The best recipes and folk remedies for pain in the knee and other joints

: Grachev Ilya Illarionovich
Editor
: Efremov Mikhail Mikhailovich

Date of publication: 05/13/2014 Date of update: 04/12/2021 All doctors of the clinic

The knees are more susceptible to injury and various diseases than other joints. A significant proportion of orthopedist-traumatologist and rheumatologist patients complain of severe knee pain. From this article you will learn what to do if you suddenly experience severe pain. She is being treated, the main thing is to seek medical help with her problems in time. They will always help you at the medical office (Moscow).

The structure of human joints

A human joint is a movable connection between several or two bones of the skeleton. In total, there are over 180 joints in the skeleton. They belong, along with bones and ligaments, to the passive part of the musculoskeletal system.

Perform a shock-absorbing function. If there were no joints, the bones would constantly come into contact when moving and would be destroyed due to friction.

Joint structure

The joint capsule in which each of them is located is normally filled with a kind of lubricant, which is called synovial fluid. Pathologies are caused by disruption of the joint capsule.

What is it - arthrosis of the knee joint, development mechanism

Arthrosis is a chronic disease that is accompanied by the destruction of articular cartilage. The development of the pathological process involves not only cartilage, but also tissues that are located around the joint.

Mechanism of disease development:

1. Normal cartilage is smooth and elastic. With their help, normal depreciation occurs and the motor function of the joint is ensured. When arthrosis develops, the elasticity of the cartilage is lost. Its roughness appears, resulting in friction of the articular surfaces.
2. With such processes, the gradual destruction of cartilage begins. It becomes injured, begins to deform, and particles gradually separate from it. These particles penetrate into the joint cavity, injure the synovial membrane, and provoke ossification.
3. The development of arthrosis occurs gradually. In the initial stages, a person feels a mild, short-term pain, and a crunching sensation may occur in the joint during movement.
4. Gradually, the unpleasant sensations intensify and become more pronounced. The reason for their appearance may be physical activity or changes in climatic conditions.
5. Over time, motor function deteriorates, becomes limited, and severe pain appears. A reflex muscle spasm, contracture, and seizures occur.
6. The crunching persists constantly, the person begins to limp on the sore leg.
7. In the last stages of the development of the disease, serious deformation of the joint occurs, the person cannot move, and for this he needs a cane or crutches.

What types of joint diseases exist?

Diseases that affect the joints are divided into large categories:

• Belonging to the category of dystrophic-degenerative processes - arthrosis. Including osteoarthrosis and osteochondrosis.
• Having an inflammatory nature - arthritis. Including gout.
• Pathologies in which organ tissue grows and other pathological processes occur. For example, osteoporosis.

Arthrosis and arthritis

Causes of pathology

There are two types of arthrosis - primary and secondary. The first develops in an unchanged joint, and the second appears as a consequence of existing pathological processes.

The main risk factors for the disease include:

• Women are much more likely to be diagnosed with this disease;
• age – as the body ages, wear and thinning of cartilage and joint structures occurs;
• obesity, excess weight - in this case, the joints experience increased stress;
• improperly distributed loads - playing professional sports, frequent ascents and descents of stairs, carrying heavy objects, standing for long periods of time, prolonged walking;
• previous surgical intervention on the joint;
• previous injuries, bruises, fractures, mechanical damage to the joint;
• inflammatory process in articular tissues of an acute or chronic nature;
• genetic predisposition.

Arthrosis develops with constant, excessive load, with injury to joint structures. The main reason for the development of this disease is an imbalance between the destruction and regeneration of articular cartilage.

In the body, the processes of anabolism and catabolism occur in parallel. Normally they occur at the same speed. When arthrosis begins to develop, catabolism processes intensify, which involves the destruction and removal of damaged structures. The process of anabolism, in which new complex structures are created, slows down. The result is rapid aging and destruction of articular cartilage.

Chondrocytes, which produce material for cartilage tissue, are destroyed, and their properties begin to change. As a result, they produce a completely different type of protein. The articular cartilage becomes thinner, it loses its elasticity and strength, the fibers lose their density, and cracks appear. Over time, the articular cartilage is completely destroyed.

