Deformed arthrosis of the knee joint is a disease caused by degenerative-degenerative changes in the tissues. Most often, this disease affects older people. Children and adolescents rarely suffer from it, and usually as a result of injury.
Causes
The causes of this disease are still unknown to medicine, but it is generally accepted that deformed arthrosis of the knee often affects people:
- with a hereditary predisposition to the disease;
- having injured or damaged a joint;
- leading an unhealthy lifestyle;
- often experiencing physical activity.
It should be noted that women entering the menopause phase are more prone to this disease than men.
Symptoms of deforming arthrosis of the knee
The main problem in the diagnosis of deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is its gradual development. It is very important to recognize the ailment in time and begin its treatment, otherwise it can become a serious problem for a person, up to the limit of walking function. Minor pain appears when bending the knee, climbing stairs and physical exertion. The joint begins to swell, crackle and creak when moving. As arthrosis develops, pain intensifies. This disease is diagnosed by a doctor, he also prescribes treatment, which will largely depend on the degree of deforming arthrosis.
Degrees of disease
The first degree of gonarthrosis is characterized by an almost asymptomatic course. Only in an x-ray can a small osteophyte (bone growth) be detected . However, even a specialist can not always correctly diagnose the disease at this stage.
The second degree of the disease is more pronounced: a more pronounced osteophyte on the x-ray and joint pain. Sometimes inflammation occurs in the joint area.
The third degree of the disease is characterized by a pronounced osteophyte, some narrowing of the joint space, clearly visible on x-rays, and the presence of synovial fluid in the joint. Deformed arthrosis of the knee joint of the third stage is diagnosed without much difficulty, however, at the same time, its treatment should be started immediately.
The fourth degree of gonarthrosis is characterized by even greater pain, the joint space is markedly narrowed, often the patient may have sclerosis of the subchondral bone.
Deforming arthrosis of the joints: treatment
The treatment regimen for gonarthrosis includes a number of measures aimed at reducing pain, improving blood circulation, removing edema, strengthening the muscular skeleton and improving joint mobility. For this, the patient is prescribed complex therapy, consisting of drug treatment, physiotherapy and exercise therapy. Typically, patients with a diagnosis of "deformed arthrosis of the knee joint" are prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs like the drugs Indomethacin and Diclofenac. They help relieve pain and swelling of the affected area. Also, various ointments and creams are used for such purposes, which, however, are unlikely to help patients with the 3-4th stage of the disease. As for exercise therapy, daily exercises for the joint are assigned to the patient individually.