Osteoarthritis today affects more than half of people over 60 years of age, but it occurs at any age, even in children and adolescents. The initial stage of the disease is often asymptomatic, and most often grade 2 arthrosis is detected. What is it, how serious is the disease? What modern treatment methods exist? Capacious answers are already in the next paragraph.
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Arthrosis (osteoarthrosis) is a disease in which the process of joint deformation occurs due to the gradual destruction of articular cartilage and its “foundation” - the bone plate located between the main bone of the joint and the cartilage (subchondral bone). Most often, this disease affects the joints of the foot, knee, hip joint, and less commonly, the cervical vertebrae, hands, and elbows.
In general, the development of arthrosis can be provoked by 5 main factors:
metabolic disorders (metabolism),
infectious or autoimmune diseases,
But the main cause of arthrosis of the 2nd degree is untimely or ineffective treatment of the initial stage of the disease , when the cartilage is just beginning to thin out and lose its shock-absorbing properties. In the second degree of pathology, the cartilage layer is already significantly destroyed, and the exposed bones experience constant friction.
If in the initial period of the disease the patient may not show any complaints, except for a slight morning stiffness of the joint, then the 2nd degree of arthrosis always has specific signs:
Symptoms of arthrosis of the second degree appear mainly during exercise and disappear after rest. Severe, ongoing pain is usually absent at this stage of the disease. At this stage, the disease is easily diagnosed: an x-ray shows a decrease in the size of the joint space and sclerotic changes in the subchondral bone (replacement of its own cells with connective tissue).
X-ray of a joint affected by grade 2 arthrosis
The main goals of treating arthrosis of the 2nd degree are to alleviate the patient’s suffering and restore mobility to the joint; stop the progression of the disease and avoid disability. With a diligent and responsible approach to therapy, all problems can be solved, although treating this disease, even in its initial stages, is a long and complex process.
1) Traditional remedies that are used at all stages of the disease:
2) For grade 2 arthrosis, chondroprotectors (chondroitin sulfate or glucosamine) are prescribed to restore cartilage tissue. They are effective in the two initial stages of the disease; in grades 3 and 4 arthrosis, their effect is either short-term or completely absent, since restoration of cartilage is almost impossible.
3) A good effect in the treatment of stage 2 arthrosis is given by the introduction of hyaluronic acid into the joint cavity. It stimulates the restoration of cartilage and partially replaces synovial fluid. In advanced cases of the disease, the use of hyaluronic acid is inappropriate for the same reason as the use of chondroprotectors.
Comprehensive treatment of any stage of arthrosis necessarily includes physical therapy and physiotherapy procedures:
One of the means in the fight against arthrosis has always been diet. Any canned food, smoked meats, broths, fatty meats, and corn oil should be excluded from the diet. Vegetables, fruits, seaweed are recommended - products containing the polysaccharide pectin. It acts in the body like hyaluronic acid, as it is its derivative. Fermented milk products, fish, lean meat, steamed are useful.
The most serious consequence of arthrosis is the complete destruction of cartilage. It often leads to loss of joint mobility (ankylosis), when prosthetics become the only option. Therefore, if characteristic symptoms occur, you should refrain from heavy physical activity and immediately consult a doctor.
Arthrosis of the hip joint 2nd degree (or coxarthrosis) is a degenerative-dystrophic process that is chronic and manifests itself in damage to cartilaginous and bone joints. The impetus for the occurrence of pathology can be congenital causes: different lengths of the lower extremities, congenital dislocation, syringomyelia, etc. Arthrosis does not show any symptoms for a long time. For patients predisposed to the disease, it is very important to distribute the load on the musculoskeletal system, not to take a lot of weight, and to approach physical exercises in portions (at intervals).
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There are three stages of arthrosis:
Diagnosed coxarthrosis requires rational pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy. It is possible to treat hip arthrosis by influencing the etiology (i.e., the cause of its occurrence), but modern medicine cannot guarantee absolute recovery, not to mention treatment with folk remedies, but an integrated approach to therapy will return the patient to an almost optimal physical condition.
