Osteoarthritis of the knee joint ✔️: symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment

Salt deposition is what people often call arthrosis of the knee joint, or gonarthrosis. In fact, the cause of knee pain is not calcium salts at all, but changes in the structure of the cartilage. One way or another, you shouldn’t put it off until later, otherwise a slight stiffness in movements will develop into severe pain and complete immobility.

The knee joint is subjected to enormous physical stress in everyday life.

general information

The knee joint regularly experiences enormous stress. Walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs and simply standing - all this has an impact on the condition of cartilage. The processes of destruction and restoration are in constant balance, but if, under the influence of certain reasons, this balance is disturbed, the gradual development of arthrosis begins.

Initially, microcracks appear in the thickness of the cartilage, which help reduce its thickness in some areas. As a result, the load is redistributed on the contacting surfaces of the bones, which accelerates the pathological process. Gradually, a whole complex of changes occurs in the knee:

thinning of cartilage until complete disappearance;
changes in the composition and reduction in the amount of synovial fluid;
damage to bones due to friction against each other;
the appearance of bone protrusions (osteophytes) first along the edges of the joint, and then throughout its entire area;
compaction of the joint capsule as a result of a chronic inflammatory process, which leads to joint stiffness;
compensatory spasm of surrounding muscles.

Ultimately, the knee becomes significantly deformed and mobility is limited, leading to disability.

Depending on the location of the process, arthrosis of the knee joint can be unilateral and affect the right or left knee, or bilateral. In this case, both legs are affected.

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Drug therapy

The use of drugs remains one of the main methods of treatment. At the moment, there are no medications that are guaranteed to restore cartilage or at least prevent its further destruction. However, a number of medications can achieve good results by enhancing regenerative processes, reducing inflammation, and protecting cartilage from strong mechanical influences.

The drugs can be used in the following ways:

applied internally;
administered intramuscularly or intravenously;
applied to the skin above the knee joint;
are injected into the joint.

Since in most cases there is a gradual destruction of the cartilage of the knee joint, treatment is carried out in tablet forms of drugs. They are more convenient to use and do not require the constant participation of medical personnel in the treatment process.

Intra-articular injections are also often used. They are good because they allow you to get a stable, long-term result after several injections of medication. It lasts for six months or a year. The use of injections in the knee can reduce the need for medications that are administered orally. Accordingly, the medication burden and the risk of side effects are reduced.

Creams and gels are auxiliary treatments. It is purely symptomatic. Used to reduce pain and eliminate swelling. There are no topical medications that can restore knee articular cartilage or even slow down its degeneration.

Causes

Arthrosis occurs against the background of its damage due to increased load, inflammation, or against the background of congenital pathologies of the articular apparatus. The list of the most common reasons includes:

knee injuries: dislocations, damage to ligaments and menisci, severe bruises accompanied by hemorrhage into the joint cavity, intra-articular bone fractures;
increased load on the joint: professional sports, lifting weights, working in a standing position, wearing the wrong shoes, excess body weight;
connective tissue pathologies: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis;
congenital and acquired weakness of ligaments and muscles, including those associated with low physical activity;
diseases or injuries of the musculoskeletal system, accompanied by increased load on the knee (flat feet, arthrosis of the hip joint, etc.);
hormonal disorders, especially diabetes;
metabolic disorders accompanied by salt deposition (gout);
inflammation of the joint (arthritis) regardless of the cause;
knee surgery;
heredity.

What is arthrosis

Arthrosis is a disease of the joints of a degenerative-dystrophic nature with the gradual destruction of cartilage and proliferation of bone tissue. The process is accompanied by deformation, impaired joint function and pain. Recently, the term osteoarthritis (OA osteoarthritis) is more often used - a group of diseases that are based not on purely dystrophic, but on dystrophic-inflammatory processes leading to gradual destruction of the joint. More and more experts believe that the causes of arthrosis and osteoarthrosis, the mechanisms of their development are the same, that is, in fact, they are the same disease.

