Gonarthrosis is arthrosis of the knee joint, a chronic non-inflammatory disease manifested by the progressive destruction of intra-articular cartilage, which is accompanied by abnormal formation of the bones that form the joint, changes in the synovial membrane and synovial fluid.
Gonarthrosis is the most common type of arthrosis. Many people experience knee pain, especially after sitting for a long time without moving, such as after a day of work in the office. It is very likely that gonarthrosis is the cause of such discomfort.
This degenerative disease often develops with age, as stress in the knee, which cannot be avoided in various life situations, inevitably leads to wear and tear of the cartilage over the years. At first, a person feels pain when starting to move after long periods of lying or sitting, but this quickly passes. However, as the disease progresses, knee pain increases and begins to significantly limit a person's ability to move normally in daily activities.
In more than half of the cases where arthrosis affects the knee, both knees are affected at once. In the category of patients from 65 to 75 years old, gonarthrosis is detected in 35% of women and 21% of men.
Causes of gonarthrosis
Healthy articular cartilage in the knee serves a buffering and protective function, acting as a shock absorber during movement and impact. Its presence ensures that the bones of the thigh and lower leg do not directly rub against each other.
It is normal for cartilage to break down due to wear and tear due to the natural aging process. However, under certain circumstances, this wear and tear on the cartilage can become excessive. Increased wear and tear on the cartilage, for example, can be caused by excessive stress on the knees caused by heavy physical work, participation in sports, or being overweight. Improper performance of sports exercises can also have an effect, leading to inadequate (not provided for by the design of the joint) mechanical loads. A separate reason is incorrect positioning of the legs (for example, caused by anatomical pathology), when the knees knock against each other when walking. Gonarthrosis can also develop as a result of joint injuries or bone fractures.
Honey massage
A honey massage gives excellent results after just 3 sessions. Before the procedure, the affected area should be warmed with a heating pad. And then rub honey, preheated in a water bath, into it in a circular motion for 5 minutes. After this, apply a gauze bandage. It is recommended to keep the compress for at least 3 hours. The duration of treatment is 10 sessions. The massage is done daily for the first 3 days, and every other day for the remaining 7 days.
It is contraindicated to treat joints with honey massage in the following cases:
- increased tendency to allergic reactions;
- individual intolerance to bee products;
- vascular pathologies;
- the presence of benign or malignant tumor neoplasms;
- gangrene;
- fever.
Massage should be carried out with caution in case of dermatological diseases and infectious processes.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The first symptom of gonarthrosis is pain in the knee. The course of arthrosis at the initial stage can be absolutely painless.
Therefore, the disease often goes undetected for a relatively long time. In most cases, the first symptom of gonarthrosis is knee pain - initially after a long period of inactivity or rest.
Increasing wear and tear of the cartilage increasingly limits the mobility of the knee joint, eventually leading to knee stiffness. At this point, the knee can no longer be bent strongly, and then the leg at the knee can no longer be fully straightened.
If the damage to the cartilage is so severe that the bones begin to rub against each other, the joint may be inflamed. In this case, the joint swells, the skin around it becomes reddish and becomes warm or hot to the touch.
With severe gonarthrosis, the knee joint eventually becomes unstable. When trying to lean on your leg, the knee may suddenly “twist”, which can cause sharp and severe pain. Having experienced this, many people try to "save" the knee by avoiding movement, but this is counterproductive because lack of movement reduces blood flow to the cartilage, which in turn increases the level of cartilage damage.
In advanced cases, the ability to move the joint is completely lost.
Knee pain
The first movements after sitting or lying for a long time seem stiff and painful. The pain begins to subside only a few minutes later or after a few steps. Then freedom of movement in the knee is completely restored. In some cases, a crunching or cracking sound is heard in the knee joint when moving.
As the disease progresses, the knees hurt more and more often. The pain becomes more intense, especially when the knees are subjected to stress during sports or when climbing stairs. In the later stages of the disease, even minor movements can lead to pain that may persist even when the knees are at rest.