Effect on symptoms
Elimination of the pain syndrome that constantly accompanies grade 2 arthrosis of the hip joint requires the use of anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs. Pain is the body's first signal about disturbances in it.
The use of strong painkillers at this stage is not provided; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are sufficient:
Treatment with NSAIDs is carried out in tablet forms; during an exacerbation, injections of drugs with the same active substance may be prescribed. A one-time dose of the drug per day during or after meals is sufficient (this will reduce the degree of side effects).
Relieving symptoms with NSAIDs is rational, but one should be aware of possible side effects. This is especially true for the degree of damaging effect of drugs on the walls of the stomach (ulcerogenic effect). The severity of side effects of NSAIDs in decreasing order: Indomethacin = Acetylsalicylic acid > Piroxicam > Phenylbutazone > Diclofenac = Ibuprofen. Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of side effects from taking NSAIDs.
The drugs of choice for the symptomatic treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint should be NSAIDs that inhibit COX-2, since the benefit/side effect ratio in this case outweighs this group of drugs.
Degenerative-dystrophic disorders that accompany stage 2 arthrosis of the hip joint require a compensatory approach to treatment: damage to bone and cartilage tissue stimulates the growth of osteophytes, which, if left untreated, will lead to stage 3 arthrosis with all the ensuing consequences. This function will be performed by drugs from the group of chondroprotectors:
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Doctors recommend treating grade 2 coxarthrosis initially with injections, and then switching to tablet forms.
More information about chondroprotectors:
There are combination drugs that include both chondroprotectors and NSAIDs (Teraflex Advance, Movex, Active, etc.).
The combination of chondroprotectors with NSAIDs can significantly reduce the side effects of painkillers and reduce the amount of the latter consumed.
Let us highlight Diacerein separately: it belongs to both groups simultaneously, has corresponding effects on the joint and inflammatory processes in it, additionally having an anti-catabolic and anabolic effect. In the treatment of stage 2 arthrosis, it gives an effect for 6 weeks.
It should be noted that the drug Alflutop is a medicine based on extracts from marine organisms. Has anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect. It acts at the macromolecular level and stimulates regenerative processes. The complex of amino acids, minerals, and peptides has a comprehensive effect on the source of hip inflammation and has a beneficial effect on the renewal of cartilage structure. The drug is administered deeply intramuscularly, 1 ml for 20 days, or 1-2 ml into each hip joint, followed by intramuscular treatment. The course of treatment is repeated every six months.
It is possible to treat grade 2 arthrosis of the hip joint using traditional methods, but again in an integrated approach. In most cases, compresses and heating are used to help reduce the swelling of the inflamed area.
Alcohol compresses may include honey, iodine, aloe juice, and other substances that irritate nerve endings and cause a rush of blood to the site of inflammation, thereby improving circulation and reducing swelling.
Folk remedies never exclude traditional therapy!
Treatment of coxarthrosis is a complex effect. The physiotherapist, based on the testimony of the attending physician, will determine the load allowed for you, create a sequence of exercises that will specifically develop the mobility of the hip apparatus, and give recommendations for their implementation for effective treatment. Wellness massages that increase joint mobility can be prescribed.
Features of treatment of coxarthrosis:
Early diagnosis of arthrosis of the hip joint and comprehensive treatment can prevent many complications and give the patient an absolute opportunity to restore the hip apparatus and lead a full healthy lifestyle without severe exacerbations of arthrosis.
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Arthrosis is a pathological process that deforms joints, which results in the destruction of cartilage tissue and subchondral bones in it.
The knees, feet and hip joints are most often affected by pathology. This disease also affects the elbows, hands and cervical region. Factors provoking arthrosis of the 2nd degree:
Arthrosis of the second degree is caused by untimely or complete absence of treatment of the disease or its ineffectiveness in the initial stages. The cartilage is severely destroyed, the main bones are exposed and are subject to constant friction.
