Patellofemoral arthrosis: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14

"Patella" in Latin means "patella", "femoralis" - femoral. Arthrosis is a chronic joint disease with limited functionality and altered form. In fact, from a medical point of view, it is more correct to talk about patellofemoral syndrome, since this is the term used in medical practice.

Nevertheless, this does not change the essence of the disease, as well as the treatment used for this disease.

What is patellofemoral arthrosis of the knee joint?

Patellofemoral syndrome is a pathological process in the knee joint, manifested in the modification of cartilage tissue, accompanied by pain, possible inflammation and limitation of knee mobility.

There are three degrees of the disease:

• First degree. Pain syndrome occurs rarely and only with physical exertion on the patella. It also passes without a trace and suddenly, as it begins;
• Second degree. It is characterized by more frequent exacerbations of knee pain, even with minor exertion;
• Third degree. Limited functionality of the joint appears. And if the first two stages can do without treatment, then at this stage it is necessary.

Symptoms

Among the symptoms accompanying the course of arthrosis of the knee joint, the following are distinguished:

1. Pain. The main and very first symptom is pain syndrome. It can manifest itself at the most unexpected moment, mainly during active movements: running, walking, any physical exercise;
2. The characteristic crunch or click that accompanies the pain. Appears with excessive thinning of the cartilage tissue, when the bones of the knee joint begin to rub against each other;
3. Swelling in the knee area.

Possible causes of the disease

The causes of patellofemoral arthrosis of the knee joint can be very different.

They can be roughly divided into three groups:

• traumatic;
• pathological (associated with other chronic diseases);
• age.

The first group includes cases with severe loading of the knee joints, as a result of which the cartilage tissue suffers, and the disease begins to develop. This can occur due to excessive physical exertion (squatting, running) in athletes, in people who spend a lot of time "on their feet" (perhaps even with heavy lifting), with improper wearing of high-heeled shoes in women (with constant wearing, for example) and etc.

Pathological processes can develop in the patella due to the presence of another chronic disease, for example, flat feet.

In people with this condition, there is an uneven and incorrect distribution of weight on the foot, as a result of which, again, there is a load on the knee joints.

And the last group is the age group.

With age, strong changes occur in the human body, and like any organic tissue, cartilaginous tissue is also not eternal, thinning over time, it can no longer perform its function of "mediator", which leads to the development of arthrosis of the knee joint.

Treatment

First, it is necessary to identify the cause of the disease, after which, if possible, either eliminate it or reduce the effect. Reduce the stress on the knee joints. It is possible to use special elastic bandages, pads and other things to securely fix and reduce knee mobility. After that, it is necessary to proceed to the choice of methods of treating the disease.

It can be some kind of medicine, folk remedy, or medical procedures. Do not forget that the treatment can be complex, since it is not always possible to recover using only one method.

Medicines

Medicines are designed to eliminate pain syndrome in the shortest possible time, normalize metabolic processes in tissues and completely restore the functionality of the legs.

There are four groups of drugs aimed at eliminating various pathological processes occurring in patellofemoral arthrosis of the knee joint:

1. Analgesic drugs that relieve inflammation (for example, "Diclofenac");
2. Vitamins (calcium and vitamin D);
3. Hormonal drugs;
4. Vasodilator drugs (for example, "Pentoxifylline").

Before using any drug, you need to consult a specialist.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy almost always gives a quick and lasting effect in the treatment of diseases. As a rule, the use of procedures is possible during the period of remission in order to prevent relapse. Physiotherapeutic manipulations relieve inflammation, have an analgesic effect, relieve pain and improve microcirculation.

The following procedures can be recommended:

• The introduction of medicines into the body through electrophoresis;
• PMF or PMF, exposure to constant or alternating low-frequency magnetic field;
• Laser therapy;
• Treatment with special mud and paraffin;
• Ultra-high-frequency therapy.

Only a physiotherapist can prescribe procedures.

Exercise as a treatment

There are no special programs for the treatment of patellofemoral arthrosis of the knee joint, however, you can use the same exercises that are used for arthrosis of the knee joint. The sequence of the exercises: lying down, then sitting and standing. Exercises must be done smoothly, without sudden movements, so as not to harm the knee even more.

You can recommend the following complex:

• Raising and holding a straight leg on weight from a position on the stomach;
• In a sitting position on a chair, raise your legs together and alternately;
• From a standing position, stand on tiptoes and back.

Prevention of further development of patellofemoral syndrome

Taking preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of the disease to zero.

This requires:

• Control physical activity on the knees;
• Monitor body weight;
• Lead an active healthy lifestyle;
• Eat right (to prevent calcium and vitamin D deficiencies);
• Use special insoles for flat feet;
• Wear comfortable shoes;
• Exercise regularly to train your muscles;
• Correctly engage in physical activity, be sure to warm them up beforehand;
• If there are symptoms of arthrosis, consult a doctor immediately to prevent the development of a severe degree of the disease.

Without neglecting these tips, you can not only avoid the disease, but, in principle, feel much better, since most of the recommendations are reduced to a correct and healthy lifestyle. Namely, this is the key to good health.

Summing up, it should be noted that patellofemoral arthrosis of the knee joint occurs for quite understandable and removable reasons. And it is in the power of each person to take measures to prevent the disease and remain healthy, active and full of energy.