Arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a chronic disease associated with deformation and destruction of cartilage tissue, accompanied by very severe pain. One of the effective methods of treatment is medication. Therefore, doctors often prescribe injections to their patients for arthrosis of the knee joint, drugs for which we will consider in this article.
This diagnosis is very often given to older people who complain of periodic knee pain - “arthrosis of the knee joint”. We will try to explain what it is to those who believe that pain is caused by the deposition of salts in the joints. The cause of the disease is a violation of blood circulation in the vessels of the bones of the limb, which causes a change in the structure of the cartilage tissue: it begins to exfoliate, becomes thinner, and may even disappear completely.
Many people face this problem after 40 years of age, and arthrosis can be unilateral or bilateral. If the disease is not treated in any way, complete destruction of the cartilage and deformation of the bones of the knee joint occurs. The result may be complete immobilization of the patient.
The first “bell” of arthrosis is a not very pleasant sensation of some stiffness in the knee; often after tension or physical activity, pain and crunching appear when bending it. I also experience severe pain in the morning after sleep or during the day after sitting for a long time. In this case, it becomes necessary to walk a little or perform simple physical exercises, and then the pain subsides. Exacerbation of gonarthrosis can also occur with hypothermia.
Such primary, but still barely noticeable signs are sometimes observed for several years, sometimes arising under unfavorable circumstances. But then it becomes more and more painful for the patient to walk, and joint deformation begins to occur.
The main cause of gonarthrosis is most often the age-related process of wear and changes in the joints. This pathological process is influenced by many factors:
Treatment of this disease is possible with the help of medications, physiotherapy and special exercises. Methods are selected depending on the degree of disease and deformation of cartilage tissue.
The disease usually develops gradually, so it makes sense to consult a doctor as early as possible if you suspect problems in the knee joint.
The disease has 3 degrees of severity:
1st degree - pain and crunching in the knees appear, mainly after sleep (“starting pain”), but with no load they subside.
2 — pain with arthrosis of the knee joint intensifies, problems with limited movement begin, and lameness appears; inside the joint begins to deform, osteophytes (spikes and growths on the joint tissue) appear, fluid may accumulate in the knee, as a result, we have synovitis of the joint (inflammatory process of the inner membrane).
3 - severe arthrosis, when pain is present even at rest, bone deformation in the knee area is very noticeable, and there is no joint space.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, the symptoms and treatment of which are discussed in this article, can be observed not only in older people, but also in younger people - athletes, people who have suffered leg injuries or have varicose veins, as well as those who are genetically predisposed to it disease.
The main methods of treating arthrosis at stages 1 and 2 are:
There are also proprietary methods for the complex treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, developed by famous doctors, for example Bubnovsky and Evdokimenko. They include treatment with medications, physiotherapeutic procedures, ointments, light physical activity, and special diets.
The biggest problem for a patient with gonarthrosis is to reduce pain in the joint, which prevents the ability to move normally. Knee pain can be relieved with the help of painkillers (tablets or powders), but injections into the knee joint for arthrosis are more effective. The drugs used in this case are prescribed by the attending physician based on the general treatment regimen for the joint and the severity of the patient’s condition. Injections into the knee joint are one of the methods of complex treatment of the disease and are used in parallel with other methods.
There are 3 types of injection medications:
A knee joint block for arthrosis is prescribed by a doctor for severe pain when conventional analgesics do not help. Blockade by injection has a local effect and reduces pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs, they are used in the form of tablets (Prednisolone, etc.) and injections to reduce inflammation in any area. When corticosteroids are injected directly into the knee joint, local anesthesia occurs and the mobility of the joint itself improves.
The most commonly used drugs are Triamcinolone acetonide, Methylprednisolone acetate, etc. Sometimes in severe situations, the doctor may prescribe 2 types of corticosteroids for a more effective and long-lasting effect on the joint. Often intra-articular injections are used in combination with local analgesics.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is a component of the synovial fluid in the joint, which gives it the necessary viscosity. It acts as a lubricant and reduces the impact of injuries and impacts.
Hyaluronic acid injections into the knee joint are prescribed to people who suffer from knee pain that interferes with normal life, and to those who have not responded to corticosteroid injections and other treatments prescribed by a doctor.
The most common drugs with hyaluronic acid are “Ostenil”, “Sinokrom”, “Fermatron”, etc. The drug is injected directly into the knee joint to replace intra-articular fluid. The course of treatment consists of 3-5 injections and can be repeated six months later.
