It is not difficult to treat arthrosis of the 1st degree of the knee joint if symptoms are detected in time and consult a doctor. This is a destructive disease that affects the cartilage, causing it to collapse. It has 4 stages of development, the first of which is the initial one. Progressing, the disease leads to disorders of the musculoskeletal drug, and to the 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 articular fluid in the knee;
- excess weight, which puts pressure on the limbs and provokes cartilage wear;
- past infectious diseases of the joints, inflammation, arthritis;
- bruises, dislocations, fractures, complications after surgery;
- genetic predisposition.
Osteoarthritis occurs in adulthood (after 45). However, there are many cases when young people under 30 years old were exposed to the disease. The reasons for the "rejuvenation" of the disease can be excessive physical activity, overstrain, injury. Lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet also contributes to the development of degenerative changes in the knee joint.
Symptoms: how to tell?
Arthrosis of the knee joint of the 1st degree has its own characteristics:
- minor pain during activity, prolonged walking and running, cessation of pain at rest;
- poor joint mobility, difficulty in movement;
- knee crunch during flexion and extension.
Waking up in the morning is often accompanied by slight swelling and stiffness of the joint, symptoms that disappear during the day. By the evening, the pain may intensify, and the appearance of edema will be added to the symptoms. Aching 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 a narrowing of the joint spaces, softening of the cartilaginous tissue of the knee.
Complications
Ignoring 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, which complicates further therapy. The nature of the intensifying pain also changes: the aching sensations turn into tingling sensations.
Diagnostics
According to the test results, the presence of an inflammatory process can be determined.
Prescribed by the attending physician, and includes three stages:
- knee examination;
- referral for analyzes;
- X-ray transmission.
It is rather difficult to recognize the disease in the initial stages. She does not have pronounced symptoms that are often ignored.
A consultation with a doctor can confirm or deny a preliminary diagnosis. Gonoarthrosis cannot be completely cured; it is only possible to slow down the development of the disease and reduce the discomfort that hinders a full life.
Treatment of 1st degree 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 full course can minimize the manifestations of symptoms, strengthen the cartilage tissue. The knee joint massage can be done by the patient's relatives or by himself. However, it is recommended to consult a specialist for a better result.
Medicines
Destructive changes in the leg cause a lot of inconvenience and interfere with a full life. To ease painful sensations and eliminate inflammation, the doctor prescribes chondroprotectors that prevent the cartilage from being destroyed and gradually restore its integrity.
Taking non-steroidal drugs will relieve pain and swelling well, but these drugs are not suitable for treatment. Ointments and gels improve joint nutrition and metabolism, which makes them convenient and effective to use.
Exercise therapy for arthrosis of the 1st degree of the knee joint
It is advisable not to load the joint without consulting a specialist. The physical therapist will select the optimal exercise based on the symptoms and degree of the disease. Exercise therapy is used in the initial stages and in the absence of pain. The acute phase sometimes requires wearing a knee pad, the bandage fixes the joint in a passive position, limiting mobility and relieving stress on the cartilage.
Traditional medicine
It is not recommended to use hot compresses for inflammatory processes, as excess heat in the knee causes purulent complications.
The recipe of folk remedies is diverse, and includes anesthetic infusions and anti-inflammatory rubbing.
Cabbage, birch and burdock leaves relieve puffiness, and honey massage nourishes the affected area with nutrients.
A compress made of apple cider vinegar diluted with turpentine should be applied to the knee and wrapped overnight, additionally wrapping the affected area with a warm cloth.
Methods of prevention
You can prevent the development of gonarthrosis by observing a few rules:
- do not overcool the joints;
- monitor weight, do not overeat;
- dose physical activity;
- engage in gymnastic exercises;
- treat injuries in a timely manner.
It is recommended to change the diet by eliminating foods with excess cholesterol, flour products, sweets from the menu. Reduce your salt intake. Avoiding injury is also important in preventing knee disease. At the first signs of an inflammatory process in the cartilage tissues, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to start treating the disease in a timely manner.