How to treat osteoarthritis of the knee at home

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint

Inpatient medical therapy is not the only way to treat osteoarthritis. The disease has a chronic course and is difficult to eliminate. In advanced forms of pathology, irreversible changes occur, and a therapeutic regimen is prescribed to maintain the condition, which a person follows at home. Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint at home, in addition to traditional medicine, includes various folk recipes that increase the effectiveness of drugs, restore blood circulation and improve well-being.

Contraindications and recommendations

Before starting any therapy, the patient should become familiar with the contraindications to the use of the treatment regimen. A correct assessment of the condition and complete familiarization with contraindications will help protect against complications of the disease and make the therapy as effective as possible.

With arthrosis, sharp pain occurs, which reduces the mobility of the knee joint.

The main contraindications to traditional medicine:

  • oncological diseases;
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • diabetes;
  • bronchitis with asthmatic component;
  • allergic reactions to medicinal plants or foods used in a particular recipe;
  • pregnancy and lactation;
  • chronic diseases of an infectious nature;
  • period of exacerbation of systemic diseases;
  • congenital anomalies or diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • hepatitis with ascites.

Among other contraindications are pathologies of the endocrine system in the form of goiter (autoimmune nature or toxic origin).

Before starting a course of treatment, it is recommended to consult a doctor, since it is difficult or even impossible to cure arthrosis of the knee joint at home only with folk recipes. At the consultation, the doctor explains what arthrosis of the knee joint is and how to treat it at home with drugs, the patient's task is to find suitable folk recipes. It is better to immediately make a selection of several of the most suitable drugs and ask about the possibility of their use and the desired effect.

At home, it is recommended to cure the disease:

  • after an accurate diagnosis. First you will need to undergo a series of tests to determine the nature of the origin of the disease and its stage;
  • with an integrated approach to therapy. Folk recipes only supplement drug treatment. The entire stage of therapy should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor and with regular clinical tests;
  • Osteoarthritis is accompanied by an inflammatory process in the knee joint.
  • External and oral agents can only be used if there is no allergy to the components of the drug.

It is possible to eliminate pain and heal the knee in close collaboration with a specialist. Adding home remedies to the treatment regimen increases the speed of recovery and the effectiveness of the main treatment.

proper nutrition

You should not rely only on traditional medicine, since arthrosis of the knee joint must be treated at home in a complex way. The basis of any therapeutic course is a change in diet.

With malnutrition, there are 3 main violations:

  • metabolic disease. One of the key reasons for the development of osteoarthritis is the lack of nutrients in the cartilage tissue;
  • micronutrient deficiencies. The knee joint needs building materials for tissue regeneration, even with a good metabolism, in the presence of a deficiency of trace elements, rapid wear occurs;
  • obesity. Eating junk and fatty food not only harms the metabolism, the health of internal organs, but also causes an increase in body mass index. Heavy weight increases stress on the legs, especially the knee and hip joints. The risk of developing osteoarthritis in overweight people is many times higher.

A balanced diet is the key to patient recovery and symptom reduction. With a correctly composed diet, all body systems are restored, and it is also possible to correct body weight. Diet is the first step in any therapy.

Before treating gonarthrosis of the knee joint at home, it is important to enrich the diet with key mineral and vitamin substances:

A balanced diet for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is the basis for the treatment of the disease
  • vitamin D is produced in the body when sunlight falls on the skin, and is also found in cod liver, dairy products;
  • B vitamins are found in eggs, fish, nuts, green vegetables, shellfish;
  • calcium, most often enters the body from milk and its products, as well as sesame, parmesan and basil;
  • vegetable fiber: all kinds of vegetables, herbs and fruits.

The basis of nutrition should be complex carbohydrates, they should account for up to 80% of the calories in the diet. The condition of the joints is positively affected by dishes made on the basis of tendons of animal origin: natural gelatin, gelatin, extracts of bull joints, gelatin, etc.

The diet should be more:

  • various dairy products;
  • legumes;
  • fresh vegetables with herbs, but you should eat less cabbage, tomatoes, peppers;
  • pasta and bread (it is better to choose whole grains);
  • various cereals, except oats;
  • all kinds of nuts;
  • low-fat varieties of fish, meat;
  • eggs.

