How to treat osteoarthritis of the knee at home

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, 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 be familiar with the contraindications to the use of the treatment regimen. A correct assessment of the condition and full familiarization with contraindications will help protect against complications of the disease and make therapy as effective as possible.

The main contraindications to traditional medicine:

• oncological diseases;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• diabetes;
• bronchitis with an 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 or toxic nature of 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 with folk recipes alone. At the consultation, the doctor explains what arthrosis of the knee joint is and how to treat it at home with medicines, the patient's task is to find out 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 intended effect.

At home, it is recommended to cure the disease:

• after an accurate diagnosis. You will first have 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 complement drug treatment. The entire stage of therapy should take place under the supervision of a physician and with regular clinical tests;

• external and oral agents can be used only if there is no allergy to the components of the drug.

It is possible to eliminate pain and cure the knee in close cooperation with a specialist. 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, since arthrosis of the knee joint should 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 arthrosis is the lack of nutrients in 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 fatty and junk food not only damages metabolism, the health of internal organs, but also provokes an increase in body mass index. Heavy weight leads to increased stress on the legs, especially on the knee and hip joints. The risk of developing arthrosis in overweight people is many times higher.

A balanced diet is the key to patient recovery and symptom reduction. With a properly 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:

• 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, more often enters the body from milk and products from it, 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 account for up to 80% of calories from the diet. The state of the joints is positively affected by dishes prepared on the basis of tendons of animal origin: natural jelly, aspic, extracts from the joints of bulls, jelly, etc.

The diet should be more:

• various dairy products;
• legumes;
• fresh vegetables with herbs, but you should eat less cabbage, tomatoes, bell peppers;
• pasta and bread (it is better to choose whole grain);
• various cereals, except for oatmeal;
• 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 the use of coffee and alcohol. 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 remnants of harmful food. The intake of vegetables, fruits, rice, along with decoctions on the leaves of juniper, birch or nettle, will help remove toxins and improve digestive function.

How to fix the knee with arthrosis?

The symptoms and treatment at home of arthrosis of the knee joint is controlled by the doctor, he additionally recommends limiting the mobility of the damaged limb. When the load is distributed on the injured knee, the severity of 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 brace helps to evenly distribute the load on the entire limb.

It is recommended to treat gonarthrosis with a bandage at 1-2 degrees of development of the pathology. At home, the device can be replaced with an elastic bandage, it helps to stop soreness. Periodically, the bandage should 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 in moderation. 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 pads. With their help, it is possible to stabilize the condition, as well as extend the period of remission.

How to treat osteoarthritis of the knee at home?

The main condition of therapy is that the disease should 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 methods of treatment.

It is important to remember that some of the therapeutic methods at home are not applicable, as they can provoke 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. Gymnastic procedures accelerate blood circulation in the limbs, reduce the severity of symptoms.

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

1. Immediately after a night's sleep, the exercise "bike" is performed. With breaks, the movement should take 15 minutes.
2. Lying on your back, pull your leg, bent at the knee, then straighten it. It is recommended to do 20 repetitions for each limb.
3. They sit on a chair and straighten their legs, fingers reach for themselves. In the process of movements, it is important to concentrate as much as possible on well-being. If excessive tension is felt, the amplitude can be reduced.
4. Regular squat. For the approach it is better to perform 30 repetitions.
5. Frequent walking, at least 20-30 minutes per day.

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

cold and warm

You can apply cold and warm compresses:

• cold therapy is used exclusively at the initial stage of the disease. It helps to eliminate pain, reduce swelling, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. You need to prepare ice in advance and think over a convenient body position so as not to do this while preparing the compress. It is important to sit for 30 minutes without moving, the legs will be somewhat elevated. An ice pack is applied to the knee, it is fixed with a bandage or bandage and wait half an hour in this position;
• warm compresses can only be used if there is no swelling on the knee. Heated sand, salt, etc. can be used as a heating agent. After laying the compress, there should not be a burning sensation, if it bakes, it is cooled 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 slow down arthrotic disorders and improve well-being. The recipes are based on various healing 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 arthrosis of the 2nd degree of the knee joint at home can also be carried out with the help of oral infusions, but they are forbidden to use:

• people with a tendency to alcohol addiction;
• patients with hepatic and renal insufficiency;
• in violation of the function of the gastrointestinal tract and other disorders of the internal organs.

