Menisciopathy of the knee joint - symptoms, treatment, prevention
Meniscopathy – damage to the knee joint due to stretching or impact. The pathology is common among men aged 20 to 40 years. Athletes are in a special risk zone. Meniscopathy of the knee joint is divided into the following types:
- rupture (detachment) of the meniscus;
- ligament damage;
- dystrophy;
- cyst.
All species require qualified medical assistance. In its absence, pathology can provoke the development of deforming arthrosis.
Meniscopathy: symptoms and classification
Given the fact that there are two menisci in the knee joint, the disease can be lateral or medial.
The lateral form is diagnosed when the outer meniscus is damaged. Pathology is rare, in 10 cases out of 100.
Medial meniscopathy develops when the inner meniscus is damaged. Each of the forms has its own characteristics that must be taken into account when prescribing a course of therapy.
Symptoms of meniscopathy:
- pain in the joint area;
- sharp restriction of mobility;
- crunching in the affected joint;
- the presence of effusion.
These manifestations are characteristic of an acute form of meniscopathy. Signs of chronic pathology:
- periodic non-intense pains;
- a feeling of discomfort when sitting down, walking for a long time;
- joint swelling;
- accumulation of exudate;
- capsule infiltration.
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Diagnostic measures
It is extremely difficult to diagnose menisciopathy, taking into account only the anamnesis data. After examining the patient, the specialist will prescribe a number of additional examinations:
- arthroscopy (the most accurate and informative diagnostic method);
- conventional or contrast arthrography;
- thermopolarography;
- ultrasound scanning of the knee joint.
After receiving the results, the doctor will prescribe a course of conservative therapy and monitor its implementation. In severe cases, the only method is surgical intervention. An orthopedic surgeon deals with the treatment of meniscopathy.
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Meniscopathy of the knee joint - treatment, prevention
The choice of treatment method depends on the stage and degree of damage, the nature of the disease and the general condition of the patient.
As part of medical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide), chondroprotectors (teraflex, chondrolon, chondroxide), hormonal agents and vitamins are most often prescribed. NSAIDs are used in the form of tablets and gel for external use.
Physiotherapeutic treatment of meniscopathy of the knee joint consists of magnetotherapy, laser therapy and ultrasound. Massage and physical therapy will be added. Physiotherapy and exercise therapy will help normalize blood circulation and improve joint flexibility.
Important: folk medicine recipes can only be used as adjunctive therapy.
In the absence of the effect of conservative therapy, the doctor will prescribe surgical intervention. Meniscectomy is recommended for severe degenerative changes and rupture of the cartilage lining. During the operation, the damaged gasket is removed, and tissue transplantation (cartilage suturing) is performed. Timely surgery and strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations in the postoperative period will allow you to fully restore the mobility of the joint.
Preventive measures will help maintain joint health for a long time. Expert advice:
- eat a nutritious diet;
- avoid excessive physical exertion;
- control your own weight;
- take special vitamin complexes in the spring-autumn period;
- perform a complex of simple exercises every day.