There are some likely side effects from these injections:
What are the most effective injections into the knee joint for arthrosis? Chondroprotective drugs are a whole group of potent drugs that relieve pain and have a positive effect on the cartilage tissue of the knee joint, helping to restore and strengthen it. Their effectiveness in the treatment of gonarthrosis is due to the content of substances in them that help restore cartilage tissue - glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Glucosamine is an indispensable component in the synthesis of cartilage tissue, has a protective effect, reduces damage, relieves swelling and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. In practice, its effectiveness can only be felt when used in combination with another substance.
Chondroitin - affects the phosphorus-calcium metabolic process in cartilage tissue, increasing its elasticity, affects regenerative processes in joints and does not counteract the decrease in calcium in bones and cartilage.
Chondoprotectors are usually prescribed in the initial stages of gonarthrosis in the form of tablets, powders or injections. The course of treatment with injections is 10-20 injections, which have a direct local effect on the diseased joint. Then treatment should continue with tablets of the same group of drugs.
The dosage of the injection for arthrosis of the knee joint is determined by the attending physician.
Chondroprotectors often used for injection:
"Adgelon" is a drug belonging to the group of chondroprotectors, the action of which is aimed at healing joint tissue. It is prescribed for the treatment of arthrosis, injuries and inflammatory processes in the joints. The drug can be taken either orally or by injection. Intra-articular injections with Adgelon are used to treat lesions of large joints (knees and hips).
The active ingredient is a glycoprotein substance, which is obtained from cattle serum. Its effectiveness is aimed at stimulating the growth of young cartilage cells, which allows the damaged joint to be filled with new cells.
Its important advantage is the absence of side effects, which is due to its natural origin. The drug has virtually no toxic effect on the human body even with prolonged use.
When the medicine is injected into the diseased joint, the latter begins to experience increased production of its own glycoproteins and collagen, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the knee joint. Almost after two injections, pain noticeably decreases.
How to inject Adgelon correctly? The instructions for use recommend injections 2 times a week (under the supervision of a doctor), a single dose is 2 ml (1 ampoule), the course duration is 5-10 weeks.
On the recommendation of a doctor, in severe cases, it is possible to use Adgelon and antibiotics or corticosteroids together, but it is necessary to take a break of 2-3 hours between injections.
Contraindications to the use of Adgelon are:
During treatment with chondroprotectors in the form of injections, it is necessary to comply with a number of requirements and recommendations of specialists:
What is the purpose of a drug blockade when injections are given into the knee joint for arthrosis? The drugs are injected directly into the cavity of the knee joint, and their active ingredients reduce the effect of negative factors that cause severe pain.
The procedure is performed in two ways:
Such manipulations can only be performed by a good professional - a doctor with experience in such work; sometimes an ultrasound diagnostic device is used when administering the medicine.
The qualifications and skills of the doctor who gives injections into the knee joint (for arthrosis) are very important. Reviews of patients who have used this method of treatment vary greatly: some complain of severe pain during injections, others tolerate them completely calmly and painlessly.
Injections are prescribed by the attending physician for the following purposes:
The most important rule for a patient suffering from arthrosis of the knee joint is to prevent the situation from worsening, to use all existing methods and medications (we have already described what procedures and medications are prescribed for arthrosis of the knee joint). Because advanced, stage 3 arthrosis can no longer be treated with medications and other methods - in this case, surgery is needed. Equally important is correct diagnosis and timely consultation with a doctor.
Arthrosis of the knee joint in the initial stages is practically asymptomatic and does not cause much concern to the patient, but ignoring the disease can lead to disability in the future. It is for this reason that drug treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint must begin as early as possible. Timely prescribed drug therapy can stop degenerative processes and significantly improve the patient’s overall well-being. What drugs are used to treat gonarthrosis, and for what purpose? Are there contraindications and side effects?
Pathological changes in cartilage tissue respond well to treatment in the early stages of the disease. At this stage, conservative and restorative therapy may be recommended. The following medications are prescribed as mandatory:
At later stages of development, drug therapy for arthrosis is only conservative in nature and is aimed at combating the symptoms of the disease and stopping degenerative changes in the joint and bone tissue. In later stages, the following is prescribed:
In addition to injections and medications, topical medications can be prescribed: ointments, compresses, rubs. All of them are quite effective in complex therapy and can have an analgesic and vasodilating effect.