Symptoms appear most often during physical activity affecting the affected joints. In the second stage there is still no persistent pain
Grade 2 deforming arthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by pain in the knees. The second stage of arthrosis is characterized by fairly pronounced pain symptoms. Pain appears not only when moving, but also when at rest. The sensation of pain is especially aggravated when lifting weights and during long walks. The pain calms down only after a long rest. But it returns with new physical activity.
With arthrosis of the 2nd degree, a sharp characteristic crunch appears when bending the knee joint because a deforming process begins to occur, leading to immobilization of the joints (arthrosis of the knee joint 3rd degree).
Pain is caused by friction between the articular surfaces. It is impossible to bend the knee normally; this is prevented by the tension of the thigh and calf muscles.
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Many who already have characteristic symptoms of joint damage simply do not pay attention to it, thinking that there is nothing special about it. However, according to doctors, any pain and discomfort in the joints is a sign that the joint has begun to deteriorate.
The main symptoms of joint destruction include: swelling, numbness, crunching and pain in the joint (first with stress and bad weather, and then constant), lumbago in the lower back, frequent headaches, impaired motor activity of the toes and hands, and many others. At least one of the listed symptoms indicates the presence of joint problems.
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Muscle tension leads to leg fatigue and pain that limits mobility. Therefore, additional support is required when walking.
Most patients suffering from arthrosis of the elbow joint go to the hospital only at stage 2. This is due to the fact that pain at this stage causes noticeable discomfort, which is felt even in a state of complete rest. The pain prevents you from bending your arm completely at the elbow or moving it back and to the side. Bending is accompanied by a dry crunch. This is the beginning of muscle atrophy.
Arthrosis of the hip joint (caxarthrosis) degree 2 is characterized by severe pain that radiates to the thigh and groin area even in the absence of movement. Learn in detail how and how to treat arthrosis of the hip joint. The functions of the joints are limited. The patient begins to limp when walking, and it is difficult for him to move his hip to the side. The muscles are noticeably exhausted and the joint is difficult to straighten. In the second stage of this disease, surgery is often necessary.
This disease is also common among people in certain professions, such as those who work with a jackhammer.
Stage 2 arthrosis of the foot has symptoms similar to those of arthritis.
If treatment is not started in time, the destructive processes intensify, which can subsequently lead to constant pain.
At the stage of pathology development, it is very important to stop the development of the disease, reduce pain and restore mobility to the joint. If the disease is not treated, it can lead to disability.
Treatment of arthrosis of the 2nd degree will take a lot of time, but if you approach it comprehensively, you can achieve positive results.
The main drugs prescribed for the treatment of arthrosis include:
At the second stage of arthrosis, it is imperative to take chondroprotectors, which still have an effect.
Hyaluronic acid partially replaces synovial fluid and activates the restoration of cartilage tissue. With a more advanced disease, this method loses its effectiveness.
Physiotherapy as treatment is necessary for any degree of arthrosis. This includes procedures such as:
Exercise therapy also helps restore the plasticity of the joint and its functional properties.
It should be taken into account that there are certain contraindications for these procedures. Their use is possible only after direct consultation with a doctor. To relieve all joints during treatment, crutches and canes are used, and knee joints are fixed with knee pads. See how to choose a knee brace for arthrosis of the knee joint.
In the complex treatment of arthrosis, diet plays a significant role. It is forbidden to eat fatty meats and broths, canned foods, corn oil and smoked foods. It is necessary to include fresh vegetables and fruits, products containing pectin, including seaweed, in your daily diet. Pectin is a polysaccharide derived from hyaluronic acid and accordingly produces a similar effect.
At all stages of arthrosis, physical therapy is mandatory. Physical exercise is an excellent preventive measure that helps keep muscles in the right tone.
Depending on where the disease is localized, patients are offered a complex of exercise therapy.
The optimal set of physical exercises for a particular case can only be drawn up by the attending physician, taking into account the individual differences of the patient. The general rule is to perform exercises only when there is no pain. They should not be accompanied by discomfort.
