Hello dear readers. As you know, arthritis is inflammation of the joint, resulting in the deformation and gradual destruction of the joint. The disease is accompanied by a feeling of quite strong pain, occurring even in a static position of the joint. Ignoring the problem can lead to the fact that the function of the joint will be simply lost. Today we are going to talk about knee effusion, which is quite common. Our knees are subjected to a certain load each day, which is generally normal for them. But if the load is increased, or one person has problems with excessive weight, then the situation becomes much more complicated. What tools will help deal with such a problem? We will talk about this a little later, but for now you should familiarize yourself with the features of the disease, as well as its symptoms.
What is a hydrocele
This disease is characterized by several terms that may reflect its nature. There is a definition such as "gonarthrosis", which means the presence of pathological changes in the knee joint.
But with "joint deformation" the knee cartilage is affected, and some deformation changes in the ligaments and muscles before it.
In other words, the disease is characterized by thinning cartilage, losing strength. Its normal functions weaken, and lose its shock-absorbing properties, so the joint begins to deflate.
The deformation takes more than a day, so you shouldn't expect the disease to show up for days or weeks. When there are first signs of joint disease, you should consult a doctor, as only a doctor can prescribe really correct treatment.
Anyway, the whole joint deformation process takes three degrees. Please note that it is only possible to be successfully treated in the early stages, when the joint begins to fall.
First degree knee arthritis
This stage is the easiest, as it is the early stage of the development of the disease. Please note that the disease does not appear overnight but develops safely over a few years.
As a rule, no one pays attention to early-stage symptoms, as they are not bright enough, and therefore, people refer to everything as common fatigue.
Over the years, knee cartilages lose elasticity, which is why heavy loads on them can lead to destruction of their structure.
Second degree knee arthritis
The early stage of the disease is ignored by everyone, since we only pay attention to the acute symptoms, in fact, that's our problem. But already in the second stage, the symptoms become brighter, and therefore, it is impossible to ignore them.
The second degree is accompanied by severe destruction of cartilage, as well as small burrs that greatly limit joint mobility.
This is the cause of the painful sensation, which will only increase the more you ignore the disease.
X-rays show significant narrowing of the slit in the joint, as well as the compaction of the bone itself. In addition, first major deformation changes in the joint itself were observed.
At this stage, it is very difficult for a person to ignore the symptoms of joint disease. Every morning will be accompanied by severe stiffness, at the same time appear quite obvious pain sensations.
Note that pain like this cannot be confused with anything else, as pain relievers are rarely helpful.
3rd degree knee arthritis
By stage 3, the disease only gets worse, that is, it is difficult to ignore the symptoms.
The inflamed area not only shows redness and swelling, but also a pronounced deformity of the joint, so the normal mobility of the joint cannot be performed.
Should not go to the third stage, as changes in the structure of the joint at this stage can lead to disability.
Can only be treated successfully in the first two phases, not only can prevent deformation and destruction but also completely cure the disease.
Please note that you can only protect yourself from the effects of joint disease in the first two stages. That means, thanks to the treatment given, you can live a full life, be physically active and enjoy all the joys of life.
Of course, the final stage is the most severe, which can cause some difficulties in treating, but the situation is still not hopeless. Even in stage 3, dry knee disease can be cured.
The course of the disease is accompanied by sharp pain even at rest, in addition to a lame expression.
The leg stops flexing normally not only because of a lot of pain, but also from a developing malformation.
Causes of knee effusion
There is no reason that such a serious illness could have resulted.
There are usually a few of them, and all of them, to some extent, affect the state of the joint. As a rule, cartilage is affected by the load or is quite traumatic.
That is, it is a whole set of factors that lead to the development of such a disease. Our bones are resistant to many factors, but only if they manifest individually.
Well, if there are a few of them and they all affect the knee joint frequently, then the first symptoms won't be long.
There are such reasons for the development of arthritis:
- Metabolic disorder.
- Arthritis becomes chronic.
- Get heavy objects on your knees, such as when doing one of the professional sports (usually running).
- Performing knee surgery to remove the meniscus.
- Previous knee injury.
Arthritis of the knee - symptoms
When it comes to symptoms, it should be immediately noted that the most prominent is still pain. Finally, we pay attention to it, and then only when its intensity increases significantly.
