Primary gonarthrosis of the bilateral knee joint 1-2-3 degrees. What is it, symptoms, treatment

Primary bilateral gonarthrosis is a disease, which negatively affects the cartilage plate of the knee joint, contributing to its destruction.

In most cases, the main reason is the high load on the lower limbs and mechanical stress. It is important to undergo a timely comprehensive examination, establish a diagnosis and start treatment. In advanced situations, a person faces serious consequences, up to and including disability.

Views

Given the place of localization of pathological changes, the following types of primary gonarthrosis are distinguished:

Name	Description
Right-handed	Tissue destruction occurs in the right leg.
Left-handed	The left lower limb is affected.
Double-sided	Pathological processes develop in the knee joints of the right and left legs.

The disease develops in stages, at each of which clinical symptoms appear. A traumatologist will help to establish an accurate diagnosis. Do not ignore the first signs, it is important to start treatment on time.

Stages and degrees

Without adequate therapy, degenerative-dystrophic processes progress, the disease goes through certain stages of development:

Name	Description
I degree	Pathological processes proceed without pronounced signs. A person is worried about dull pain after prolonged physical exertion (walking, jogging, lifting weights). In some situations, the knee joint swells, but the swelling quickly goes away at rest.
II degree	At the second stage, primary gonarthrosis is accompanied by pronounced clinical symptoms. Pain syndrome intensifies. Pathological processes are accompanied by a specific crunch in the area of ​​the knee joint during movement. After long rest, the leg is constrained, especially in the morning. Warming up or exercising can help relieve this symptom. The knee joint in the second stage of the disease is deformed and enlarged.
III degree	At stage 3 of primary bilateral gonarthrosis, the pain syndrome becomes permanent. The motor ability is reduced to a minimum. Painful sensations arise even when the weather changes. The last stage of the disease is characterized by severe and pronounced deformities of the knee joint.

The traumatologist or orthopedist after examining the patient will help determine the degree of development of primary bilateral gonarthrosis and choose the treatment. It is important to differentiate the disease and make an accurate diagnosis.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of the disease will allow the doctor to determine the stage and degree of development of pathological processes. It is important for a specialist to fully describe his condition so that he prescribes the most informative examination and establishes an accurate diagnosis.

Primary gonarthrosis, bilateral, depending on the stage and localization pathological processes, accompanied by the following clinical signs:

Name	Symptoms
Bilateral gonarthrosis of the I degree	minor pain syndrome in the knee area; crunch in the joint; stiffness after sleep; weak tissue swelling.
Grade II gonarthrosis	severe painful sensations along the inner front surface of the knee joint; decreased range of motion; crunch in the knee when trying to bend it.
Bilateral gonarthrosis III degree	constant pain syndrome; joint blockade (inability to move the leg, spell); muscle weakness; numbness, tingling in the area of ​​the affected joint; instability of the lower limb.

With your favorite disorders or signs of inflammation, it is important to go to the hospital in a timely manner, undergo an examination and start treatment. It will not be possible to completely get rid of the pathology, however, proper therapy will stop its development and prevent serious consequences.

Reasons for the appearance

The knee joint in the human body is the largest. It can withstand heavy loads and therefore wears out quickly. Degenerative-dystrophic disease is characterized by the destruction of the knee joint.

There are numerous factors that provoke the development of pathological processes:

• mechanical injury of the knee joint;
• development of varicose veins;
• congenital joint diseases;
• chronic infections or inflammations;
• joint hypermobility;
• prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position;
• vascular diseases of the lower extremities;
• hypothermia of the legs;
• physical inactivity, a sedentary lifestyle;
• extra pounds, obesity;
• genetic predisposition;
• the development of concomitant diseases that negatively affect the cartilage tissue (arthrosis, arthritis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus);
• treatment with certain medications.

Elderly people, professional athletes are in the risk category. Often, primary bilateral gonarthrosis becomes the cause of disability. Therefore, it is important to identify the disease in a timely manner and start a specially selected therapy.

Diagnostics

A comprehensive examination is necessary for a traumatologist or orthopedist to make an accurate diagnosis. The obtained data will help the specialist to choose the most effective and safe remedies.

Primary bilateral gonarthrosis is diagnosed using the following examination methods:

Name	Description
Knee X-ray	An examination method by which the doctor identifies deformities in the area of ​​the affected part of the leg.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)	A diagnostic method that allows you to determine the development of the disease in the early stages.