Surgical treatment is most often used for arthrosis of the knee joint. In cases where the cartilage is almost completely destroyed and dysfunction of the joints is visible. Surgical methods:
If arthrosis that deforms joints at the second stage is not treated, this will lead to tissue destruction and destruction of cartilage. In the most severe cases, complete immobilization of the joints occurs.
It all depends on how seriously a person takes the symptoms of the disease. Even minor constant pain can lead to the development of arthrosis, which can subsequently develop to the most severe stage. You can avoid such consequences by consulting a doctor in time.
It is especially dangerous when the knee joint is affected - this can lead to loss of mobility. Irreversible degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue in the knee joint are called gonarthrosis, or salt deposition. Gonarthrosis of the 2nd degree can be treated conservatively, stages 3 and 4 of this disease require surgical intervention.
Gonarthrosis is a degenerative, irreversible disease. This pathology affects the cartilage tissue of the knee joint and gradually leads to its complete destruction. The development of the disease begins with a disruption of the blood supply to the joint, which causes its nutrition to deteriorate and an excess or lack of synovial fluid to occur. Cartilage tissue gradually begins to degrade, loses elasticity, and cracks.
Articular cartilage functions as a shock absorber - when pressure is applied to the knee, the cartilage contracts and releases synovial fluid, and when the load is removed, it returns to its normal state, absorbing back the synovial fluid. With complete destruction of cartilage tissue, bone growths - osteophytes - appear on the articular surfaces of bones. This makes movement in the joint impossible. If treatment is not started at the second stage of the disease, then with further progression, gonarthrosis can lead to disability.
Disability is assigned at stages 3-4 of the disease, when the axes of the limbs are curved due to bone deformation, or when the bones of the knee joint are completely fused together, i.e. with partial or complete loss of mobility and ability to work.
At the very beginning of the development of knee pathology, the disease does not manifest itself in any way. In some cases, after prolonged or heavy loads, pain may be felt in the knee for a short time. But such symptoms are usually not diagnosed. But with the help of an X-ray examination it is already possible to make a diagnosis – grade 1 gonarthrosis. And with nutritional correction and regular exercise, you can slow down the development of pathology for a long time. Alarming symptoms appear when the disease progresses to the second stage.
Depending on the causes of occurrence, second-degree gonarthrosis can be divided into primary and secondary. Primary occurs as a result of processes occurring in the body. Secondary gonarthrosis is a consequence of factors acting on the knee from outside.
Causes of primary gonarthrosis:
Causes of secondary gonarthrosis:
Scientists have not yet fully figured out why primary second-degree gonarthrosis occurs. Pathology can begin to develop in an absolutely healthy person. Therefore, disease prevention can only be achieved by a balanced diet, an active lifestyle and the absence of bad habits.
At the beginning of the second stage, the symptoms of the pathology appear in periods, mainly after physical exertion. The cartilage tissue has already been partially destroyed, the joint space has begun to narrow.
At this stage, the disease is not yet chronic. It is characterized by the following features:
If, when the first signs of the disease appear, you do not undergo a course of treatment, then the progression of the second stage of gonarthrosis will cause the following symptoms:
At stage 1, gonarthrosis is almost asymptomatic. Stage 2 of the disease is accompanied by pronounced symptoms. An experienced doctor can make a diagnosis based on examination, palpation and patient complaints. But the key method for diagnosing joint diseases is radiography. With grade 2 gonarthrosis, the images show a narrowing of the joint space and thinning of the cartilage tissue.
The joints of the bones are not yet deformed. The X-ray must be stored until the next examination. When repeating x-rays, comparison with the previous image will provide a clear picture of the dynamics of articular pathology.
If the symptoms are nonspecific, then additional diagnostic methods may be used to clarify the diagnosis:
Gonarthrosis is treated by doctors of the following specialties: rheumatologist, arthrologist, surgeon and orthopedist. If you experience pain in your knee, you should contact your family doctor, and based on the results of the preliminary diagnosis, he will refer you to the right specialist.