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

• decoction on bay leaves. The plant eliminates swelling of the knee and helps to cleanse the body. Cleansing procedures will require the use of 10 g of dry bay leaves and a glass of boiling water. The mixture is set on fire, boiled 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 adhere to 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 takes 1-2 weeks, then the composition is filtered and stored in a darkened room. Take 30-40 drops before eating at breakfast and dinner;
• herbal tincture. It will take 2 tbsp. l. parsley seeds, dandelion rhizomes (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. l. daily in the morning before eating;
• tincture on beets, cranberries and radishes (black variety). The listed ingredients are peeled, they are 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, this is necessary to acquire medicinal properties. After settling, the mixture is filtered and left in the refrigerator. Take 1 tbsp. l. in the morning, 10 minutes before meals.

Infusions for external use

Popular recipes for external application tinctures:

• on 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;
• on dandelion flowers. The flowers of the plant fall asleep in a glass container (preferably tinted glass) and pour vodka. The infusion process takes 30 days. A suitable location should be at room temperature and protected from the sun. After straining the dandelions, rub the knees daily in the evening with the composition. A woolen scarf is fixed over 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 from the plant is used to soak a warm handkerchief, which is then applied to the sore spot.
3. Use a compress 1 time per day before going to bed.

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

1. Whole leaves of cabbage 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 remove discomfort. The duration of therapy is 1 month.

Compress with honey and bile

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

1. Glycerin, honey, therapeutic bile, iodine 5% solution and ammonia 10% are mixed.
2. The composition is left in a dark cool place for 10 days.
3. Before application, the composition is slightly heated and placed on the fabric.
4. The flap with the 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 done at night, and the compress is left until the morning. Patients note the complete elimination of pain, sometimes in terms of effectiveness is not inferior to injections.

Compress with horseradish

Recipe:

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

Burdock compress

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

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

Compress with dimethyl sulfoxide

This is a medicine with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, 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 1 to 4. 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 tied with a cotton cloth. Duration of socks - 30 minutes. Therapeutic course - 10-14 days.

Applications

According to their 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 beaten off a little (you can crush, cut), the purpose of the procedure is to let the juice from the leaf. Applications are placed on the affected area, they are wrapped with a warm cloth. Keep sheets worth about 6-8 hours.

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

Baths

Arthrosis therapy at home 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.

To give healing properties, additives are used:

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

Mud therapy

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

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

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

Healing ointments and rubs

For the preparation of rubbing and ointments, only natural ingredients are used. Bear or badger fat 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 ensure an intensive blood flow to the knee by heating the limb with self-massage.

Garlic

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

How to make:

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

There are no restrictions on the time of use of the rub, but in the evening the effectiveness is slightly higher. In the evening, it is better to use it because of the specific smell. If rubbed in the morning, a person will smell strongly of garlic.

Elecampane

Recipe:

1. Prepare 50 g of ground root, which is mixed with 120 ml of vodka.
2. Infuse the mixture for 2 weeks.
3. Apply rubbing to the affected area and hold 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 the morning, wrapped with a warm cloth on top.

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 at bedtime.
3. Treatment lasts 1 week.

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

Warming mustard ointment

Recipe:

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. Pound the mixture until a paste is obtained.
3. The composition is placed in a glass container and infused for 12 hours.

It is better to use the ointment in the evening.

Celandine and olive oil

Recipe:

1. Remove the top 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 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. Whisk the eggs in a blender until the egg is frothy and all 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 healthy types of fat 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 Eastern healers, combined with modern scientific achievements.

The basis of antiarthrosis treatment can be used:

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

The only drawback of the direction is the complexity of the implementation with one's own hand, since it is necessary to have proper 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 puffiness, relief of inflammation and pain relief. Hirudin and other specific enzymes enter the patient's bloodstream, which increase blood fluidity, stimulate an increase in the quality of blood circulation and relieve pain.

Apitherapy or treatment of knee joints with bees

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

Courses of treatment with bees lead to 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 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 to 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:

• acupuncture using fine needles;
• pharmacopuncture implies an increase in the effect with the help of drugs;
• moxotherapy involves the use of cones and cigars (usually from 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 articular pathologies. The method of performing movements is determined individually.

With regular execution of the procedure, it is possible:

• learn how 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 because of 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.