More about the symptom
Useful recipes and methods of application
To treat joints, it is recommended to use liquid, non-candied honey, supplementing it with other ingredients to enhance the therapeutic effect. There are many methods to combat pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, but some recipes are especially popular.
With mustard
For arthritis and arthrosis, mustard-honey ointment is excellent. To prepare it, you need to combine 1 tbsp. l. mustard, sunflower oil and liquid honey. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and place in a water bath, stirring continuously. When the mixture reaches a viscous, homogeneous consistency, it needs to be cooled slightly and applied to the joint. To achieve maximum effect, wrap the affected area with polyethylene and a warm cloth. It is best to carry out the procedure in the evening hours before going to bed.
Contraindications:
- eczema;
- psoriasis;
- violation of the integrity of the skin in the area of intended application of the ointment;
- pustular formations;
- individual intolerance and hypersensitivity to the active ingredients of the ointment;
- malignant tumor neoplasms;
- cardiovascular pathologies;
- feverish condition.
The product may cause allergic reactions, so before using it, it is recommended to conduct a test by applying a small amount of ointment to the skin.
With salt
The recipe is great for eliminating pain. For it, melt honey (1 tbsp) and mix it with an identical amount of table or sea salt. The resulting mass should be applied to a cloth and applied to the sore joint, leaving overnight. In the morning, the compress should be removed and rinsed with warm, clean water.
Contraindications:
- infectious skin lesions;
- dermatological diseases;
- heart failure;
- hypertonic disease;
- arterial hypertension;
- migraine attacks;
- violation of metabolism and metabolic processes.
Cinnamon
A mixture of honey and cinnamon is one of the most effective means for combating joint pathologies, and it can be used both externally and internally.
For oral use, dissolve 1 tsp in a glass of warm water. cinnamon and 1 tbsp. l. honey, mix the drink thoroughly. It is recommended to take 2 times a day in the morning and evening. The average course duration is 1.5–2 months.
For external use 2 tbsp. l. honey should be diluted in 1 tbsp. l warm water. Then add 1 tsp to the mixture. cinnamon and stir. Apply the resulting mixture to the affected areas 1-2 times a day, rubbing in with circular massage movements. The effect appears quickly - after half an hour the pain completely disappears.
But it is important to follow the correct dosage to avoid side effects such as headaches, allergic reactions, and impaired liver function.
Contraindications:
- arterial hypertension;
- hanging blood pressure readings;
- taking antibiotic drugs;
- psycho-emotional instability.
The product is not recommended for use by women during the gestational period and breastfeeding.
With gelatin
Gelatin (1 tbsp) should be poured with warm water and left overnight to swell. Add 1 tsp. liquid honey and pour a glass of clean water. Drink 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before meals. The optimal duration of the treatment course is from 7 to 10 days.
Contraindications:
- thrombosis;
- increased blood clotting rates;
- urolithiasis disease;
- thrombophlebitis;
- diathesis;
- cholelithiasis.
Patients suffering from constipation, hemorrhoidal disease, and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should take this medicine with great caution.
With apple cider vinegar
Dissolve 1 tsp in a glass of warm water. honey and 1 tbsp. l. apple cider vinegar. Take the medicine on an empty stomach, about half an hour before meals. The duration of the course is 2 months.
Contraindications:
- increased acidity of gastric juice;
- hepatitis;
- gastritis;
- colitis;
Due to the fact that the drug is not always well tolerated, it is worth starting treatment with a minimum dosage (about 1/4 cup), monitoring your well-being throughout the day.
With cabbage
In order to make a cabbage-honey compress, you first need to mash the leaves of the vegetable and warm them up a little in the oven. Spread honey on the affected joint and wrap a cabbage leaf on top. Cover the compress with plastic wrap on top and wrap it with a warm cloth. It is recommended to carry out such manipulations every evening for a month.
With celery
To prepare the product you need to mix 0.5 tsp. honey with celery juice (500 ml). Take the resulting solution 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l.
Contraindications:
- severe gastritis;
- 2–3 trimesters of pregnancy;
- breast-feeding.