Gonarthrosis at stage 2 is often complicated by synovitis. This is a separate disease in which the synovial membranes of the joint cavity become inflamed. As a result, an excess amount of joint fluid - effusion - is formed, and the knee swells. Synovitis is a curable disease.
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the second degree is accompanied by chronic synovitis. The disease can be completely cured only by eliminating its root cause – gonarthrosis.
If stage 2 gonarthrosis progresses, it will be accompanied by periodic exacerbations of synovitis. The unpleasant symptoms of this disease are easily relieved with anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. But the main therapy should be aimed at treating gonarthrosis.
Diseases of the knee joints mainly affect people over forty years of age, but it happens that grade 2 gonarthrosis is also diagnosed in young people of military age. For maintenance therapy, you need to periodically take medications and do therapeutic exercises. A sore knee should not be overcooled, subjected to prolonged physical activity or heavy lifting. All these measures, of course, are incompatible with military service. The decision on the fitness for service of a young man diagnosed with grade 2 gonarthrosis is made by the military medical commission. The commission is guided by the document “Schedule of Diseases”.
A conscript diagnosed with grade 2 gonarthrosis may be exempt from military service if:
Degenerative-dystrophic processes occurring in cartilage tissue are irreversible. Therefore, gonarthrosis of the second degree is an incurable disease. But with proper drug therapy and periodic supportive measures, it is possible to relieve the symptoms of the disease and slow down the development of degenerative processes.
Stages of drug treatment:
In acute conditions, intra-articular injections of chondroprotectors are possible.
At the second stage of development, gonarthrosis can be quite successfully treated with medication, provided that a healthy lifestyle is maintained. However, there are cases when everyone resorts to surgical intervention:
In such cases, the patient is offered a minor surgical intervention - arthroscopy. During the operation, osteophytes, affected cartilage are removed and the joint is washed. The positive effect after such an intervention lasts up to three years.
When the joint cannot be preserved by conservative methods, and wearing orthopedic knee pads does not bring the desired result, they resort to endoprosthetics. The operation involves replacing the affected joint with an artificial implant. The service life of the endoprosthesis is 15-20 years, then replacement is required.
In the treatment of grade 2 gonarthrosis, physiotherapy is aimed at:
Physiotherapy by itself will not completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease; it should only be carried out in combination with drug treatment.
You can consider practical cases of the disease - medical histories of different patients who received inpatient treatment with a diagnosis of second stage gonarthrosis. In patients who, in addition to drug treatment, performed physical therapy on an ongoing basis, positive dynamics were observed in a shorter period of time. The effectiveness of the treatment was longer.
For gonarthrosis of the second degree, traditional medicine methods can also be used, but after mandatory diagnostic testing and establishment of a diagnosis. Treatment with traditional methods can be carried out both during the period of exacerbation of pathology, and as maintenance therapy.
Unlike medications, all traditional medicine is natural, of natural origin, which eliminates the occurrence of side effects.
Recipes for traditional medicine:
If you adhere to the rules of prevention, you can permanently stop the progression of stage 2 gonarthrosis.
There are only three methods of prevention: regular therapeutic exercises, periodic intake of chondroprotectors and calcium supplements, and a balanced diet.
Excess weight puts a lot of stress on a sore knee. Therefore, you need to monitor your weight. The last meal should be consumed no later than 3 hours before bedtime, exclude harmful foods - smoked, fatty, fried, sweet pastries.
The best prevention of joint health is a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, absence of bad habits, and active recreation.
Gonarthrosis of the second stage is an incurable disease that can lead to complete loss of mobility. With the help of conservative therapy, you can only slow down the development of pathology. But correcting your diet and regular therapeutic exercises will help you forget about this diagnosis for a long time.
