Osteoarthritis is a fairly common disease caused by metabolic disorders, trauma, or non-specific infectious arthritis. The disease causes deforming changes in the tissues of the joints and the surrounding bone joints.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a fairly serious condition that affects the joints. With the disease, damaged joints and the surrounding bones thicken. Pain occurs during exertion, which gradually subsides at rest.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, the causes of which are very different, does not cause an inflammatory process, therefore it does not manifest itself in the form of edema and redness, which is different from arthritis or polyarthritis.
It should be noted that among the patients, many women suffer from diseases - varicose veins and obesity.
Why does the disease occur?
Osteoarthritis is an unpredictable disease that occurs due to:
- Overloaded
- Trauma
- Hereditary disposition
- Obesity
- Flat feet
How do I define a disease?
Arthrosis of the knee joint 1st degree - the initial stage of the disease, in which treatment started in time can improve joint performance. In the early stages, movements are restricted and areas of the joints begin to ossify. At this stage it is almost impossible to determine osteoarthritis of the knee joint, the treatment of which is very different: the X-ray examination does not reveal any visible bone growth. The main signs are the sharpening of the joint edges and the narrowing of the interarticular gap, which a doctor can detect during the exam. To clarify the diagnosis, an additional examination of the ultrasound and MRI of the joints is prescribed.
Usually, patients notice a brief tingling sensation in the joint and a crunch during movement. Painful sensations arise quickly after resting and when walking. Such "start" pain manifests itself as a result of the friction of the joints on which cartilage and bone destruction (detritus) settles.
In the initial stage, osteoarthritis does not cause any significant discomfort, so patients do not pay attention to the symptoms that have occurred. Therefore, if there is the slightest suspicion of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, treatment should be carried out immediately.
Arthritis treatment
Before you start fighting the disease, find a good doctor and, after a full examination, come up with a common treatment plan. Do not diagnose yourself, it can only make the situation worse. There are many similar diseases so without investigation you may be mistaken in the definition of the disease.
When confirming the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, treatment is prescribed depending on the stage of the disease. In the initial stage, when the joint is still more or less preserved, it is suggested to carry out drug therapy with chondroprotective drugs. Today they are presented in a fairly wide range. Regardless of the choice, drugs are taken for up to 6 months. After six months, it is recommended to repeat the course of treatment again. The duration of treatment is 3 to 5 years.
It should be noted that creams and ointments cannot relieve the patient from osteoarthritis, but they can relieve pain. It is recommended that you use warming medication to improve blood circulation.
Sick people with a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee joint can only be treated by the attending physician. You are encouraged to do daily health exercises and stick to a form of diet. Try not to overload your joints. This can have a negative impact on your health. After recovery, try to gradually build up the load and avoid pain.