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. It is a destructive disease that affects the cartilage, causing it to collapse. It has 4 stages of development, the first of which is the first. As the disease progresses, it leads to musculoskeletal drug disturbances and complete cessation of joint mobility.
Causes of inflammation
The following factors are responsible for the onset and development of knee osteoarthritis:
- metabolic disorders in the body, excess joint fluid in the knee;
- overweight, which puts pressure on the limbs and causes wear and tear 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 the age of 30 have been exposed to the disease. The reasons for the "rejuvenation" of the disease can be excessive physical activity, 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 to say?
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the 1st degree has its own characteristics:
- minor pain during activity, prolonged walking and running, pain cessation 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 disappear during the day. In the evening, the pain may intensify and the appearance of edema will be added to the symptoms. Painful pain also occurs due to weather changes and sudden changes in pressure. Meteosensitivity is a common but optional symptom of knee osteoarthritis. The initial stage of the disease is characterized by narrowing of the joint spaces, softening of the cartilage tissue of the knee.
Complications
Ignorance of symptoms and lack of treatment causes the disease to pass from the first to the second. In the acute phase, impaired circulation converts the swelling into inflammation, making it difficult to continue treatment. The nature of the intensification of pain also changes: the painful sensations turn into tingling sensations.
Diagnostics
Depending on the results of the test, the presence of an inflammatory process can be determined.
Prescribed by the attending physician, and consists of 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 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 first degree osteoarthritis
Massage procedures
In the early stages of the disease, the manual method is an effective and useful solution in the fight against knee osteoarthritis. Kneading the affected area improves blood circulation and eliminates edema. Completing the full course can minimize the manifestations of symptoms, strengthen cartilage tissue. Massage of the knee joint can be performed by relatives of the patient or by himself. However, it is recommended to consult a specialist for a better result.
Drugs
The destructive changes in the leg cause a lot of inconvenience and interfere with a busy life. To relieve painful sensations and eliminate inflammation, the doctor prescribes chondroprotectors that prevent the destruction of cartilage and gradually restore its integrity.
Taking nonsteroidal 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 first degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint
It is advisable not to load the seal without consulting a specialist. The physiotherapist will select the optimal exercises 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 wearing of 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, since excess heat in the knee leads to purulent complications.
The recipe for folk remedies is varied and includes anesthetic infusions and anti-inflammatory rubs.
Cabbage, birch and burdock leaves relieve puffiness and the honey massage nourishes the affected area with nutrients.
A compress made from apple cider vinegar diluted with turpentine should be applied to the knee and rolled up overnight, additionally wrapping the affected area with a warm cloth.
Prevention methods
You can prevent the development of knee osteoarthritis by observing a few rules:
- do not cool the joints too much;
- monitor weight, do not overeat;
- dose of physical activity;
- engage in gymnastic exercises;
- treat injuries in a timely manner.
It is recommended to change the diet, eliminating foods with excess cholesterol, flour products, sweets from the menu. Cut down on your salt intake. Avoiding injury is also important in preventing knee disease. At the first signs of an inflammatory process in the cartilage tissues, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to start treating the disease in a timely manner.