Arthrosis is a disease of the joints in which damage (destruction) of all its tissues occurs: cartilage, synovial (joint lining), ligamentous and bone. At first, changes occur quite slowly and are practically asymptomatic - which is why diagnosing arthrosis of the 1st degree is not easy. Most often, patients consult a doctor with severe symptoms and advanced disease. Read further: what are the causes of the disease, how to recognize it at an early stage, what modern treatment methods exist.
The development of arthrosis goes through 4 stages (degrees). The first stage is characterized by minor changes in articular tissues. The first tissue to take the blow of the disease is the synovial membrane lining the inner surfaces of the joint. The composition of synovial fluid, which moisturizes the cartilage and meniscus of the joints, also changes. The usual load becomes increased for the cartilage, it cannot withstand it and begins to collapse, pain and inflammation develop.
Arthrosis most often occurs in older patients, and the disease rarely affects children and adolescents. With pathology, one joint usually suffers, and not several (as often happens with arthritis). The main causes and risk factors for the development of arthrosis:
Arthrosis at the initial stage usually does not have pronounced symptoms, often they are absent altogether. The most characteristic signs for the first degree:
rapid fatigue of the affected limb (area),
crunch in the joint,
minor restriction of movement.
Pain and inflammation are minor or absent. On x-rays, stage 1 arthrosis can sometimes be recognized by the narrowing of the interarticular space.
On the right – normal, on the left – narrowing of the joint space
Treatment for grade 1 arthrosis can vary and depends on the severity of symptoms. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the load on the diseased joint, eliminate symptoms and prevent progression of the disease. For this, 4 methods are used:
Medicines. Typically, patients are prescribed chondroprotectors - drugs that help normalize the structure of cartilage. Analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used - they are indicated for patients suffering from pain and inflammation, which can also bother a patient with grade 1 arthrosis.
Physiotherapy. Thanks to exercises, joint mobility is restored, even if it has been slightly lost.
Massage. A high-quality massage allows you to achieve pain relief and complete restoration of mobility.
Special diet. By correcting nutrition (routine, habits and diet), the body begins to receive sufficient amounts of beneficial substances that stimulate metabolism, cartilage restoration and block the production of enzymes that provoke inflammation. People who are overweight can lose weight, which will ease the strain on their joints.
For grade 1 arthrosis, surgical treatment is not performed. It is currently impossible to completely cure the disease, even if detected at the first stage, but it is quite possible to significantly slow down (stop) its progression. The above treatment methods will help with this, and all efforts should be directed towards achieving this goal.
It is difficult to diagnose stage 1 arthrosis due to the lack of pronounced symptoms. However, this is possible if you pay attention to your feelings and do not ignore even minor inconveniences. Early detection of the disease is extremely important for successful and effective treatment; the disease at this stage is quite easy to control. Compliance with the simplest rules - healthy eating and limiting exercise - allows patients to ensure a high quality of life.
People consult a doctor for knee pain when they have difficulty walking. And this is most likely grade 2 arthrosis. The first did not cause any particular trouble - slight fatigue and discomfort in the joint. With arthrosis of the 2nd degree, a person often loses his ability to work, but the ability to self-care is still retained. This disease occurs so often that it has its own name “Gonarthrosis”. Translated from Greek gonato - knee, artrosy - joint, the ending os - speaks of the dystrophic origin of the disease.
The knee joint experiences the heaviest loads and therefore wears out earlier than others.
The causes of gonarthrosis are different:
Obese women over 50 years of age suffer most from this disease. Knee arthrosis is not uncommon in athletes. Ruptures of ligaments, tendons, and intra-articular fractures often cause anatomical changes and impaired circulation in the organ.
With arthrosis, not only cartilage is destroyed, but also bones, tendons, and ligaments that make up the joint. Cartilage loses its elasticity, strength and gradually wears away, exposing unprotected bone surfaces.
Symptoms for arthrosis of the knee joint are the same as for other localizations:
The inability to move freely aggravates the patient's condition.
Pain in the knee joint with arthrosis of the second degree occurs with any movement, but subsides in a supine position. It is especially difficult to take the first steps after waking up or after being immobile for a long time. These are the so-called “starting pains”.
