It is not difficult to treat grade 1 arthrosis of the knee joint if symptoms are detected in a timely manner and see a doctor. This is a destructive disease that affects the cartilage, causing it to collapse. It has 4 stages of development, the first being the first. Walking, the disease leads to musculoskeletal drug disorders, and complete cessation of joint mobility.
Causes of inflammation
The following factors are responsible for the appearance and development of gonarthrosis:
- metabolic disorders in the body, excessive articular fluid in the knees;
- overweight, which puts pressure on the limbs and provokes the use of cartilage;
- passes infectious diseases of the joints, inflammation, arthritis;
- bruising, dislocations, fractures, postoperative complications;
- genetic predisposition.
Osteoarthritis occurs in adulthood (after 45). However, there are many cases when young people under 30 are prone to the disease. The causes of "rejuvenation" of the disease can be excessive physical activity, excessive stress, injury. Lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet also contributes to the development of degenerative changes in the knee joint.
Symptoms: how to tell?
Arthrosis of the knee joint grade 1 has its own characteristics:
- minor pain during activity, prolonged walking and running, cessation of pain during rest;
- weak joint movement, difficulty moving;
- Knee cramps during bending and elongation.
Waking up in the morning is often accompanied by slight swelling and stiffness in the joints, symptoms that subside during the day. By evening, the pain may increase, and the appearance of edema will add to the symptoms. Acute pain also occurs as weather changes and sudden changes in pressure. Meteosensitivity is a common but optional symptom of gonarthrosis. The early stages of the disease are characterized by narrowing of the joint space, softening of the knee cartilage tissue.
Complications
Ignoring symptoms and lack of treatment provokes the transition of the disease from the first stage to the second stage. In the acute phase, poor circulation transforms the swelling into inflammation, which complicates further therapy. The nature of the growing pain also changes: the sensation of pain turns into a tingling sensation.
Diagnostics
According to the test results, the presence of inflammatory processes can be determined.
Prescribed by the attending physician, and includes three stages:
- knee examination;
- reference for analysis;
- X-ray transmission.
It is quite difficult to recognize the disease at an early stage. He has no symptoms that are often overlooked.
Consultation with a doctor can confirm or reject the initial diagnosis. Gonoarthrosis cannot be completely cured; it is only possible to slow the progression of the disease and reduce the discomfort that prevents full life.
1st grade arthrosis treatment
Massage procedure
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. Completing the course completely can minimize the manifestation of symptoms, strengthen cartilage tissue. Relatives of the patient or himself can massage the knee joint. However, it is recommended to consult a specialist to get better results.
Medicine
Damaged leg changes cause a lot of inconvenience and disrupt a full life. To relieve the painful sensation and eliminate inflammation, doctors prescribe chondroprotectors that prevent cartilage from crushing and gradually restore integrity.
Taking non-steroidal drugs will relieve pain and swelling well, but this medicine is not suitable for treatment. Ointments and gels improve the nutrition and metabolism of the joints, which makes them easy and effective to use.
Exercise therapy for stage 1 arthrosis of the knee joint
It is best not to load the joints without consulting a specialist. The physical therapist will select the optimal exercise based on the symptoms and stage of the disease. Exercise therapy is used in the early stages and if there is no pain. The acute phase sometimes requires wearing knee pads, bandages correcting the joints in a passive position, limiting movement and relieving pressure on the cartilage.
Traditional medicine
It is not recommended to use hot compresses for inflammatory processes, as excessive heat in the knees causes purulent complications.
Recipes for folk remedies are varied, and include anesthetic and anti-inflammatory injections.
Cabbage, birch and burdock leaves relieve swelling, and honey massage nourishes the nutrients in the affected area.
Compresses made from apple cider vinegar diluted with turpentine should be applied to the knees and rolled overnight, in addition to wrapping the affected area with a warm cloth.
Preventive methods
You can prevent the development of gonarthrosis by following a few rules:
- do not over clog the joints;
- monitor weight, do not overeat;
- dos of physical activity;
- engaged in gymnastics training;
- treat injuries on time.
It is best to change your diet by eliminating foods with excess cholesterol, flour products, sweets from the menu. Reduce your salt intake. Avoiding injuries is also important in preventing knee disease. At the first signs of an inflammatory process in cartilage tissue, you should immediately see a doctor to begin treatment of the disease in a timely manner.