Nutritionists recommend giving up fatty, salty, sour and fried foods, as well as eliminating coffee and alcohol consumption. It is worth limiting, but not completely excluding the use of various oils, muffins, sweets and soda. When cooking, it is better to give preference to boiling, baking and steaming.

Before treating arthrosis of the knee joint at home with the help of nutritional correction, it is better to cleanse the body of the remains of harmful food. The intake of vegetables, fruits, rice, together with decoctions on juniper, birch or nettle leaves, will help eliminate toxins and improve digestive function.

The menu of a knee joint with osteoarthritis should include healthy vegetables, meats and cereals

How to fix the knee with osteoarthritis?

The doctor controls the symptoms and home treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, additionally recommends limiting the mobility of the damaged limb. When the load is distributed over the injured knee, the severity of the symptoms decreases and the progression of the disease slows down. With the help of a special bandage, the knee is fixed in a position that limits its motor ability and reduces the load on the joint. The knee pad helps to evenly distribute the load on the entire limb.

It is recommended to treat gonarthrosis with a bandage in 1-2 degrees of development of the pathology. At home, the device can be replaced with an elastic bandage, it helps to stop the pain. Periodically, the bandage must be removed (after 1-2 hours) to restore blood circulation in the knee.

Basic rules for wearing a bandage:

  • the bandage is applied tightly, but sparingly. Strong compression of adjacent tissues often leads to an exacerbation of the disease;
  • before applying the bandage, the leg is straightened;
  • burdock leaves or a honey compress will help to enhance the effect of the bandage, they are placed under the material;
  • If pain or discomfort occurs, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

The technique is also prescribed at the stage of relapse of the disease, but then it is better to give preference to special knee braces. With its help, it is possible to stabilize the condition and extend the period of remission.

At the initial stage of arthrosis of the knee joint, it is recommended to use a fixing bandage.

How to treat knee osteoarthritis at home?

The main condition of therapy is that the disease must be cured safely, any risky procedures are contraindicated. To determine the risk, the patient should always consult with the attending orthopedist or rheumatologist. During communication with a doctor, it is often possible to develop more effective treatment methods.

It is important to remember that some of the therapeutic methods at home are not applicable, as they can lead to dangerous side effects: increased inflammation, allergies, and disruption of various internal systems.

gymnastics for osteoarthritis

Joint diseases almost always require special joint care. Recovery is possible with enough physical activity, but physical inactivity or hard work can harm the patient. Gymnastics procedures accelerate blood circulation in the extremities and reduce the severity of symptoms.

One of the best ways to treat arthrosis of the knee joint of the second degree at home is gymnastics. The complex includes:

  1. Immediately after a night's sleep, the "bicycle" exercise is performed. With breaks, the movement should last 15 minutes.
  2. Lying on your back, pull the leg up, bend the knee, and then straighten it. It is recommended to do 20 repetitions for each member.
  3. They sit on a chair and stretch their legs, fingers reaching for each other. In the process of movements, it is important to focus as much as possible on well-being. If excessive tension is felt, the amplitude can be reduced.
  4. Regular squat. For focus it is best to perform 30 repetitions.
  5. Walk frequently, at least 20-30 minutes per day.

This method can not only treat, but also prevent aggravation of the stage of the disease, improving the condition of the articular joint.

At home you can do gymnastics for the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee joint

cold and warm

You can apply hot and cold compresses:

  • Cold therapy is used exclusively at the initial stage of the disease. It helps to eliminate pain, reduces swelling, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. You need to prepare ice in advance and think over a convenient body position in order not to do this while preparing the compress. It is important to remain seated for 30 minutes without moving, the legs will be somewhat elevated. An ice pack is applied to the knee, fixed with a bandage or bandage and waited half an hour in this position;
  • Warm compresses can only be used if there is no swelling in the knee. Hot sand, salt, etc. can be used as a heating agent. . After placing the compress, there should not be a burning sensation, if it is baked, it cools down to a warm state. The method helps to eliminate pain.

Medicinal infusions and decoctions

One of the most effective ways to relieve pain in arthrosis of the knee joint at home are decoctions, tinctures for internal use and external application. They are designed to delay arthritic disorders and improve well-being. The recipes are based on various healing plants and extracts. With its help, the metabolism in the joint tissues is restored, pain sensations are dulled, and the removal of harmful substances from the synovial fluid is accelerated.

