How to treat knee osteoarthritis at home

Arthrosis of the knee joint

Medical inpatient therapy is not the only way to treat arthrosis. 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 that a person monitors 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 familiarize himself with the contraindications to the use of the treatment regimen. Correct assessment of the condition and full familiarity with contraindications will help to avoid complications of the disease and make the therapy as effective as possible.

Acute pain occurs with arthrosis, reducing the mobility of the knee joint.

The main contraindications of traditional medicine:

  • oncological diseases;
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • diabetes;
  • bronchitis with an asthmatic component;
  • allergic reactions to medicinal plants or foods used in certain recipes;
  • 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.

Other contraindications include pathologies of the endocrine system (autoimmune or toxic in origin) in the form of goiter.

Before starting the course of treatment, it is recommended to consult a doctor, because it is difficult or even impossible to treat arthrosis of the knee joint at home only with folk recipes. In the consultation, the doctor explains what arthrosis of the knee joint is and how to treat it with medicines at home, the patient's task is to find suitable folk recipes. It is better to immediately choose a few of the most suitable drugs and ask about the possibility of their use and the intended effect.

It is recommended to treat the disease at home:

  • after accurate diagnosis. First, you need to pass 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 whole stage of therapy should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor and with regular clinical tests;
  • Arthrosis is accompanied by an inflammatory process in the knee joint
  • external and oral agents can be used only if there is no allergy to the components of the drug.

In close cooperation with a specialist, it is possible to relieve pain and treat the knee. Adding folk remedies to the treatment regimen increases the speed of recovery and the effectiveness of the main treatment.

Proper nutrition

It should not be based only on traditional medicine, because arthrosis of the knee joint should be treated comprehensively at home. The basis of any therapeutic course is a change in diet.

There are 3 main disorders with nutrition:

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

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

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

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

The basis of nutrition should be complex carbohydrates, they should make up to 80% of calories from the diet. Dishes made on the basis of tendons of animal origin have a positive effect on the condition of the joints: natural jelly, aspic, extracts from the joints of oxen, jelly, etc.

The diet should be more:

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

Nutritionists advise to avoid fatty, salty, sour and fried foods, as well as to eliminate the use of coffee and alcohol. It is worth limiting the use of various fats, cakes, sweets and soda, but not completely excluded. 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 harmful food residues. Taking decoctions of vegetables, fruits, rice, juniper, birch or nettle leaves will help remove toxins and improve digestive function.

The menu of the knee joint suffering from arthrosis should include healthy vegetables, meat and grains

How to fix a knee with arthrosis?

Symptoms and treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint at home are controlled by the doctor, who additionally recommends limiting the mobility of the affected limb. When the load is distributed on 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 ligament helps distribute the load evenly over the entire limb.

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

Basic rules for wearing a bandage:

  • the bandage is applied tightly but gently. Strong compression of adjacent tissues often leads to exacerbation of the disease;
  • before applying the bandage, the leg is straightened;
  • burdock leaves or honey compress will help increase 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 in the relapse stage of the disease, but then it is better to give preference to special knee pads. With their help, it is possible to stabilize the situation and extend the period of remission.

It is recommended to wear a fixation bandage in the initial stage of arthrosis of the knee joint

How to treat knee osteoarthritis at home?

The main condition of therapy is the safe treatment of the disease, any risky procedures are contraindicated. To determine the risk, the patient should always consult an attending orthopedist or rheumatologist. When communicating with a doctor, it is often possible to develop more effective treatment methods.

It should be remembered that some therapeutic methods are not applicable at home, because they can cause dangerous side effects: increased inflammation, allergies and disruption of various internal systems.

Gymnastics for arthrosis

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

One of the best ways to treat grade 2 knee arthrosis at home is gymnastics. The complex includes:

  1. Immediately after a night's sleep, "bicycle" exercise is performed. Movement with breaks should take 15 minutes.
  2. Lying on your back, pull your leg, bend at the knee, then straighten. It is recommended to do 20 repetitions for each limb.
  3. They sit in a chair and straighten their legs, the fingers stretch for themselves. In the process of actions, it is important to pay as much attention to well-being as possible. If excessive tension is felt, the amplitude can be reduced.
  4. Constant squatting. It is better to do 30 repetitions for the approach.
  5. Frequent walking, at least 20-30 minutes a day.

This method can not only be treated, but also prevents the aggravation of the stage of the disease, improves the condition of the articular joint.