In order to understand which medications from the extensive list of popular drugs are better, it is important to know what is happening in the body at the moment. Osteoarthritis can appear not only in the knee joint, but also in the ankle or hip joint.
Regardless of the location of the disease, it always follows the same regimen. Articular cartilage destruction must be treated immediately. To do this, the victim should undergo a diagnosis and then complex drug therapy using special medications for joint arthrosis.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage. The disease has acute symptoms, but is easily treatable. When the functionality of the special tissue that covers each area of the bones in the joint that is subject to friction is lost, the patient experiences severe pain and creaking in the inflamed area.
This disease is formed due to frequent inflammatory processes in the joints. Most often, the pathology develops against the background of trauma, hormonal changes, or due to frequent physical labor.
Constant stress or excess weight can trigger the development of arthrosis or arthritis. In this case, the inflamed joint tries to regenerate itself by all available means.
During this process, osteophytes are formed in the body - these are bone growths that replace non-functional cartilage. If such a development of the disease is detected, the patient should take the advice of a doctor and undergo the necessary treatment.
Any, even the most ordinary load on the affected joints provokes the body. Therefore, before starting the course of treatment, eliminate physical activity and give up sports for a while . If osteoarthritis develops, use a cane when walking, and wear fixing devices on your legs - calipers. They will help minimize pressure on the inflamed area.
It is impossible to completely eliminate the load. However, the patient can fix the affected part with a bandage. Maintaining integrity is only possible in this way, since articular cartilage is enriched exclusively by movement. Absorbing nutrients, the joints of the bones converge and diverge. As a result, complete avoidance of movements is wrong; they simply need to be minimized with the help of various devices.
If the ankle joint is diseased, the patient needs to lose excess weight. For this, the patient is prescribed a special diet.
After eliminating the primary symptoms, the patient needs to undergo a course of massage and manual therapy. With the help of physiotherapy, more blood penetrates to the inflamed joint, which stimulates a speedy recovery.
For reference! Improving blood circulation at the site of the lesion allows the delivery of useful minerals that will renew the produced joint fluid. As a result, the cartilage will recover twice as fast.
However, heat exposure and some other treatment methods are prohibited during an acute process. Therefore, engaging in self-therapy can be dangerous to your health.
Below we will find out how to treat arthrosis, as well as the main contraindications and side symptoms of medications.
Non-steroidal drugs are the mainstay of treatment for inflamed joints. They are widely used all over the world and help eliminate primary symptoms in a short time.
These medications are characterized by low toxicity and high safety, so they can also be taken when treating children.
For the treatment of joint arthrosis, drugs are selected individually, since it is important to know the nature of the disease.
However, there is a certain scheme that you can rely on when choosing a particular remedy. Most often, patients are prescribed the following medications:
For reference! "Meloxicam" for arthrosis of the knee joint is considered one of the best remedies.
All new generation drugs can be taken for a long time, as they have no obvious contraindications. Selective inhibitors, in addition to affecting the source of inflammation, have a moderate antipyretic effect.
Even though medications in this group have virtually no restrictions on their use, they can cause disruption of the gastrointestinal tract . Since the pharmacological action is non-selective, the drugs upset the gastric mucosa, thereby causing dysfunction of this cavity.
During treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the patient may experience nausea, vomiting, peptic ulcer, bleeding, and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal side symptoms develop regardless of the type of drug.
To avoid unwanted signs, it is important to choose the right treatment.
On the path to recovery, the question arises, what pills to take for joint arthrosis? In addition to anti-inflammatory drugs, the patient may be prescribed glucocorticosteroids. Drugs of this kind have a desensitizing, immunosuppressive, and anti-shock effect.
Synthetic drugs in the form of steroid hormones have a powerful effect.
The human body produces an active component - glucocorticoid. Also no less active substances are cortisone. The production of adrenal hormones is under the control of the central nervous system.
If one of the organs is dysfunctional, the patient is prescribed medications to treat arthrosis. The best drugs in this area are considered:
Glucocorticosteroids enter the cell cytoplasm and activate steroid receptors. In this way, a special class of proteins, lipocortins, is synthesized. They, in turn, inhibit phospholipase activity.
After the course of treatment, the patient feels improved health, pain relief and immunosuppressive effects. In addition, glucocorticosteroids accelerate the body's adaptation and improve the production of blood cells. This process improves the sensitivity of the myocardium and blood vessels, which stimulates an increase in blood pressure.
