It is not difficult to treat osteoarthritis of the 1st degree of the knee joint if the 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. As the disease progresses, it leads to musculoskeletal drug disorders and complete cessation of joint mobility.
Causes of inflammation
The following factors are responsible for the onset and development of gonarthrosis:
- metabolic disorders in the body, excess joint fluid in the knee;
- excess weight, which puts pressure on the limbs and causes wear of the cartilage;
- past infectious diseases of the joints, inflammation, arthritis;
- bruises, dislocations, fractures, complications after surgery;
- genetic predisposition.
Osteoarthritis occurs in adulthood (after 45 years). However, there are many cases where young people under 30 have been exposed to the disease. The reasons for the "rejuvenation" of the disease can be excessive physical exertion, excessive exertion, an injury. The lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet also contributes to the development of degenerative changes in the knee joint.
Symptoms: How to tell?
1st degree knee joint arthrosis has its own characteristics:
- minor pain during activity, prolonged walking and running, pain relief at rest;
- poor joint mobility, difficulty moving;
- knee crunch during flexion and extension.
Waking up in the morning is often accompanied by a slight swelling and stiffness of the joint, symptoms that subside during the day. In the evening, the pain may intensify and the symptoms will be added to the appearance of edema. Aching 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 a narrowing of the joint spaces, softening of the cartilage tissue of the knee.
Complications
Ignoring the symptoms and lack of treatment causes the disease to move from the first to the second. In the acute stage, impaired circulation converts swelling into inflammation, which complicates further therapy. The nature of the intensifying pain also changes: the painful sensations turn into tingling sensations.
Diagnostics
Based on the test results, it is possible to determine the presence of an inflammatory process.
Prescribed by the attending physician and includes three steps:
- knee examination;
- referral for analysis;
- X-ray transmission.
It is rather difficult to recognize the disease in the early stages. It has no pronounced symptoms which 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 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 entire course can minimize the manifestations of symptoms, strengthen cartilage tissue. Massage of the knee joint can be performed by the patient's relatives or by himself. However, it is recommended to consult a specialist for a better result.
Drugs
Destructive changes in the leg cause a lot of inconvenience and interfere with a full life. To relieve painful sensations and eliminate inflammation, the doctor prescribes chondroprotectors that prevent the destruction of cartilage and gradually restore its integrity.
Taking non-steroidal drugs relieves pain and swelling well, but these drugs are not suitable for treatment. Ointments and gels improve the nutrition and metabolism of the joints, which makes them convenient and effective to use.
Physical therapy for 1st degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint
It is recommended not to load the joint without consulting a specialist. The physiotherapist will select the optimal exercise based on the symptoms and degree of the disease. Physical therapy is used in the initial stages and in the absence of pain. The acute phase sometimes requires wearing a knee brace, 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 excessive heat in the knee causes purulent complications.
The recipe of folk remedies is varied and includes anesthetic infusions and anti-inflammatory rubs.
Cabbage, birch and burdock leaves relieve swelling and the honey massage nourishes the affected area with nutrients.
A compress of apple cider vinegar diluted with turpentine should be applied to the knee and wrapped overnight, also wrapping the affected area with a warm cloth.
Prevention methods
You can prevent the development of gonarthrosis by observing a few rules:
- do not overcool the joints;
- control your weight, do not overeat;
- measure physical activity;
- doing gymnastic exercises;
- treats injuries in a timely manner.
It is advisable to modify the diet by eliminating from the menu foods with excess cholesterol, flour products, sweets. Reduce your salt intake. Avoiding injury is also important for preventing knee disease. At the first signs of an inflammatory process in the cartilage tissues, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor in order to start treating the disease in a timely manner.