So in the beginning, the pain will only appear while walking, while it will be insignificant. The neglect of the disease further leads to pain after a long time in the sitting position.
With any movement of the leg, you will hear a rattle sound, which indicates that the joint has undergone some changes.
It is increasingly difficult for the patient to bend their legs, as this will be quite painful.
Take a look at the list of key symptoms associated with dry knee joint disease:
- There is an inflammation that leads to swelling of the cartilage.
- Reduces normal mobility of the knee.
- Strong pain in the joint area.
Arthritis of the knee - treatment
Don't think that there's only one way to cure it. Treatment is necessarily comprehensive, meaning it must include some type of therapy. This way, you can get the results you want.
Self-medication is completely excluded as you can only harm your health. Therefore, an appeal to a doctor in this case will be required.
Desired results can only be achieved with complex treatments. At the same time, this process is quite long so you have to be patient.
Therapy includes medication, diet, joint massage, gymnastics, and alternative medicine.
Surgery is only indicated in the most advanced cases. Before that, you can work with other types of treatment that, if done correctly, will yield the desired results.
- Reduce load.In this case, we will be supported by a special orthopedic knee pad or an ordinary wooden stick, which can act as the center of gravity of the body.
- Drug use.This can be an ointment applied directly to the affected area or taken by mouth.
- Surgical therapyincludes laparoscopy (insertion of an internal prosthetic), osteotomy (removal of bone deformation) or arthroscopy(Examination of the joint by making small incisions in its tissue).
Chondroprotectors for arthritis of the knee
The best way to cure the disease is to repair the cartilage. This is done with the help of special drugs, which work with the aim of eliminating joint edema, as well as eliminating their inflammatory processes.
These drugs are called "chondroprotectors", and they contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
If glucosamine contributes to the full synthesis of cartilage, then chonroitin improves calcium-phosphorus metabolism in the body. This restorative process allows the joint to gain elasticity which, in fact, stops the joint's destruction.
These products are available in both ointment and tablet, powder, and injection form. The allowable duration of treatment is at least six months, and the first positive results can be expected after three months.
Osteoarthritis of the knee - treatment with folk remedies
If the disease is new in its early stage, folk remedies have every chance to cure it. Remember that traditional medicine will be powerless if the disease is ignored.
What traditional medicine can help? One of the most effective is "ferrite magnet". It sounds strange, but it is he who will help to cope with such a fatal disease.
Finding it is not as difficult as one might think, because such a magnet is found inside every radio receiver. Need to massage the sore area for 20 minutes daily.
This type of therapy helps to cope with even the most severe pain. But there are other, equally effective methods that also help cure the disease without the use of drugs.
- Apple Cider Vinegar.It is necessary to dilute a few teaspoons of this vinegar in one cup of water and divide the total into three drinks.
- Sunflower oil.You will need two tablespoons of oil, heat on a fire, then start rubbing it on the sore joint area.
- Burdock.Prepare about seven leaves by spreading them on a flat surface with the velvet side facing down. Put them in a pot and rinse them with boiling water. The injured knee is first oiled, then burdock leaves are covered. The knee is fixed with adhesive film and is fixed with a thick cloth towel.
Home joint treatment
As mentioned, in the first two stages, treatment can be done at home, but even in this case, no one cancels the consultation with the doctor.
First you need to follow your diet, this should be strengthened by exercise. Your doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain.
Massage the knee at home
A simple massage that you can do on your own will help relieve pain. But first, you should speak with a professional massage therapist.
The massage time is about half an hour:
- Sit on the bed and try to straighten the affected leg.
- Slowly swipe your knees in different directions.
- Use your palms to rub both sides of joints.
- Press down on the joint with your finger.
Osteoarthritis Treatment Diet
To regain joint function, you need to try to balance your diet, give up fast foods and fatty foods of animal origin.
Diet should be governed by:
- Dairy products (cheese, cottage cheese).
- Vegetable soup.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Seafood.
- Any other cereal other than semolina and rice.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a rather complicated disease, not easy to cure completely. The key condition for treatment is complex therapy, which includes a number of treatments. You can ask for help, both with medication and with traditional medicine.