Inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint is a fairly common disease, which is the result of sudden movements, long monotonous muscle work, as well as sprains, injuries, bruises, dislocations, bumps.
Inflammation of ligaments in athletes
Most often this disease occurs in sports, namely in the types associated with regular bouncing, landing, acceleration and braking. The most traumatic for the joints are sharp movements in unusual directions or with a large amplitude, which is inherent in football players, jumpers, skiers, boxers, volleyball players.
Inflammation of the ligament in sports is called "jumper's injury", since it is in the process of jumping that the knees are most injured. Enhances the negative effect of the hardness of the surfaces on which athletes spend theirworkout.
At risk: older people
Inflammation of the knee ligament can also be seen in the elderly and is part of the natural process of aging. Over the years, the body wears out significantly, resistance to diseases decreases, degenerative changes in the joints accumulate, consisting in their leakage, limitation of mobility, the occurrence of pain, the occurrence of clicks and crunching when moving. The manifestation of diseases that cause disruption of the functionality of muscle ligaments is more active:
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- diabetes mellitus;
- Chronic kidney failure;
- rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of inflammation of the ligaments
There are 4 main ligaments in the knee joint (2 internal and 2 external), which take part in the mechanism of knee stretching, its lateral and rotational stability, extension and flexion. Inflammation can occur both in these dense formations of connective tissue, and in the patellar ligament, located from the patella to the leg bone.
Inflammation of the knee ligament can be identified by the following symptoms:
- Swelling in the area of inflammation. This condition lasts for several days, often accompanied by fever in the affected area. Hemorrhages occur in the soft tissues, which look like bruises and bruises.
- Pain in the knee. At an early stage, they manifest themselves with physicalloads, with the development of the inflammatory process, dull pain is constantly present.
- Stiffness and tension in the knee.
- Difficulties in the process of full extension of the joint.
Often, inflammation of the knee ligament, the symptoms of which directly indicate a he alth hazard, is not taken seriously by a person. To relieve pain, ointments of the appropriate purpose are used, various folk methods are used. The result of the adoption of such measures, perhaps, will show the result, but at the same time, the positive effect will be of a short-term nature. Therefore, if you find the above symptoms, as well as injuries and bruises that can lead to inflammation of the ligament, you should immediately consult a doctor who can correctly diagnose the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis consists of several stages, the first of which is a medical examination. This process does not cause any particular difficulties due to the superficial location of the knee ligaments. The doctor carefully probes the area of attachment of the ligament to the patella, presses on it in order to determine the location of the focus of the inflammatory process, asks to straighten the knee joint with resistance. In most cases, this action is accompanied by pain.
X-ray, performed in frontal and lateral projection, helps to clarify the diagnosis. If certain pathologies are detected (ossifications inside the ligamentor fatigue fractures - microcracks in the bone resulting from osteoporosis and repeated overloads), an MRI examination (magnetic resonance imaging) is performed, which allows you to examine soft tissues in detail: tendons, menisci, muscles, ligaments.
Due to the close placement of the patellar ligament, it is possible to perform an ultrasound scan to detect degenerative changes in the connective tissue, its thickening and ruptures. At the recovery stage, ultrasound captures an increase in blood circulation.
Methods of conservative therapy
Treatment of ligaments has an integrated approach and consists in carrying out activities such as:
- taking anti-inflammatory drugs ("Ortofen", "Indomethacin");
- applying ice packs;
- changing the training regimen (for athletes);
- physical exercises aimed at stretching and strengthening the quadriceps femoris;
- taping - unloading the ligament of the patella with a wide adhesive tape or a special bandage.
Therapy will have a positive result when creating complete rest for the diseased part of the body by fixing it (with a splint, bandage, tight bandage) and eliminating any stress on the inflammation area. The optimal regimen for quality treatment is complete rest.
When conservative methods fail, inflammation of the ligament is treated surgically. Through a puncture or incision, an arthroscope is inserted, with the help of which the necessary manipulations are carried out:removal of altered tissues, incisions on ligaments.
Gymnastics as an effective way to heal ligaments
Inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint, the treatment of which is effective only with an integrated approach, can be removed by physical exercises:
- knee extension and leg swing with resistance;
- exercise to develop muscle elasticity and flexibility by sipping;
- squeezing the ball between the knees;
- step;
- straight leg raise in supine and side position.
Duration of classes can range from several weeks to several months. As soon as the pain disappears during the gymnastics, one more exercise should be added: squats on an inclined surface.
Traditional medicine: recipes
Inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint, the treatment of which lasts from 2 to 6 weeks, can be removed by traditional medicine. A consultation with a doctor is required, because many folk methods are only an additional component of complex therapy.
The most effective home treatment is ice massage, for which several plastic cups should be filled with water and placed in the freezer. It is required to massage the sore spot three times a day with the top of the ice for 15-20 minutes.
A beneficial effect on diseased ligaments and the body as a whole will have turmeric, consumed daily by half a gram. Included in herthe composition of curcumin is characterized by analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Homemade plaster and saline compress
Pain and swelling will be removed within a few days by “homemade plaster”, made from whipped chicken protein and a tablespoon of vodka or alcohol. Mix the mixture thoroughly, add a tablespoon of flour. Apply the finished product to an elastic bandage, which is applied to the inflamed area, loosely bandage the sore spot and allow to harden. The dressing should be changed every day until the moment of recovery.
Inflammation of the ligaments of the knee joint, symptoms that are of great concern to patients, can be relieved by applying saline dressings. Dissolve a spoonful of s alt in a glass of warm water.
In the resulting composition, moisten and slightly squeeze out a napkin, wrap it in a plastic bag, place it in the freezer for several minutes. Apply to a sore spot, fix with a bandage and hold until completely dry.
Inflammation of the ligaments of the knee joint, the causes of which can be determined by various diagnostic methods, is a rather dangerous phenomenon. The mechanical strength of the connective tissue decreases, and this can lead to its partial or complete rupture. Therefore, it is very important to take the treatment of such a disease seriously and not bring it to an operable state. With the right approach to therapy, in most cases, inflammation of the ligaments is curable.
