Gonarthrosis or osteoarthritis of the knee is, after osteoarthritis of the hip, the second most common type of osteoarthritis. Wear to the cartilage of this joint causes the bones to rub together, resulting in intense pain and movement limitation. It is also a very rapid degeneration. This affects and impairs the quality of life of patients, who are usually women over the age of 40. Using a gonarthrosis knee brace helps to relieve pain and stabilise the knee. That way, the patient can return to living a more normal life.
Índice
4 grades of gonarthrosis that you should know, when to use a gonarthrosis knee brace?
The knee, being weight-bearing, is one of the joints most affected by osteoarthritis. Age is one of the most important risk factors for this disease to appear. Flexibility and elasticity of the tissue decreases and it can gradually disappear. Other risk factors include genetic predisposition, obesity, sport, carrying excessively heavy objects and the menopause.
Gonarthrosis can be located in two areas. Between the femur and the kneecap or the femur and the tibia. Depending on the grade of the disease, patients can suffer symptoms that range in severity from intense pain when bending the knee through a sensation of stiffness and locking of the knee to the possible appearance of a visible deformation. Using a gonarthrosis knee brace is indicated for decreasing pain and improving walking in any of the 4 grades of the disease.
Grade 1 gonarthrosis
In grade 1 osteoarthritis of the knee , the patient begins to feel discomfort and a certain pain in the area. The pain intensifies when the joint is bent, after a long walk or when carrying heavy objects. This is because the space between the femur and the kneecap or the femur and the tibia decreases and impingement occurs. The cartilage can also begin to wear out resulting in chondromalacia patella.
Grade 2 and 3 gonarthrosis
In grade 2, the pain is more intense as the cartilage becomes more worn out and the bony layer underneath it increases. Bending the knee also becomes more difficult. This is the time that the sufferer tends to pay attention to the disease.
In grade 3, cracks appear in the cartilage, which are a sign of deeper wear. In this grade, the joint is damaged and deteriorates, resulting in the patient suffering periods of intense pain (even at rest) and progressive inability to move the knee.
Grade 4 gonarthrosis
In the final grade, grade 4, the deformity is noticeable. Bone cysts appear, causing inflammation and deformation. When this deformation is very intense, it is necessary to consider surgery to recover mobility and reduce pain.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: the gonarthrosis knee brace
Gonarthrosis treatment should take into account the characteristics of the patient, as well as the location and grade of symptoms. It is usually a conservative treatment, especially in the early stages. This gonarthrosis treatment includes steps to slow the progression of the disease, such as muscle-building exercises to increase strength in the area, and also swimming and cycling. It is important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the load on the knees. And good physiotherapy treatment is also necessary to prevent stiffness and cramps and improve joint mobility.
Using a gonarthrosis knee brace also helps relieve symptoms. At Orliman, we offer a varus-valgus knee brace for gonarthrosis. This gonarthrosis knee brace stabilises and reduces pain. Its fabric is also breathable and provides a snug fit to prevent discomfort.
Above all though, it is important to act in the early stages to prevent degeneration associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. It is therefore important to see your doctor if you feel discomfort and pain in the joint. The sooner it is treated, the quicker the disease can be slowed down and the better the symptoms can be relieved.