According to statistics, from 10 to 20% of the population suffers from arthrosis in different countries. By the age of 80, almost everyone has age-related disorders in the musculoskeletal system. At the same time, patients do not always consult a doctor on time and take a long time to treat themselves, which leads to disability. Whereas the right treatment can relieve suffering and stop the progression of the disease. Arthrosis codes according to ICD 10: M15-M19.

Degrees

Depending on the extent of tissue damage, orthopedists distinguish 4 degrees (stages) of arthrosis of the knee joint, which determine its symptoms:

grade 1: there are no symptoms, and minor abnormalities are found on x-rays;
degree 2: the patient notes episodic pain during physical activity, when walking up stairs, squats, and standing for a long time; The images reveal a narrowing of the joint space and obvious foci of degeneration; initial manifestations of osteophytes or calcification of the lateral ligaments of the joint.
degree 3: pain haunts the patient constantly, even at rest, walking without a cane is impossible; X-rays show a significant narrowing of the joint space, sometimes asymmetrical, due to damage to the menisci, signs of joint deformation, multiple, large osteophytes, bone growths;
grade 4: movements in the joint are practically impossible, X-rays reveal complete destruction of cartilage and significant deformation of the articular surfaces of the bones, a large number of osteophytes; in severe cases, the bones fuse together.

Localizations and clinical forms

Any localization and form of arthrosis has serious complications, so you should not delay treatment.
See how easily the disease can be cured in 10-12 sessions.

Arthrosis develops mainly in the most loaded joints – the knee and hip. But after an injury or against the background of arthritis, degradation-dystrophic processes can progress in any joint.

Classification of osteoarthritis

There are several classifications. The most famous are:

Classification by etiology (reasons for development):
secondary – develop against the background of injuries and diseases.
Classification by clinical forms:
oligoosteoarthrosis – the number of affected joints is no more than two;
monoosteoarthrosis – damage to one joint;
in combination with osteochondrosis or osteoarthritis of the spine.
Classification by localization:
hip;
knee;
other.

Arthrosis of the lower extremities

Due to the high load, the legs suffer first of all:

Arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis) is the most severe. The structural features of the hip joint (deep joint cavity, narrow joint space) contribute to the rapid development of degenerative disorders involving muscles and ligaments. If inflammation occurs, the effect of partial or complete immobility develops. Often develops against the background of congenital dysplasia, dislocations, subluxations of the hip, osteochondropathy (aseptic necrosis of the femoral head - Perthes disease). Symptoms of arthrosis: pain initially appears only towards the end of the day, but gradually increases, worries all day, radiates to the groin and buttock area. To reduce pain during coxarthrosis, the patient holds the leg in a forced position, which makes it seem shorter than the healthy one. The pain syndrome is very strong, so patients often agree to endoprosthetics.
Arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) - the most common. The knee withstands the highest loads and is injured, so gonarthrosis develops most often. Arthrosis of two joints is distinguished:
tibiofemoral arthrosis (femoral-tibial joint) - develops less frequently and is easier. The pain radiates down to the area of the lower leg and foot; Complete immobility with gonarthrosis rarely occurs. Prevention and timely treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint are very important - this will allow a person to live without pain. But even with an advanced disease, it is quite possible to relieve the patient from pain.
Ankle – a large load also falls on the ankle, which is why arthrosis often develops in it. He is also often injured and the degenerative process is post-traumatic in nature. It is also affected in reactive arthritis. Symptoms: the disease is asymptomatic for a long time, but then pain appears. First, during physical activity, and then constant, aching pain. Stiffness of movement after a long rest is also characteristic, which goes away within half an hour. Complete immobility of the ankle is rare and only if the underlying cause of the disease is a long-term inflammatory process.
Heel - arthrosis can develop in the area of the subtalar or talocalcaneal-navicular joints after injuries and diseases. They do not manifest themselves for a long time, then painful sensations in the heel begin to appear, gradually acquiring a constant painful character. Disability is rare.

