One of the most common ailments of modern man is a disease such as gonarthrosis. It is characterized by serious painful symptoms, the elimination of which must be approached with maximum seriousness and responsibility. In addition, doctors note that when a special diet is observed for arthrosis of the knee joints, recovery is several times faster.
What is arthrosis?
By this disease is meant the increasing death of the joints. It originates from the thinning of the layer of cartilage, which covers the head of the bones and ensures their glide and mobility. As a rule, the cartilage of the joint normally has strength, firmness and elasticity, but if arthrosis of the joints develops, then these properties are gradually suppressed. As a result, friction of the bones against each other occurs, which causes their difficult movement in the joint and severe pain. Ultimately, in the absence of adequate treatment, joint deformation can occur.
Symptoms
One of the main symptoms of this disease is considered to be severe pain, manifested in the absence of even the slightest sign of an inflammatory process. But, as practice shows, inflammation and swelling are also sometimes present, but this already plays a secondary role.
Important! A distinctive feature by which it is possible to distinguish arthrosis of joints from arthritis is an increase in joint pain during movement. In addition, secondary signs include:
- crunching and creaking during flexion and extension of the joints;
- their limited and difficult mobility;
- joint size change.
Remember that the last stage of the disease is characterized by complete immobilization of the joint, followed by its replacement with a prosthesis.
Degrees
To date, several degrees of this disease are distinguished:
- Osteoarthritis of the 1st degree - the initial stage of the disease.
- 2 degree.
- 3 degree.
- 4 degree.
The initial stage of the disease is characterized by limited mobility, but, as a rule, this is manifested quite insignificantly and in only one direction. Diagnosing it using x-rays is quite problematic, since there are no growths per se. The diagnosis of arthrosis of the 1st degree is made only when irregularities appear on the surface of the joint and areas of ossification form. In addition, the appearance of not very narrowed joint cracks is considered another determining factor in the development of this disease.
Attention! The first degree is characterized by the absence of edema, fever and changes in the skin.
As a rule, 90% of visits to a doctor occur after this disease passes into its second stage, where its symptoms are more pronounced. So, knee arthrosis of the 2nd degree is characterized by:
- fatigue;
- sensation of pressure in the joint;
- an increase in pain after exercise.
In addition, at this stage there are already small changes in the joints, which with the course of the disease will only worsen.
Grade 3 passes already with constant pain, which are present even at rest. In addition, changes in weather conditions can have a special effect on the intensity of pain.
Stage 4 can be described very simply - complete or partial destruction of the cartilage, which is treated only by surgical intervention.
The main enemy is overweight
As practice shows, one of the main enemies of the joints is overweight. That is why the diet for arthrosis of the knee joints is designed not only to provide the human body with the necessary useful substances, but also to help it in the fight against overweight. But remember that before starting this therapeutic diet, you should first consult with your doctor. This is especially true for people whose diagnosis revealed concomitant diseases or whose age is more than 50 years.
Arthrosis: diet, treatment
Conservative treatment for this disease is:
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are designed to reduce pain. But it is worth noting that in most cases these drugs do not treat, but only mask pain symptoms.
- The appointment of ointments, creams for local use. Their positive properties include improved blood circulation and the absence of side effects.
- The use of medicines for applying compresses. As a rule, their use can reduce swelling and the inflammatory process. In addition, their distinguishing feature is that these substances have an excellent absorbable effect.
- The use of corticosteroid hormones that are injected into the joints. But it is worth considering that they can significantly worsen the general condition of patients who have identified concomitant diseases.
As mentioned above, for the maximum effectiveness of conservative treatment, a properly prescribed diet for knee arthrosis is necessary, which consists in a categorical rejection of alcohol, white bread, sweets and foods containing fast carbohydrates. But let's get it in order.
What do doctors recommend?
The diet recommended by doctors for patients with arthrosis should include: not very oily fish, meat products, vegetables and rye bread. It would be nice to add jellied meat or jellies made on bone broth to your diet, since collagen, which is vital for the cartilage and bones of our body, is in such food. In addition, special attention should be paid to the intake of vitamins and minerals, which play a decisive role in organizing the proper metabolism in the body. Such products include: lentils, bananas, cabbage, potatoes, peas, chicken, beans.
Also, a diet for arthrosis of the knee joints cannot do without dairy products containing vitamin B 2 and calcium, which are used by our body to strengthen bone tissue. In addition, the restoration and construction of new cartilage tissue can not do without proteins - dairy, vegetable and animals (lentils, buckwheat, fish). Also, for better absorption of proteins, it is recommended to add several stewed and boiled dishes to your diet.
What should I refuse?
In order to get rid of the pain symptoms inherent in this disease as soon as possible, you must completely abandon:
- Pork, beef, lamb.
- Fresh peppers, tomatoes, spices.
- Sour fruits, juices.
- Flakes, dried fruits.
- Whole milk.
- Junk food.
Diet for arthrosis of the knee: basic recommendations
There is no doubt that following a diet will not completely cure this disease, but, as practice shows, it can significantly reduce weight and improve the general condition of joints. That is why the use of these simple recommendations will help not only significantly reduce the feeling of hunger, but also provide the body with good nutrition. So:
- It is best to eat from a small plate. So the portion will visually seem larger.
- Do not overeat.
- Do not create large breaks between meals.
- Chew thoroughly.
- Do not eat after 18.00.
- Include walking in your daily routine, which is advisable to start immediately after eating.
- Constantly control your weight.
Physiotherapy
There is a hypothesis that therapeutic exercises for knee arthrosis will not bring any effect. But, as recent studies show, this is not entirely true. Since strong muscles are needed for the healthy functioning of the body, simple gymnastic exercises are very useful. Recommended exercises, including not very complex, slow body movements, as damaged areas of the joints may not withstand excessively sharp movements or high physical exertion. These exercises include:
- Pulling the knees to the abdomen in the supine position.
- Bending the legs at the knee and lifting the pelvic area.
- Performing by legs the movements imitating riding a bicycle, being in a supine position.
- Alternately leading straight legs to the sides and returning them to the starting point.
In addition, manual therapy has established itself quite well. But, as practice shows, special success can be achieved when it is combined with traction and the appointment of chondroprotectors. It is also recommended to use a cane during conservative treatment, which almost half reduces the load on the damaged joint.