Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: what it is, types, symptoms and prevention

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is called the destruction of cartilage tissue and surrounding bone structures. As the disease progresses, severe pain occurs, the mobility of the joint is limited. Consider the types of arthrosis of the knee joint symptoms. What are the ways of prevention?

How arthrosis of the knee joint develops

Due to constant loads, lack of nutrients, cartilage thins, cracks appear on it. The formation of synovial fluid in it can be disturbed, its amount decreases. The joint does not receive enough nutrition. When the cartilage wears out, the bones rub against each other and are damaged. Osteophytes grow on them, the articular bag thickens due to the inflammatory process. The muscles in the knee area spasm. The joint is deformed, its movement is limited. The person experiences pain and it becomes difficult to move. The ability to walk is severely limited if both knees are damaged by osteoarthritis.

Some symptoms of knee osteoarthritis:

• At first, discomfort is felt after climbing stairs. Over time, pain is felt even at rest.
• In the morning, the knees are stiff. In the initial stage of osteoarthritis, this occurs within a few minutes of waking up, then for about half an hour.
• A sharp crunch and pain that is different from the physiologic crunch in the knees.
• The person has difficulty extending the knee. The bony overgrowths prevent this from happening completely.
• When inflammation of tissues occurs, swelling is formed in the area of the knee.
• At the last stage of the disease, it is painful for a person to step on the leg, a cane or walker is needed for walking.

Types of arthrosis of the knee joint

The destruction of the knee joint is classified by degrees:

• At 1 degree of osteoarthritis, a person does not feel any unpleasant symptoms, but X-rays display some discrepancy with the norm.
• With 2 degrees of arthrosis, the patient has periodic pain during physical activity. They are especially acute when he climbs stairs, squats or stands in one place for a long time. X-rays show a narrowed articular gap, destruction of cartilage tissue. Osteophytes appear on the lateral ligaments.
• The 3rd degree of arthrosis is characterized by constant pain in the knees, with load and at rest. A person can not walk without a cane. X-rays show a strong narrowing of the articular gap. The menisci are damaged, the joint is deformed, many large osteophytes and bone overgrowths are found.
• At the 4th degree of osteoarthritis, the joint is practically motionless. X-rays show complete destruction of cartilage tissue. The articular surfaces of the bones are significantly deformed, many osteophytes have formed.

Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee

A few recommendations:

• Regular moderate physical activity, exercise, walks, Nordic walking.
• Try to minimize stress and overexertion, find ways to recover quickly from them.
• Maintain weight within normal limits according to height.
• Eat a balanced diet, avoid fast food, food with chemical ingredients.
• Choose appropriate footwear, preferably orthopedic.
• Try to avoid increased stress on the knee joints: lifting weights, long work on the legs.

If there is discomfort in the area of the knees, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. He will prescribe an examination and select a treatment that will reduce or stop the destruction of cartilage.