Arthrosis of the upper extremities

Arthrosis in the joints of the hands develops less frequently. Main features of localizations in individual joints:

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint. It usually develops after injuries and against the background of microtrauma in weightlifters, as well as in people engaged in heavy physical work. Acromial (acromio-clavicular) arthrosis is a consequence of trauma and inflammatory processes. At first it goes unnoticed, but then pain appears in the upper part of the shoulder, radiating to the elbow and neck, stiffness of movements and crunching when moving. The pain can be permanent and debilitating. Sometimes accompanied by inflammation, which contributes to the progression of the disease. If left untreated, partial ankylosis develops. Read more about shoulder arthrosis here.
Elbow arthrosis - occurs rarely, mainly in miners, blacksmiths and workers of some other professions who deal with vibrating tools. Symptoms: pain in the elbow when bending and straightening the arm, stiffness after a long rest. If left untreated, there will be persistent dysfunction.
Arthrosis of the joints of the hand. Most often, the degenerative process develops in the carpometacarpal joint of the first finger, since it is usually subject to trauma during household work. It manifests itself as a periodically appearing dull soreness in the outer side of the palm, radiating to the thumb.
Arthrosis of the finger joints. Develops when performing small tasks (knitting, embroidery, sewing). In the distal (uppermost) interphalangeal joints, the pathological process manifests itself in the form of growths of bone tissue - Heberden's nodes; joint pain usually does not occur or they appear only occasionally, for example, when the weather changes. In the proximal interphalangeal joints, the disease manifests itself in the form of the same bone growths on the joints of the fingers located below - Bouchard's nodes.

Crunching in joints - when to worry

Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid

Arthrosis of the spine (vertebral)

In different parts of the spinal column, arthrosis manifests itself in the form of different symptoms:

Cervical uncovertebral arthrosis (cervical facet spondyloarthrosis) . Degenerative-dystrophic changes in small facet joints of the cervical vertebrae. Arthrosis of the joints of the cervical spine develops mainly in the second half of life in people who work for a long time in a stationary state with their heads bowed. It can also develop after injuries and against the background of chronic arthritis. It manifests itself in the form of headaches, dizziness, pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulder and crunching when moving. Decreased vision, hearing, and the appearance of high blood pressure (BP) are also possible. Since overgrown bone tissue can compress the vessels supplying the brain, the disease sometimes threatens the patient’s life. Requires long-term rehabilitation treatment.
Thoracic spondyloarthrosis (arthrosis of the joints of the thoracic spine). It is much less common than the cervical one. First, moderate and then quite severe pain in the spine appears, intensifying with coughing, sneezing and deep breathing. Sometimes the symptoms are similar to manifestations of diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. To correctly establish the diagnosis, additional examination is required. In the thoracic region there are also costovertebral joints, 2 of them on each rib (rib head and costotransverse). They can also develop degenerative-dystrophic processes, mainly in older women. The disease manifests itself as pain in the chest. If it lasts for a long time, it can cause severe complications from the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Lumbar spondyloarthrosis. It is a consequence of heavy physical labor and spinal injuries. Arthrosis of the joints of the lumbar spine manifests itself in the form of aching pain, aggravated by bending the body. Characterized by stiffness of movement after a long rest, a crunch in the back when bending over.
Sacrococcygeal spondyloarthrosis. Most often develops after injuries, for example, after a fall and injury to the tailbone. It manifests itself as pain, aggravated by sitting and prolonged walking. Requires long-term rehabilitation treatment.

Tissue changes in spondyloarthrosis

Arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

The disease develops with chronic arthritis of the TMJ, malocclusion, absence of lateral teeth, and problems with prosthetics. There is a violation of blood circulation and metabolism in the TMJ area with the development of degenerative-dystrophic processes in it. Symptoms of arthrosis of this joint: aching pain in the lower jaw, stiffness and crunching when opening the mouth and chewing. The pain increases with changes in weather, as well as with the development of synovitis. The long course of the disease leads to the appearance of asymmetry: displacement of the jaw tissue to the affected side.

