It is not difficult to treat first degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint if the symptoms are recognized in time and a doctor is consulted. This is a devastating disease that affects the cartilage and causes it to collapse. It has 4 stages of development, the first of which is the first. As the disease progresses, the disease leads to disorders of the drug of the musculoskeletal system and the complete cessation of joint mobility.
Causes of inflammation
The following factors are responsible for the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis of the knee:
- Metabolic disorders in the body, excess synovial fluid in the knee;
- overweight, which puts pressure on the limbs and causes cartilage wear;
- previous infectious diseases of the joints, inflammation, arthritis;
- contusions, 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 exertion, overload, injury. The lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet also contributes to the development of degenerative changes in the knee joint.
Symptoms: How do you recognize it?
Arthrosis of the 1st degree knee joint has its own characteristics:
- slight pain during activity, prolonged walking and running, ending the pain at rest;
- poor joint mobility, difficulty moving;
- Knee grinding during flexion and extension.
Waking up in the morning is often accompanied by slight swelling and stiffness of the joint, symptoms that subside during the day. In the evening, the pain may intensify and the appearance of edema will be added to the symptoms. Painful aches and pains also occur due to changes in weather and sudden changes in pressure. Meteosensitivity is a common but optional symptom of osteoarthritis of the knee. The initial stage of the disease is characterized by narrowing of the joint spaces and softening of the cartilage tissue of the knee.
Complications
Ignoring symptoms and lack of treatment leads to the transition of the disease from the first to the second. In the acute phase, impaired blood flow converts the swelling into inflammation, which makes further therapy difficult. The type of pain that intensifies also changes: the pain sensations turn into tingling sensations.
Diagnosis
According to the test results, the presence of an inflammatory process can be determined.
Is prescribed by the attending physician and comprises three phases:
- knee examination;
- transfer for analysis;
- X-ray transmission.
It is quite difficult to identify the disease in the early stages. It does not have pronounced symptoms that are often ignored.
A consultation with a doctor can confirm or reject a preliminary diagnosis. Gonoarthrosis cannot be completely cured, it is only possible to slow the development of the disease and reduce the ailments that prevent a full life.
Treatment of 1st degree osteoarthritis
Massage method
In the early stages of the disease, the manual method is an effective and useful solution in the fight against osteoarthritis of the knee. Kneading the affected area improves blood circulation and eliminates edema. Completing the entire course can minimize the manifestation of symptoms and strengthen cartilage tissue. The knee joint massage can be performed 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 affect a full life. To relieve painful sensations and eliminate inflammation, the doctor prescribes chondroprotectors, which prevent the cartilage from being destroyed and gradually restore its integrity.
Taking nonsteroidal 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, making them convenient and effective to use.
Movement therapy for arthrosis 1st degree of the knee joint
It is advisable not to strain the connection without consulting a specialist. The physical therapist will select the optimal exercise based on the symptoms and the degree of the disease. Exercise therapy is used at the initial stage and without pain. In the acute phase, knee pads sometimes have to be worn. The bandage fixes the joint in a passive position, which restricts mobility and relieves the cartilage.
Traditional medicine
It is not recommended to use hot compresses in inflammatory processes, since excessive 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 reduce swelling and the honey massage supplies the affected area with nutrients.
A compress made of apple cider vinegar diluted with turpentine should be applied to the knee and wrapped overnight. In addition, the affected area should be wrapped with a warm cloth.
Prevention methods
You can prevent the development of osteoarthritis of the knee by following a few rules:
- Do not overcool the joints.
- monitor weight, do not overeat;
- dose of physical activity;
- does gymnastic exercises;
- treats injuries in good time.
It is recommended that you change your diet by removing from the menu foods with excess cholesterol, flour products and sweets. Reduce your salt intake. Avoiding injuries is also important to prevent knee disease. At the first signs of an inflammatory process in the cartilage tissue, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to begin treatment of the disease in a timely manner.