With lemon
A medium lemon should be cut into pieces without peeling, placed in a jar (1 liter capacity) and filled with boiling water. When the composition has cooled a little, add 1 tbsp. l. honey and stir well. Drink the infusion daily, 1 tbsp. l. within a month.
With vodka
A honey compress with vodka gives a good warming effect. To prepare it, you need to combine honey (200 g), vodka (0.5 cup), salt (1 tbsp.). Rub the resulting composition into the area of sore joints. To achieve the most pronounced results, it is recommended to carry out the procedure after taking a bath, sauna or being in a bathhouse, when the skin is well steamed and the pores are open.
Contraindications:
- exacerbation of intestinal or stomach ulcers;
- gastritis with low acidity.
Honey cake
To prepare honey cake, you need to mix 0.5 cups of flour, 2 tsp. sugar, 2 tbsp. l. honey Mix. Apply the mixture to the joint, securing with a gauze bandage or bandage. It is recommended to carry out the procedure at night so that the active ingredients penetrate as deeply as possible into the epidermis through steamed skin.
Methods for diagnosing gonarthrosis
In case of constant or recurring knee pain, you should consult a doctor - a surgeon or orthopedic traumatologist. At your initial consultation, your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms, noting when they began and how they appear. You may have had knee injuries, be sure to tell your doctor about them. Your doctor will then perform a physical examination of your knee using various tests to evaluate the mobility and functionality of the joint.
Instrumental diagnostics
The final diagnosis is usually made on the basis of x-rays. However, subtle wear of cartilage is difficult to notice on x-rays. Therefore, in such situations, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually performed.
Sign up for diagnostics To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with specialists from the Family Doctor network.
Precautions
Honey is a strong allergen , and before using it (internally or externally), you need to conduct an allergy test. To do this, apply a small amount of honey to the back of your wrist and wait a few hours. If no negative reaction occurs, this honey can be used to treat joints. In addition, honey has restrictions on its use:
- skin diseases - fungus, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, ulcers;
- oncology, varicose veins, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis;
- hypertension, heart disease;
- elevated body temperature.
There are other honey-based recipes for treating joints, including with Aspirin.
Treatment methods for gonarthrosis
Damage to cartilage is irreversible. This means that gonarthrosis, unfortunately, cannot be cured, so treatment is aimed primarily at relieving pain and slowing the progression of the disease.
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment may include medications, physical therapy, a weight loss program, habit changes to reduce stress on the knees, and the use of orthotics. Anti-inflammatory and painkillers are used to prevent inflammation and reduce pain. The use of elastic orthopedic bandages can reduce pressure on the joint, and special exercises and physical therapy methods can improve its mobility and strengthen the muscles.
Surgery
Surgical intervention becomes necessary if conservative treatment does not give the desired result. There are procedures to create secondary cartilage tissue in the knee. This can reduce discomfort and, in some cases, eliminate pain altogether. However, the load-bearing capacity of the new cartilage is not as great as the old one. In difficult cases, knee replacement is recommended.
Make an appointment Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.
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Contraindications
If gelatin, salt, aloe and mustard with honey are used for joint treatment, then contraindications will need to be taken into account. Possible limitations for use:
- Honey with cinnamon for joints: beneficial properties and applications
- allergic reaction to the components of the products;
- skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, dermatitis, fungus);
- oncological diseases;
- thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins;
- elevated temperature;
- heart disease, hypertension.
Honey is a natural source of beneficial compounds, which are used in folk medicine. The beneficial effect on joint tissue is manifested in the relief of symptoms of inflammation, pain relief and restoration of the affected membranes. This will take longer than with treatment with official medicine, but will bring no less benefits.
06/23/2020Traditional treatment
Honey is one of the most useful bee products known to mankind. Its help with diseases of the joints and bones simply cannot be overestimated. Today we will talk about how honey and arthrosis are connected, as well as osteochondrosis and other joint diseases. You will learn about traditional methods using honey as one of the ingredients. And also about exactly what effect honey has on our body and joint tissues.
