Arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a degenerative disease characterized by progressive wear and tear of the cartilage layer of the knee joint.
Causes of knee arthrosis
It appears most often in people over 50 years of age.Being overweight worsens the symptoms of the disease, and losing weight reduces its manifestation.There is also a genetic predisposition, i.e. arthrosis occurs more often in certain families than in others.Aggravating factors include previous injuries to the knee, meniscus, and ligaments.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The symptoms of knee arthrosis always progress over time.Patients often notice an aggravation of the disease in the autumn-spring periods;the pain can also depend on changes in the weather.
- Pain at rest, slightly reduced when walking;
- Limitation of the range of motion of the joint;
- Stiffness in movement;
- Increased sensitivity in the joint area;
- Swelling of the soft tissues around the joint;
- Joint deformity.
The condition of the joint is assessed by examination and X-rays.X-rays are used to determine the stage of the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Treatment of knee arthrosis
Treatment of gonarthrosis begins with the simplest steps and progresses to more complex ones, and is adjusted depending on the effectiveness of certain methods.
Weight loss
The lower the weight, the less strain on the knee joints and, accordingly, the less symptoms of the disease appear.
Change of activity
Certain types of physical activities with joint overload should be limited (running, weight lifting, etc.).While physical exercises that do not overload the joint increase the range of motion, reduce pain and slow the progression of the disease (swimming, skiing, orbiters, etc.).
Additional support
In case of significant pain, crutches or sticks are used to relieve the joint.
Physiotherapy
Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint helps reduce overuse of the joint and prevent muscle atrophy (atrophy), which is an important part of keeping the knee functioning.
Orthopedic insoles (insoles)
With the help of orthopedic foot supports, the biomechanics of walking are corrected, the proper distribution of weight on the knee joint is achieved, and the manifestations of the disease are reduced.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac sodium, etc.) are used to treat the inflammation and pain caused by the disease.
Hormonal injections into the joint
Injections of hormonal drugs (cortisone) effectively help reduce joint pain and inflammation.However, you should be extremely careful when using these drugs because... the likelihood of side effects from such therapy often outweighs the possible good results.
Biological therapy.
The most modern and effective methods of conservative treatment of joint arthrosis are biological therapeutic methods.These include PRP therapy, cytokine therapy, and MSK therapy.
PRPa serum rich in platelets and growth factors taken from the blood, which accelerates the healing process of acute and chronic injuries.Growth factors are chemicals that start the healing process.The application of PRP to the area of injury stimulates the regeneration process, accelerates healing and promotes the rapid termination of the inflammatory process.
Cytokine therapyis a safe and effective treatment for osteoarthritis in which the therapeutically active protein IL-1Ra produced by the body fights the chronic progressive degeneration of cartilage.Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a substance that increases inflammatory processes in the joints and leads to their premature wear, plays a key role in the development of joint arthrosis.Its biological antidote is the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), which reduces inflammation, increases mobility and reduces pain.
MSK therapy- stem cell treatment is considered an innovative, advanced therapeutic method, based on their key characteristic - non-differentiation (not belonging to a single tissue) - and therefore they are able to multiply and develop into special cells of various tissues.
Synovial fluid substitutes.
Injections of hyaluronic acid preparations are very effective and help to significantly reduce symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease for a long time (up to 1 year) with minimal side effects.
Chondroprotectors
Glucosamine and chondroitin are safe and effective drugs that are often used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Denervation of the knee joint is an effective and safe method for the treatment of pain associated with arthrosis of the knee joint.
Denervation of the genicular nerves
In cases where conservative treatment does not bring relief and joint replacement is not possible due to certain contraindications, denervation of the genicular nerves can be used.The essence of the procedure is heat treatment of the sensitive nerves of the knee joint that transmit pain impulses.After a successful outpatient procedure, a significant, long-term reduction in the pain of the knee joint is possible.
Arthroscopic removal of the knee joint
The effectiveness of arthroscopic intervention in arthrosis of the knee joint is still controversial, but it is quite effective in alleviating certain specific symptoms.
Osteotomy
A surgical procedure to realign the axis of the lower limb.Effective in young people with minimal damage to the cartilage layer of the joint.
Total endoprosthesis
Complete replacement of the articular surfaces of the knee joint with metal implants is the only effective treatment for end-stage gonarthrosis.
Partial knee replacement
The so-called unicondylar knee prosthesis, during which the articular cartilage defect is replaced with a metal plate.Indications for the procedure are very limited.