Compositions for oral administration.

Treatment of arthrosis of the second degree of the knee joint at home can also be carried out with the help of oral infusions, but their use is prohibited:

  • people with a tendency to alcohol addiction;
  • patients with liver and kidney failure;
  • in violation of the function of the gastrointestinal tract and other disorders of the internal organs.
Bay leaves for the preparation of a decoction that relieves swelling of the knee with osteoarthritis

The first and second stages of the disease often involve the use of oral medications:

  • decoction on bay leaves. The plant removes swelling from the knee and helps to cleanse the body. Cleaning procedures will require the use of 10 g of dried bay leaves and a glass of boiling water. The mixture is put on fire, brought to a boil and boiled for 15 minutes. Then the broth is poured into a thermos and left to infuse overnight. The prepared mixture is consumed for 3 days, 200 ml in small sips throughout the day. It is important to observe the dosage - no more than 200 ml per day, and also to follow a diet based on: vegetables, fruits, herbs;
  • tincture on lilac flowers. For cooking, 100 g of lilac color is useful. Flowers are poured with vodka (you can use distilled water). The infusion process lasts 1-2 weeks, then the composition is filtered and stored in a dark room. Take 30-40 drops before eating at breakfast and dinner;
  • herbal tinctureIt will take 2 tbsp. Iseeds of parsley, rhizomes of dandelion (crushed), buckthorn, fennel. The listed herb has positive reviews due to its effective analgesic effect. All ingredients are mixed and poured into 0. 5 liters of boiling water. Before using the composition, the mixture is allowed to cool. Take 2 tbsp. i daily in the morning before eating;
  • tincture of beets, blueberries and radishes (black variety). The listed ingredients are peeled, passed through a meat grinder. 0. 5 l of cognac is poured into the resulting composition, then everything is kneaded. In a dark and cool place, the mixture is infused for 10 days - this is necessary in order to acquire medicinal properties. After settling, the mixture is filtered and left in the refrigerator. Take 1 tbsp. I in the morning, 10 minutes before meals.

Infusions for external use

Popular recipes for external application tinctures:

Medicinal plants the basis of the means for external influence on the knee joint affected by arthrosis.
  • in birch buds. For preparation, use 100 g of the main ingredient and 500 ml of vodka (diluted alcohol is suitable). In order for the liquid to absorb all the useful substances, you need to leave it for 1 month in a dark place. The prepared composition is rubbed into the knees every day;
  • in dandelion flowers. The flowers of the plant fall asleep in a glass container (preferably tinted glass) and pour vodka. The infusion process lasts 30 days. A suitable location should be at room temperature and protected from the sun. After filtering the dandelions, rub the knees every day in the evening with the composition. A woolen scarf is fixed on the product.

Compresses in the treatment of arthrosis and methods of their use

When comparing the effectiveness of applications and ointments, the former show the best results. It is better to give preference to proven recipes during treatment.

cabbage compress

Cooking algorithm:

  1. We cut the cabbage and load it into the juicer.
  2. The juice of the plant is used to soak a warm handkerchief, which is then applied to the sore spot.
  3. Use a compress 1 time a day before going to bed.

From cabbage there is another recipe for making a compress that does not require cutting the leaves. Its preparation:

  1. Whole cabbage leaves are separated, which are then diluted with vinegar and honey (3 to 1).
  2. The sheets are smeared with a mixture of vinegar and honey, only the side that will be in contact with the knee is treated.
  3. Apply sheets to the leg.
  4. From above, the mixture is covered with a plastic film or a woolen scarf.

Both compresses improve well-being and eliminate discomfort. The duration of therapy is 1 month.

A hot compress of shredded cabbage leaves on a sore knee joint with osteoarthritis

Compress with honey and bile

The preparation of the compress is carried out in several stages:

  1. Glycerin, honey, therapeutic bile, 5% iodine solution and 10% ammonia are mixed.
  2. The composition is left in a dark and cool place for 10 days.
  3. Before application, the composition is slightly warmed up and placed on the fabric.
  4. The patch with the medicine is attached to the leg with a plastic film, and a warm shawl or scarf is put on top.