After a course of treatment, the body can still stop attacks on its own for a long time, releasing steroid hormones into the blood.
If there is a disease of the musculoskeletal system, the patient needs urgent treatment with the use of chondroprotectors. New effective drugs improve the structure of joints and bones, and also help restore lost functions in this part of the body.
Chondroprotectors are the general name for biological additives. Their action is aimed at protecting organs and cartilage tissue. Long-term use of drugs of this kind allows you to restore articular cartilage and protect it from possible damage in the future.
In addition, medications from this group stimulate a reduction in various manifestations of joint pathology.
Find out which chondroprotectors help with osteochondrosis.
Since the main part of chondroprotectors is made from glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, a long process of taking these components allows you to stimulate the formation of the main substances of cartilage. Thus, glucosamine is simply irreplaceable for arthrosis. It serves not only as the basis of cartilage tissue, but also protects it from the effects of the environment. This component also relieves swelling and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
When choosing the best medicine for arthrosis, pay attention to the following drugs:
The effectiveness of drugs with chondroitin has been proven by numerous studies. But the result of treatment depends on the choice of dosage form, so it is important to choose a truly powerful remedy.
Trauma and damage to joints occurs quite often, so patients seek drug treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint. In addition to the drugs described above, the patient may be prescribed long-acting forms of hyaluronic acid.
They restore the viscosity of synovial fluid and stop the degradation of cartilage tissue. The best medicines in this group are “Fermatron” or “Ostenil”.
Both drugs eliminate pain and stop pathological inflammation. However, not everyone can use these remedies.
Avoid this type of treatment if you are over sixty years old. Other contraindications include:
In addition to the main course of treatment, the patient can use dietary supplements or homeopathic remedies. Parallel exposure will help eliminate the symptoms of inflammation in the first week of treatment and significantly alleviate the patient’s condition. What to take for arthrosis in this case?
Among all the drugs presented at the pharmacy, Piaskledin is most often purchased. It contains polyunsaturated fatty acids from soybeans and avocados.
The active components are able to stop the destruction of tissue and cartilage.
Another popular remedy among homeopathic remedies is Arthrofoon. The drug allows you to relieve the symptoms of arthrosis and improve blood circulation at the site of the lesion.
For a combined effect, you can use the preparations “Tsel T” or “Traumel”.
To relieve pain, local ointments with the addition of natural ingredients are prescribed - “Apizartron” or “Viprosal”.
All local drugs are necessary to improve blood circulation and increase tissue metabolism.
Vasodilator drugs are another method of treating arthrosis. They are prescribed to improve the functioning of internal blood flow in the joint, which stimulates a speedy recovery and restoration of affected tissues.
Teonicol, Agapur and Pentoxifylline will help relieve pain.
To achieve the fastest possible effect, experts advise using vasodilators in combination with other medications that promote the formation of new cartilage tissue.
To maintain the result, the course must be completed several times. It is especially important to correctly approach treatment for arthrosis of the third degree.
Drugs in this group have contraindications:
The dose needs to be adjusted if blood pressure is high.
It is impossible to choose the most effective remedy for arthrosis of the knee joint on your own, since you may not be aware of the presence of contraindications and side symptoms of a particular remedy. Therefore, if you have diseases of the joints and cartilage tissue, consult a qualified doctor.
Gonarthrosis is a disease that can be treated with medication, but not always. In difficult situations, you have to turn to surgeons for help. To prevent this from happening, you need to know which drugs should be taken and which are most effective in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint. This article has prepared a list of medications, divided into groups according to their mechanism of action, for a better understanding of which drug affects what.
Attention! All information provided is published for informational purposes, not for application purposes. Application is prescribed by a doctor. Self-treatment can be harmful.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed first. Medicines not only relieve inflammation, but also treatment with NSAIDs has an effect on reducing joint pain. Treatment with these drugs is a priority, since new generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not contain hormones. The absence of hormones enhances the effect of medications; hormonal medications can be very dangerous for some people. And so almost everyone can take them, with the exception of individual intolerance to the medicine. This group includes the following tablets: Movalis, Ibuprofen, Ketorol, Aspirin, Tiaprofenic acid, Diclofenac, Etodolac, Nimesulide, Nabumetone, Naproxen, Sulindac, Piroxicam, Ketoprofen, Celecoxib, Nise, Naproxen, Analgin, Iprene, Ketanov, Ortofen, Flurbiprofen, Meloxicam, Aceclofenac, Nimesil, Lornoxicam, Rofecoxib.