Such changes affect the condition of the joint. He becomes vulnerable to stress. Depreciation is disrupted, the heads of the bones experience high loads, and they are distributed unevenly. When pressure on a joint increases during exercise, blood microcirculation deteriorates and bone tissue becomes denser. Overgrowths of bone tissue – osteophytes – form along the edges. Under their influence, mobility is limited.

Since motor function becomes limited due to the proliferation of osteophytes, severe pain additionally occurs, and the person tries to limit movement. As a result, muscle tissue will atrophy.

Causes of joint diseases

Joint diseases lead to pathological processes and disruption of the musculoskeletal system.

Among the factors and causes leading to pathological disorders:

Infectious polyarthritis of the hands

• injuries;
• infectious lesion;
• endocrine pathologies and mineral metabolic disorders;
• various types of allergic reactions;
• circulatory disorders;
• complications of certain diseases, for example,
• diabetes mellitus

Folk remedies for treating joints

It is important to remember that any disease of the joints or musculoskeletal system is treated under the supervision of a specialist. Folk remedies are becoming an essential part of general complex therapy. Before starting to use each prescription, a mandatory consultation with a doctor is required.

A variety of decoctions, tinctures, ointments, and compresses are used in therapy. In folk practice, various methods can be used to treat joint pathology.

The experience of traditional medicine allows you to select easy-to-use and effective remedies that have an anti-inflammatory and calming effect. The list of natural remedies includes remedies that can relieve pain and reduce temperature, which can appear due to chronic or acute inflammation in the joints.

Symptoms of the disease

The first signs of osteoarthritis that you should pay attention to are pain that occurs during or after exercise. The pain goes away with rest and does not require medication.

Diagram of a healthy joint and one affected by osteoarthritis

Recipes for the treatment of arthrosis

The use of folk remedies in the treatment of joints when diagnosing arthrosis is indicated to help with basic complex therapy. Drugs that have proven themselves over centuries can reduce unpleasant pain and increase mobility.

Recommended:

• A burdock leaf compress helps relieve inflammation and pain . The leaf is placed in boiling water for 1 minute and applied to the joint area greased with vegetable oil for 10 minutes.
• A decoction of cinquefoil, which can be taken internally and used for rubbing. To prepare, you will need to pour one liter of vodka or alcohol into 100 grams of dry matter. The drug is infused for three weeks. For oral administration, one teaspoon is dissolved in 100 ml of water. You can use the alcohol solution itself for rubbing.
• An infusion of cinquefoil is also used. To obtain it, add 200 ml of water to 1 tablespoon of dry leaves. Cook in a water bath for 20 minutes. Then infuse for three days and take 50 grams during the day.

Treatment of gonarthrosis of the knee joint

There are many effective recipes for the treatment of gonarthrosis:

• To relieve inflammation, compresses from cabbage leaves scalded with boiling water are used. The compress is applied for 10 minutes.
• To create a compress, a substance from horseradish root, crushed into a pulp, is used. To obtain it, the root is grated and steamed in a water bath. The mixture should not be allowed to boil. Apply to the sore spot. Dry horseradish root can be used, which you can prepare yourself for the winter.
• prepared from an equal amount of 10% ammonia, honey, glycerin, medical bile and 5% medical iodine will help relieve inflammation

Treatment of coxarthrosis

To treat pathologies of the hip joint and prevent pathology, it is recommended to introduce foods rich in gelatin into the diet. Including jellied meat or gelled dishes.

In severe cases of damage, a good remedy for coxarthrosis is an infusion of lemon, celery and garlic:

• A mixture of 3 lemons, 250 grams of celery and 50 grams of garlic is recommended.
• The components are scrolled through a meat grinder, placed in a glass container and poured with boiling water.
• The composition is infused for 12 hours in a dark and warm place.
• Take 70 ml half an hour before meals.

Lemon, celery and garlic recipe:

Simple folk medicines

Restoration of knee joint cartilage using folk remedies occurs through the use of ointments, infusions, decoctions, rubs and compresses (see The most effective tinctures for treating joints). To speed up treatment, you need to act comprehensively and use several methods at once.

