Typically, patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint of 1 degree there is a "start-up pain", some are very stiff and hardly noticeable increase in the knee. Usually, the symptoms does not cause patients discomfort, in mind which at this stage they do not seek help. However, this stage of disease is crucial for effective follow-up treatment. So, the disease occurs because of aging or due to an occupational injury. Pathology often leads to permanent deformation of the joint and to the fact that the knee cannot move – i.e. contributes to patient disability.
Osteoarthritis of the knee 1st degree is the most common disease of the articular apparatus. Revealed osteoarthritis more often among males (from 45 years to 64 years) and elderly women and old ages (65 and over).
Osteoarthritis (also deforming arthrosis of the knee) is a pathology of the articular cartilage covering the condylus of the femur and tibia bones. The disease develops over many years and is associated with a gradual (non-inflammatory!) destruction of the hyaline cartilage of the joint.
In a healthy knee articular surfaces of the bones are covered with thick elastic and hyaline cartilage. The latter ensures smoothness and smoothness of motion, and is a natural "shock-absorber".
When blood circulation cartilage becomes dry, giving the articular surfaces characteristic "roughness". Inside the cartilage there is often cracked, and he was much thinner. In the end, the shape of the joint changes, the movements in it are severely restricted and will soon disappear completely.
Previously it was thought that the main cause of osteoarthritis of the knee joint of 1 degree is the deposition in joints of calcium salts. However, today proved that provokes the disease of violation of circulation in the cartilage, and calcification is only a consequence.
So, for osteoarthritis of the knee joint of 1 degree will result in the following status:
By the predisposing factors include old age and menopause in women, excessive body weight, increased load on the lower limbs, knee surgery previously, poor nutrition with deficiency of micronutrients, toxicity of drug and alcohol substances, hypothermia and General unfavorable environmental conditions.
Knee osteoarthritis of 1 degree develops gradually. So, the first to appear weak dragging pain in the knee when running, walking or climbing stairs. Pain often has a "starter" character: i.e. it appears at the beginning of the movement, whereas decreases or disappears completely during times of considerable activity.
Sometimes over the knee a slight swelling, redness and warming of the skin are determined rare. Subjectively, patients experience stiffness, which is often compared to "a case on his knee."
In some cases, at the first stage may develop inflammation of synovial sheath – synovitis. The latest one appears on the background of weakening of immunity and infection in the body.
So, to the marked increase in symptoms with articular bag (knee-type balloon) and inflammation of the affected area.
Deformities of the knees at this stage is not marked. However, with careful examination one can notice a certain smoothness of the topography of the knee, which is particularly visible after prolonged physical activity.
In medical practice for the establishment of gonarthrosis conduct a thorough collection of patient's complaints (starting pain) and clinical examination (smoothness of the terrain and the increase in circumference of the affected knee).
The "gold standard" of diagnosis is radiography. However, changes in osteoarthritis of the knee joint of 1 degree are not visible on standard radiographs. Therefore, for early detection of disease often use a computer or magnetic resonance tomography.
Therapy is recommended to begin with arthrosis of the knee joint of 1 degree.
Medication
To drugs at this stage of the disease rarely. Usually in exacerbations of osteoarthritis it is recommended to rest the joints and limbs. When expressed pain syndrome and possibly the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of gels or ointments, to write them can only your doctor.
As a therapy aimed at the inhibition of cartilage loss using a joint Supplement in pill form.
However, the greatest emphasis is recommended on non-pharmacological treatment – physical therapy, diet and therapeutic exercises.
Physical therapy
In the period of exacerbation of osteoarthritis of the knee joint of 1 degree is recommended physiotherapy with laser, ultraviolet radiation and magnetic field. In stable phase, preference is given to thermal effects.
Diet
Dietary advice aimed at reducing body mass when it is abundant. It is also necessary to diversify a diet with the aim of improving the vitamin and trace element compositions. In the menu it is recommended to add lean meats (chicken, rabbit, Turkey), jelly, fish oil and jelly, rich in collagen. The latter is the main "building protein" in cartilaginous tissue.
To perform a health physical education is required for the period unexpressed hospital ("remitting" of osteoarthritis). Following doing exercises slowly and smoothly.
The regularity of sessions should be at least 3-4 times a week.
These exercises should begin with 5 repetitions, eventually increasing this number to 15. To complete the medical complex you can easily massage the affected areas.
In order to prevent osteoarthritis of the knee joint of 1 degree is recommended:
Of particular importance is prevention in high-risk groups: the elderly, female gender, excess body weight, increased load on the lower limbs. Also "triggers" are knee surgery previously, poor nutrition with deficiency of micronutrients, toxic narcotic and alcoholic substances. In some cases, osteoarthritis can contribute to hypothermia and overall adverse environmental conditions.
Remember, osteoarthritis is a disease which sooner or later leads to deformation and to the fact that the joint stops moving. Therefore, the only help is the early treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint of 1 degree.