When purchasing any drug for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, pay attention not only to the price and strength of the drug, but also to the possibility of side effects.
At the same time, treatment with the drugs Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, Diclofenac provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Treatment with Flurbiprofen affects the inflammatory process in the joints. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen are last on the list of medications; they cope the worst with the symptoms of the disease. Treatment with these medications is possible as a last resort, only if there is intolerance to other medications.
This group of drugs is aimed at the treatment and regeneration of cartilage tissue. Chondoprotectors nourish the tissue and slow down the process of degeneration. Treatment with chondoprotectors takes a long time. It is worth noting that these drugs will help treat arthrosis of the knee joint only in the first stages of development. If the cartilage is in the process of complete destruction, the drugs are absolutely useless.
Second generation medications intended for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint have active ingredients called:
Medicines of the third generation of chondroprotectors contain active ingredients:
Currently, the following drugs have gained the most popularity among chondroprotectors: Honsurid, Mucosat, Artron Hondrex, Chondrolon, Chondroxide, Structum, Artra, Formula-S, Alflutop, Dona.
Arthra tablets or capsules. The drugs are produced in the United States of America by the well-known company Unipharm. Today they are considered one of the best chondroprotectors.
Medicines Elbona and Chondrolon are produced in the form of an injection solution in Russia.
The Italian medicine Dona is produced in powder form for oral administration and as an injection solution. Italian-made preparations contain only glucosamine.
Mono-preparations containing chondroitin sulfate in amounts of 250 and 500 mg - Structum, Chondrolone.
The Russian remedy for arthrosis of the knee joint Elbona is available in two ampoules and a solvent for intramuscular injection.
They have been practicing treatment with replacement drugs for more than 15 years. This procedure should be carried out exclusively under the supervision of a specialist. If drugs for intramuscular injections and oral administration can be used without a doctor at your own risk, then injections for replacing intra-articular fluid cannot be used independently. This should be done by a specialized doctor.
Treatment with hyaluronic acid contained in the preparations not only has a protective effect, but also acts as a substitute for synovial fluid in the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is intended only for large joints. The principle of action of hyaluronic acid on arthrosis of the knee joint is to replace non-working fluid in the joint. It literally helps revitalize dried out cartilage by forming a protective film on the cartilage. Thanks to the action of acid, the shock-absorbing and protective properties of the knee joint are improved. The pain subsides, and mobility resumes over time. Hyaluronic acid is found in Ostenil, Sinvisc, Sinokorma, Fermatron, Giastat.
Absolutely any drug has contraindications for use and adverse reactions of the body. This type of medication has a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of gastritis and peptic ulcers enhances the adverse effects on the gastric mucosa. Most medications for knee arthrosis affect kidney function. The active ingredients of NSAIDs increase blood pressure, which leads to impaired renal function, heart and vascular diseases. Among other side effects, anti-inflammatory drugs affect clotting. If used incorrectly, thrombosis may develop. Thrombosis causes stroke and myocardial infarction. The bottom line is, don't take NSAIDs on your own. Otherwise, you will harm your own health. In addition, it should be remembered that these types of drugs mask the symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint. Therefore, the correct approach to taking drugs of this type, the correct dosage and amount of use per day is necessary.
The effect of chondroprotectors against arthrosis does not occur immediately; in order to feel relief and effectiveness from treatment, you should take medications for 6 months. In some cases, you may need to take medications for up to one year. Chondroprotectors help only in the initial stages of the development of arthrosis of the knee joint, until the cartilage tissue is completely destroyed. For patients taking chondroprotectors, walking for half an hour is recommended. People who are overweight should take measures to lose weight, as joints can hurt due to excess weight. It is necessary to perform physical exercises from a complex of therapeutic gymnastics daily.
Despite the fact that gonarthrosis (arthrosis of the knee joint) does not shorten a person’s life expectancy, the disease negatively affects its quality. Intense pain in the knee limits the motor activity of the limb and can even lead to disability.
Modern medications will help cope with pain in the knee joint and stop the development of the inflammatory process.
This topic was created in order to introduce the reader to the most effective painkillers for arthrosis that exist today.
Arthrosis and arthritis are the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The disease most often develops in the hip and knee joints.
Arthrosis of the lower extremities is well known to most professional athletes who experience heavy physical activity every day.
If you are often in a stationary position (standing or sitting) for a long time, you can develop pathology of the connective tissue of the bones.