Let's look at the simplest and most effective folk recipes:

1. Rubbing eggs will give a good effect . All you need is the yolk, which is mixed with apple cider vinegar and turpentine in equal quantities. To one yolk it is enough to add 1 tbsp. l. each component. The liquid must be thoroughly mixed. The medicine is applied to the affected joint area before going to bed, a gauze bandage is applied on top and wrapped in a warm cloth. The next morning the mixture is washed off. The procedure is repeated three times a week. Course 10 – 15 manipulations.
2. One of the most effective methods of treatment is rubbing based on celandine . To prepare the mixture you will need fresh leaves and stems of the plant. The crushed raw materials are poured with any vegetable oil, and left in an airtight container for two weeks, filtered. The mixture is used for daily massage for 2 weeks.
3. Your doctor may recommend using steamed burdock . Several large leaves, about 5 pieces, are placed in a pan and poured with boiling water. After the plant has steamed, the joint area is lubricated with vegetable oil (or honey) in a small amount and burdock is applied, which is fixed with plastic film and an elastic bandage. Wrap the top with a terry towel and leave overnight. The procedure is carried out every other day. Course duration: 10 manipulations.

A mixture of yolk, turpentine and apple cider vinegar will help relieve inflammation and swelling of the joints

Rubbing of celandine and vegetable oil is used for arthritis

Compresses with burdock are used for pain and swelling of the joints

Tincture and infusion

Treatment can be carried out using tinctures and infusions, which are suitable for external and internal use.

The following recipes will help with joint diseases:

1. Medicine on birch buds. You will need 100 g of fresh raw materials, which is poured with 0.5 liters of vodka and infused for 1.5 - 2 weeks. The product is designed for daily use as a rub for one month. When taken orally, the drug is taken in an amount of 30 drops, slightly diluted in water and drunk half an hour before meals. Use 3 times a day for 2 - 3 weeks.
2. Lingonberry infusion. Pour two tablespoons of berries into 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. The product is used for oral administration, half a glass 3 times a day before meals for 10 days. In addition, it is good to use as lotions and compresses for 3 weeks.

A tincture of birch buds with vodka can be used to rub the knees.

Lingonberry infusion is the most effective remedy for strengthening joints.

Treatment with mumiyo and honey

Everyone knows the healing properties of beekeeping products and natural mineral substances. They help overcome many ailments, including diseases of the joints (see Treatment of joints with the help of dead bees - will relieve pain and inflammation). Treatment of knee joints with folk remedies is based on the following recipes.

Shilajit with honey promotes tissue regeneration during degenerative processes in the joints.

Rubbing with camphor

It will help relieve pain and stiffness in the joints; rubbing with camphor can improve blood circulation in the tissues. The cooking instructions are simple.

First, prepare a mixture of regular alcohol, vegetable oil and turpentine. All components are mixed in equal quantities. A small piece of camphor is added to the mixture.

A camphor-based rub (pictured) will improve blood circulation in the joints.

The medicine is applied to the area of ​​the affected joint before going to bed, secured with an elastic bandage and a warm scarf. The next morning, the knee should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Recipes for treating joint arthritis

To help treat knee, ankle, shoulder and elbow joints, we recommend:

• Blue clay. Blue clay compresses relieve inflammation. They improve metabolism, enrich tissues with microelements and vitamins. After application, the compress is covered with polyethylene. Next, cover with a warm cloth. The effect lasts 3-4 hours. Blue clay cannot be reused.
• Grated raw potatoes have a strong analgesic effect. The paste is applied to the sore joint for 10-15 minutes, covered with film and insulated. To prepare the product, 1-2 medium raw potatoes are enough.
• Peppermint ointment will relieve inflammation and reduce pain. To prepare it, 50 grams of mint, eucalyptus and aloe leaves are ground into a single mass. Rub any number of times a day.

Potato Colmpress

How is arthritis of the jaw joint treated?

For the treatment of arthritis of the jaw joint:

• You can use an alcohol tincture of aloe leaf. To prepare it, take 2-3 large aloe leaves, crush them, add 500 ml of alcohol or vodka, and leave for three weeks.
• Several times a day, rubbing is carried out with a mixture, for the preparation of which 1 chicken egg yolk and 50 mg of turpentine are used. You can additionally add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
• Fir oil is rubbed into the sore joint, preferably at night, making a warming compress.