Laboratory tests, which the orthopedic surgeon or traumatologist prescribes, taking into account the symptoms of the disease and the condition of the person, also help to confirm the diagnosis. If necessary, given the provoking factor, it may be necessary to consult other specialized specialists (rheumatologist, surgeon, endocrinologist).

When to see a doctor

You should visit a traumatologist or orthopedist as soon as the first disturbances or painful sensations appear in the knee joint area. A correctly diagnosed at an early stage of the development of the disease will stop degenerative-dystrophic processes and prevent the occurrence of serious complications.

Prophylaxis

It is possible to prevent the development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, it is enough to remember the simple and useful recommendations of the doctor:

1. Keep track of body weight, get rid of extra pounds.
2. Eat correctly and rationally.
3. Engage in moderate physical activity and remedial gymnastics.
4. Girls are advised to wear high heels less often.
5. Change profession if work puts a lot of stress on your knees.
6. Being in the risk category, visit a doctor for preventive purposes in order to timely determine the disease.
7. To refuse from bad habits.
8. Do not lift heavy objects.

It is also important not to trigger other pathologies that can provoke degenerative processes in the knee joint area.

Treatment methods

Therapy of bilateral primary gonarthrosis is carried out by complex methods. Patients are prescribed medications, it is recommended to attend physiotherapy procedures and adhere to proper nutrition.

In the absence of serious medical contraindications, you can use folk remedies. In emergency and difficult situations, surgery is indicated. Lack of timely therapy will lead to serious complications.

Medications

Medicines are selected by a traumatologist, referring to the human condition, the development of pathological processes, the degree of damage to the knee joint. The specialist also takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body. It is important to strictly adhere to the regimen and dosage in order to prevent possible side effects.

Drug group	Name	Application
Anti-inflammatory drugs	Ibuprofen, Diclofenac	The medicine is taken orally at 1200-1800 mg per day with a sufficient amount of water. The dosage is recommended to be divided into 3-4 doses.
Antispasmodics	Midocalm, No-Shpa	The drug is taken orally after meals, without chewing. Adults are prescribed 50-150 mg 2-3 times a day, taking into account the patient's condition.
Chondroprotectors	Structum, Rumalon	Medicines help restore cartilage tissue. The adult dosage is 1-2 capsules 2 times a day. The course of therapy lasts 6 months.
Topical products	Dolobene, Fastum gel	Ointments and creams reduce pain, inflammation and improve circulation to the affected joint. The medicine is used externally 2-4 times a day. Apply the gel under the bandage or use it for iontophoresis. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the severity of the symptoms.
Vasodilator drugs	Actovegin, Trental	The drugs reduce muscle tone. The medicine is taken before meals, by mouth, drinking plenty of water. The adult dosage is 1-2 tablets 3 times a day. The course of therapy lasts 4-6 weeks.

Medicines reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. If necessary, the doctor prescribes hormonal intra-articular injections (Diprospan, Hydrocortisone).

Medications can also help reduce soreness and inflammation. Additionally, vitamin complexes are prescribed. They are essential for enhancing immunity and body resistance. Trace elements contribute to the speedy regeneration of damaged areas.

Traditional methods

Primary bilateral gonarthrosis allows the use of prescriptions by healers and healers, but strictly after consultation with the attending physician, traumatologist or orthopedist. Many of the ingredients used can aggravate health conditions or trigger an allergic reaction.

Name	Recipe	Application
Honey with radish	Pour the chopped radish (1 tbsp.) With natural honey (100 ml). Add 100 g of vodka. Mix all components well, close the container and leave the resulting mass in a dark place for a day.	The finished product is used to rub the affected knee joint. The procedures are carried out every day.
Chestnut	Pour a handful of plant flowers into a glass container. Pour them with vodka (500 ml), leave for 7 days, strain and use for grinding.	It is recommended to rub the knee joint 2-3 times a day. Compresses can be made at night. The medicine nourishes the cartilage tissue.
Sabelnik	Grind dry stems and roots of the plant. Pour 50 g of the resulting product with vodka (500 ml). The mixture is recommended to be infused in a dark place for a month. The tincture must be shaken periodically.	The finished product is recommended to be taken 3 times a day. The course of therapy lasts at least 14 days.
Mummy ointment	Mix 5 g of the main product and 100 g of natural honey.	It is recommended to rub the finished ointment thoroughly into the affected knee joint 5-7 times a day.
Herbal baths	Mix in equal parts St. John's wort and oregano (3 tablespoons each). Add to them 1 tbsp. hemlock and burdock root. Another 2 tbsp calendula. and nettle 4 tbsp. Mix all components well, fill with hot water. Soak for 1 hour and add 500 g of clay.	Strain the resulting mass and pour into a hot bath. It is recommended to take water procedures every other day for 15-20 minutes. The course of treatment includes 8 sessions.