Causes leading to arthrosis of the joints:
Gonarthrosis, like any other disease, has characteristic symptoms:
In the initial stage, gonarthrosis practically does not manifest itself. With arthrosis of the knee joint, the very first sign is minor pain, which occurs during physical activity and quickly goes away at rest. The longer the disease lasts, the more pronounced its manifestations:
For arthrosis of the knee joint, ointments containing drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help relieve moderate pain. The most popular ointments for arthrosis today are indomethacin and diclofenac, due to their effectiveness.
Despite the fact that ointments are applied only to the surface of the skin, they penetrate deep into the epithelium and even into cartilage tissue. NSAIDs have a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, so pain can be relieved relatively quickly.
Preparations for internal use. These include:
Paracetamol is a highly effective and affordable pain reliever. In addition, it is much safer for the gastrointestinal tract than other drugs used for arthrosis of the knee joint.
Even the most modern paracetamol does not have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system and blood pressure levels. However, overuse of paracetamol can seriously affect your health.
Many drugs that are effective for arthrosis of the knee belong to the group of non-selective drugs (indomethacin, diclofenac). The indiscriminate effect lies in the fact that these medications are not only capable of relieving joint pain, but can also provoke undesirable phenomena in the body:
The most effective and safe painkillers today are selective NSAIDs. These drugs for gonarthrosis, while providing an anti-inflammatory effect on joint tissue, do not affect the stomach, intestines, cardiovascular system and cartilage tissue.
The disadvantages of these drugs include their high cost. But if we are talking about elderly patients and people suffering from cardiac and gastric pathologies, taking drugs from the group of anticoagulants, in this case, treatment only with selective NSAIDs is acceptable.
Selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include rofecoxib, etoricoxib, celecoxib and others. They are slightly inferior in safety, but still better than non-selective NSAIDs - nimesulide, meloxicam.
To relieve prolonged and intense pain, typical of exacerbation of arthrosis of the knee joint, the doctor may prescribe tramadol, a medicine that is available only by prescription because it is a narcotic.
Although tramadol is an excellent pain reliever, it is quickly addictive and has numerous side effects on the patient's body. Therefore, this medicine is prescribed in exceptional situations.
Previously, it was generally accepted that cartilage tissue is not capable of self-renewal. However, recent medical research has convinced us otherwise. This scientific discovery became the impetus for the creation of drugs in which the active ingredients are hyaluronic acid, chondroitin and glucosamine.
All these components, with long-term treatment, gradually restore the structure of the cartilage, as a result of which the disease stops, pain disappears, and the range of motion in the knee joints increases.
hyaluronic acid for joints is not taken orally; it is injected directly into the joint cavity. It is recommended to do such injections twice a year. After the procedures, the patient experiences significant relief, and mobility is restored in the damaged joint.
Advanced gonarthrosis cannot be treated with conservative methods, but requires surgical intervention. The effectiveness of treatment primarily depends on the stage of the disease at which the patient sought medical help, on the correctness of the diagnosis and the patient’s discipline in terms of following therapeutic recommendations.
You can fight arthrosis of the knee joint using various methods: physiotherapy, exercise therapy, and folk recipes. However, one of the most effective treatment methods is medication. There are injections and ointments. creams and suppositories, but it is tablets for arthrosis that allow you to achieve quick and long-term remission, or get rid of the problem forever in a short time.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Modern anti-inflammatory drugs are aimed at eliminating inflammation and pain. They do not contain hormones, so they are safer than steroid drugs. Such tablets for knee arthrosis act on inflamed tissues and block the mediators they secrete. Swelling and redness of the knee goes away literally after 1-2 doses of the drug, pain decreases and joint function is restored.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended for increased local temperature of the knee joint caused by arthrosis. They have a number of side effects, so medications, especially for long-term treatment, should be selected by a doctor.
Ketoprofen, Indomethacin, Ketorolac or Diclofenac can cope with severe pain. For people prone to thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases or strokes, Ibuprofen or Naproxen is recommended.
Anti-inflammatory drug in tablet form
Among the anti-inflammatory drugs, Movalis is distinguished, which quickly relieves pain and the sensation of a “hot knee”, but at the same time much less often causes allergies and problems with the digestive tract.
Nonsteroidal drugs are prescribed for grades 1–3 arthrosis. It is advisable to combine them with ointments and rubs to speed up recovery and shorten the course of treatment, because long-term use can disrupt the functioning of the heart and stomach, increasing the risk of bronchial asthma, kidney failure and arterial hypertension.
