It is not difficult to treat grade 1 arthrosis of the knee joint if symptoms are detected in time and a doctor needs to be consulted. It is a destructive disease that affects cartilage and collapses. It has 4 stages of development, the first of which is the initial one. Progression of the disease leads to musculoskeletal disorders and complete cessation of joint mobility.
Causes of Inflammation
The following factors are responsible for the appearance and development of gonarthrosis:
- metabolic disorders in the body, excess joint fluid in the knee;
- overweight, which puts pressure on the limbs and provokes cartilage wear;
- previous infectious diseases of the joints, inflammation, arthritis;
- bruises, displacements, fractures, complications after surgery;
- genetic predisposition.
Osteoarthritis occurs in adulthood (after 45). In many cases, however, young people under the age of 30 are exposed to the disease. Excessive physical activity, overload, injury can be the cause of "rejuvenation" of the disease. Lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet also contributes to the development of degenerative changes in the knee joint.
Symptoms: how to tell?
Grade 1 knee arthrosis has its own characteristics:
- minor pain during activity, prolonged walking and running, cessation of pain at rest;
- poor joint mobility, difficult movement;
- Knee cracking during bending and stretching.
Waking up in the morning is often accompanied by mild swelling and stiffness of the joint, the symptoms are relieved during the day. In the evening, the pain may increase and the onset of edema is accompanied by symptoms. Painful pain also occurs due to changes in the weather and sudden changes in pressure. Meteosensitivity is a common but optional symptom of gonarthrosis. The initial stage of the disease is characterized by narrowing of the joint spaces, softening of the cartilage tissue of the knee.
Complications
Ignoring the symptoms and lack of treatment provokes the transition of the disease from the first to the second. In the acute phase, impaired circulation converts the swelling to inflammation, complicating further therapy. The nature of the increasing pain also changes: the sore feelings become a tingling sensation.
Diagnostics
The test results indicate an inflammatory process.
Prescribed by your doctor and consists of three stages:
- knee examination; reference to
- analysis;
- X-rays.
In the initial stage, it is quite difficult to recognize the disease. It has no pronounced symptoms that are often overlooked.
Consultation with a physician may confirm or reject a preliminary diagnosis. Gonoarthrosis cannot be completely cured, it is only possible to slow down the development of the disease and reduce the discomforts that prevent a lifetime.
Treatment of grade I arthrosis
Massage Procedures
In the early stages of the disease, the manual method is an effective and useful solution in the fight against gonarthrosis. Kneading the affected area improves blood circulation and eliminates edema. Completing the entire course of treatment can minimize the manifestations of symptoms and strengthen cartilage tissue. The knee joint massage can be performed by the patient's relatives or by yourself. However, for better results, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
Medications
Destructive changes in the foot cause a lot of discomfort and disrupt your entire life. To relieve painful feelings and eliminate inflammation, your doctor will prescribe chondroprotectors that prevent cartilage destruction and gradually restore its integrity.
Taking non-steroidal medications is good for relieving pain and swelling, but these medications are not suitable for treatment. Ointments and gels improve the nutrition and metabolism of the joints, making them comfortable and effective to use.
Exercise therapy for grade 1 knee arthrosis
We recommend that you do not strain the joint without consulting a professional. The physiotherapist selects the optimal practice based on the symptoms and extent of the disease. Exercise is used in the initial stages and in the absence of pain. The acute phase sometimes requires knee protection, with the ligament securing the joint in a passive position, limiting mobility and relieving cartilage stress.
Traditional Medicine
It is not recommended to use hot compression for inflammatory processes, as excessive heat in the knee causes purulent complications.
The recipe for folk remedies includes a variety of anesthetic infusions and anti-inflammatory rubs.
The leaves of cabbage, birch and burdock relieve swelling, and a honey massage nourishes the affected area.
A compress made of apple cider vinegar diluted in turpentine should be placed on the knee and wrapped overnight, and the affected area should be wrapped in a warm cloth.
Prevention methods
There are a few rules you can take to prevent gonarthrosis:
- do not overcool the joints;
- monitor weight, do not overeat;
- physical activity;
- participate in gymnastics exercises;
- Treat injuries in a timely manner.
It is recommended to change the diet by deleting excess cholesterol foods, flour products, sweets from the menu. Reduce salt intake. Avoiding injuries is also important in preventing knee disease. If there are first signs of an inflammatory process in the cartilage tissue, you should consult your doctor immediately so that you can begin treatment for the disease in time.