Soda-salt baths also help with gonarthrosis of the knee joint. It is recommended to soak your feet in the solution, and then wrap them in socks. It is important to carry out the treatment under the supervision of a traumatologist or orthopedist, use folk remedies along with traditional drugs.

Other methods

Primary bilateral gonarthrosis is treated with complex methods and includes physiotherapy. Procedures and medications will help not only stop the development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, but also prevent deformation of the knee joint. Physiotherapy also enhances the effect of the drugs used.

To combat gonarthrosis, the following procedures are used:

Name	Description
Medicinal electrophoresis	Thanks to the electric current, the active components of a specially selected drug go directly to the focus of the inflammatory-degenerative process.
Laser treatment	Under the influence of the laser, the process of regeneration of damaged tissues is accelerated.
UHF therapy	An electric current is applied to the affected knee joint. Edema decreases, mobility improves, stiffness is eliminated.
Massage procedures	A point effect improves blood flow, reduces tissue edema.
Physiotherapy	Daily exercise has a positive effect on blood circulation by improving it in the affected area of ​​the knee joint. Physical activity increases, muscles and ligaments are strengthened. Pain syndrome also decreases. Therapeutic gymnastics prevents complications and does not allow muscles to atrophy.

In addition, various orthopedic aids are used that reduce the load on the knee joint (orthosis, cane, crutches, bandage). Patients with bilateral primary gonarthrosis should review their diet.

While on treatment, it is recommended to follow a special diet:

Allowed Products	Prohibited foods
stewed, boiled and steamed dishes jellied meat, aspic, jelly cabbage seafood buckwheat legumes, lentils bananas beef liver	coffee butter confectionery chocolate products sweet carbonated and alcoholic drinks smoked and pickled dishes sauces semi-finished products, fast food

It is necessary to reduce to a minimum or completely eliminate table salt from the diet. It accumulates in the joints and has a negative effect, contributing to the development of degenerative processes.

Not always drug therapy can achieve a positive effect. In this situation, with primary bilateral gonarthrosis, surgical treatment is performed. At stages 2 and 3 of the development of pathological processes, patients are shown surgical intervention. In some situations, knee replacement is required.

With primary bilateral gonarthrosis, the following operations are performed:

Name	Description
Arthroscopy	Minimally invasive intervention, during which osteophytes or articular mice are removed. Arthroscopy can also restore the integrity of the knee cartilage.
Osteotomy	The bone fragments are joined in an advantageous functional position to relieve pressure on the cartilage.
Arthrodesis	Artificial ankylosis is formed. Surgery can reduce pain.
Endoprosthetics	Surgical treatment involves replacing the affected part of the knee joint with a prosthesis.

The operation in most cases is indicated for patients at stage 3 of the development of bilateral primary gonarthrosis. After surgical intervention, a person will have a long rehabilitation period. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe additional medication.

Possible complications

The patient will face serious consequences and complications if he does not undergo a timely comprehensive examination and treatment. Damage to the joints of the two lower extremities will lead to limited mobility, as a result, and to disability. After the first stage of the disease, consequences rarely appear with timely treatment.

Complications occur more often against the background of 2-3 degrees of development of pathology:

Name	Description
Total ankylosis	A disease characterized by the fusion of bones together.
Gangrene	Pathological processes affect the lower leg or foot. The vein falls between the bones, which are fused together. This artery is compressed.
Joint deformity	The destruction of the cartilage will lead to bone hypertrophy. The patella will be displaced, and seals will form in the joint area. Pathological changes will lead to the fact that the affected limb begins to bend in an unnatural way. A person will not be able to lean on his leg.
Fracture, dislocation	Impaired knee function will lead to uneven load distribution. The ligaments that support him will weaken. The appearance of fractures and dislocations is possible, even with normal walking.

Scoliosis, osteochondrosis, muscle fiber atrophy is also a complication of primary bilateral gonarthrosis. The same goes for arthritis, herniated discs. In advanced situations, the disease affects the internal organs.

It is impossible to completely recover from bilateral primary gonarthrosis. Comprehensive diagnostics and timely therapy will help to stop the development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, prevent serious complications and improve the general condition of a person. Therefore, it is important to remember about prevention, especially if provoking factors are present.

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