Arthrosis of the knee joint is progressive. With the development of the disease, cartilage first suffers, then bone elements participate in the destructive process. High physical activity, physical inactivity, metabolic disorders cause problems.
As the disease progresses, there is a risk of ankylosis, which is accompanied by a decrease in motor activity of the joint.
Features of the disease
Arthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by deformation and destruction of cartilage. The pathology is characterized by a chronic degenerative nature and causes pain of varying degrees of intensity.
This leads to complete loss of motor activity and loss of functionality. According to ICD-10, the disease is coded as follows: M17. Gonarthrosis (arthrosis of the knee joint).
Pathologies are more sensitive in women than in men. At the same time, people with varicose veins and overweight have a higher risk of arthrosis. For this reason, the disease is more common in obese women over 40 years old. The elderly are also affected. In young people, arthrosis develops as a result of injuries that occur during physical work or sports activities.
Arthrosis should be distinguished from arthritis, which is an inflammatory disease caused by disorders of the immune system. Infectious diseases also cause the development of arthritis.
Clinical picture of arthrosis in the photo
stages
There are 2 main types of arthrosis of the knee joint - primary and secondary. In the first case, the disease appears in childhood and is caused by a violation of the development of the surfaces of the joints or ligaments.
In this case, the joint experiences increased loads, which causes degenerative changes. The secondary form of arthrosis is associated with injuries and other diseases.
The pathology can be unilateral or bilateral. In the first case, the cause of the disease is mostly injuries. Bilateral form of pathology is usually the result of obesity.
There are several stages in the development of arthrosis of the knee joint. The earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to fight it.
The main stages of the disease include:
- 1 degree- at this stage, people rarely consult a doctor. They feel a little discomfort in the right or left knee, which appears after a long walk. Pain syndrome occurs only after increased physical strength or strong flexion and extension of the knee. When performing radiography, it is possible to see a slight narrowing of the joint space and the appearance of bone processes in the structure of the joints. It is discovered accidentally during other pathological examinations. At this stage, conservative therapy is sufficient.
- 2 degrees- characterized by more obvious symptoms of the disease, which are difficult to ignore. Knee pain is always felt. It is especially intense in the morning and evening. Even in a calm state, anxiety does not go away. A person's gait slows down, motor activity is impaired, knee movements are accompanied by a crisis. There is a risk of complications associated with the insertion of a piece of bone or cartilage into the joint cavity. This leads to increased pain and loss of motor activity. There is a risk of severe pain and visible deformation of the joint during palpation of the knee. Inflammatory processes often develop. In such a situation, the knee swells. When taking X-rays, you can see a strong narrowing of the joint space, the presence of osteophytes, bone curvature. In such a situation, the patient needs complex treatment. In some cases, it is impossible to do without surgery.
- 3 degrees- represents a neglected form of pathology. At this stage, a person receives permanent disability. The patient has constant pain in the knee, impaired motor activity. With any movement, the knee snaps strongly. The joint is characterized by an open deformation, increases in size due to the accumulation of fluid and almost completely loses its mobility. When performing radiography, the destruction of the ligament apparatus and meniscus, wear of cartilage, and an increase in the size of connective tissues can be observed. Partial fusion of the joints can also be observed. To solve the problem, the affected joint is replaced with an artificial one.
In most cases, patients consult a doctor in the second stage of arthrosis. This is typical for older people who are used to age-related changes.
Causes of arthrosis of the knee joint
The main cause of arthrosis is knee injury. Damage can be due to exercise, arthritis, or other factors.
The main causes of osteoarthritis of the knee include:
- Knee inflammation - provoking factors can be arthritis, bursitis and other factors.
- Damage to the meniscus - if such a pathology is not treated, arthrosis often develops.
- Knee osteochondropathy.
- Physical factors - strenuous exercise, excess weight, etc.
- Bone fractures, post-traumatic syndrome.
- Operations for meniscal lesions, arthroscopy, long-term blockades using hormones.
- Pathologies that change the load on the knee. These include flat feet, lower back injuries, arthrosis. This category also includes hip dysplasia.
Symptoms and signs
The main manifestations of the disease include:
- Pain is a mechanical discomfort that is mostly relieved by painkillers. It can be dull, painful, sharp.
- Beat as you move.
- Joint mobility impairment.
- Decreased motor activity.
- Weakness of the muscles of the limbs.
- An increase in local temperature in the knee area.
- Impaired gait accompanied by lameness of the legs.
- Violation of stability.
- Knee compression.
Diagnostics
Before starting the treatment of gonarthrosis, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination.
If you suspect gonarthrosis, you should contact an orthopedic traumatologist. The specialist examines the patient and conducts an interview, assesses the condition of the joint and the range of motion in it.
To determine the pathology, conduct such studies:
- Magnetic resonance imaging. With the help of the procedure, it is possible to study the affected area by obtaining a three-dimensional image. Manipulation shows vascular and nerve fibers.
- Radiography. The procedure allows to identify cracks, depressions, bone processes.
What is dangerous arthrosis of the knee
The consequences of arthrosis include inflammation of the joints, atrophic changes in muscle tissues and ligaments, and impaired gait. There is also a risk of deformity of the lower limb.
In severe cases, the disease causes complete degeneration of cartilage and deformation of bone structures. As a result, the mobility of the limb decreases, the person becomes disabled.
Prevention and prognosis
To prevent the appearance of knee arthrosis, you should follow the following recommendations:
- proper food - the menu should contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, proteins;
- get rid of bad habits;
- normalize weight;
- practicing sports, walking or riding sports bikes, performing medical complexes;
- avoid injury, protect your feet with knee pads.
It is good for pathological therapy, because thinning of the cartilage tissue is observed only in the third stage. The prognosis is quite favorable.
If treatment is not started on time, there is a risk of disability. Usually, the group is determined by third-degree gonarthrosis. As for military service, they are exempted from it with the development of the deformed form of the disease.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a serious pathology that causes negative health consequences. In order to overcome the problem, it is necessary to consult a doctor in time. The specialist will conduct the necessary studies and select the appropriate therapy.