It is not difficult to treat 1st degree arthrosis 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 being the initial one. Progressing, the disease leads to disorders of the musculoskeletal drug and 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 joint fluid in the knee;
- excess weight, which presses the limbs and causes wear of the cartilage;
- previous infectious diseases of the joints, inflammation, arthritis;
- hematomas, dislocations, fractures, complications after surgery;
- genetic predisposition.
Osteoarthritis occurs in adulthood (after 45). However, there are many cases where young people under the age of 30 have been exposed to the disease. The reasons for the "rejuvenation" of the disease can be excessive physical effort, excessive effort, injuries. The lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet also contributes to the development of degenerative changes in the knee joint.
Symptoms: how to know?
Arthrosis of the 1st degree knee joint has its own characteristics:
- minor pain during activity, prolonged walking and running, cessation of pain at rest;
- impaired joint mobility, difficulty in movement;
- knee compression during flexion and extension.
Waking up in the morning is usually accompanied by mild swelling and stiffness in the joint, symptoms that decrease during the day. At night, the pain may intensify and the appearance of edema will add to the symptoms. Acute pain also occurs due to changes in the weather and sudden changes in pressure. Meteorosensitivity 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 knee cartilaginous tissue.
Complications
Ignoring the symptoms and the lack of treatment causes the transition from the first degree to the second. In the acute phase, impaired circulation converts the swelling into inflammation, which complicates further treatment. The nature of pain intensification also changes: pain sensations become tingling sensations.
Diagnosis
According to the test results, the presence of an inflammatory process can be determined.
Prescribed by the attending physician and includes three steps:
- knee examination;
- reference for analysis;
- X-ray transmission.
It is quite difficult to recognize the disease in the early stages. She has no pronounced symptoms that are often overlooked.
A consultation with a doctor can confirm or deny a preliminary diagnosis. Gonoarthrosis has no total cure, it is only possible to delay the development of the disease and reduce the discomfort that prevents 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. Completion of the full course can minimize symptom manifestations, strengthen cartilage tissue. The patient's relatives or himself can massage the knee joint. However, it is recommended to consult a specialist for a better result.
Medicines
Destructive changes in the leg cause many disorders and hinder a full life. To relieve 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, making them convenient and effective to use.
Exercise therapy for 1st degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint
It is advisable not to load the joint without consulting a specialist. The physiotherapist will select the ideal exercise based on the symptoms and the degree of the disease. Exercise therapy is used in the early stages and in the absence of pain. The acute phase sometimes requires the use of a knee brace, the bandage secures the joint in a passive position, limiting mobility and relieving cartilage stress.
Traditional medicine
It is not recommended to use hot compresses for inflammatory processes, as excess heat in the knee causes purulent complications.
The prescription for folk remedies is diverse and includes anesthetic and anti-inflammatory infusions.
Cabbage, birch and burdock leaves relieve swelling, and the honey massage nourishes the affected area with nutrients.
A compress made of apple cider vinegar diluted in turpentine should be applied to the knee and wrapped overnight, wrapping the affected area with a warm cloth.
Prevention methods
You can prevent the development of gonarthrosis by observing some rules:
- do not over-cool the joints;
- monitor your weight, don't overeat;
- dose of physical activity;
- practices gymnastic exercises;
- treat injuries in a timely manner.
It is recommended to change the diet by eliminating foods with excess cholesterol, flour, sweets from the menu. Reduce your salt intake. Avoiding injuries is also important in preventing knee disease. At the first signs of an inflammatory process in the cartilaginous tissues, a doctor should be consulted immediately to start treating the disease in a timely manner.