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

cold and hot

You can apply cold and hot compresses:

  • cold therapy is used only in the initial stage of the disease. It helps relieve pain, reduce swelling, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. In order not to do this when preparing the compress, you should prepare ice in advance and think about a comfortable body position. It is important to sit for 30 minutes without moving, the legs will be slightly elevated. An ice pack is applied to the knee, fixed with a bandage or bandage, and in this position wait half an hour;
  • warm compresses can be used only if there is no swelling in the knee. Heated sand, salt, etc. can be used as a heater. After applying the compress, there should be no burning sensation, if it is cooked, it is cooled to a warm state. The method helps to relieve pain.

Medicinal infusions and decoctions

One of the most effective ways to relieve pain in arthrosis of the knee joint at home is decoctions, tinctures for internal use and external application. They are designed to slow down arthritic disorders and improve well-being. Recipes are based on various medicinal plants and extracts. With their help, metabolism in the articular 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 grade 2 arthrosis of the knee joint at home can also be carried out with the help of oral infusions, but it is forbidden to use them:

  • people prone to alcohol addiction;
  • patients with liver and kidney failure;
  • dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract and other disorders of internal organs.
Bay leaves to prepare a decoction that relieves knee swelling with arthrosis

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

  • decoction on bay leaves. The plant removes swelling of the knee and helps to cleanse the body. Cleaning procedures will require the use of 10 g of dry 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 brew overnight. The prepared mixture is consumed for 3 days, 200 ml in small sips during the day. It is important to observe a dose of no more than 200 ml per day, as well as to follow a diet based on the following: vegetables, fruits, herbs;
  • tincture on lilac flowers. 100 g of lilac color is useful for cooking. Flowers are poured with vodka (you can use distilled water). The infusion process takes 1-2 weeks, then the composition is filtered and stored in a dark room. Take 30-40 drops in the morning and evening before meals;
  • herbal tincture. It will take 2 tbsp. l. parsley seeds, dandelion rhizomes (crushed), sea buckthorn, fennel. The listed plant has positive reviews for its effective analgesic effect. All ingredients are mixed and poured into 0. 5 liters of boiling water. The mixture is allowed to cool before using the composition. Take 2 tbsp. l. every morning before eating;
  • tincture (black variety) on beets, cranberries and radishes. The listed ingredients are peeled and passed through a meat grinder. 0. 5 l of cognac is poured into the resulting composition, then everything is kneaded. In a dark, cool place, the mixture is infused for 10 days, which is necessary to obtain healing properties. After settling, the mixture is filtered and placed in the refrigerator. Take 1 tbsp. l. in the morning, 10 minutes before meals.

Infusions for external use

Popular recipes for external application tinctures:

Medicinal plants are the basis of means of external influence on the knee joint affected by arthrosis
  • on birch buds. For its 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, it should be left in a dark place for 1 month. The prepared composition is rubbed on the knees every day;
  • on dandelion flowers. The flowers of the plant fall asleep in a glass container (preferably colored glass) and pour vodka. The infusion process takes 30 days. A suitable place should be at room temperature and protected from the sun. After filtering the dandelions, rub the knees with the composition every evening. A woolen scarf is attached to the product.

Compresses and methods of their use in the treatment of arthrosis

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

cabbage compress

Cooking algorithm:

  1. We cut the cabbage and put it in the juicer.
  2. The juice of the plant is used to wet a warm towel, which is then applied to the painful area.
  3. Apply a compress once a day before going to bed.

There is another recipe for making a compress from cabbage that does not require chopping the leaves. Its preparation:

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

Both compresses improve well-being and relieve anxiety. The duration of therapy is 1 month.

Hot compress of crushed cabbage leaves on painful knee joint with arthrosis

Squeeze with honey and bile

Preparation of the compress is carried out in several stages:

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

To increase the healing properties, the procedure is carried out at night, and the compress remains until morning. Patients note that the pain is completely eliminated, sometimes the effectiveness is not inferior to injections.

Press with horseradish

Recipe:

  1. Horseradish roots are washed on a medium grater.
  2. The substance evaporates in heated (but not boiling) water.
  3. The substance is applied to the fabric and glued to the knee.
  4. Keep the medicine until the pain is completely gone.

Burdock compress

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

How to cook:

  1. Sheets are piled on top of each other and a hot pan is placed on top of it.
  2. They wait for the leaves to steam so that they begin to release useful substances, and then they are applied to the diseased area.
  3. Place a layer of plastic wrap and warm material on top.

Before applying the leaves to the skin, it is recommended to treat it with vegetable oil, preferably corn or olive.

Press with dimethyl sulfoxide

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

Applications

According to their characteristics, applications do not differ from compresses. There are many types of applications in traditional medicine. Cooked leaves of aloe, celandine, burdock and cabbage are often used to relieve pain and relieve inflammation. Before application, all leaves are washed with high quality and beaten a little (can be crushed, cut), the purpose of the procedure is to release water from the leaf. Applications are placed on the affected area, wrapped with a warm cloth. Keep the sheets for about 6-8 hours.

