Inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint is a fairly common disease, resulting from sudden movements, a long, uniform work of the muscles, as well as sprains, injuries, bruises, dislocations, and strokes.
Ligament inflammation in athletes
Most often, this disease is found in sports, namely in species associated with regular bouncing, landing, acceleration and braking. The most traumatic for the joints are considered sudden movements in unusual directions or with a large amplitude, which is inherent in soccer players, jumpers, skiers, boxers, volleyball players.
Inflammation of the ligament in sports is called a “jumper injury”, since it is during the jumping process that the knees are injured the most. The hardness of the coatings on which athletes conduct their training enhances the negative effect.
At risk: older people
Inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint can also be observed in older people and be part of a natural process - aging. Over many years, the body wears out significantly, resistance to diseases decreases, degenerative changes in the joints accumulate, consisting in their flowing, limitation of mobility, the occurrence of pain, the occurrence of clicks and crunch when moving. A more active manifestation of diseases that cause a violation of the functionality of the muscle ligaments:
- systemic lupus erythematosus ;
- diabetes;
- chronic renal failure;
- rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of ligament inflammation
In the knee joint there are 4 main ligaments (2 internal and 2 external), which take part in the mechanism of elongation of the knee, its lateral and rotational stability, extension and flexion. Inflammation can occur both in these dense formations of connective tissue and in the ligament of the patella, located from the patella to the leg bone.
The following symptoms can be used to determine inflammation of the knee ligament:
- Swelling in the area of inflammation. This condition is observed for several days, often accompanied by fever in the affected area. There are hemorrhages in the soft tissues that look like bruises and bruises.
- Pain in the knee. At an early stage, they manifest during physical exertion, with the development of the inflammatory process, dull pain is constantly present.
- Stiffness and tension of the knee.
- Difficulties in the process of complete extension of the joint.
Often, inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint, the symptoms of which directly indicate a health hazard, is not taken seriously by a person. To relieve pain, ointments of the appropriate purpose are used, various folk methods are used. The result of taking such measures, perhaps, will show the result, but at the same time, the positive effect will have a short-term character. Therefore, if you detect the above symptoms, as well as with injuries and bruises that can lead to inflammation of the ligament, you should immediately contact a doctor who is able to correctly diagnose the disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis consists of several stages, the first of which is a physical examination. This process does not cause much difficulty due to the surface location of the knee ligaments. The doctor carefully probes the area of attachment of the ligament to the patella, presses on it to determine the location of the focus of the inflammatory process, asks to bend the knee joint with resistance. In most cases, this action is accompanied by pain.
An x-ray performed in a direct and lateral projection helps to clarify the diagnosis. If certain pathologies are detected (ossification within the ligament or fatigue fractures - microcracks in the bone resulting from osteoporosis and repeated overloads), an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) is performed, which allows a detailed examination of soft tissues: tendons, menisci, muscles, ligaments.
Due to the close placement of the ligament of the patella, there is the possibility of an ultrasound scan that allows you to identify degenerative changes in the connective tissue, its thickening and tears. At the recovery stage, ultrasound detects an increase in blood circulation.
Conservative Therapy Methods
Treatment of ligaments has an integrated approach and consists in carrying out activities such as:
- taking anti-inflammatory drugs (Ortofen, Indomethacin);
- application of compresses with ice;
- changing the training regimen (for athletes);
- physical exercises aimed at stretching and strengthening the quadriceps femoris ;
- taping - unloading the patellar ligament with a wide band-aid or a special dressing.
The therapy will have a positive result when creating complete rest for a sick part of the body by fixing it (splint, bandage, tight dressing) and eliminating any stress on the area of inflammation. The optimal regimen for quality treatment is complete rest.
If conservative methods are ineffective, ligament inflammation is treated surgically. An arthroscope is inserted through a puncture or incision, with the help of which the necessary manipulations are carried out: removal of altered tissues, application of incisions to the ligaments.
Gymnastics as an effective way to cure ligaments
Inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint, the treatment of which is effective only with an integrated approach, can be removed by physical exercises:
- extension of the knee and swing leg with resistance;
- exercise on the development of elasticity and flexibility of muscles by sipping them;
- squeezing the ball between the knees;
- step;
- raising a straight leg while lying on your back and on your side.
The duration of classes can be from several weeks to several months. As soon as the pain disappears during the gymnastics, one more exercise should be added: squats on an inclined surface.
Traditional medicine: recipes
Inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint, the treatment of which lasts from 2 to 6 weeks, can be removed using traditional medicine methods. A consultation with a doctor is required, because many alternative methods are only an additional component of complex therapy.
The most effective method of treatment at home is ice massage, for the application of which several plastic cups should be filled with water and placed in a freezer. Massage the sore spot three times a day with the top of the ice for 15-20 minutes.
Turmeric, consumed daily by half a gram, will have a beneficial effect on diseased ligaments and the body as a whole. Curcumin, which is part of it, is characterized by analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Home gypsum and salt compress
For several days, “home gypsum” made from beaten chicken protein and a tablespoon of vodka or alcohol will remove the pain and swelling. The mixture must be thoroughly mixed, add a tablespoon of flour. Apply the finished product to an elastic bandage, which is applied to the inflamed area, loosely bandage the sore spot and allow it to freeze. The dressing should be changed every day until recovery.
Inflammation of the ligaments of the knee joint, symptoms whose treatment is of great concern to patients, can be removed by applying salt dressings. Dissolve a spoonful of salt in a glass of warm water.
In the resulting composition, moisten and slightly squeeze the napkin, wrap it in a plastic bag, place it in the freezer for several minutes. Put on a sore spot, fix with a bandage and keep until completely dry.
Inflammation of the ligaments of the knee joint, the causes of which can be determined by various diagnostic methods, is a rather dangerous phenomenon. The mechanical strength of the connective tissue is reduced, and this can lead to its partial or complete rupture. Therefore, it is very important to take the treatment of such a disease seriously and not bring it to an operable state. With a competent approach to therapy, in most cases, inflammation of the ligaments is treatable.