Gonarthrosis: Symptoms and Treatment

What is gonarthrosis?

Description of knee osteoarthritis and its impact on the joints

Gonarthrosis, also known as knee osteoarthritis, is a regenerative joint disease that affects the knee. It is a form of arthritis that mainly affects the cartilage, the protective layer that covers the bone ends of a joint. As the cartilage breaks down, the distance between the bones decreases, which can lead to friction, pain and swelling. In advanced stages of gonarthrosis, the bones may start to rub directly against each other, further impairing joint function and causing significant pain.
The knee joint is one of the largest and most stressed joints in the body, making it particularly prone to osteoarthritis. Cartilage degradation not only affects the range of motion of the knee joint, but can also lead to changes in the bone tissue, the development of osteophytes (bone deposits) and inflammation of the joint capsule.

Gonarthrosis, also known as knee osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that affects the knee. It is a form of arthritis that mainly affects the cartilage, the protective layer that covers the bone ends of a joint…

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Common causes of gonarthrosis and risk factors

Gonarthrosis can develop for several reasons, some of which are related to lifestyle factors and others to medical conditions. Some of the most common causes and risk factors include:

Age: The risk of developing gonarthrosis increases with age as the cartilage naturally wears down over time.
Genetics: Heredity can play a role. If a close family member has osteoarthritis, you are more likely to develop it too.
Excess weight: Being overweight increases the strain on the knee joints, which accelerates the breakdown of cartilage.
Gender: Women, especially those over 50, have a higher risk of developing gonarthrosis than men.
Previous injuries: Injuries to the knee, such as ligament or meniscus damage, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life.
Overuse: Repetitive movements and overuse of the knee, common in athletes or people with physically demanding jobs, can contribute to the development of gonarthrosis.
Muscle strength: Weak muscles around the knee joint can lead to increased stress on the joint and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of gonarthrosis

Pain and stiffness in the knee joint, especially after rest or activity

One of the most characteristic symptoms of gonarthrosis is pain in the knee joint. This pain can be particularly pronounced after periods of inactivity, such as sitting or lying down for a long time, or after intense physical activity. The pain is caused by the cartilage breaking down and the bones rubbing against each other, causing inflammation and irritation of the joint capsule. Stiffness in the knee joint, especially in the morning or after rest, is also a common symptom and can limit movement until the joint ‘warms up’.

Swelling and soreness around the knee joint

Swelling and tenderness are common signs of inflammation in the knee joint. When cartilage breaks down, inflammatory substances are released that cause swelling and pain. This swelling may be visible around the whole knee or only in a specific location and may increase after physical activity. Tenderness to the touch around the knee joint is also common and may indicate the presence of inflammation or damage to the cartilage.

Limited mobility and difficulty bending or fully extending the knee

Gonarthrosis can significantly affect the mobility of the knee joint. Many sufferers of this disease experience a reduced ability to fully bend or extend the knee. The pain, swelling and possible development of bone deposits can reduce the range of motion of the joint. Limited mobility can lead to difficulties in everyday activities such as walking, getting up from a sitting position or climbing stairs.

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Treatment of gonarthrosis

Pain relief with medication or topical treatments such as gels or ointments

One of the first measures in the treatment of gonarthrosis is pain relief. Painkillers such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Topical treatments, such as gels or ointments containing painkillers, can be applied directly to the knee to provide pain relief.

Physiotherapy to improve muscle strength and joint mobility

Physiotherapy is an important part of treatment to manage gonarthrosis. A physiotherapist can create an individualized exercise program aimed at strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, improving joint mobility and reducing pain. Exercises that focus on increasing muscle strength in the quadriceps and hamstrings can help to relieve the knee joint and reduce the strain on the cartilage. Stretching and mobility exercises can also help improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Surgical procedures such as arthroscopy or knee replacement surgery in severe cases

In severe cases of gonarthrosis, where pain and disability cannot be managed with conservative treatments, surgical procedures may be considered. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera and special tools are inserted into the knee joint to remove damaged cartilage or bone deposits. Knee arthroplasty, or knee replacement surgery, involves replacing all or part of the knee joint with an artificial joint. These operations can significantly improve the quality of life and restore function in people with severe gonarthrosis.

How can we help you with your gonarthrosis?

At the FasciaClinics, we take a holistic approach to the treatment of gonarthrosis. Our team of therapists use fascia therapy, a form of wellness treatment to relieve tension and pain. Fascia is the network of connective tissue that binds and permeates everything in our body. All cells, tissues (even bone), muscles and organs contain fascia.

Fascia treatment focuses on releasing tension and adhesions in the fascia and increasing its flow. Reducing pressure and increasing circulation reduces pain and increases knee joint mobility. Reduced pressure across cell membranes allows them to absorb and release substances more easily. Fascia treatment can thus promote the body’s own healing process. The treatment is also pleasantly relaxing and painless. It gets the whole body flowing and helps you balance your posture so that the body is evenly loaded.

During a visit, we analyze the whole body to see where compensations and imbalances are and how they have spread. If there is an imbalance in the body, there is a risk that it will spread and affect other structures such as muscles and joints. That’s why it’s very important to seek help quickly as soon as you notice any symptoms.

Fascia treatment for gonarthrosis involves balancing the body to make the load on the knees more even. A more even load will reduce the wear and tear on the muscles and other structures of the legs. This can reduce the risk of further injury and increase the body’s recovery.

In the meantime, it is very important to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider while you are undergoing fasciitis treatment in order to return to your activities as soon as possible. By combining our expertise in fascial treatment and physiotherapy with a personalized approach, we can help you live an active and pain-free life despite gonarthrosis. Contact us today to book a consultation and start your journey towards improved joint health.