First degree knee osteoarthritis

It is not difficult to treat first degree osteoarthritis of the knee joints if the symptoms are detected in time and consult a doctor. It is a devastating disease that affects the cartilage, causing it to collapse. There are 4 stages of development, the first of which is the initial one. Progress, the disease leads to musculoskeletal disorders and complete cessation of joint movement.

Causes of inflammation

The following factors are responsible for the onset and development of gonarthrosis:

• metabolic disorders in the body, excess fluid in the knee joint;
• excess weight, which puts pressure on the limb and provokes the cartilage ear;
• past infectious diseases of the joints, inflammation, arthritis;
• bruising, dislocation, fractures, postoperative complications;
• genetic predisposition.

Osteoarthritis occurs in adulthood (after 45). However, there are many cases where young people under 30 were exposed to the disease. The reasons for the "renewal" of the disease may be excessive physical activity, overload, 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?

First degree knee joint arthrosis has its own characteristics:

• slight pain during activity, prolonged walking and running, cessation of pain at rest;
• poor mobility of the joints, difficulty in movement;
• crackling of the knee during bending and extension.

Waking up in the morning is often accompanied by swelling and slight stiffness of the joints, symptoms that subside during the day. By evening, the pain may intensify, and the appearance of edema will add to the symptoms. Pain relief 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

Ignoring the symptoms and lack of treatment provokes the transition from the first to the second. In the acute phase, the damaged circulation turns the swelling into inflammation, which complicates further therapy. The nature of the pain that intensifies also changes: the sensations of pain turn into tingling sensations.

Diagnosis

According to the test results, the presence of an inflammatory process can be determined.

Prescribed by the attending physician and includes three stages:

• knee examination;
• reference for analysis;
• X-ray transmission.

It is sometimes quite difficult to recognize the disease in its early stages. She has no pronounced symptoms that are often ignored.

A consultation with a physician can confirm or deny a prior diagnosis. Gonoarthritis cannot be completely cured; it is only possible to slow the progression of the disease and reduce the anxiety 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. Stirring the affected area improves blood circulation and eliminates edema. Completion of the full course can minimize the manifestations of symptoms, strengthen cartilage tissue. The patient's relatives or he himself can massage the knee joint. However, it is recommended to consult a specialist for a better result.

Medications

Destructive changes in the legs cause a lot of anxiety and interfere with a full life. To relieve painful sensations and eliminate inflammation, the doctor prescribes chondroprotectors that prevent the destruction of the cartilage and gradually restore its integrity.

Taking non-steroidal medications will relieve pain and swelling well, but these medications are not suitable for treatment. Ointments and gels improve nutrition and metabolism of the joints, which makes them convenient and effective to use.

Exercise therapy for grade 1 osteoarthritis of the knee

It is advisable not to load the node without consulting a specialist. The physical therapist will choose the optimal exercises 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 block on the knee, the bandage adjusts the joint to a passive position, limiting mobility and relieving stress on the cartilage.

Traditional medicine

It is not recommended to use hot compresses for inflammatory processes, as excessive heat in the knee causes purulent complications.

The prescription of folk remedies is varied and includes anesthetic infusions and anti-inflammatory rubbing.

Cabbage, birch and burdock leaves facilitate swelling, and honey massage nourishes the affected area with nutrients.

A compress made of turpentine diluted apple cider vinegar should be placed on the knee and rolled overnight, wrapping the affected area with a warm cloth.

Prevention methods

You can prevent the development of gonarthrosis by following 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 by eliminating from the menu foods with excess cholesterol, flour products, cakes. Reduce salt intake. Avoiding injury is also important in preventing knee disease. At the first signs of an inflammatory process in the cartilage tissue, you should immediately consult a doctor to begin treatment of the disease in a timely manner.