Symptoms

Symptoms of knee arthrosis are typical of a degenerative lesion. A person faces the following problems:

pain at the initial stage manifests itself in the form of mild discomfort after climbing stairs, and then gradually increases; with severe damage, it becomes permanent and torments the patient even at rest;
morning stiffness: occurs already in the early stages of development, at first lasts only a few minutes, then up to half an hour;
crunching: occurs with the second and further degrees of damage, differs from physiological sound in sharpness and special tonality, and is also accompanied by pain;
limited mobility: associated with the proliferation of osteophytes and increased bone friction; bending and straightening the knee is difficult and often accompanied by pain; in the final stages, the joint may become completely blocked (ankylosis);
knee deformation: occurs due to changes in the shape of the contacting bones, bone growths and involvement of muscles and ligaments in the pathological process; when inflammation occurs, swelling of the tissues around the joint occurs;
lameness: as arthrosis progresses, a person lame more and more; in the later stages, he is forced to use a cane or walker.

Signs of disease progression

With the development of symptoms of gonarthrosis, the clinical picture becomes brighter: the knees begin to bother at rest and even at night, during movements associated with flexion or extension. Lameness appears, stiffness of movement increases, swelling of the soft tissues, inflammation of the synovial membrane occurs, effusion can accumulate in the joint cavity, externally the knee increases in volume, the contours are smoothed out.

The progression of DOA and a further increase in the degree of destruction are evidenced by the following changes:

Curvature of the limb axis in the form of O-shaped legs (usually indicates the transition of deficient arthrosis to stage 3 of the disease);
Constant nature of pain, night pain and the manifestation of pain when the weather changes (meteosensitivity);
Deterioration of motor functions, with the development of flexion contracture;
Weakness and atrophy of the thigh muscles progresses.

Read more about what to do in case of exacerbation of arthrosis here>

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of arthrosis of the knee joint is carried out by an orthopedist-traumatologist. The following help to distinguish the disease from pathologies with a similar picture, as well as determine the degree of damage:

interview and history taking: the doctor finds out the main complaints, the history of the development of the disease, learns about previous injuries, etc.;
examination: the degree of knee mobility, tissue deformation, and pain syndrome characteristics are revealed;
laboratory diagnostics: a general blood test reveals inflammation, a biochemical test reveals possible causes of problems;
X-ray methods: X-ray and CT are the main diagnostic methods, allowing to detect typical signs of arthrosis: narrowing of the joint space, osteophytes, bone deformations;
MRI: makes it possible to visualize soft tissues, assess the condition of muscles and ligaments;
Ultrasound: assessment of the condition of muscles, tendons, joint capsule;
joint puncture: allows you to take an analysis of the joint fluid, as well as insert a miniature camera to examine the cavity from the inside (arthroscopy).

If necessary, additional studies and consultations with specialists are prescribed.

Definition of disease

What does arthrosis mean - it is a chronic heterogeneous progressive disease characterized by degenerative-dystrophic damage to cartilage, pathological changes in articular tissues (bone, ligaments, capsule, menisci, synovial membrane) and manifested by pain, the development of bone spines (osteophytes) with dysfunction of the knee joint and quality of life of patients.

Several names are known: gonarthrosis (from the Greek gona - knee), deforming osteoarthritis (deficient arthrosis or DOA) - implies damage not only to cartilaginous tissue, but also deformation of the bones forming the knee joint. Osteoarthritis is a term that reflects the modern understanding of the pathogenesis and course of the disease. The pathology is characterized by a long chronic course, with periods of remission and exacerbation. The seasonality of exacerbation is spring-autumn.

Under the age of 30, osteoarthritis occurs in 3% of the population, from 30 to 40 years in 8%, from 40 to 50 years in 16%, from 50 to 60 years in 20%, over 60 years in 30%. The majority of patients are over 50 years of age. Women are more often affected in up to 60% of cases. It is worth noting the steady increase in incidence among the population. The disease represents an important socio-economic problem, as it leads to permanent loss of ability to work and disability.

Forecast of the incidence of gonarthrosis among the population for the next 20 years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)

Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint

All treatment methods for arthrosis of the knee joint can be divided into three groups:

medicinal;
physiotherapy;
surgical.

