. A crunch is heard while walking. Knees hurt only after exercise. To fully bend or bend the leg becomes impossible.
- III. The pain does not recede even when a person is at rest. The joint begins to jam, the knee does not bend, edema appears in the affected area. In addition, locally increases body temperature.
Treatment of gonarthrosis involves the use of medications (NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, vasodilator and antienzyme preparations), the introduction of intraarticular injections (based on hyaluronic acid and hydrocortisone) and physiotherapy.
To increase efficiency, it is recommended to do warming compresses yourself. For this purpose, the tool "Dimexide". With its help, blood circulation improves in the affected area.
How to dilute "Dimexide" for compress on the knee? The product must always be mixed with water. The concentration of the active substance should be average, that is, about 30-40%. The resulting solution must be moistened with a napkin or cloth, put it on the knee, cover with plastic wrap on top, and wrap with a warm cloth. Leave on for 20-30 minutes.
Bursitis
This is a pathological process affecting the synovial bag. The latter also has the name bursa. There are three around each knee joint.
The development of the inflammatory process is triggered by the following triggering factors:
- Infectious diseases.
- Autoimmune pathologies.
- Injuries.
- High-intensity physical activity.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Severe intoxication.
- Hormonal imbalance.
In addition, bursitis often develops against the background of gonarthrosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The main symptoms of the disease:
- Swelling of the affected area.
- On palpation, pain arises in the joint.
- The knee is not bent to the end.
- General malaise.
If the course of the disease is accompanied by the formation of purulent contents in the bursa, the intensity of the symptoms increases. In this case, body temperature can rise to critical levels.
The treatment regimen depends on the cause of the pathology. If the disease arose against a background of an infectious disease, antibiotics and NSAIDs are indicated. In addition, purulent contents are aspirated if necessary. In other cases, NSAIDs, intra-articular injections and physiotherapy are indicated.
Injuries
Bruises, sprains, dislocations - this is only an incomplete list of what causes the knee to not bend subsequently. After an injury, uncomfortable sensations persist for up to one month. In this case, you still need to visit a doctor to exclude serious consequences.
Injuries are prone to both ordinary people and professional athletes. It is important to take any injury seriously. This is due to the fact that untreated injuries are the cause of the development of many diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This term refers to the development of pathological changes in the joint. In this case, the patient initially feels uncomfortable sensations in the fingers and toes. After that, the shoulder and knee joints are involved in the pathological process.
The main causes of the disease:
- Infectious diseases.
- Weakening of the body's defenses.
- Injuries.
- Allergic reactions.
- Disorders of metabolic processes.
- Reactive arthritis.
This is a disease that is inflammatory in nature. The main symptom of the disease is pain, the severity of which increases after exercise. In addition, the affected knee does not bend to the end. As a rule, physical activity is most limited in the morning.
In addition, the patient notes increased fatigue, his body temperature rises and the lymph nodes increase. The skin in the affected joint is hot to the touch, and pronounced edema can also be noticed.
The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis involves the use of orthopedic products, the use of medications, physical therapy, a massage course, and physiotherapeutic procedures. If necessary, the doctor can additionally send a consultation to a psychologist. With the ineffectiveness of conservative methods, the question of the appropriateness of surgical intervention is resolved.
Arthrosis
This is a degenerative-dystrophic disease, which is based on damage to cartilage. Arthrosis can be primary and secondary. Moreover, the mechanisms of disease development are different. In the first case, pathology occurs for unknown reasons. At the same time, there are so many provoking factors that doctors do not set out to connect the development of the disease with them.
Secondary arthrosis is a consequence of the following pathologies and conditions:
- Various kinds of injuries.
- Regular static loads.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Diabetes.
- Anomalies in the structure of the lower extremities.
- Hemochromatosis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
The main symptoms of the disease are painful sensations and stiffness in movements. In this case, the knee does not bend mainly in the morning. Over time, the joint is severely deformed, which makes motor activity painful.
The treatment of arthrosis is long. It involves taking medication. If necessary, surgery is performed. During the operation, the knee joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis. With the latter, the patient has every chance to return the quality of life to the previous level.
Chondromalacia of the knee
This term refers to a disease in the process of development of which pathological changes occur. Initially, the cartilage tissue softens. Over time, destruction of the joint occurs.
The main causes of the disease:
- Improper exercise.
- Anomalies in the structure of the lower extremities.
- Incorrectly selected shoes (relevant for joggers).
