Knee arthropathy is a degenerative dystrophic pathology that results in deformation and destruction of articular cartilage. Gradually, the limbs lose mobility. According to statistics, almost one-third of the people on the planet suffer from joint disease, and this number is not decreasing. At risk are older adults, especially those who are overweight. After 65 years, 70-85% of knee pain treatment cases are diagnosed as arthropathy.
Rheumatologists help maintain the quality of life of people with joint disease.
Causes of Arthropathy
- Joint destruction due to natural wear and tear (aging of the body).
- Hormonal disorders (menopause, endocrine disorders).
- Congenital defects of the musculoskeletal system.
- Knee injury, surgery.
- professional sports.
- Monotonous physical work increases the stress on the knee joint.
- overweight.
- Genetic susceptibility.
- Autoimmune disease.
symptoms of disease
Degenerative joint disease of the knee (knee joint disease) develops slowly and in a chronic form. In the early stages, the disease does not cause pain: a person only experiences discomfort and stiffness in the lower extremities. Gradually, exercise restriction increases. Without proper treatment, the knee can deform significantly. Motor function is so disrupted that a person has difficulty walking, sitting, and getting up. Deformation of the joints can progress to disability in the patient. To save the joint, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the first signs of pathology.
Depending on the severity, knee arthropathy is divided into three degrees:
- 1 degree. The clinical manifestations of the disease are mild. Most patients ignore symptoms and continue to live normal lives. People with degree 1 arthropathy may experience knee discomfort after prolonged standing, strenuous walking, and physical exertion. X-ray images show narrowing of the joint space, and osteophytes can be seen growing inside the joint. If arthropathy is discovered unexpectedly in the first stage, for example during a physical examination, its development may be significantly slowed or even stopped.
- 2 degrees. The pain of knee osteoarthritis becomes severe and difficult to ignore. Especially in the early morning or evening, the legs can be strongly disturbed. During the rest day, the pain persisted. The degenerative process of the joints is reflected in the gait: a person begins to limp. During the movement, the knees can be heard crunching. Second-degree arthropathy can be complicated by "joint rat" -- a condition in which bone particles or broken cartilage enter the synovial cavity. A foreign body can cause severe pain that interferes with the movement of the limb. Upon examination, the knee joint was deformed. Inflammation and swelling may occur. X-rays show narrowing of the joint space and osteophytes, thickening of the bone.
- 3 degrees. A serious form of the disease that develops without treatment. Third degree arthropathy is a cause of permanent disability. The pain in the knee was very intense, the movement was limited, I couldn't walk independently, and every step was painful. The legs deformed and began to make a strong crackling sound. On the X-ray, doctors determine the degeneration of cartilage tissue, the destruction of ligaments, the meniscus, and the growth of connective tissue.
Diagnosis of joint disease
To examine the patient, physical, laboratory, instrumental diagnostic methods are used:
- Blood analysis is general, biochemical, immunological.
- Synovial fluid analysis.
- radiography.
- Ultrasound of the knee joint.
- If instructed, have CT or MRI.
Exam planning is always individual and depends on the patient's condition.
Treatment of knee joint disease
Treatment includes a range of procedures, medications, and advice on lifestyle changes. It's important not to try to treat arthritis on your own. Often, patients in the early stages of the disease use anesthetic creams and see a doctor when the joint has already been destroyed. The sooner treatment is started, the better the results.
medical treatement
Doctors prescribe drugs to relieve inflammation, swelling, reduce pain, activate metabolic processes, and regenerate tissue. Medications are individually selected.
Available funds are as follows:
- NSAIDs(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in the form of tablets, ointments, injections. Means great pain relief, swelling and improved patient well-being.
- GlucocorticoidsIn the form of direct injection into the knee joint. In severe cases, injections are required when the limb is actually immobilized.
- pain block. Helps cope with symptoms and ease the course of the disease.
- chondroprotective agent. These medications help restore cartilage tissue and slow joint damage.
Conservative treatment
shock wave therapy
The method is non-invasive and helps to remove salt deposits and improve connective tissue nutrition. Physiotherapy improves blood circulation and favorably affects the elasticity of ligaments. Shockwave therapy is performed in 4-10 sessions.
Plasma Lift (PRP Therapy)
The patient's own platelet-rich plasma is injected into the joint. The plasma lift process accelerates tissue regeneration.
Acoustophoresis
The method combines the effects of ultrasound and therapeutic ointments. Often, physical therapy has complex ingredients and is prepared by prescription in pharmacies. Ultrasound increases the penetration of active substances.
massage
The procedure is contraindicated in the stage of exacerbation of arthropathy. When the inflammation subsides and the pain syndrome subsides, you can begin a massage session. Lymphatic drainage techniques help prevent synovial fluid buildup. Massage can also improve blood circulation in the knee and relieve muscle spasms. This procedure is most effective after specific exercises for the knee joint.
bathe
You can do the classes at home as prescribed by your doctor or as part of your spa treatment. For joint diseases, radon, turpentine, hydrogen sulfide baths are required. These procedures are not only beneficial for the knee joint, but also for the hip and ankle joints.
Leech Therapy
Place medicinal leeches around deformed joints. The saliva of these creatures contains active substances that aid in cartilage repair. Leech therapy is commonly used in 1st and 2nd degree arthropathy to relieve swelling and reduce pain.
physiotherapy
Gymnastics for knee arthropathy is an essential part of complex treatment. Special exercises help maintain muscle tone in the affected limb and prevent congestion. Gymnastics starts in the morning without getting up. Then, during the day, do 3-4 sets of the exercise for a few minutes. Swimming is useful to supplement therapeutic exercises for knee arthropathy.
Operation
Surgical intervention for joints of degree 2 and 3:
- prick. With the help of a syringe, the accumulated fluid is pumped out of the joint cavity. Lowers internal pressure, reduces swelling, inflammation, and improves mobility. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis by appointment with a surgeon.
- Arthroscopy. This method is used for the rehabilitation of the knee joint. Arthroscopy is performed through a small puncture, so the procedure is well tolerated and the recovery time is short.
- Corrective Osteotomy. The classic technique for the treatment of deforming joint disease consists of correcting the deformed anatomical axis of the lower extremity, followed by immobilization of the wedge resection site with a titanium plate. After the osteotomy, the patient needs several months of rehabilitation.
- endoprosthesis. The prosthetic joint is installed with extreme deformation of the knee joint and allows the knee joint to return to its previous range of motion without pain. After total joint replacement, patients require a longer period of rehabilitation (about 2-3 months).
Arthroscopy
Minimally invasive treatment methods. The camera and microsurgical instruments are introduced into the joint cavity. Doctors conduct a thorough examination of the joint, extracting osteophyte particles, damaged cartilage, and scar tissue. Arthroscopy can help temporarily relieve pain and restore range of motion.