The main task of chondroprotectors is the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Drugs in tablet form trigger the production of collagen and synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and prevents friction. Chondroprotectors in the form of injections act locally, so the effect appears faster. To see results from the pills, you need to take them for at least 6 months.
The chondroprotectors are based on chondroitin, which is synthesized from the cartilage of salmon fish or marine invertebrates, and glucosamine. The second component deactivates enzymes that destroy collagen.
Sometimes such tablets are made from avocado or soybeans; for other drugs, piece substances synthesized from chemical components are used. Chondroprotectors can be taken not only to combat arthrosis, but also to prevent this disease. It is important to remember that any medications should be prescribed by a specialist, because they affect the functioning of the digestive organs, heart and kidneys.
Arthra capsules contain both chondroitin and glucosamine and are suitable for long-term use and prevention. “Teraflex” is recommended to be taken for at least 3 months, during this period the condition of the joints improves significantly and unpleasant symptoms disappear.
The active component of the chondroprotector “Glucosamine” is the substance glucosamine. Tablets belong to the category of single drugs, but they work no less effectively than Teraflex. Among the natural-based medicines, “Piaskledin” is distinguished, which contains soybean and avocado oils. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and trigger the restoration of cartilage tissue, and are compatible with non-steroidal drugs.
Chondroprotectors in the form of tablets are not suitable for people with gastrointestinal diseases and individual intolerance. In such cases, tablet drugs are replaced with intra-articular injections. Medicines in this group are powerless for grade 3 arthrosis, when the cartilage is completely destroyed and it is almost impossible to restore it.
Problems with the knee joints arise against the background of impaired metabolism, so doctors recommend that patients adhere to a special diet. It is aimed at activating metabolism and restoring vitamin and mineral balance. Proper nutrition for arthrosis can be supplemented with a pharmaceutical complex of useful substances, but such points should be discussed with your doctor.
B vitamins
To restore cartilage tissue and improve the condition of joints, you should take B vitamins: thiamine with riboflavin, choline and nicotinic acid, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin. Pantothenic acid and biotin are useful. B vitamins stimulate metabolic processes, relieve joint pain, support the muscular system and protect the stomach when taking anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs.
Ascorbic acid and retinol take an active part in collagen synthesis. You can strengthen your joints with the help of mineral complexes, which include calcium and zinc, magnesium with copper and boron.
Dietary supplements are treated with skepticism, because they do not undergo such careful monitoring as medications. However, natural tablets for arthrosis of the knee joint can improve blood circulation, cleanse the body of toxins and replace chondroprotectors.
Dietary supplements are recommended to be taken in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs. The latter remove the first symptoms of arthrosis, and the former gradually restore the structure of the cartilage and stop the inflammatory process. Nutritional supplements have no side effects, and the only contraindication is pregnancy.
Dietary supplement for joints
The main component of most dietary supplements is glucosamine or chondroitin, which has been 100% purified from impurities. Some manufacturers add minerals and vitamin complexes to their products. Enjoy NT capsules, which contain silicon and bamboo extract, have proven themselves well.
If you combine and take pills correctly for arthrosis, you can quickly restore joint mobility, get rid of pain and slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue.
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Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a progressive degenerative disease, which is based on thinning and damage to the cartilage covering the articular surfaces of the bones. As a result of such pathological changes, the joint loses its functionality and gradually becomes deformed, and in advanced cases it becomes completely immobile.
To prevent the development of serious consequences of gonarthrosis (deformation of the limb and ankylosis - immobilization of the joint), when only joint replacement surgery can help the patient, the disease must be promptly identified and treated. Moreover, treat not independently with folk methods and advertised remedies, but under the supervision of qualified doctors.
All treatment methods for this disease can be divided into two large groups: conservative and surgical.
Conservative methods include:
Gonarthrosis can be treated with strictly conservative methods only at the initial stage of its development, when pathological changes in the joint are limited to dystrophic changes in cartilage, dysfunction of the synovial membrane and inflammation. If the disease progresses to the second stage, accompanied by the destruction of cartilage tissue, the formation of osteophytes (bone growths) and an even greater deterioration of the condition of the synovial membrane, doctors have to resort to intra-articular injections and minimally invasive surgical interventions performed with an arthroscope.
