Patellofemoral arthrosis of the knee joint is a specific medical term that is widely used to diagnose pathologies associated with abnormal development of cartilage in the joint.
Causes of the disease
Patellofemoral arthrosis occurs for a variety of reasons, in particular, such as:
- joint deformation;
- pathology of the development and functioning of the knee joint;
- increased load on the knee;
- old age.
This disease can occur in the presence of any of the causes or a whole range of pathologies and disorders.
Features of the course of the disease and symptoms
Arthrosis of the patellofemoral joint of the knee joint occurs mainly due to excessive loads on a specific area of the body. Over time, pathology can turn into arthrosis. The syndrome is characterized by the following symptoms:
- a feeling of stiffness in movements;
- pain and crunch in the patella;
- discomfort and pain when trying to bend the knee.
Symptoms of the disease largely depend on its severity. At the first degree, no structural changes in the patella region are observed, and pathology can be recognized by the presence of pulling discomfort in the knee. In this case, the patient is shown complete rest, possibly with local application of cold. Subsequently, overloading of the knee joint should be avoided.
The second degree is characterized by the fact that a change in the structure and damage to the cartilage tissue begins. Clinically, this manifests itself in the form of intense pain, aggravated by movements of the knee, which can limit the patient's motor activity. In this case, examination and subsequent treatment are required.
As for the 3rd degree of pathology, when conducting an X-ray, one can see the deformation of the patellofemoral joint, which becomes an indication for the operation.
Diagnostics
Patellofemoral arthrosis can only be diagnosed clinically. The doctor probes the external and internal sides of the knee joint. Additional laboratory tests and clinical examinations are not required to establish a diagnosis. Initially, the doctor determines the painful points by moving the patella to the sides. In this case, the patient should take a comfortable position lying on his back, completely relaxing his legs.
Often, bilateral patellofemoral arthrosis can occur, which is why the diagnosis should be comprehensive. In some cases, X-ray and ultrasound diagnostics are performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptomatic treatment
With significant loads and the presence of cartilage pathologies, patellofemoral arthrosis of the knee joint may occur. In this case, treatment is aimed at eliminating the existing painful sensations and restoring damaged cartilage and joints. With minor pain, symptomatic therapy is often enough, which implies:
- decreased motor activity;
- carrying out cryoprocedures;
- the introduction of drugs into the articular tissue (injection).
If you have pain, you need to reduce the load exerted on your knees. If you need to perform movements, you need to use fixing bandages, knee pads, elastic bandages.
Minor pain helps to eliminate cryotherapy. To do this, prepare ice cubes, put them in a cotton cloth, folded in several layers, and apply to a sore spot. Such compresses will help eliminate pain after exerting a load on the knee joint and relieve stress.
Knowing how to treat patellofemoral arthrosis, you can get rid of the syndrome at the initial stage and prevent its further development, as well as complications.
Physiotherapy sessions
When conducting complex therapy, it is necessary to include physiotherapy procedures in the treatment program. Often used laser therapy, which implies the use of a focused beam of light. This method helps well with the course of stage 2 and 3 of the syndrome.
Patellofemoral arthrosis is also treated by applying magnetic resonance therapy, ultrasound radiation, heat therapy, cryotherapy, electrophoresis. The best effect is cryotherapy, which involves the use of liquid nitrogen.
Drug therapy
If patellofemoral arthrosis is diagnosed, treatment implies the use of medications, in particular, such as:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors;
- compresses, grindings.
Anti-inflammatory drugs help eliminate strong pain. Often, such drugs as Diclofenac, Ketoprofen, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen are used.
Chondroprotectors are used to repair damaged cartilage in the knee joint. They are available in tablet form, as well as in the form of ointments and creams. Among the tablets, the drugs Structum, Don, Teraflex, and Chondroitin should be distinguished. Among the ointments and creams, Voltaren, Viprosal, Diklak Gel have worked well, as they improve elasticity and help strengthen muscle fibers. Finalgel and Nikoflex help improve microcirculation.
To eliminate pain and inflammation, various grouts are additionally prescribed. Among such funds, Dimexide, used in the form of compresses, should be distinguished. The duration of the procedure is from half an hour to an hour. To eliminate the signs of arthrosis, you need to undergo a full course of treatment, consisting of 20 procedures.
"Bischofite" promotes resorption of arthrosis. To obtain the desired effect, you need to apply a compress in the knee area and wrap it with a dense wool fabric. For therapy, compresses with medications are widely used. They help eliminate pain and inflammation. It is worth remembering that the medication should be selected only by the attending doctor, indicating the exact dosage and duration of the course of therapy.
Patellofemoral arthrosis of the first and second stages is also well treated by the use of intraarticular injections. Anesthetics, glucocorticosteroids, chondroprotectors are used as medicines.
Folk techniques and wearing orthopedic shoes
Arthrosis of the patellofemoral joint is also treated with the help of folk methods that help get rid of discomfort and achieve a significant improvement in well-being. The woodworm helps to normalize the metabolism, which is why it must be consumed in food, adding to the first dishes or salads. It is also used as a tincture for rubbing the knees. To prepare the product you need 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs, pour vodka and insist in a dry, dark place.
Burdock is also widely used. You can apply fresh burdock leaves to the sore spot, or you can knead them a little, dip them in alcohol and apply to the affected area, and then wrap the knee with a film and a warm cloth. Leave burdock leaves all night.
At the initial stage of the onset of pathology, it is necessary to try to minimize the motor load as much as possible, and the use of special means for fixing the knee joint is also shown. For this, elastic knee pads are used.
Surgical intervention
If conservative therapy has not brought the desired result, then patellofemoral arthrosis of the knee joint is treated by surgical intervention.
In particular, arthroscopy is performed. The operation involves the execution of a small incision through which an arthroscope is inserted into the cavity of the affected joint. The device is equipped with a camera, which makes it possible to carefully remove damaged cartilage and replace them with artificial tissue if necessary.
A literal incision implies the following: a dissection of the ligament of the patella is performed in order to return it to its original position. After the operation, it is necessary to undergo a rehabilitation course, which implies the restoration of physical activity, adherence to a special diet, as well as the implementation of special exercises. During rehabilitation, decoctions of herbs, warming baths and compresses are widely used.
The main methods of prevention
To prevent the occurrence of arthrosis in the knee joint, prophylaxis is necessary. To do this, you must:
- take a bath with sea salt;
- regularly do rubbing with alcohol tinctures;
- take decoctions of medicinal herbs;
- eat properly;
- devote enough time to sleep and rest;
- limit the intake of salted, sweet and smoked foods.
In addition, for preventive and therapeutic purposes, you need to perform special exercises to strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the knee joint. If you experience the first pain, you should definitely consult a doctor, as timely treatment will help to quickly get rid of the pathology.