Degrees and symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint

In total, there are three stages of development of arthrosis of the knee joint:

1. At the first stage of development of the disease, there are still no pronounced changes in the joint. But synovial fluid can no longer sufficiently nourish cartilage tissue. As a result, their endurance deteriorates. At this stage, symptoms such as pain, hyperemia, redness, and swelling may appear. The cartilage becomes rough. X-rays show a narrowing of the gap between the joint.
2. At the second stage of development, cartilage tissue is destroyed and bone structures grow. The pain becomes severe and constant. X-rays show a narrowing of the gap between the joint and osteophytes. The cartilage becomes lumpy.
3. At the third stage of development, the cartilage tissue becomes as thin as possible, and the areas of destruction are large. Joint deformation occurs, ligaments weaken, and motor function is limited. The painful sensations will be intense.

Clinical signs appear gradually. Initially, discomfort or pain appears in the joint after undergoing physical activity. In the morning there is slight stiffness of movement.

When you begin to move, pain appears, when activity increases, the pain goes away. If there is synovitis, the tissues around the joint become swollen. The damaged joint increases in size, the ligaments are stretched, and the joint becomes unstable.

When changes in the articular structures become pronounced, the joint “jams”, and a particle of destroyed cartilage becomes pinched between the articular surface.

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the joints with folk remedies

Traditional medicine, in addition to complex therapy using medications, physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy, recommends:

• Compress made from 1 piece of school chalk and 100 ml of curdled milk . Which are mixed into a paste and applied to the affected area.
• The simplest and most effective option is to prepare an “Oatmeal” compress . To get it, 5 tablespoons of oatmeal are poured with boiling water and left for about 60 minutes until completely swollen. Apply to the joint for 10-15 minutes.
• At home, you can prepare a rub from the juice of 1 kilogram of black radish, 100 grams of salt, 100 grams of honey, 500 ml of vodka. The mixture is infused in a dark place for about 3 days. The resulting substance is rubbed into the affected area 1-2 times a day.

A mixture of young eggshells and yogurt helps well with osteoarthritis. It saturates the diseased area with useful substances and microelements.

Methods for restoring synovial fluid in joints without the help of doctors

Our body is very complex. Each little cartilage is in its place and intended for its role. As for our joints - the supports of the body, they are divided into two groups: complex and simple, depending on the load distributed on them.

About synovial fluid

As for the synoval fluid, it serves as a lubricant for our supporting bones so that they do not wear out and allow us to move normally. But in addition to the “sliding” function, the synovia also performs an exchange function. With each squeeze of the fingers or bend of the hand, it is absorbed into the cartilage, introducing nutrients into them, and with extension it comes out, removing dead cells.

Physical properties

Synovia is a transparent, stretchy, elastic, slightly slimy liquid. As said earlier, a lack of synoval fluid has a detrimental effect on the joints, but it is not much better when there is an excess of it, since the synoval membrane may become inflamed and the substance will have to be pumped out, and this is not a pleasant process. To know how to restore fluid, you need to understand what caused its shortage. Possible reasons:

• Decline of immunity;
• Dehydration of the body;
• Lack of vitamins and minerals;
• Regular physical activity.

This list indicates factors that can be corrected to solve the problem, but in addition to them, there are also those that do not depend on us, for example, age. Over the years, we don’t get any younger, and in addition to our strength, we also lose the substances the body needs, thanks to which it functions normally. For example, hyaluron, which is described below. Therefore, it remains to either stimulate their production with drugs, or take them from outside.

The importance of hyaluron for joints

Hyaluron is a substance from the class of polysaccharides, which is one of the important components of the synoval fluid and is produced on the villi of the synoval membrane. Synovia is somewhat reminiscent of blood plasma, but with significantly less protein. Hyaluron ensures its viscosity, and hyaluronic acid formed from it is responsible for the barrier function, that is, for ensuring that the synovium does not leak beyond the aisles of the joint.

