What is knee arthritis? What is good for knee arthritis?

What is knee arthritis (gonarthrosis)?

Osteoarthritis (arthritis) is the wear and tear of weight-bearing joints due to aging. The knee is one of the most weight-bearing joints in the body and therefore one of the joints most affected by osteoarthritis. Calcification of the knee joint is called gonarthrosis. Calcification starts from the cartilage and affects the bone under the cartilage, the joint capsule and the ligaments around the joint. There is even thinning and hardening of muscles that cannot be used due to pain.

What Causes Knee Calcification?

Knee arthritis is a joint disease caused by the wear and deterioration of the cartilage in the knee joint. This condition causes pain, swelling, stiffness and restriction of movement in the knee joint.

Although the exact cause of knee arthritis is unknown, the following factors are thought to increase the risk:

• Age: Gonarthrosis usually occurs at the age of 50 and older.
• Excess weight Excess weight can put more pressure on the knee joint, causing the cartilage to wear down.
• Joint injuries: Injuries affecting the knee joint lead to damage to the cartilage and calcification.
• Weakness of the muscles around the knee: The muscles around the knee help support the knee joint. Weakness in these muscles can put more pressure on the knee joint, causing the cartilage to wear away.
• Congenital factors: Some people may have a congenital weakness in the structure of the cartilage. This will increase the susceptibility to arthritis.

Gonarthrosis usually develops gradually and its symptoms increase over time. Pain, swelling, stiffness, stiffness and limitation of movement in the knee are the most common symptoms of gonarthrosis. The pain may increase, especially with bending or straightening of the knee joint. Swelling is usually in the anterior part of the knee joint. Stiffness makes it difficult to move the knee joint. Limitation of movement, especially when the knee joint is fully bent or straightened.

Who has knee arthritis (gonarthrosis)?

Knee arthritis (gonarthrosis) is seen in middle and older ages. It is more common in women over 50 years of age. The disease can also occur at an earlier age. Patients are usually overweight. The most important causes are previous joint operations, traumas, sports injuries, inflammatory rheumatism and some congenital disorders.

What are the symptoms of knee arthritis (gonarthrosis)?

The most important symptom is pain. The pain, which initially increases with the use of the joint and passes with rest, may become permanent as the disease progresses. Swelling, bone spurs and deformities appear in the joints. As the bone surfaces rub against each other, crunching sounds can be heard. Range of motion of the joints decreases and loss of function occurs in the affected joint.

Gonarthrosis is a joint disease caused by the wear and deterioration of the cartilage in the knee joint. This can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and restriction of movement in the knee joint.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee usually develop gradually and increase over time. The most common symptoms are:

• Pain Pain in the knee joint is the most common symptom of arthritis. The pain is usually increased by bending or straightening the knee joint. The pain can also worsen with prolonged standing or walking.
• Swelling Swelling of the knee joint is another common symptom of arthritis. Swelling usually occurs in the front part of the knee joint.
• Stiffness: A stiffness that makes it difficult to move the knee joint is another symptom of arthritis. Stiffness is usually more pronounced in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
• Limitation of movement: The inability to fully bend or straighten the knee joint is another symptom of arthritis. The limitation of movement is usually due to pain or swelling of the knee joint.

Symptoms of knee arthritismay vary according to the degree of damage to the knee joint. In mild cases, symptoms may be mild and may not affect daily activities. However, in severe cases, the symptoms can be severe and make daily activities difficult.

Diagnosis of knee arthritisThe diagnosis is usually based on the patient's history, physical examination and imaging tests (such as X-rays, MRI). X-rays can show signs of arthritis in the knee joint. MRI can show the degree of cartilage damage in the knee joint in more detail.

How is knee arthritis (gonarthrosis) diagnosed?

Most of the time, the diagnosis can be made with a simple X-ray. In cases of early arthrosis, X-rays may be normal, in which case MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be useful.

What are the methods used in the treatment of knee arthritis (gonarthrosis)?

Various painkillers, glucosamine preparations and herbal supplements can be used in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Viscosupplementation products such as hyaluronic acid can be injected into the knee to improve joint fluid quality, facilitate joint movement and relieve pain. Corticosteroid injections are an effective treatment during periods of exacerbation. Regenerative medicine modalities such as prolotherapy, mesotherapy, and stem cell therapy are recently emerging injection therapies.

The most important factor in the treatment of gonarthrosis is to avoid obesity. The abnormal loads on the joint caused by excessive weight cause irreversible damage to the cartilage tissue and lead to arthrosis at a much earlier age than expected. It is also very important to lose weight after the onset of the disease; by losing weight, the progression of the disease can be slowed down and symptoms can be reduced.

Regular, non-strenuous exercise is important for joint health. Low-intensity exercise for 20-30 minutes 5 times a week is beneficial for both general health and joint health. Sports such as swimming, walking, cycling and golf can be practiced even at an advanced age.

How is physical therapy performed in knee arthritis?

Hot or cold applications, electrotherapy (TENS, electrical stimulation, etc.), ultrasound therapy, short wave therapy, personalized exercises are among the basic components of physical therapy.

