Diseases of the knee joint. Symptoms, causes, treatment, classification, clinical guidelines

Knee-joint in the human body it is the largest, it can withstand heavy loads. Against the background of numerous factors, its defeat occurs, which leads to the development of various diseases. An orthopedic surgeon, arthrologist or rheumatologist will help to establish a diagnosis. It is necessary to go to the hospital at the first signs in order to be examined and start treatment.

Knee joint diseases: causes, symptoms, classification

As a result of constant load on the lower limbs, due to mechanical stress, damage or internal changes, pathological processes develop.

They provoke inflammation and changes in the structures of the knee joint, against the background of which numerous diseases develop. Pathological processes are accompanied by characteristic signs and require timely medical attention. Otherwise, a person will face serious consequences, including disability.

Synovitis

The disease is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal joint fluid. The synovium becomes inflamed.

The pathological condition occurs for certain reasons and is accompanied by characteristic clinical symptoms:

Causes	Signs	Classification
knee injury; the fall; heavy physical activity; repetitive movements with great tension; improper nutrition; hormonal imbalance; overweight; sedentary lifestyle; bad habits.	pain syndrome; local temperature rise; swelling of soft tissues; deformity of the knee joint; hyperemia; limitation of mobility; fever, headache, general weakness in the body.	serous; purulent; serous fibrous; mixed; hemorrhagic.

The disease in a mild form is treated with medications, physiotherapy procedures. In difficult situations, surgery is performed to remove excess articular fluid.

Arthritis

The inflammatory process in the area of ​​the knee joint is provoked by numerous factors, characteristic symptoms appear.

Causes	Signs	Classification
damage to the knee joint; increased load; infectious lesion; excess weight; genetic factor; frequent stress, overstrain; hormonal changes; hypothermia of the body; bad habits.	pain of varying intensity; swelling of soft tissues; decreased joint mobility; an increase in local temperature; redness of the skin.	rheumatoid; psoriatic; gouty; infectious; reactive.

It is important to establish the defeat at an early stage, since advanced forms of pathology are more difficult to treat.

Periarthritis

The disease is characterized by inflammation of the tissues that are located near the knee joint (ligaments, muscles, tendons).

Causes	Signs	Classification
hypothermia of the knee; increased load; obesity; spine diseases; hypodynamia; suffered injuries; diseases of the cardiovascular system; degenerative-dystrophic processes in the knee joint.	sharp and aching pain; lumbago in the knee; swelling of soft tissues; decreased mobility; lethargy, weakness, increased local temperature, fever.	a simple form of periarthritis; sharp; chronic.

The treatment is carried out in a comprehensive manner with the use of medicines, folk remedies and physiotherapy procedures.

Acute and chronic gonarthritis

Gonarthritis is an inflammatory disease of the knee joint. Pathology negatively affects the condition of the cartilage. The connective tissue stiffens, grows, which causes painful sensations and other symptoms.

Causes	Signs	Classification
impaired functioning of the immune system; infectious damage to the body; tumor; gout; impaired blood circulation; heredity; suffered injuries; excess weight; heavy load on the knees.	patella mobility; swelling of soft tissues; redness of the skin; pain of a different nature; deformity of the knee joint.	primary (rheumatoid, septic, post-traumatic, idiopathic); secondary (reactive, autoimmune, trophic).

Timely therapy will prevent serious complications, including deterioration of joint mobility, up to disability.

Tendinitis

A commonly diagnosed disease characterized by damage to the tendon of the knee joint. As the pathological processes progress, severe inflammation develops.

Causes	Signs	Classification
long and intense loads; trauma; fungal infection; infectious diseases; allergy to medicines; age-related changes in the body; weak immunity; anatomical features; scoliosis.	pain syndrome; redness and swelling of soft tissues; deterioration in mobility; creak in the joint area when walking; increased sensitivity to palpation.	spicy; chronic.

Pathology proceeds in stages, an orthopedist will help diagnose it, prescribing a comprehensive examination for the patient.

Deforming osteoarthritis

Deforming osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the knee joint. The inflammatory process affects the joint. Cartilage ages quickly, degenerative changes develop.

Causes	Signs	Classification
sedentary lifestyle; excess weight; constant load on the legs; age-related changes in the body; damage to the meniscus or ligaments.	pain syndrome in different parts of the knee joint; feeling of stiffness against the background of decreased mobility; deformation of the joints.	primary; secondary.

The disease develops slowly, progressive processes first affect one knee joint. After a while, the inflammation passes to the second knee.

Koenig's disease

A rare pathology, which is also called osteochondritis dissecans. The disease is characterized by the free movement of a certain part of the cartilage in the synovial bursa.