If the disease is diagnosed at the third stage, it is impossible to fully restore movement in the joint using conservative and minimally invasive surgical methods. The only solution for such patients is endoprosthetics of the articular surfaces - a complex and expensive operation.
A set of therapeutic measures for gonarthrosis should solve the following problems:
All these problems are completely solvable if you correctly combine drug treatment with manual therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures, physical therapy and nutrition, which provides the body with the substances necessary for the restoration of cartilage. Let's take a closer look at each of these treatment methods for gonarthrosis.
The diet of patients with arthrosis should contain foods that are beneficial for joints every day:
In addition, it is important to follow a few more rules:
In addition, gonarthrosis of the knee joint very often occurs against the background of obesity, so an important component of the treatment of such patients is weight loss, which can only be achieved by following a diet (playing sports will not help with this, since excessive physical activity is harmful to an unhealthy joint). To lose weight, you need to stop eating foods containing unhealthy fats and “fast” carbohydrates:
The main complaint of patients with gonarthrosis is pain, for which people usually seek medical help. Therefore, at the first stage of treatment, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to such patients to reduce pain and inflammation (if any). Physiotherapy, manual therapy and exercise therapy are prescribed after the patient’s well-being improves.
Due to the mass of side effects, taking non-steroidal drugs orally is only allowed in short courses. But painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs for external action (ointments and creams) can be used for a longer period.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs recommended for gonarthrosis include:
In severe cases, intra-articular hormone injections can be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory and painkillers are only symptomatic therapy; they do not affect the condition of cartilage (with prolonged use they even contribute to their destruction). The main component of the treatment of gonarthrosis should be the use of drugs that contain substances that restore the structure of cartilage tissue and protect it from further damage. Such drugs include chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid.
The main components of chondroprotectors are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate - structural elements of cartilage. Chondroprotectors are produced in tablet and injection forms (for intra-articular administration). To obtain real results from treatment, these drugs must be taken in courses of 3-5 months (with mandatory breaks). At least 2-3 such courses must be completed. When using injection chondroprotectors, the course of treatment should consist of 12 injections, it is recommended to repeat it 2-3 times a year. You should expect the first improvements only a few months after the start of therapy.
Another modern remedy for the treatment of arthrosis is hyaluronic acid, which, when injected into the knee, envelops the articular surfaces of the bones, increases the elasticity of the cartilage and protects them from further destruction. Thanks to therapy with drugs containing sodium hyaluronate (another name for acid), the friction of the articular surfaces against each other is reduced, the severity of pain is reduced, and as a result, joint mobility increases.
Hyaluronic acid is used in courses of 3-4 intra-articular injections with an interval of 10-14 days. Patients, as a rule, tolerate such procedures well and do not note any side effects of the drug. However, hyaluronic acid has disadvantages - it is high in cost, although it cannot be compared with the cost of joint replacement.
Among the physiotherapeutic methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint, preference is given to the following:
All these physiotherapeutic methods activate blood circulation in the joint area and thereby improve the nutrition of cartilage.
Manual therapy is of no small importance in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Chiropractors use two techniques for knee arthrosis:
If the manual treatment procedure is performed by an experienced specialist, the patient practically does not feel any discomfort or pain. In addition, after the first treatment session, many patients notice significant improvements - pain decreases, the joint becomes more mobile. The use of chondroprotectors and intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid consolidates and potentiates the results of manual therapy.
Patients with gonarthrosis usually spare the sore knee, try to walk less, and generally move, which causes the muscles and ligaments to weaken. Such physical inactivity also negatively affects the condition of the cartilage itself, because during movements it, like a sponge, absorbs nutrients found in the synovial fluid. If there is no movement, dystrophic changes in the cartilage tissue progress. Therefore, dosed physical activity is extremely necessary for gonarthrosis. They help strengthen muscles, increase blood flow in the knee area and restore joint mobility.
A set of exercises for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is selected individually for each patient. In this case, the doctor takes into account the depth of pathological changes in the joint and the functional state of the person. In addition, the following requirements must be taken into account:
One of the sets of exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint is presented below:
Exercise therapy can only begin when the joint is not inflamed or painful . During periods of exacerbation of the disease, the knee needs rest, and the patient needs pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment.
It is best to engage in physical therapy in a specially equipped room under the supervision of an instructor. In the future, you can train on your own at home, but to do this, a specialist must teach the patient how to perform the exercises correctly.
Zubkova Olga Sergeevna, medical observer, epidemiologist
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