When a patient is diagnosed with stage 1-2 disease, a complex of medications and physical therapy is used, but if the lesion has become extensive, surgery remains the priority.

Drug treatment

Proper administration of medications can relieve pain, stop the inflammatory process if it exists, and also stop or at least slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. The following groups of tools are used for this:

anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, as well as their derivatives): relieve inflammation and relieve pain in the joint;
hormonal (corticosteroids): prescribed when anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective;
antispasmodics (mydocalm and analogues): help get rid of muscle spasms and alleviate the patient’s condition;
chondroprotectors (glucosamine, chondroitin and their combinations) stimulate the processes of regeneration of cartilage tissue;
drugs to improve microcirculation (nicotinic acid, cinnarizine, pentoxifylline): improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the joint.

Depending on the situation, tablet, injection and local forms of drugs are used, intra-articular administration is allowed. Only a doctor is responsible for selecting medications, their dosage and frequency of administration. If used uncontrolled, many drugs can worsen the condition of the joint and also cause unpleasant side effects.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic techniques are used to improve blood circulation in the joint area, increase mobility, and also enhance the effect of medications. The doctor may prescribe:

shock wave therapy: ultrasound of a special frequency, helps eliminate osteophytes;
magnetotherapy: exposure to a magnetic field, stimulating metabolism and regeneration processes;
laser therapy: deep heating of tissues with a laser beam;
electrotherapy (myostimulation): exposure of muscles to a weak electric current;
electro- or phonophoresis: administration of medications (chondroprotectors or analgesics) using electric current or ultrasound;
ozone therapy: introduction of a mixture of gases into the joint cavity.

Physiotherapy exercises and massage are also prescribed according to individual indications.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic treatment is used to reduce swelling and pain. It allows you to improve blood circulation in the area of the body that is in close proximity to the damaged knee cartilage. As a result, tissue trophism improves, hypoxia decreases, and regenerative processes accelerate.

The following types of physiotherapy are used:

electrophoresis;
galvanization;
phonophoresis;
electrical stimulation;
magnetic therapy;
laser therapy;
vibration massage and others.

Physiotherapy is often combined with drug treatment. Topical medications are applied to the skin. Then electrophoresis or phonophoresis is performed for better penetration into the joint cavity.

Surgery

Surgical treatment of knee arthrosis is prescribed when other methods are ineffective. Doctors perform several types of operations:

endoprosthetics: complete replacement of a damaged joint with a prosthesis;
arthrodesis: fastening bones together to eliminate mobility (reduces pain and allows a person to lean on the leg);
osteotomy: cutting one of the bones and placing it at the optimal angle to reduce the load on the joint.

Arthrodesis and osteotomy are used when it is impossible to perform endoprosthetics or it is necessary to postpone this operation for some time.

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Gonarthrosis and the army

Many young male patients wonder: are they drafted into the army with such a complex pathology? To clarify, we suggest you read the information that we have specially prepared for you. So, first of all, your military suitability will be assessed:

severity of clinical symptoms of the disease;
degree of deformation;
the presence of concomitant pathologies (systemic pathologies, congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system, flat feet, kyphosis and scoliosis of the spine, etc.).

Suitability to become a recruit is determined by a military medical commission on an individual basis based on x-rays of the joint, personal medical history and laboratory test results. It is impossible to say unequivocally whether you will be released from service or not without seeing your examination results. However, you can use information from regulatory documents, which contain diagnoses and their criteria for which exemption or deferment from military service is allowed. Arthrosis of the knee is regulated by Art. 65, which lists possible options that allow exemption from the army:

Stage 2 , in which there are osteophytes larger than 1 mm, the joint space is narrowed 2 or more times from normal values, there is impaired joint congruence and subchondral osteosclerosis. The young man most likely will not serve, even though he is marked “fit” in the relevant document.
3-4 degrees allow you to fully count on exemption from military service. This diagnosis is accompanied by severe pain, while X-rays clearly show large spiky growths, significant osteochondral deformations, and a complete or almost complete absence of joint space. In fact, a disabled person, it’s hard to even say where one can work with such a sentence, let alone the army. Therefore, category “D” is assigned with the note “unfit”.