Causes	Signs	Classification
deep vessel thrombosis; obliterating endarteritis; thrombophlebitis; congenital pathologies of cartilage and bone tissue; joint damage; synovial chondromatosis; endocrinological diseases.	discomfort in the knee area; pain syndrome, aggravated by pressure or during physical exertion on the leg; muscle atrophy; swelling of soft tissues; limitation of mobility.	juvenile form; classic.

Koenig's disease is dangerous in the later stages of development, when, as a result of the lack of timely therapy, the risk of deforming arthrosis increases. In this situation, the joint completely loses its mobility.

Osgood-Schlatter disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is characterized by the formation of a specific lump below the patella. Pathology is more often diagnosed in children or adolescents during adolescence.

Causes	Signs
microtrauma against the background of increased load on the legs; damage to the knee joint, lower leg; inflammation in the knee area; sports activities (football, figure skating, cross-country skiing).	pain syndrome; swelling of soft tissues; painful sensations intensify after physical exertion; the surrounding muscles are tense, in particular the thighs.

The disease in most cases proceeds without complications. With age, the pathology disappears, some external changes remain that do not affect the functioning of the knee.

Baker's cyst

The disease is characterized by the formation of a bump in the popliteal fossa. The tumor is filled with synovial fluid. As its size increases, a person develops characteristic clinical symptoms.

Causes	Signs	Classification
rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; chronic synovitis; osteoarthritis; damage to the menisci; knee injury; damage during sports.	swelling of soft tissues; gradual muscle atrophy; pain in the popliteal fossa; decreased sensitivity against the background of trophic changes; fever.	primary (idiopathic) cyst; secondary.

As the pathological processes progress, the patient is disturbed by unbearable pain, the color of the skin in the affected area of ​​the lower limb changes, and trophic ulcers form.

Meniscopathy

Diseases of the knee joint in a group that affect the menisci and contribute to the development of degenerative processes are called meniscopathy. The knee is impaired. To make an accurate diagnosis, you will need a consultation with a traumatologist.

Causes	Signs	Classification
inflammatory and dystrophic processes in the knee joint; violation of the structure and integrity of the meniscus; intense physical activity; lack of protection during sports activities; arthritis, bursitis; sedentary lifestyle.	painful sensations in the knee area, aching or sharp; swelling of soft tissues; limitation of mobility; discomfort when pressing on the knee.	external (lateral) meniscopathy; internal (medial).

The malformation of the meniscus and its separation from the capsule of the knee joint can also provoke the disease.

Chondropathy

Chondropathy is characterized by an irreversible pathological process that affects the patella.

Causes	Signs	Classification
knee injury; high load on the legs; impaired blood circulation and nutrition of cartilage tissue; wearing uncomfortable shoes; congenital disorders in the formation of the skeleton; hereditary features; age-related changes; professional activity.	swelling of the knee; pain syndrome that worsens after exercise or while walking; limitation of mobility; an increase in local temperature; redness of the skin; accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity; soreness when pressing on the knee.	Osgood-Schlatter disease; patellar chondropathy.

At risk are the elderly, young children, as well as athletes and obese patients.

The consequences of trauma

It is important to diagnose diseases of the knee joint or its damage in a timely manner in order to start treatment and prevent possible complications.

Name	Description
Rupture of blood vessels	The pathological condition provokes hemorrhage into the cavity of the knee joint, against the background of which its functioning is impaired.
Ligament rupture	The consequence of a severe injury to the knee, as a result of which it is difficult for a person to lift or bend a leg.
Lameness	Complication of a knee injury that has not been fully healed.
Disability	In the absence of timely therapy, irreversible deformation of the joint occurs.

The most severe consequences of knee joint injuries is the complete loss of its mobility (contracture, ankylosis). The same goes for the fracture and displacement of the menisci, rupture of the ligaments. Amortization of movements is also impaired, muscle tissue dies off, destructive processes develop in the area of ​​cartilage.

Rare knee joint pathologies

The knee joint in the human body is an important component of the musculoskeletal system. As a result of the heavy load, it is affected by numerous inflammatory and degenerative processes. In the absence of timely therapy, there is a high likelihood of rare but serious pathologies.

Name	Description
Goff's disease	The pathological disease is characterized by the degeneration of adipose tissue in the area of ​​the knee joint. A person is worried about severe pain, soft tissues swell.
Chronic meniscitis	Pathology occurs as a result of prolonged damage to the knee joint. The inflammatory process affects the menisci. Long-term traumatic effects provoke microcracks and erosion.
Patellar syndrome	The disease is difficult to differentiate, since it is accompanied by numerous symptoms. There is instability of the patella, damage to the meniscus. Tendinitis develops.
Isolated gonarthritis	The pathology is rare and develops after a severe injury to the knee joint. Sometimes it is a concomitant disease of other degenerative-inflammatory processes (synovitis, hemarthrosis, meniscus rupture, deforming osteoarthritis).