To increase the healing properties, the procedure is carried out at night, and the compress is left until the morning. Patients note the complete elimination of pain, sometimes the effectiveness is not inferior to injections.

Compress with horseradish

Prescription:

  1. Horseradish roots are washed on a medium grater.
  2. The substance is steamed in hot (but not boiled) water.
  3. The substance is applied to the fabric and attached to the knee.
  4. Keep the remedy until the pain completely disappears.

burdock compress

The compress will bring a positive effect by collecting fresh leaves of a plant in an ecologically clean area, it is better to choose a plant far from the road and other sources of pollution.

How to cook:

  1. The sheets are stacked and a hot frying pan is placed on top of them.
  2. They wait for the leaves to steam so that they begin to release useful substances, then they are applied to the diseased area.
  3. Cover with a layer of plastic wrap and warm material.

It is recommended that before applying the leaves to the skin, you treat it with vegetable oil, preferably corn or olive.

Compress with dimethyl sulfoxide

This is a drug with an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, which is often used to make compresses for arthrosis. For treatment, a 50% solution is used, that is, the initial composition of dimethyl sulfoxide is diluted with water from 1 to 4. The mixture is impregnated with gauze and applied to the affected area. A plastic bag or film is placed on top, the napkin is tied with a cotton cloth. Socks duration - 30 minutes. Therapeutic course - 10-14 days.

Applications

According to its properties, applications do not differ from compresses. There are many varieties of applications in traditional medicine. Often, cooked leaves of aloe, celandine, burdock and cabbage are used to relieve pain and eliminate inflammation. Before applying, all the leaves are washed with high quality and slightly beaten (can be crushed, cut), the purpose of the procedure is to let the juice from the leaf. Applications are placed on the affected area, wrapped with a warm cloth. Keep the leaves worth about 6-8 hours.

A rather unusual therapy method is foil treatment. Food leaves change the energy of muscles and joints. Patients claim that after the application came relief from pain and inflammation. The foil is wrapped around the entire limb or diseased area.

Spa

Home arthrosis therapy often includes the use of therapeutic baths. They have a beneficial effect not only on the organ with pathology, but also improve the condition of the whole organism. The water is heated to body temperature - 38 ° C, the patient is recommended to stay in the water for up to 20 minutes. Hot baths are contraindicated.

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint at home can be carried out with the help of healing baths.

To give healing properties, additives are used:

  • decoction on birch branches;
  • extracts of lavender, pine needles;
  • turpentine;
  • bischofita;
  • sea salt;
  • essential oils: bergamot, lemon, pine.

mud therapy

The procedure is common in sanatoriums and spas, but you can stock up on mud (it must be curative) in warehouses or buy it in pharmacies, the technique is also applicable at home. Mud applications warm the joint and enrich the cartilaginous tissues with useful microcomponents.

In the course of heating with mud, the following is additionally used:

  • sea salt;
  • ozokerite;
  • sand;
  • paraffin;
  • mustard (dry).

Salves and healing salves

For the preparation of rubs and ointments, only natural ingredients are used. Bear or badger fat can be used as a base, but vegetable oil is a cheaper option. To increase the effectiveness of the ointment, it is necessary to ensure intense blood flow to the knee by heating the limb with self-massage.

Garlic for the preparation of frictions, effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint

Garlic

Garlic is a storehouse of useful substances, it is not surprising that it is rubbed with it.

How to do:

  1. The head is cleaned and crushed.
  2. Pour the ingredient into a glass container and add 200 ml of oil.
  3. Leave the container in a place protected from light for 1 week.

There are no restrictions on the time of use of the massage, but at night the effectiveness is slightly higher. At night it is better to use it because of the specific smell. If rubbed in the morning, a person will have a strong smell of garlic.

elecampane

Prescription:

  1. Prepare 50 g of ground root, which is mixed with 120 ml of vodka.
  2. Infuse the mixture for 2 weeks.
  3. Apply by rubbing on the affected area and keep until the discomfort disappears.

Eggs and Apple Cider Vinegar

Preparation and application:

  1. A mixture is made in equal proportions of egg yolk and apple cider vinegar.
  2. You can use it immediately after preparation, the number of applications is 3 times in 7 days.
  3. It is recommended to apply at night and leave until morning, wrapped with a warm cloth on top.
Apple cider vinegar is good for relieving osteoarthritis pain in an inflamed knee joint.