Cholesterol

In addition to hyaluron, synovia also contains proteins responsible for viscosity and cholesterol, which is part of the acids. The latter significantly reduces the ability of joints to friction, because it is located on their surface, layering on top of each other in the form of scales, creating a protective film. Therefore, in addition to the above methods, synovial fluid can also be replenished by restoring the balance of its components in the body (hyaluron, cholesterol, proteins, proteins). If the essence of your problems with the “lubricant” lies not in its volume, but in its composition, then the first step is to establish the source of inflammation, which led to a violation of the composition of the liquid.

Disorders that can cause changes in the composition of the synovium:

• Various types of injuries
• joint arthritis,
• joint arthrosis,
• Synovitis,
• Bursitis.

When doctors find it difficult or unable to accurately determine the cause of the inflammation, they resort to taking a sample of your joint fluid for analysis. When, due to changes in your synovium, you experience pain, or it leads to the destruction of cartilage, the doctor prescribes immediate treatment.

Restoring hyaluron using regular foods

Before you can restore the amount of hyaluron in your body, you first need to determine whether your body needs it. Signs of hyaluron deficiency:

• Small wrinkles on the forehead,
• Deterioration of skin quality (elasticity, moisture, firmness),
• Decreased vision
• Creaking and crunching of joints.

But there is no reason to panic, because hyaluron is contained in products that are familiar to us, and it can be easily restored, namely in:

• Jelly-like dishes (jelly, jellied meat),
• Chicken broth,
• Soy,
• Stewed meat
• Grapes and any of their forms (wine, raisins),
• Starchy foods (potatoes, corn, beets).

Injections

“Fermatron” is a drug that is used as an injection for those who have not been helped by either bioactive supplements or usual dishes to replenish hyaluron in the body. It is applied pointwise, namely to the joints. It works like this: when the medicine is injected into a joint, it temporarily replaces hyaluronic acid in the synoval fluid and stimulates the body to produce it. The duration of treatment and dose are prescribed by the doctor. Contraindications for use:

• Pregnancy,
• Not reaching the age of majority,
• Open skin lesions
• Skin diseases.

Remember: Self-medication is harmful to your health!

Cholesterol replenishment

Cholesterol is not found in the synovium in its pure form, but in the composition of acids, the supply of which sometimes also has to be replenished, but this can be done with the help of ordinary products, which are always at hand:

• Meat
• Seafood
• Greenery
• Soybeans
• Oils

Replenishment of synovium using folk methods

In addition to products containing hyaluron, you can use some herbs and medicinal infusions, so to speak, you are treated with what nature gave. For example, drink tea from lingonberry leaves, simply brewing them in a water bath for ten minutes, or cinquefoil tincture, kept in a dark place for three weeks, in a ratio of alcohol to ground dry roots of 10:1.

Replenishment of synovial fluid in the spine

In addition to the joints, synovial fluid is also found in the spine, because every day it experiences great stress, from simply keeping us on our feet to moving and lifting various weights.
In combination with proper nutrition and special exercises for the spine, you can use the Evminov technique, thanks to which the back muscles are strengthened and the vertebrae are supported. Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr

Treatment with folk remedies for joints of fingers and toes

Inflammation of the joint capsule of the small joints of the fingers and toes is quite rare. But it causes pain to patients and reduces quality of life.

Traditional medicine recommends supplementing therapy with traditional drugs:

• Compress of equal parts mustard and honey , which are mixed and applied to the sore area for 15-20 minutes. Add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to the composition.
• The necessary vitamins can be obtained by applying a compress of parsley , wild garlic, radish and beets. Vegetables are taken in equal proportions, grated and applied to the affected areas.
• Baths made from infusion of chamomile flowers will help relieve discomfort. To prepare the mixture, pour boiling water over 2-3 tablespoons of the dry mixture and infuse. Hands or feet are immersed in the bath for 15 minutes.

Treatment of knee cyst

A tincture of raw raspberry and lingonberry leaves in equal parts helps relieve symptoms when a knee cyst develops. The leaves are poured with boiling water and left for about 1 hour. Take 100 ml twice a day.

