Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease that causes deformation of the cartilage of the knee joint.This disease occurs very often, especially among the older generations.The function of the knee is deteriorating and therefore mobility difficulties and pain are the most important signs of the disease.Today, arthrosis of the knee joint is common even among people aged 25 to 30 years.This speaks of the versatility of the causes of the disease and, accordingly, its treatment.> There are two types of gonarthrosis: unilateral (affects only one knee) and bilateral (affects both knees).More often the disease manifests itself in its bilateral manifestation.
Reasons
Gonarthrosis, like coxatrosis, very often occurs at an advanced age.Although today it is no exception that young people also show symptoms of this disease.This suggests that the causes of gonarthrosis are different, and each can have its own impact on the appearance, exacerbation and treatment of the disease.There is also the possibility of a genetic predisposition of the organism, that is, knee osteoarthritis may be more common in some families than in others.Furthermore, this disease may not be genetically determined.Therefore, several causes of gonarthrosis can be identified.
- Various physical injuries to the knee (contusion, dislocation, etc.).
- Heavy loads that do not correspond to age (5-7% of all cases of gonarthrosis, as well as coxarthrosis).
- Excessive patient body weight (10% of all cases of gonarthrosis).
- Concomitant diseases, for example arthritis (5-7% of all cases of gonarthrosis, polyarthrosis and coxarthrosis).
- Congenital weakness of the ligaments (3-5% of cases of gonarthrosis).
- Metabolic syndrome and problems with metabolism in the body.
- Muscle spasm of the upper thigh (up to 50% of cases of gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis).
Symptoms
The symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint are mostly the same and appear in almost all patients.Patients also note that the pain worsens in spring and autumn and depends on weather changes.The main symptom of the disease is knee pain.Most often it does not appear immediately, but is noticed only after a long walk and appears in the late afternoon.In the morning you may experience knee stiffness during movement.If minor symptoms are neglected, the disease can progress and lead to extremely undesirable results for the patient.Despite the main symptoms, there are many other signs of the disease:
- pain in a calm state, which qualitatively decreases when walking;
- limited movement of the knee joint and difficulty controlling its mobility;
- stiffness of knee movement;
- increased sensitivity in the knee area;
- swelling in the knee joint area and swelling of the surrounding skin;
- deformity of the knee joint.
The condition of the knee joint is assessed by examination by a doctor and x-rays.In addition, the disease stage of any arthrosis (including coxathrosis, gonarthrosis, polyarthrosis and others) can be determined only with an x-ray, and only a doctor can evaluate such conditions.Therefore, it is extremely important not to self-diagnose or draw hasty conclusions.
Degrees of gonarthrosis
1st degree
The knee joints have not succumbed to the deforming influence of the disease, but are manifested only by external signs and slight swelling of the periarticular skin, and changes in its color are noted.On a physiological level, it is characterized by subtle changes in the hyaline cartilage.As a result of the accumulation of a significant amount of joint fluid in the synovix, small deformations of the joint occur, accompanied by pain when walking.No other signs such as limited mobility are observed.And therefore it is also difficult to trace them on X-rays. At this degree the disease is difficult to diagnose, but if identified quickly, its treatment will be more effective than with the other or third degree of gonarthrosis, as well as other types of arthrosis (coxarthrosis, polyarthrosis).
II degree
The main symptom is unbearable or intense pain even with light effort, which intensifies when walking and lifting heavy objects.Over time, this will turn into difficulty bending the knee.On a physiological level, this is manifested by the fact that the volume of the cartilaginous layer decreases dramatically and in some places it is completely absent.Based on the results of radiographs, this grade can be determined by the marginal bone growths and the density of the joint space.When the joint works, especially when walking for a long time, a characteristic creak appears.Gradually, the patient may lose the ability to bend the knee, or it will be very difficult for him to do so.The deforming effect is already evident at this stage of development of gonarthrosis, as well as other types of arthrosis (coxarthrosis, polyarthrosis).This is visually noticeable and the skin around it becomes rough and changes color.Treatment at this stage is best started comprehensively and intensively.Both drugs and traditional treatment methods will be relevant here.
III degree
It is characterized by severe pain, even when the knee joint is inactive or immobilized.The deforming effect is very evident and significant changes in the structure of the joint and adjacent tissues can be visually seen.On a physiological level it is characterized by the absence of cartilaginous tissue and this is easily diagnosed via x-ray.Treatment of stage III arthrosis of the knee joint and other types of arthrosis (polyarthrosis, coxarthrosis) is a practically irreversible process.Rather, the main goal of such treatment will be to reduce pain and eliminate some symptoms of the disease.