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. There are 4 stages of development, the first of which is the initial one. As it progresses, the disease leads to a disorder in the musculoskeletal medicine and to a complete cessation of joint mobility.
Causes of inflammation
The following factors are responsible for the occurrence 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 cartilage wear;
- past infectious diseases of the joints, inflammation, arthritis;
- bruises, sprains, fractures, postoperative complications;
- genetic predisposition.
Osteoarthritis occurs in adulthood (after age 45). However, there are many cases where young people under the age of 30 have been exposed to the disease. Reasons for "rejuvenation" of the disease can be excessive physical exertion, excessive stress, injuries. Lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet also contributes to the development of degenerative changes in the knee joint.
Symptoms: how to recognize?
Grade 1 knee arthrosis has its own characteristics:
- minor pain during activity, prolonged walking and running, cessation of pain at rest;
- poor joint mobility, difficulty moving;
- crunching of the knee during flexion and extension.
Morning awakening is often accompanied by slight swelling and stiffness of the joint, symptoms that disappear during the day. By evening, the pain may intensify, and the appearance of edema will be added to the symptoms. Painful pain also occurs due to changes in weather and sudden changes in pressure. Meteosensitivity is a common but optional symptom of gonarthrosis. The initial stage of the disease is characterized by narrowing of the joint spaces, softening of the cartilaginous tissue of the knee.
Complications
Neglect of symptoms and lack of treatment provokes the transition of the disease from the first to the second degree. In the acute phase, impaired circulation turns swelling into inflammation, which complicates further therapy. The nature of intensifying pain also changes: painful feelings turn into tingling.
Diagnostics
According to the test results, the presence of an inflammatory process can be determined.
Prescribed by a physician who includes and includes three phases:
- knee examination;
- referral for analysis;
- X-ray transmission.
It is quite difficult to recognize the disease in its initial stages. She has no pronounced symptoms that are often overlooked.
Consultation with a physician may confirm or deny a preliminary diagnosis. Gonoarthritis 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 grade 1 osteoarthritis
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. Knee joint massage can be performed by the patient's relatives or himself. However, for a better result, it is recommended to consult an expert.
Medications
Destructive changes in the leg cause a lot of discomfort and interfere with full life. To alleviate painful sensations and eliminate inflammation, the doctor prescribes chondroprotectors that prevent the destruction of cartilage and gradually restore its integrity.
Taking nonsteroidal medications will relieve pain and swelling well, but these medications are not suitable for treatment. Fats and gels improve the nutrition and metabolism of the joints, which makes them practical and effective to use.
Exercise therapy for osteoarthritis of the 1st degree of the knee joint
It is recommended not to strain the joint without consulting an expert. The physiotherapist will choose the optimal exercise based on the symptoms and the degree of the disease. Exercise therapy is used in the initial stages and in the absence of pain. The acute phase sometimes requires wearing a knee pad, the bandage fixes the joint in a passive position, limiting mobility and relieving stress on the cartilage.
Traditional medicine
The use of hot compresses for inflammatory processes is not recommended, because excess heat in the knee causes purulent complications.
The recipe of folk remedies is diverse, and includes anesthetic infusions and anti-inflammatory rubbing.
Cabbage, birch leaves and burdock relieve swelling, and honey massage nourishes the affected area.
A compress of apple cider vinegar diluted with turpentine should be applied to the knee and rolled overnight, additionally covering the affected area with a warm cloth.
Methods of prevention
You can prevent the development of gonarthrosis by following a few rules:
- do not catch cold joints;
- monitor your weight, don’t overeat;
- dose of physical activity;
- engage in gymnastic exercises;
- Treat injuries in a timely manner.
It is recommended to change the diet by removing foods with excess cholesterol, flour products, sweets from the menu. Reduce salt intake. Avoiding injuries 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 the treatment of the disease in a timely manner.