Introduction
There are three basic types of arthritis that affect the knee joint;
- Osteoarthritis
It is the most common type. It is a degenerative disease that gradually erodes joint cartilage. It most commonly affects middle and older age people.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is an inflammatory disease that causes damage to the joint cartilage. It can be seen at any age and usually affects many joints.
- Posttraumatic Arthritis
Posttraumatic arthritis occurs after a knee injury. This type of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis and occurs after meniscus and ligament injury.
The pain initially starts as mild and gradually increases with increasing wear. The joint is swollen and movements are limited. It may be difficult to bend or extend the knee.
Pain increases with activity, such as climbing stairs, walking, or bending the knee. There is a feeling of locking, weakness and spraining in the knee.
Some patients show that the degree of pain is affected by weather changes.
Doctor's Examination
Your doctor will examine your knee joint range of motion, gait. It will check whether there is any deformity or swelling in the joint. X-ray usually shows the narrowing in the joint space and is sufficient. MRI may often be requested in the differential diagnosis of other diseases.
In the x-ray below, a normal knee is seen on the left and a severely calcified knee is seen on the right;
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatment
If you have arthritis in your knee, treatment options are very wide and vary from person to person. You and your doctor will jointly decide on the choice of treatment.
The aim of the treatment is to reduce pain and reduce knee functions. Patient satisfaction is the main principle.
Non-surgical methods are used in the early stages of calcification;
Non-surgical treatment methods consist of four main headings: exercise, supportive devices, lifestyle changes and others;
- Change your lifestyle; It is necessary to restrict activities that worsen the situation, such as climbing stairs, cycling or bending the knee. Most, if not all, patients are overweight and should be helped to lose weight. The load and stress on the knee should be reduced by losing weight. to lose weight You should start with a diet program first.
- Exercise; It is aimed to increase the ligament and muscle strength around the knee.
- Supportive devices; Walking sticks and knee pads may provide temporary relief.
- Other Methods; Hot-cold applications, elastic bandages, and intra-knee cartilage injections can provide temporary relief
Drug Treatments
There are many types of drug treatments, but not every patient gets the same response. Your doctor will make a choice based on your situation.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs; These types of painkillers are usually the first choice. It is expected to reduce swelling and pain. However, using these drugs throughout life may cause some side effects.
- Glucosamines and Chondrotin Sulfates; Such oral supplement tablets can reduce pain. They may be useful in cases of early onset calcification. These drugs are considered food supplements and can be used in some diseases with the recommendation of a physician. These substances increase mobility and reduce pain. To get an effect from these additives, it is necessary to use them continuously for at least 2-3 months.
- Corticosteroids; They are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs and are injected into the knee. These are given for moderate to severe pain. They can be very helpful if there is swelling. These drugs should be administered in limited numbers. It also carries some risks; Increase in infection and cartilage damage
- Ozone Therapy: Current Approach. Click for details.
- Viscosupplementation-Intra-Knee Cartilage Needles-; Artificial cartilage fluids can be injected into the knee, in a way, by increasing the lubrication in the knee joint, reducing friction and wear, there may be a decrease in pain and an increase in movements.
Alternative Treatments
Acupuncture is not a definitive solution and temporary relief. can provide.
Surgical Treatments
If it does not respond to medical treatment, surgical planning is made. Options include;
Intra-knee joint cleaning with arthroscopy... Click for the video.
Bone osteotomies to change joint compatibility and load-bearing area.
Total or partial knee joint prostheses may be necessary. p>
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