Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a degenerative disease characterized by progressive wear and tear of the cartilage layer of the knee joint.
Causes of knee osteoarthritis
It most commonly occurs in people over 50 years old.Excessive body weight worsens the symptoms of the disease, while weight loss reduces their manifestation.There is also a genetic predisposition, i.e.h.Osteoarthritis is more common in certain families than in others.Complicating factors include previous injuries to the knee, menisci, and ligaments.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis always progress over time.Patients often note an exacerbation of the disease in the autumn-spring period;Pain can also depend on weather changes.
- Pain at rest that eases slightly when walking;
- Restriction of freedom of movement in the joint;
- stiffness in movement;
- Increased sensitivity in the joint area;
- swelling of the soft tissues around the joint;
- joint deformity.
The condition of the joint is assessed through examination and x-rays.X-rays are used to determine the stage of the disease and appropriate treatment is prescribed.
Treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Treatment of gonarthrosis begins with the simplest steps, then moves to more complex steps and is adjusted depending on the effectiveness of certain methods.
weight loss
The less weight, the less the knee joints are overloaded and the fewer symptoms of illness occur.
Activity change
Some types of physical activity that are associated with joint overload must be limited (running, weight lifting, etc.).While physical exercises that do not overload the joint increase range of motion, relieve pain and slow the progression of the disease (swimming, skiing, orbitrek, etc.).
Additional support
If the pain is severe, crutches or canes are used to relieve pressure on the joint.
Physiotherapy
Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint helps reduce overload on the joint and prevents muscle loss (atrophy), which is an important factor in maintaining knee function.
Orthopedic insoles (insoles)
With the help of orthopedic instep supports, the biomechanics of walking are corrected, the correct weight distribution on the knee joint is achieved and the symptoms of the disease are reduced.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
To treat inflammation and pain caused by the disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac sodium, etc.) are used.
Hormonal injections into the joint
Injections of hormone preparations (cortisone) are effective in relieving pain and inflammation in the joint.However, you should be extremely careful when using these drugs, because... the likelihood of side effects from such therapy often outweighs the possible good results.
Biological therapy.
The most modern and effective methods for the conservative treatment of joint osteoarthritis are biological therapy methods.These include PRP therapy, cytokine therapy and MSK therapy.
PRPis a serum rich in platelets and growth factors that accelerates the healing process of acute and chronic injuries.Growth factors are chemicals that initiate the healing process.The introduction of PRP into the injury area stimulates the regeneration process, accelerates healing and promotes rapid resolution of the inflammatory process.
Cytokine therapyis a safe and effective treatment for osteoarthritis in which a therapeutically active protein, IL-1Ra, produced by the body combats chronic progressive degeneration of cartilage.Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a substance that increases the inflammatory process in the joints and leads to their premature wear, plays a key role in the development of joint osteoarthritis.Its biological antipode is the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), which reduces inflammation, increases mobility and relieves pain.
MSK therapy- Treatment with stem cells is considered an innovative and advanced therapeutic method due to its main feature - undifferentiation (no affiliation to a specific tissue).Therefore, they have the ability to reproduce and develop into specialized cells of various tissues.
Joint fluid replacement.
Injections of hyaluronic acid preparations are very effective and, with minimal side effects, help to significantly relieve symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease over a long period of time (up to 1 year).
Chondroprotectors
Glucosamine and chondroitin are safe and effective medications commonly used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Denervation of the knee joint is an effective and safe method for treating pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Denervation of the genicular nerves
In cases where conservative treatment does not bring relief and joint replacement is not possible due to certain contraindications, denervation of the genicular nerves can be used.The core of the procedure is the temperature treatment of the sensitive nerves of the knee joint, which transmit pain impulses.After a successful outpatient procedure, a significant and long-term reduction in pain in the knee joint is possible.
Arthroscopic debridement of the knee joint
The effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee remains controversial, but it is quite effective in relieving some specific symptoms.
Osteotomy
A surgical procedure to realign the axis of the lower extremity.Effective in young people with minimal damage to the cartilage layer of the joint.
Total arthroplasty
Complete replacement of the articular surfaces of the knee joint with metal implants is the only effective treatment for end-stage gonarthrosis.
Partial knee replacement
The so-called unicondylar knee joint replacement, in which the site of the articular cartilage defect is replaced with a metal plate.The indications for this procedure are very limited.