A compress made from unrefined sunflower oil helps relieve pain and inflammation. The oil is heated, several layers of gauze are soaked in it and applied to the affected area. The place is covered with film and insulated. The compress is kept for about 1 hour.

Traditional medicine for the treatment of bursitis

For the treatment of bursitis and epicondylitis, traditional medicine recommends the use of tinctures and decoctions as maintenance therapy.

Including you can apply:

• A dry mixture of plantain and St. John's wort (1 tablespoon each) is poured with 200 ml of boiling water. The infusion is ready in two hours. Take 50 ml after each meal.
• Increases immunity and relieves inflammation. Grapefruit juice. Only freshly squeezed juice is used. The method is not recommended if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
• To perform the rubbing, mix butter and propolis in equal parts.

Treatment of synovitis of the knee joint

The use of traditional medicine recipes helps reduce pain symptoms and speed up the healing process for synovitis of the knee

At home, patients can use compresses and rubbing with salt ice:

• To prepare it, 4 tablespoons of sea salt (you can use plain salt) are dissolved in 1 liter of water.
• The solution is frozen into cubes.
• For treatment, rub the affected area with one cube; there is no need to wipe away the melt water.
• After the procedure, the knee is wrapped in a warm scarf.

An ointment is used prepared from 200 grams of lard minced in a meat grinder and 2-3 tablespoons of comfrey leaves. Before use, the mixture is infused for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Recipes for treating knee meniscus

To restore the meniscus, compresses, ointments and rubbing are used:

• A mixture of 100 grams of honey and 500 ml of vodka. Insist for two weeks. Rub several times a day.
• The use of medical bile is indicated. It is sold in pharmacies. Pathological processes in the meniscus can be alleviated by rubbing with bile several times a day.
• To relieve the inflammatory process, saturate it with useful substances and microelements, compresses and rubbing onions are used. To prepare the composition, 3-4 onions are peeled, grated and mixed with 100 sugar. The mixture is laid out on gauze and applied to the diseased area.

Treatment of epicondylitis of the elbow joint

When epicondylitis develops, infusions and ointments can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in the elbow joint, the preparation of which uses a dry mixture of comfrey leaf.

Can also be used:

• For an acute attack, a compress of green tea leaves. The leaves are brewed with boiling water, infused and frozen in molds. To relieve symptoms, wipe the affected area with ice cubes. The procedure continues until complete melting. You can also make compresses from simply brewed strong green tea.
• A compress of garlic juice relieves pain and inflammation. To prepare it, juice is squeezed out of 100 kg of garlic and mixed with 100 grams of olive oil. The composition is applied to the affected area with light massage movements 2-3 times a day.
• The use of coniferous medicinal baths is shown. To prepare them, pine needles are brewed with boiling water. Place your elbows in the resulting warm solution for 10-15 minutes.

Garlic juice compress

Treatment of gonarthrosis in the Solnechny sanatorium

In our institution, a wide range of physiotherapy, mud therapy, acupuncture, and various massages are used as methods of treating arthrosis of the knee joint.

One of the advanced treatment methods is intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid. They compensate for the lack of production of their own hyaluronic acid, which serves as a lubricating element for the surface of the joint and protects it from abrasion. The effect of this procedure is felt on the first day. The effect of one injection lasts on average for a month. Patients in advanced stages of arthrosis feel a significant reduction in the pain that has tormented them for many years in the very first days, and people with a moderate course of the disease, grade 1-2, after a course of 5 injections in most cases forget about the pain completely for about six months. A rehabilitation treatment program for knee arthrosis has been successfully applied . See here .

Ointments for relieving swelling and joint pain

At home, you can independently prepare various anti-inflammatory ointments with various components, including medicinal plants:

• When treating joints in self-therapy, it is recommended to use ointments using honey and honey massage . To prepare an ointment with honey, various components can be mixed. Such as grated horseradish root, olive oil, infusion of calamus roots. The components are mixed in equal proportions.
• To prepare an effective ointment to relieve swelling and joint pain, use a mixture of golden mustache leaves and any commercial cream.
• You can prepare an ointment from pork fat , to which an infusion of St. John's wort and comfrey leaves is added. This composition is turned through a meat grinder and left in the refrigerator for about two weeks. Can be used 2-3 times a day.

