Frequent injuries can lead to frequent knee problems. If discomfort occurs, it is necessary to identify the cause of the pain and take urgent measures. Knee ligamentitis is most often chronic and has serious consequences.
Knee ligamentitis - what is it?
Knee ligamentitis is an inflammatory process in the knee joint that leads to deformation of the ligaments and tendons.
Most often, this type of disease is accompanied by seals in the joint and has the following features:
- accumulations of salts begin to form in the ligaments;
- overgrowth and deformation of tissues in the knee joint;
- violation of ligament mobility.
The disease often manifests itself as unpleasant symptoms, which tend to worsen with movement.
Causes of the disease
An inflammatory process in the knee joint can occur as a result of the following reasons:
- prolonged physical activity on the joints, provoking the appearance of injuries and damage;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- excess weight;
- improperly selected sports shoes used for training and as daily use;
- lack of treatment for joint disease;
- knee injuries;
- poor circulation in the lower parts of the body;
- autoimmune diseases;
- complications of synovitis and bursitis.
Also, age-related changes can be a common cause of pain symptoms.
Symptoms
Ligamentitis is manifested by the following symptoms:
- a person cannot move normally and place stress on the injured leg;
- while bending the leg, there is a feeling of obstruction;
- body temperature rises, heat is felt in the knee area;
- burning pain, which is manifested by spasms;
- the knee increases in size;
- a crunching sound may occur while driving.
The functioning of the leg is reduced, the person cannot stay in a standing position for a long time. After a long movement, the knee turns red and bothers the person even in a calm position.
Ligamentitis and ligamentosis - what's the difference?
Ligamentosis is manifested by fragility of the ligaments in the knee joint. The reason for the manifestation of this symptom is a violation of calcium metabolism in the human body.
As a result, seals and accumulation of salts appear in the joint in large quantities. This type of disease, when examined with an X-ray, manifests itself as white spots, while ligamentitis does not have such symptoms.
Diagnosis of the disease
After the patient turns to the doctor, an external examination of the affected area takes place, and the specialist also compares the person's complaints.
The following types of diagnostics are also assigned:
- x-rays to identify possible seals;
- ultrasound examination;
- MRI.
It is also necessary to pass general blood tests. In difficult cases, additional types of examination can be assigned.
Knee ligamentitis treatment
Treatment of the disease largely depends on the cause. With the development of the disease, it is necessary to use an integrated approach to treatment.
In the process of treatment, it is necessary to reduce the load on the injured leg and saturate the body with useful vitamins to activate the natural regeneration processes of damaged tissues.
Drug treatment
The following types of drugs are used to treat the disease:
Anti-inflammatory drugs - reduce swelling and pain in the knee:
- Nurofen;
- Ketanov;
- Ibuprofen.
Pain relievers - reduce severe pain and burning sensation:
- Diclofenac;
- Tinoridine;
- Indomethacin.
Decongestants - prescribed in the form of injections in the patella area:
- Dexamethasone;
- Hydrocortisone.
External treatments relieve puffiness and increase comfort while driving:
- Voltaren;
- DIP;
- Nurofen;
- Diclofenac.
The type of drug is prescribed only after the examination. Self-treatment can contribute to the rapid progression of the disease.
Traditional methods
The use of alternative methods of treatment can reduce pain symptoms and increase joint movement.
Among the large number of techniques, it is necessary to highlight:
- compress with propolis. A piece of fabric is moistened in propolis and applied warm to the damaged area. The compress is left overnight, applied until the unpleasant symptoms disappear completely;
- infusion of celandine. For cooking, it is necessary to chop a fresh plant and mix in equal proportions with sunflower oil. Insist for 5 days. Strain, oil the knee several times a day;
- ginger tea. Improves blood circulation. Fresh ginger root is grated. For 200 grams of boiling water, 5 grams of root are added, infused and consumed three times a day;
- badger fat - the substance is applied to the damaged area and rubbed into the skin. Cover with a towel on top and leave overnight;
- cereals. The flakes are brewed and applied warm to the damaged area. A plastic wrap and a towel are fixed on top;
- honey and horseradish. It is necessary to mix honey and chopped horseradish in equal proportions. The resulting composition is applied to the knee and wrapped in plastic wrap.
Also, for pain in the knee joint, rosemary oil or triple cologne can be used as a rub.
Operative treatment
Surgery is used when other treatments do not relieve discomfort and pain. In such cases, the removal of the damaged areas and their replacement with implants are used; the use of such treatment allows the knee to return to mobility.
To improve the recovery process after surgery, the patient's tendons are often used, which are taken from the thigh of the body. This type of intervention is better tolerated by patients and the risk of complications is reduced.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy procedures can improve blood circulation and restore damaged areas.
The following methods are used to treat the knee joint:
- mud treatment;
- magnetotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- medical applications.
The use of physiotherapy is carried out in combination with other methods of treatment.
Physiotherapy
It is recommended to reduce movements during treatment. However, there are special exercises that are recommended to be performed under the detailed supervision of a specialist.
These exercises include:
- flexion and extension of the knees while lying on the back;
- walking in one place;
- alternately raising the knees;
- classes on an elliptical trainer;
- circular motion with your knees.
Before starting a workout, you need to warm up, which consists in a light massage and the use of a warming cream. Physical activity starts with a minimum amount and gradually increases as prescribed by a specialist.
Preventive measures
To prevent the development of a disease such as knee ligamentitis, the following prevention methods must be observed:
- track the optimal weight for a person;
- use healthy foods to saturate the body with useful minerals and components;
- move regularly, for people forced to be in a sitting position for a long time, it is recommended to take a break every 40 minutes;
- avoid the formation of injuries in the knee area;
- to refuse from bad habits;
- take daily walks before bed in the fresh air;
- with minor sprains, reduce training and use elastic bandages to fix the knee joint;
- for people involved in sports, it is necessary to choose the right sports shoes, taking into account all the structural features of the foot;
- timely treatment of diseases of the skeletal system.
Also of great importance is the correct distribution of the load on the joints during sports. Regular overloading of the knees leads to rupture of the ligaments, which can lead to dangerous diseases.
Diseases of the knee joint very often bring a person severe pain symptoms and decreased performance. In the absence of timely treatment, seals may occur, which consist of calcium.
As a result, a person's motor activity rapidly decreases, and the knee joint can only be restored with the help of surgical intervention. To prevent this type of complication, you must promptly seek specialized help.
