Gonarthrosis (osteoarthritis of the knee joint) is a deformity of the knee joint resulting from degeneration of the cartilage. The target groups are mainly menopausal women, overweight people and those aged 40-50. What causes gonarthrosis? How does joint deformity manifest itself? How can the symptoms of the condition be prevented?
Summary:
- Gonarthrosis – Triggers and forms of manifestation
- Osteoarthritis of the knee joint – How to prevent and relieve symptoms without a doctor’s help?
1. Triggers and forms of manifestation
Gonarthrosis is particularly caused by overweight. Then, being a condition caused by cartilage degeneration, gonarthrosis is associated with older people. Another risk factor is strenuous foot sports such as football, rugby, etc. Repeated training develops ligament trauma and withdrawal from sport can cause osteoarthritis.
The onset of gonarthrosis can also be triggered by other factors such as:
- endocrine disorders;
- metabolic disorders;
- rheumatism;
- birth deformity of the knee;
- unhealed ligament fractures;
- arthritis;
- prolonged physical overstrain;
- knee injuries.
During movement, the person with gonarthrosis feels pain, which causes them to limit their movements and bend their body. The condition starts gradually over a period of several months to 3 or 5 years. In its early stages, gonarthrosis is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- stiffness when waking from bed;
- sensitivity of the knee to temperature fluctuations or extreme temperatures;
- the presence of cramping in the affected joint area;
- swelling of the joint;
- limping;
- difficulty stretching and bending the knee;
- redness and increased temperature in the knee area especially after exertion.
Initially, the pain occurs with exertion and improves with rest. In some cases, the physical discomfort is permanent, including during sleep. As the condition worsens, the pain intensifies. Thus, you may feel pain when standing, bending forward, walking down steps, carrying weights, etc. Over time, the cartilage degrades, loses its elasticity and becomes susceptible to shock.
2. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint – How to prevent and relieve symptoms without a doctor’s help?
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be treated surgically or non-invasively. The type of treatment depends on the stage of the condition. Surgical treatment is necessary when joint damage is too advanced for the drugs to work.
To improve joint functionality, the specialist may indicate the following non-surgical treatments:
- medicines to relieve pain and inflammation;
- physiotherapy;
- lifestyle changes to reduce body mass.
Gonarthrosis is a common condition, especially among athletes, but it can be prevented by simple means. So find out what habits you should include in your daily routine to keep your joints perfectly healthy?
- Weekly massage
Massage sessions provide amazing mental and physical health benefits. The condition is that it is done weekly, between 15-30 minutes daily. Sedentary lifestyles, too much standing or strenuous exertion degrade ligaments and joints.
Therapeutic massage, especially Shiatsu massage, is successful in preventing and treating pain. The techniques and automatic programmes of massage chairs unblock blood flow, a process which helps to supply oxygen and nutrients to painful areas. Electric massage sessions relax the muscles, and the effects will also be beneficial for joint cartilage and bone ends in the joints. Massage also releases endorphins which have an analgesic effect, relieving pain.
Massage chairs are indicated in the prevention of symptoms associated with gonarthrosis, as they tone the muscles that maintain the knee joints. Massage decreases muscle stiffness around the joints, improves knee mobility and automatically decreases the risk of joint stiffness.
- Sports and diet routine for weight loss
Osteoarthritis of the joint is also favoured by excess weight which presses on the knees and damages the ligaments. Follow a balanced diet and combine it with exercise. Include green leafy vegetables, salmon, eggs, chicken and beef, cruciferous vegetables, chilli peppers, avocado, citrus fruit or cottage cheese in your meals.
Conclusion
Gonarthrosis is therefore a chronic, non-curable disease, but it can be prevented with a little attention to lifestyle. Prevention methods can be followed even in the absence of disease symptoms. Also, even if the disease has already set in, massage, sport and nutrition are crucial to relieve symptoms and optimise quality of life.
