One of the most common ailments of modern man is a disease such as gonarthrosis. It is characterized by serious painful symptoms, the elimination of which must be approached with the utmost seriousness and responsibility. In addition, doctors note that when a special diet is observed for arthrosis of the knee joints, recovery is several times faster.
What is arthrosis?
This disease refers to the increasing death of the joints. It originates from the thinning of the layer of cartilage that covers the head of the bones and ensures their gliding and mobility. As a rule, normal cartilage of the joint has strength, resilience and elasticity, but if arthrosis of the joints develops, then these properties are gradually suppressed. As a result, there is friction of the bones against each other, which causes difficulty in their movement in the joint and severe pain. Ultimately, if left untreated, deformity of the joint can occur.
Symptoms
One of the main symptoms of this disease is considered to besevere pain, manifested in the absence of even the slightest sign of the inflammatory process. But, as practice shows, inflammation and swelling are also sometimes present, but this plays a secondary role.
Important! A distinctive feature by which arthrosis of the joints can be distinguished from arthritis is an increase in joint pain during movement. In addition, secondary features include:
- crunching and creaking during joint flexion and extension;
- limited and hindered their mobility;
- changing the size of the joint.
Remember that the last stage of the disease is characterized by complete immobilization of the joint, followed by its replacement with a prosthesis.
Degrees
Today, there are several degrees of this disease:
- Arthrosis of the 1st degree - the initial stage of the disease.
- 2 degree.
- 3 degree.
- 4 degree.
The initial stage of the disease is characterized by limited mobility, but, as a rule, this manifests itself quite slightly and only in one direction. Diagnosing it using an x-ray is quite problematic, since growths as such do not yet exist. The diagnosis of arthrosis of the 1st degree is made only when irregularities appear on the surface of the joint and areas of ossification are formed. In addition, the appearance of not very narrowed joint gaps is considered to be another determining factor in the development of this disease.
Attention! First degreecharacterized by the absence of edema, fever and changes in the skin.
Typically, 90% of visits to the doctor occur after the disease enters its second stage, where its symptoms are more pronounced. So, knee arthrosis of the 2nd degree is characterized by:
- easy fatigue;
- feeling of pressure in the joint;
- increased pain after exercise.
In addition, at this stage there are already small changes in the joints, which will only get worse with the course of the disease.
3 degree passes already with constant pain sensations that are present even at rest. In addition, changes in weather conditions can also have a special effect on the intensity of pain.
4 stage can be characterized very simply - complete or partial destruction of cartilage, which is treated only by surgery.
The main enemy is overweight
As practice shows, one of the main enemies of the joints is overweight. That is why the diet for arthrosis of the knee joints is designed not only to provide the human body with the necessary nutrients, but also to assist it in the fight against excess weight. But remember that before starting this therapeutic diet, you should first consult with your doctor. This is especially true for people who have been diagnosed with comorbidities or whose age is over 50.
Arthrosis:diet, treatment
Conservative treatment of this disease is:
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are designed to reduce pain. But it is worth noting that these drugs in most cases do not cure, but only mask pain symptoms.
- Prescribing ointments, creams for topical use. Their positive properties include improved blood circulation and the absence of side effects.
- Using medicines to apply compresses. As a rule, their use allows you to reduce swelling and inflammation. In addition, their distinguishing feature is that these substances have an excellent absorbing effect.
- The use of corticosteroid hormones that are injected into the joints. But it should be borne in mind that they can significantly worsen the general condition of patients who have comorbidities.
As mentioned above, for the maximum effectiveness of conservative treatment, a properly prescribed diet for knee arthrosis is necessary, which consists in a categorical rejection of alcohol, white bread, sweets and foods containing fast carbohydrates. But let's go in order.
What do doctors recommend?
The diet recommended by doctors for patients with arthrosis should include: not very fatty fish, meat products, vegetables and rye bread. It would be nice to add jelly or jelly made with bone broth to your diet, since such food contains collagen, justvital to the cartilage and bones of our body. In addition, special attention should be paid to the intake of vitamins and minerals, which play a decisive role in organizing the proper metabolism in the body. Such products include: lentils, bananas, cabbage, potatoes, peas, chicken, beans.
Also, a diet for arthrosis of the knee joints cannot do without dairy products containing vitamin B2 and calcium used by our body in order to strengthen bone tissue. In addition, the restoration and construction of new cartilage tissues cannot do without proteins - dairy, vegetable and animal (lentils, buckwheat, fish). Also, for better absorption of proteins, it is recommended to add several stews and boiled dishes to your diet.
What should I give up?
To get rid of the pain symptoms inherent in this disease as soon as possible, you need to completely abandon:
- Pork, beef, lamb.
- Fresh peppers, tomatoes, spices.
- Sour fruits, juices.
- Flakes, dried fruits.
- Whole milk.
- High-calorie food.
Diet for osteoarthritis of the knee: basic recommendations
Undoubtedly, dieting will not completely cure this disease, but, as practice shows, it can significantly reduce weight and improve the general condition of the joints. That is why the use of these simple recommendations will help not only significantlyreduce the feeling of hunger, but also provide the body with good nutrition. So:
- Eat best from a small plate. So the portion will visually appear larger.
- Don't overeat.
- Don't create long breaks between meals.
- Chew thoroughly.
- Don't eat after 6pm.
- Include walking in your daily routine, which is desirable to start immediately after eating.
- Constantly control your weight.
Therapeutic gymnastics
There is a hypothesis that therapeutic exercises for knee arthrosis will not bring any effect. But, as recent studies show, this is not entirely true. Since strong muscles are needed for the he althy functioning of the body, simple gymnastic exercises are very useful. Exercises are recommended that include not very complex, slow body movements, since damaged areas of the joints may not withstand excessively sudden movements or high physical exertion. These exercises include:
- Pulling the knees to the abdomen in the supine position.
- Bending the knees and lifting the pelvis.
- Making cycling-like movements with the legs while lying on the back.
- Alternately abducting straight legs to the sides and returning them to the starting point.
In addition, manual therapy has proven itself quite well. But, as practice shows, special successcan be achieved when combined with traction and the appointment of chondroprotectors. Also, during conservative treatment, it is recommended to use a cane, which reduces the load on the damaged joint by almost half.