Regarding stage 1 of the disease, we note that it does not provide grounds for exemption from the army; the conscript is only given privileges to mitigate the conditions of service.

Prevention

To keep your knees healthy, you must adhere to the following rules:

lead an active lifestyle, engage in amateur sports, walk more and do exercises;
avoid stress and overwork;
minimize the risk of injury;
maintain weight within normal limits;
eat properly and balanced;
wear high-quality orthopedic shoes;
Avoid putting excessive stress on your knees (heavy lifting, professional sports, prolonged work on your feet).

The same rules are relevant for those who already suffer from arthrosis, because following them helps slow down the development of the disease.

General clinical recommendations

For osteoarthritis you can and should:

move more, alternating loads with rest;
regularly engage in exercise therapy; Swimming is a particular priority;
eat properly regularly;
avoid physical injury and prolonged stress - this reduces the risk of disease progression;
follow all doctor's orders.

It is forbidden:

lift weights, do hard physical work;
perform physical exercises when pain occurs;
be in a forced position for a long time, especially in a standing position;
allow excess weight to appear;
smoke a lot and drink alcohol too much.

Prevention

To prevent age-related degenerative-dystrophic disorders, you need to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. To prevent secondary osteoarthritis, all joint diseases and injuries must be carefully treated.

Diet

The condition of cartilage largely depends on the quality of nutrition. If there are signs of arthrosis, it is recommended to exclude:

carbonated drinks;
alcohol;
excessively fatty and spicy foods;
canned food and semi-finished products;
products with artificial colors, preservatives, flavors.

The diet should contain a sufficient amount of protein, fatty acids (especially omega-3), collagen (found in gelatin, agar-agar). It is necessary to structure the menu in such a way as to prevent weight gain.

Classification of ACS

According to the Kosinski classification of ACS, three stages of the disease are distinguished according to radiological and clinical manifestations. They focus on the degree of narrowing and unevenness of the joint space, deformation of the articular surfaces, changes in the subchondral bone (osteosclerosis).

First stage of gonarthrosis

The changes are almost invisible. The joint space is normal or slightly narrowed, with isolated tiny osteophytes at the edge of the articular surfaces.

Clinically - mild short-term pain after significant fatigue, minimal impairment of knee function. Most do not perceive these symptoms as a pathology and do not seek medical help.

Second stage of gonarthrosis

The joint space is unevenly narrowed by 2-3 times. Maximum narrowing in places of maximum load (usually the inside of the joint). Along the edges of the articular surfaces there are large osteophytes, sclerosis of the endplate, and subchonar bone cysts. Moderate deformation of the bone epiphyses, disruption of the congruence of the articular surfaces.

Clinically - dysfunction of the knee in the form of limited movements, crunching, limping. Often there is slight local swelling and atrophy of the periarticular soft tissues.

Third stage of gonarthrosis

The intraarticular gap is barely noticeable or has disappeared. Many sharp massive osteophytes completely surround the articular surfaces. Gross deformation of the articulating surfaces (expansion and flattening), osteosclerosis of the epiphyses of the bones forming the joint, the presence of cysts. The joint is deviated from the vertical axis.

Clinically - visual deformation of the knee (thickening), forced position, immobility. Atrophy of all muscles of the lower limb, especially the quadriceps. Lameness, movement with the help of crutches, canes, walkers, constant excruciating pain. Patient's disability.

Consequences and complications

Osteoarthritis of the knee joints develops very slowly, but if left untreated, this disease becomes the cause of serious and unpleasant complications:

severe deformation of the joint and leg in general (associated with changes in the configuration of the knee, as well as restructuring of the muscle frame and curvature of the bones);
shortening of the limb by grinding down the heads of the bones;
ankylosis: complete lack of movement in the affected knee;
damage to other parts of the musculoskeletal system due to improper load distribution (heel spur, arthrosis of the hip joint, pain in the spine).

To prevent these problems, it is important to undergo a timely examination by an orthopedist and follow his recommendations. Self-medication and addiction to folk remedies can cause a serious aggravation of the situation.