A rather unusual method of therapy is foil therapy. Nutrients change the energy of muscles and joints. Patients claim that it relieves pain and inflammation after application. The foil is wrapped around the entire limb or diseased area.

Baths

Treatment of arthrosis at home often involves the use of therapeutic baths. They improve not only the organ with pathology, but also the condition of the whole body. 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 therapeutic baths.

Additives are used to give therapeutic properties:

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

Mud therapy

The procedure is widespread in sanatoriums and spas, but you can collect mud (it must be therapeutic) on the beds or buy it in pharmacies, the technique is also applied at home. Mud applications warm the joint and enrich cartilage tissues with useful microcomponents.

During heating with mud, the following are additionally used:

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

Healing ointments and rubs

Only natural substances are used for the preparation of rubs and ointments. Bear or badger oil can be used as a base, but vegetable oil is a more economical option. To increase the effectiveness of the ointment, it is necessary to provide intensive blood flow to the knee by heating the limb with self-massage.

Garlic to prepare a rub that is effective in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint

garlic

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

How to:

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

There is no limit to the period of use of rubbing, but the effectiveness is slightly higher in the evening. It is better to use in the evening because of the special smell. If rubbed in the morning, a person will feel the strong smell of garlic.

Elecampane

Recipe:

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

Eggs and apple cider vinegar

Preparation and application:

  1. A mixture is prepared 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 it at night and wrap it with a warm cloth until morning.
Apple cider vinegar is good for relieving osteoarthritis pain in an inflamed knee joint.

mother

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 affected joint, preferably before going to bed.
  3. Treatment lasts 1 week.

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

Warming mustard ointment

Recipe:

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

It is better to use the ointment in the evening.

Celandine and olive oil

Recipe:

  1. Remove the top part of the plant (the root is not used), you should get 3 tbsp. l.
  2. Pour 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 massage movements.

Warming camphor ointment

To prepare the ointment, you need 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 eggs are frothy and all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture is applied to the affected area at night, the place is covered with a bandage. The course continues until recovery.

Animal fat

Animal fat, especially badger fat, is extremely effective in diseases of the joints and muscles. Other healthy types of fat are pork and lard. The substance is applied to the affected joints for 1 month.

Alternative treatment methods

As auxiliary treatment methods, non-traditional medical fields are often used. They are combined with modern scientific achievements based on the experience of Eastern doctors.

The basics of antiarthrosis treatment can be used:

  • ozone therapy;
  • treatment with leeches;
  • apitherapy;
  • pharmacopuncture with acupuncture;
  • chiu energy treatment;
  • burning;
  • manual therapy.

The only drawback of the direction is the complexity of implementing it with your own hands, since you need to have the necessary knowledge in each direction.

Hirudotherapy or leech therapy

The positive effect of leeches occurs due to the special composition of saliva, which leads to the elimination of swelling, the elimination of inflammation and the reduction of pain. Hirudin and other specific enzymes enter the patient's bloodstream, which increases blood flow, improves the quality of blood circulation, and relieves pain.

Therapeutic leeches for arthrosis of the knee joints can reduce swelling, relieve inflammation and provide anesthesia.

Apitherapy or treatment of knee joints with bees

Bees can help a patient with arthrosis not only with waste products, but also with their venom. Bee venom belongs to the group of strong allergens, it is important to check whether there is an allergic reaction before using apitherapy, otherwise the patient will face serious complications.

Treatment courses with bees cause irritation of certain points and small areas of tissue with a small dose of poison. The procedure helps to activate blood circulation and improve the nerve conduction of the ends. The technique is associated with pain, but has a good effect.

Acupuncture

The technique affects 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;
  • eliminates spasmodic and painful phenomena;
  • improves well-being;
  • restores the functions of the joints.

Today, acupuncture can be performed in several versions:

  • acupuncture using fine needles;
  • pharmacopuncture involves increasing the effect with the help of drugs;
  • moxa therapy involves the use of cones and cigars (usually wormwood) used to treat the diseased area;
  • acupressure, taking into account the knowledge of energy channels through which energy circulates. Directing the body's forces to restore the knee has positive feedback.

Kinesiotherapy

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

With regular execution of the procedure, it is possible to:

  • learn to move correctly so as not to damage the painful joint;
  • increase muscle tone;
  • develop relationships;
  • increase stretch;
  • restore cartilage function.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is particularly dangerous due to the complications and irreversibility of the 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.