Mummy

Production and use:

  1. Mix 100 g of honey with 3 g of mumiyo.
  2. After preparation, the mixture is applied to the skin near the diseased joint, preferably before going to bed.
  3. Treatment lasts 1 week.

You can supplement the recipe with the internal use of mumiyo, but the remedy has contraindications.

hot mustard ointment

Prescription:

  1. Mix 100 g of mustard (in powder form) with 200 g of salt of a small fraction and a small piece of melted paraffin.
  2. Beat the mixture until you get a paste.
  3. The composition is placed in a glass container and infused for 12 hours.

It is better to use the ointment at night.

celandine and olive oil

Prescription:

  1. Remove the top of the plant (the root is not used), you should get 3 tbsp. me
  2. Pour in 200 ml of vegetable oil (olive or sunflower).
  3. Infuse the composition for 2 weeks.

The course of treatment is 1 month, the composition is used daily. Rub the oil infusion with massaging movements.

warming camphor ointment

To prepare the ointment, you need to have 2-3 chicken eggs, a bottle of 96% alcohol (100 g) and 50 g of camphor with mustard. Beat the eggs in a blender until the egg is foamy and all the ingredients are well mixed. The mixture is applied to the affected area at night, the place is covered with a bandage on top. The course continues until recovery.

Animal fat

In diseases of the joints and muscles, animal fat, especially badger fat, is extremely effective. Other types of healthy fats are pork and interior. The substance is rubbed into the affected joints for 1 month.

alternative treatments

As ancillary therapies, non-traditional areas of medicine are often used. They are based on the experience of oriental healers, combined with modern scientific achievements.

The basis of antiarthrosis treatment can be used:

  • ozone therapy;
  • leech treatment;
  • apitherapy;
  • pharmacopuncture together with acupuncture;
  • chiu energy treatment;
  • moxibustion;
  • hand treatment

The only drawback of the direction is the complexity of the implementation with one's own hand, since it is necessary to have adequate knowledge in each direction.

Hirudotherapy or leech

The positive effect of leeches is due to the special composition of saliva, which leads to the removal of swelling, relief of inflammation and pain relief. Hirudin and other specific enzymes enter the patient's bloodstream, which increases blood fluidity, stimulates an increase in the quality of blood circulation, and relieves pain.

Therapeutic leeches for osteoarthritis of the knee joints can reduce swelling, relieve inflammation and anesthetize

Apitherapy or treatment of knee joints with bees

Bees are of great benefit not only with their waste products, but even their venom can help a sick person with osteoarthritis. Bee venom belongs to the group of strong allergens, before using apitherapy it is important to test for allergic reaction, otherwise the patient will face serious complications.

Bee treatment courses cause irritation of certain points and small areas of tissue with a small dose of venom. The procedure helps activate blood circulation and improve nerve conduction at the endings. The technique is associated with pain, but it brings a good effect.

Acupuncture

The technique involves the impact on bioactive points, the procedure has a number of different effects:

  • restores metabolism;
  • helps strengthen the immune system to fight pathology;
  • accelerates lymph flow and blood flow;
  • relieves spasmodic and painful phenomena;
  • improves well-being;
  • restores the functions of the joints.

Today, acupuncture can be performed in several versions:

  • fine needle acupuncture;
  • pharmacopuncture implies an increase in the effect with the help of drugs;
  • moxotherapy involves the use of cones and cigars (usually wormwood), which are used to treat the diseased area;
  • acupressure, taking into account the knowledge of the energy channels through which energy circulates. Redirecting the forces of the body to restore the knee has positive feedback.

kinesiotherapy

Therapy with the help of movements is prescribed for all joint pathologies. The method of performing movements is determined individually.

With regular execution of the procedure, it is possible:

  • learn to move correctly so as not to injure the sore joint;
  • increase muscle tone;
  • develop links;
  • increase stretch;
  • restore cartilage function.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is especially dangerous due to complications and irreversibility of processes. Only timely treatment and adequate therapy will help to avoid disability or severe pain. Home treatment is the best way to prevent the development of the disease and improve the quality of life.