• Hot and cold applications: Cold applications are usually used during the exacerbation period when edema is prominent. Hot applications are preferred in chronic knee arthritis pain. Hot application can be done with methods such as hotpack and infrared.
• Treatment with water (hydrotherapy): In-water exercises in treatment pools reduce the load on the joint with the help of the buoyancy of the water and make it easier to exercise. In addition to stretching, muscle strengthening, aerobic exercises, walking and stair climbing training can be started in the pool and as the patient's condition improves, the patient can be transferred to a normal exercise room outside the water.
• Manual therapy: Can reduce joint pain and stiffness, but is more beneficial if combined with active exercise methods.
• Massage: Although it is not among the main treatments for knee arthritis, it has muscle relaxant, muscle stimulating and joint stiffness reducing properties as a supportive treatment.
• Electrotherapy It is one of the important techniques used for the treatment of knee arthritis. Nerves and muscles are stimulated with electrical currents by electrodes attached to the skin. This is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Pain sensation is reduced by stimulating the nerves. Electrical stimulation to stimulate muscles can prevent muscle wasting.
• Ultrasound: In ultrasound therapy, deep tissues can be heated with the help of sound wave energy. Strong sound wave vibrations have effects other than heating. It has a modifying effect on the inflammatory process. It can reduce pain and stiffness in gonarthrosis.
• Short wave diathermy: This is another physiotherapy method commonly used for heating deep tissues. Short wave diathermy uses electromagnetic waves with a frequency defined for this purpose. It has a positive effect on pain, muscle spasm and joint stiffness.
• Taping techniques: It can be used for non-surgical knee arthritis treatment. Kinesiologic taping can reduce pain as well as stimulate the muscles and support the joint structure.

Exercises for knee arthritis

Knee arthritis is a condition characterized by wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint. This can cause pain, swelling and limited movement in the knee. Exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee are an effective treatment to reduce pain, increase joint movement and help maintain muscle strength and endurance.

Exercises for arthritis of the knee usually include

• Knee extension: This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles behind the knee. From a sitting position, extend your knee in a straight line and hold it for a few seconds. Then, slowly bend your knee. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.
• Knee flexion: This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles in front of the knee. From a standing position, slowly bend your knee and hold it for a few seconds. Then, slowly straighten your knee. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.
• Hip and calf strengthening exercises: These exercises help to strengthen the muscles that support the knee joint. Some of these exercises, such as squats, lunges and hamstring curls, can be beneficial for arthritis of the knee.

Range of motion exercises around the knee: These exercises help to improve movement in the knee joint. You can do exercises that involve moving your knees up and down, sideways and inward and outward.

Things to consider when exercising for knee arthritis:

• Stop exercising if you feel pain.
• Do the exercises slowly and in a controlled manner.
• Do the exercises regularly.

It is important to consult a doctor or physiotherapist before starting exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee. Your doctor or physiotherapist will help you create the most suitable exercise program for you.

Some examples of exercises for knee arthritis:

• Knee extension
  • In a sitting position, extend your knee in a straight line and hold it for a few seconds.
  • Then, slowly bend your knee.
  • Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.
• Knee flexion
  • From a standing position, slowly bend your knee and hold it for a few seconds.
  • Then, slowly straighten your knee.
  • Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.
• Squats:
  • From a standing position, spread your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Bend your knees and lower your hips down.
  • Lower down until your hips are lower than your knees.
  • Then, slowly return to the starting position.
  • Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.
• Lunges:
  • From a standing position, extend one leg forward and bend the knee.
  • The other leg should be straight behind you.
  • Your front knee should be in line with your back knee.
  • Then, slowly return to the starting position.
  • Repeat this exercise 10-15 times for each leg.
• Hamstring curl:
  • Sit on the floor and bend your knees.
  • Keep your feet on the floor.
  • Hold onto your feet with your hands and pull your feet towards your body.
  • Pull so that your calf muscles are stretched.
  • Then, slowly return to the starting position.
  • Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.

Exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee can help reduce your pain, improve your joint movement and maintain your muscle strength. You should consult a doctor or physiotherapist before you start exercising.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

1. Can knee arthritis improve?
   • Knee arthritis is a condition characterized by wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint. This can cause pain, swelling and limited movement in the knee. Osteoarthritis of the knee is not completely cured, but symptoms can be controlled and progression slowed with exercises, weight loss, pain medication and other treatments.
2. Is walking good for arthritis?
   1. Yes, walking can be good for arthritis. Walking helps to strengthen the muscles in the knee joint and reduce the load on the knee joint.
3. Is St. John's wort oil good for arthritis in the knee?
   1. Yes, St. John's wort oil is good for arthritis in the knee. St. John's wort oil is a vegetable oil with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These properties can help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by knee arthritis.
4. How is tail fat good for knee arthritis?
   1. Thanks to its vitamin D content, tail fat supports bone structure and helps reduce the pain caused by knee arthritis. In addition, tail fat contains fatty acids with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
5. What helps with knee arthritis at home?
   1. Knee arthritis is a condition characterized by wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint. This will cause pain, swelling and restriction of movement in the knee. Here are some home remedies for knee osteoarthritis:

• • • Hot and cold compresses
    • Massage
    • Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee
    • Staying underweight
    • Not smoking

What herbal remedy for knee arthritis?

• St. John's wort oil You can apply St. John's wort oil by massaging your knee.
• Tail oil You can massage tail fat into your knee or apply it in the form of capsules or drops.
• Ginger: You can consume ginger as tea or powder.
• Turmeric You can consume turmeric as tea or powder.
• Green tea: You can consume green tea daily.