Gonarthrosis: When the knees suffer and start to complain!
If you're one of those people who feels your knees when you climb the stairs or after a slightly longer walk, maybe gonarthrosis is quietly knocking on your door. But don't worry - today we're going to explain what this disease is, how we deal with it, and how to put a smile back on our knees (yes, they need a smile too)!
What is it and what are the symptoms?
Gonarthrosis is a condition in which the cartilage in the knee joint begins to thin and wear away, causing the bones to rub against each other. And when the bones "rub" against each other, the result is pain, stiffness and the feeling that someone has replaced your knees with rusty hinges. Not the best deal, is it?
Symptoms may include:
- Pain, especially after exercise or in the morning when you get out of bed (that feeling that it will be better if you get back into it).
- Joint stiffness and limited mobility - when your knee refuses to bend or extend the way you want it to.
- Sometimes also a "pop" or "snap" that can sound like popcorn but without the tasty part.
What are the best physiotherapy treatment approaches?
Here's the good news! Although gonarthrosis sounds serious, with the right approach your knees can feel like new (or at least forget about the "rust"). Here are a few proven and effective physical therapy approaches:
- Exercises to strengthen muscles - Strong muscles around the knee can act as a "shock absorber" and relieve the load on the joint. Don't worry, we're not going to make you a fitness champion - the right exercises are gentle but purposeful.
- Manual therapy - Experienced physical therapists know how to "talk" to your joints. Through techniques such as massage, mobilisation and manipulation, they can help relieve pain and improve movement.
- Apparatus Physiotherapy - appropriately selected devices can deliver long desired relief and "free" your joints. Our favorites are high intensity laser, tecar and magnetotherapy.
What is the forecast?
With the right care, gonarthrosis is not a life sentence of pain. On the contrary, with the help of physiotherapy and a healthy lifestyle, many patients manage to live an active and fulfilling life. Yes, gonarthrosis can be "noisy" at first, but with the right treatment, it can become a quiet and unobtrusive background that you hardly notice.
Love your knees and they will pay you back
Gonarthrosis may seem like just another test of time, but with proper attention and treatment, it shouldn't interfere with your favorite activities. Your knees are your faithful companions in life - don't leave them alone on the "battlefield"!
Don't wait for pain to become your constant companion. Book an appointment with us and give your knees a new lease of life. Because you deserve to move freely and pain-free - today, tomorrow and always!