- Frequent injury.
If your knees are constantly sore, this is the first alarm sign. At the same time, discomfort is also disturbing after a long sitting in a position with bent legs. During motor activity, crunch and clicks are also heard. In addition, when walking, the leg does not bend at the knee.
The doctor must be consulted when the first signs of the disease appear. Otherwise, the pathology will turn into a neglected form that is extremely difficult to treat.
Conservative methods of therapy: the exclusion of high-intensity physical activity (it is allowed to engage only in swimming or cycling), the use of orthopedic fixatives, exercise therapy, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. With the ineffectiveness of such treatment, surgical intervention is indicated.
First aid
When the knees are swollen and do not bend, this indicates a progressive pathological process. In most cases, a person by this time already knows his diagnosis. But if the pain arose suddenly and the knee does not bend, what should I do?
The algorithm for first aid to yourself or the victim:
- It is necessary to take a lying position. The lower limb should be in a state of complete rest. It is recommended to put a roller under the foot.
- Call an ambulance crew.
- Apply a cold compress to the knee. The duration of the procedure should not exceed 20 minutes. If after 30-40 minutes the doctors have not yet arrived and will not provide medical assistance, the compress may be applied again.
If at the initial stage attempts to straighten the knee give the patient unbearable pain, the limb should be left in this position. But it is necessary to provide foot support.
Exercises to develop a knee that does not bend
Physiotherapy exercises is a mandatory item in the treatment regimen for any disease of the musculoskeletal system. Immediately before performing the exercises, it is recommended to make a warm compress on the knee. For this purpose, the aforementioned Dimexide is suitable. In this case, the concentration of the agent can be reduced to 20%. The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes. Thanks to preparation for the knee joint, blood flow will increase and it will more easily absorb the load.
A set of exercises for people who, for various reasons, do not bend the knee:
- Take a sitting position. Slowly reach first to the affected joint, then to the toes.
- Take a supine position. Place a roller or pillow under your thigh. The affected limb should eventually sag. Then it is necessary to make springy downward movements with the foot.
- Take a sitting position on the edge of a bench or chair. Throw a diseased leg to a healthy one. Grab the affected limb with your hand and try to slowly pull it back. Each time, efforts can be increased.
- Take a standing position. Slowly perform half squats. If the knee does not bend at all or it causes severe pain, the exercises must be completed.
- Sit on a flat surface, such as the floor. Legs should be stretched forward. Without moving your limb, strain your knees.
- Take a sitting position on a chair, bench or bed. Place a soft cushion or pillow under your knees. This must be done so that the limbs hang down. Then it is necessary to straighten the affected leg. After that, you need to let her fall under the force of her own gravity.
Exercises must be done at a slow pace. If unbearable pain occurs, the lesson must be completed. After this, it is recommended to apply a cold compress to the sore knee.
Folk methods
It is important to understand that the use of non-traditional methods does not eliminate the need to seek qualified medical help. Doctors do not forbid patients to turn to traditional medicine, but they need to consult a specialist in advance and get his permission. This is due to the fact that some natural remedies can reduce the effectiveness of medicines.
The most effective recipes with which the mobility of the knee joint is restored and painful sensations are stopped:
- Dissolve 2 tbsp. l soda in 100 ml of water. Soak a gauze or cotton cloth in the resulting liquid. Apply to the affected knee for 15 minutes. After the specified time, wash the limb with warm water.
- Pour 1 tbsp. l dill seeds 200 ml of boiling water. Put the container on the fire and cook for 10 minutes. The resulting product must be consumed three times a day in hot form. The duration of treatment is 7 days.
- Combine 1 chicken yolk, 1 tbsp. l turpentine and 1 tbsp. l apple cider vinegar. Mix all components thoroughly. The resulting product must be rubbed into the affected knee. After massaging, it is recommended to lay a plastic film on top and wrap it with a scarf.
These recipes of traditional medicine can be used by athletes to prevent the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system against the background of high-intensity loads.
Finally
If a person does not bend and the knee hurts, this indicates the development of a pathological process in him. A similar condition occurs after injuries and various diseases. To make an accurate diagnosis, you must consult a doctor. The specialist will draw up a therapy regimen based on the results of a comprehensive examination. As a rule, it includes taking medication, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises and massage. With the ineffectiveness of conservative methods, surgical intervention is indicated. It is unacceptable to engage in self-medication, any delay can lead to the development of serious complications, up to disability.