Rare diseases of the knee joint also include chronic bursitis of the patella, tendinosis, and pigmented villous synovitis. Only a qualified doctor can carry out differential diagnostics, with deep knowledge and experience to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Clinical guidelines

Diseases of the knee joint require patients to undergo a complete comprehensive diagnosis. Patients go to a specialist (orthopedist, arthrologist, rheumatologist, surgeon) who conducts an examination.

After a preliminary diagnosis is made, additional tests are prescribed. Taking into account the results obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis and selects special medications. Many diseases of the knee joint are treated with folk remedies or with the help of physiotherapy procedures, but in a comprehensive manner.

Diagnostics

The doctor will help to establish an accurate diagnosis by prescribing a comprehensive examination for the patient. First of all, the patient is examined. The specialist detects hyperemia and swelling of soft tissues, soreness. Based on the results of a preliminary examination, the doctor establishes a diagnosis, but to confirm it, he prescribes additional tests.

The following methods help diagnose knee joint disease:

Name	Description
X-ray	The specialist examines the structures of the knee joint, identifies inflammatory foci, fractures, and chronic pathological processes. X-rays are prescribed for arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Computed tomography (CT)	The most informative diagnostic methods that allow you to visually see abnormalities in the knee joint area. The specialist detects any pathological changes in the bones, ligaments, menisci or joint capsule.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Puncture	The procedure is indicated for an increase in the volume of synovial fluid. The material taken is examined under laboratory conditions. The specialist determines the degree of development and the origin of the inflammatory process.
Arthroscopy	Intra-articular structures are examined. Often during the operation, the doctor not only examines, but also treats the knee joint. The procedure is minimally invasive, therefore, soft tissue damage is minimal.

The results obtained after a comprehensive diagnosis will help the doctor choose the most effective treatment for the patient, taking into account also the individual characteristics of his body. It is important to strictly adhere to the appointments in order to prevent possible complications.

Conservative treatment

An orthopedist, arthrologist, rheumatologist or surgeon deals with the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the knee joint. The specialist prescribes medications for patients, taking into account the results of complex diagnostics, the condition of a person and the individual characteristics of his body.

Group of drugs	Name	Application
Anti-inflammatory drugs	Nimesil, Nurofen	The drugs reduce pain and inflammation. The adult dosage is 100 mg 2 times a day. It is recommended to take the medicine after meals, dissolve in water (250 ml).
Chondroprotectors	Chondroitin, Glucosamine	Medicines help restore cartilage tissue. The drug is taken orally with plenty of water. Adults are prescribed 750 mg 2 times a day. The course of treatment lasts 3 weeks. Further, the dosage is reduced to 500 mg 2 times a day. The total duration of therapy is 6 months.
Pain medications	Pentalgin, Tempalgin	The drugs eliminate severe pain syndrome. The medicine is recommended to be taken orally 1 tablet 1-3 times a day. The course of treatment is carried out for 3-5 days.

If there is a secondary infection, the patient is prescribed special antibacterial agents. Additionally, topical medications (gels, ointments) are used, which relieve swelling and pain, and reduce the inflammatory process.

In emergency situations, with severe painful sensations, the patient is prescribed intra-articular injections. They eliminate swelling and swelling of soft tissues. Injections are given once a month.

Surgical intervention

Diseases of the knee joint sometimes require surgery if the patient does not feel better after conservative therapy. Pathological processes progress, the human condition worsens.

Surgical intervention, taking into account the cause of the disease and the main diagnosis, is carried out by the following methods:

Name	Description
Arthroscopy	A minimally invasive operation, during which the doctor uses a special device - an arthroscope. The procedure is necessary to eliminate pain in the area of ​​the knee joint, restore its mobility, the joint itself and muscle performance.
Arthrotomy	Surgical intervention involves a complete opening of the joint to remove a foreign body, purulent contents, or affected tissue.
Arthrodesis	An operation during which the doctor immobilizes the joint to reduce the progression of pathological processes.
Prosthetics	The procedure involves the complete replacement of the knee joint or certain elements of it with artificial parts. A lasting result after the intervention is guaranteed for a long time.

The operation helps to restore the mobility of the knee joint, remove changes in the cartilage tissue, the formed growths, and spalling fragments. After surgery, the patient is prescribed special drugs in order to recover sooner and prevent possible complications.

Prognosis for various pathologies

Predictions for diseases of the knee joint depend on the state of the person, the degree of development of inflammatory and degenerative processes. Treatment of pathology at an early stage of development allows you to fully recover and continue to live fully.

The advanced stages of the disease require long and complex therapy, in some cases even surgery. After surgical treatment, the patient needs time to recover. We must not forget about repeated relapses, their probability is high if the patient does not follow the doctor's recommendations.

Timely determination of the pathologies of the knee joint will prevent serious complications, including disability and the chronic course of pathological processes. The first clinical signs and abnormalities should not be ignored. Doctors recommend going to the hospital right away for medical help.

Video about knee joint diseases

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