How to treat gonarthrosis?

Restoring joint mobility is not a matter of one month. The treatment is complex, it is expensive due to the high cost of drugs, and the result depends only on the patient’s desire to cooperate with the doctor and strict adherence to all medical recommendations and prescriptions.

But first. What needs to be done is to immediately reduce the load on the affected joint(s). If the work involves such stress, negotiate with management (if necessary, with doctor’s notes in hand) about changing your type of activity. For a while or forever - life will tell. Although often at first, bed rest may be required for the initial restoration of joint function. Remember: a joint is not a muscle, you cannot “work it out” with intense exercise, it will only make it worse. Activation of life with intense movements may be required later, after the most acute inflammation has subsided. But even when increasing the load, you need to use means of support in the form of elastic elastic bandages, a cane, a crutch, etc. Sometimes you cannot do without special orthopedic insoles or even custom-made orthopedic shoes.

Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is also possible at home, using outpatient medications prescribed by a doctor - chodroprotectors, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Depending on the degree of damage to the joint and the type of inflammation, the doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But for all their effectiveness in relieving symptoms, they do not eliminate the causes of the disease.

Do not heat sore joints with arthrosis! On the contrary, apply an ice pack to the inflamed area - it will help relieve swelling, redness and inflammation.

The use of chondroprotectors, on the contrary, does not relieve pain. But the restoration of cartilage tissue will proceed slowly but surely. The only question is the effectiveness of the drug, but you should try to use proven and certified medications for treatment. Preferably internationally recognized.

For some types and degrees of joint damage, applying and permanently (or temporarily) wearing a tightening bandage that fixes the joint can help. But this measure should be used only if the method is approved by the attending physician, since in some types of arthrosis, wearing such a bandage can aggravate the course of the disease.

You cannot completely immobilize yourself if you have knee pain. Moreover, with some types of inflammation, moderate physical activity only benefits the joint. An orthopedic doctor will tell you when and how much to exercise. Moreover, complete passivity in terms of physical activity will cause weight gain, and this will further aggravate the situation, loading the joint.

Drug treatment is usually combined with courses of physiotherapy, the most favorable for the treatment of arthrosis: magnetic and laser therapy (coherent laser radiation is used at safe frequencies), mechanical vibration and ultraphonotherapy, microwave installations with deep effects on tissue - when this is therapeutically justified.

In diagnosis, three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint are distinguished.

Arthrosis I degree

The mildest degree of the disease. It is characterized by the fact that treatment does not require a large degree of medicinal influence, the list of medications is small, and measures involving physiotherapy, massage, and exercise therapy help well. One of the most effective methods is considered to be laser therapy, which significantly reduces pain, stimulates the regeneration of irradiated areas, and reduces inflammation. In addition, the use of coherent radiation with a strictly defined wavelength eliminates the need to use glucocorticosteroids in treatment, which cause a lot of side effects.

Arthrosis II degree

It is characterized by more intense and acute processes of inflammation and degeneration of cartilage tissue. In the acute period, special medications are prescribed, a special diet is recommended, and physical therapy designed for such cases is recommended. Physiotherapy and massage are excluded during these periods.

Recommendations: reducing the load on the affected joint, limiting walking, avoiding any movements associated with squatting. Special orthoses may be prescribed for the knee joint - devices that fix the joint and severely limit its mobility.

In the medical arsenal for the treatment of arthrosis of the second degree, along with chondroprotectors with glucosamine and chondroitin, steroid drugs, as well as anti-inflammatory non-steroids, may be present. It is possible to inject hyaluronic acid and other drugs into the joint capsule to facilitate the sliding of cartilage surfaces relative to each other.

A special diet with excess collagen is prescribed: jellied meat, jelly, aspic, and from confectionery products - gelatin soufflé. Including fish oil in your diet is beneficial.

Arthrosis III degree

When the knee joint is affected by arthrosis of the third degree, the treatment is not much different from the previous condition - except that the frequency of use of medications increases with a slight shift towards glucocorticosteroid hormones. If there are no results, there is a need for surgery followed by joint replacement.