Due to constant friction, the bone surfaces of the joint become denser, forming osteophytes, which further increase pain during movement. Night pain appears and lameness progresses.
Not only pain and overgrown osteophytes interfere with bending and straightening the knee. The muscles of the thigh and lower leg, protecting the leg from painful movements, are in constant tension, which is expressed by pain and fatigue of the limb.
Another reason is synovitis. Inflammation is added to dystrophic phenomena. Fluid accumulates in the joint, it is enlarged and painful to the touch. Limb movements are further limited. The inability to straighten the joint forces a person to walk slowly, with legs bent at the knees. The slightest bump on the road becomes a serious obstacle. It becomes increasingly difficult to move without support.
Every person suffering from arthrosis of the knee joint should remember that treatment will help if it is received continuously, despite the improvement in well-being. The order of prescription of medications, physical therapy and exercise will be determined by the doctor.
Exercise therapy for arthrosis of the knee joint
Gonarthrosis (arthrosis of the knee joint) degree 2 is treated with conservative and surgical methods.
Conservative methods include:
Drug therapy begins with the prescription of chondroprotectors, drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage and promote its restoration. The analgesic effect after their use lasts for six months. Chondroprotectors are not effective when taken once and not regularly. They are prescribed in courses of 3-6 months, which are repeated periodically.
Chondroitin sulfate (contained in the preparations Chondroitin, Structum) and glucosamine, which is part of Elbon and Don, have this effect. A number of drugs contain both of these substances: Teraflex, Artra. They have no complications and very rarely cause side effects.
Paracetamol (Panadol, Denol, Efferalgan) is used as an anesthetic for arthrosis. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have a more pronounced effect. But they have a big drawback - they irritate the gastric mucosa and adversely affect the cardiovascular system.
NSAIDs are indispensable for gonarthrosis
In recent years, drugs with minor side effects have been created. Arcoxia, Celebrex, Movalis and Nimesulide are prescribed to patients with concomitant stomach diseases and the elderly.
Synovitis, due to inflammation and severe pain, can interfere with therapeutic measures. In this case, for arthrosis of the knee joint, intra-articular injections of corticosteroids (Kenalog, hydrocortisone), which have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, are initially performed. Then physiotherapy and exercise therapy are carried out.
Hyaluronic acid acts effectively, acting as a natural lubricant. This natural substance not only relieves pain for a long time, but also significantly increases mobility in the joint. Solutions of Ostenia, Sinokrom, Fermotron containing hyaluronic acid are injected into the joint cavity.
In recent years, Hyalgel has been produced, containing not only hyaluronic acid, but also chondroitin sulfate. It is applied to the skin, has great penetrating power, reduces pain and swelling of the joint, and delays the destruction of cartilage.
For arthrosis, anti-inflammatory ointments are used
For local treatment, warming ointments, Menovazin, Gevkamen are used. They are indicated for arthrosis of the knee joint without signs of inflammation. If the joint is swollen, hot to the touch and movements are sharply painful, then it is better to use anti-inflammatory ointments (Dolgit, Fastum-gel or Voltaren).
Physical exercise should be a constant companion of treatment for any degree of arthrosis. Gymnastics prevents the development of contractures and maintains muscle tone. Movement is the prevention of any arthrosis.
Physiotherapeutic methods quickly reduce pain, inflammation and increase range of motion in the knee joint. Magnetic laser and UHF therapy, phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, massage, and baths are used. All procedures have indications and contraindications and are prescribed by a doctor.
To fix the knee joint, knee braces and rigid functional orthoses are used. To reduce the load on the joint, it is recommended to use a cane or crutches.
In case of severe dysfunction of the knee joint, ineffectiveness of conservative treatment and complete destruction of cartilage, surgical methods are indicated:
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a common disease that is prone to progression and leads to loss of ability to work and disability. Complex therapeutic measures carried out continuously can delay the destruction of joint cartilage tissue for a long time and reduce the severity of symptoms.