Nutrition for deforming arthrosis of the knee

A healthy diet for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint includes dishes with a reduced content of trans fats and “fast” carbohydrates. Preference should be given to lean meat and fish, seafood and vegetables, steamed, wrapped in foil or stewed under a lid. Also useful are fruits, berries and drinks rich in antioxidants - wild plants, blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries, high-quality green tea and coffee. You can also eat whole grain porridge and legumes. But potatoes, white bread, sweets, processed foods, fast food and alcohol should be excluded.

If you are overweight with deforming arthrosis of the knee joint, consider low-carbohydrate diet options.

Treatment at the Energy of Health clinic

If your knee begins to crackle or ache suspiciously after physical activity, you should immediately make an appointment with an orthopedist. The Health Energy Clinic offers its patients the most popular and effective methods for treating the early stages of arthrosis:

modern drug regimens for cartilage restoration and pain reduction;
intra-articular administration of drugs for rapid pain relief;
physiotherapeutic techniques;
physical therapy under the supervision of an experienced instructor;
professional massage;
PRP therapy;
injection of artificial synovial fluid to facilitate movement.

All methods of treatment and prevention are selected individually depending on the results of the examination.

Frequently asked questions about the disease

Arthritis and arthrosis – what is the difference?

The difference is that arthritis is an inflammatory process in the joint, and arthrosis is degenerative-dystrophic (metabolic) with gradual “drying out” and cracking of cartilage, compensatory growth of bone tissue. Chronic arthritis gradually turns into arthrosis-arthritis and arthrosis.

Is it possible to warm joints in a sauna/bath if you have arthrosis?

It is possible and it will be beneficial. But arthrosis is often complicated by inflammation (arthritis), in which warming water procedures are contraindicated. Therefore, before you start treating arthrosis with water procedures, it is better to visit a doctor.

Do they take you into the army with arthrosis?

It depends on how pronounced it is. If the function of the joint is impaired, then no.

Is it possible to develop arthrosis after coronavirus infection? If not, why not?

It is unlikely that anyone will answer this question now, there is simply no data. The development of arthrosis is a slow process.

Which doctor should I contact for arthrosis?

To a therapist. He will conduct an examination, a preliminary examination and, depending on the type of arthrosis, will refer the patient to an orthopedic traumatologist or rheumatologist.

Does arthrosis occur in children?

It happens after injuries and joint diseases.

Arthrosis is not a death sentence. It cannot be completely cured, but it can and should be treated - this will save patients from suffering. Moscow medical specialists successfully cope with the treatment of arthrosis.

Literature:

Karateev A.E., Barskova V.G. Criteria for choosing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Handbook of a practical doctor, 2007.- T. 5.- No. 5.- P. 13-17.
Povoroznyuk V.V. Osteoarthritis: modern principles of treatment // News of medicine and pharmacy. - 2004. - T. 144, No. 4. - P. 10-11.
Raisz LG Prostaglandins and ione: physiology and pathophysiology. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 1999.- V. 79.- P. 83-94.
Peyron JC, Altman RD Osteoarthritis: diagnosis and medical surgical management. — 2nd ed. - Philadelfia, Pa: WBSauders Company, 1992. - P. 15-37.

Themes

Arthrosis, Joints, Pain, Treatment without surgery Date of publication: 04/22/2021 Date of update: 04/11/2021

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Glucocorticosteroids

If NSAIDs are insufficiently effective, as well as with synovitis, intra-articular administration of corticosteroid drugs is recommended -

Diprospan

Kenalog

Their administration quickly relieves pain and inflammation, but given that these drugs are hormones, their use is limited. It is believed that no more than 5 intra-articular injections are permissible with an interval of at least 5 days between them, after which it is necessary to refrain from administering them for several months in order to avoid the development of side hormonal effects and adrenal insufficiency.

Chondroprotectors

Their action is mainly aimed at preventing further destruction of articular cartilage (chondroitin) and normalizing the properties of joint fluid (glucosamine). Most often used

Artra

Structum

Alflutop

Chondrolone