What is Gonarthrosis?
Gonarthrosis is a degenerative knee joint disease that affects the cartilage, bones, ligaments, and other structures within the knee. It is the most common form of arthritis in the knee and usually occurs with aging, although it can also be caused by other factors. Essentially, gonarthrosis leads to the gradual deterioration of the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces, which causes friction between the bones, pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. The disease may develop gradually, and symptoms worsen over time, leading to significant functional limitations.
Impact on the joints:
Gonarthrosis mainly affects the knee by causing structural changes in the joint. The damaged cartilage can no longer absorb shocks or enable smooth joint movement. This leads to bone-on-bone friction, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. As the disease progresses, the joint space may narrow, which further hinders movement and everyday activities. In more severe cases, gonarthrosis can cause joint deformities, leading to further loss of function and increased pain.
Gonarthrosis can significantly affect quality of life, reducing a person’s ability to walk, sit, climb stairs, or engage in physical activities. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatment are key to controlling symptoms and preventing further joint damage.
Causes of Gonarthrosis
Degenerative changes:
One of the main causes of gonarthrosis is degenerative changes that naturally occur with aging. Over the years, the cartilage in the knee gradually loses its elasticity and its ability to absorb shock. When the cartilage wears down, the bones forming the joint begin to rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. These degenerative changes are usually gradual, with symptoms developing over a longer period of time. People over the age of 50 are most affected by these changes, as the production of synovial fluid that lubricates the joints naturally decreases with age.
Injuries:
Knee injuries, whether caused by sports activities, falls, or traffic accidents, can increase the risk of developing gonarthrosis. Injuries that affect the joint—such as bone fractures in the knee, ligament damage, or meniscus tears—can damage the joint structure and accelerate cartilage degeneration. If an injury is not treated properly, there is a high probability of long-term consequences in the form of arthritis. Additionally, inadequate recovery or repeated knee injuries can create conditions that favor the development of gonarthrosis.
Risk factors and genetics:
In addition to aging and injuries, there are several risk factors that can contribute to the development of gonarthrosis. Genetic factors play a key role—if there is a family history of gonarthrosis or other forms of arthritis, the chances of developing this condition are higher. People with a genetic predisposition tend to have faster cartilage deterioration and poorer regeneration.
Excess body weight is also a significant risk factor, as extra pressure on the joints, especially the knees, accelerates the cartilage degeneration process. Every kilogram above the recommended weight increases the load on the knees and contributes to their faster wear. Long periods of stress on the knees, such as years of engaging in high-impact sports (e.g., football, basketball, running), can also contribute to a higher risk of developing gonarthrosis. Furthermore, women are more likely to develop gonarthrosis, especially after menopause, when the production of estrogen decreases, which can negatively affect bone and cartilage health.
Symptoms of Gonarthrosis
Knee Pain: One of the most common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis) is knee pain, which typically occurs during activities or when putting weight on the joint. The pain may be mild in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, it becomes more intense and more frequent. Initially, pain usually appears after physical exertion, but over time it can persist even at rest. The pain is often localized in the front of the knee and may radiate to the sides or deeper into the joint. People with gonarthrosis often report pain when climbing stairs, bending the knee, or standing for long periods. In severe cases, the pain can become constant and significantly interfere with daily activities, severely impacting quality of life.
Difficulty Moving and Stiffness: In addition to pain, limited movement and knee stiffness are also key symptoms of gonarthrosis. Due to cartilage damage and degenerative changes in the joint, people with gonarthrosis frequently report a feeling of stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. In the early stages, the stiffness usually subsides after a few minutes of movement, but in more advanced stages it can become more pronounced and persist throughout the day. The joint loses flexibility, making daily tasks like walking, sitting, or getting into a car more difficult. This stiffness and reduced mobility can cause additional issues, such as falls, loss of balance, and injuries.
Inflammation and Swelling: Inflammation is common in gonarthrosis and often accompanies pain and stiffness. Inflammatory processes in the joint cause fluid buildup in the knee, leading to swelling. Knee swelling may be noticeable immediately after physical activity but can also become chronic, further limiting joint mobility. In some cases, the swelling can be so severe that it significantly hinders normal knee function, making walking and standing nearly impossible. Inflammation can worsen pain and stiffness, creating a vicious cycle that complicates treatment. The inflammatory process is caused by bone friction, while cartilage degeneration is the main cause of increased synovial fluid in the joint. Additionally, increased warmth in the joint and skin redness may appear as signs of acute inflammation.
This combination of symptoms, along with progressive worsening of the condition, often leads to significant limitations in daily activities and a marked reduction in the quality of life for people suffering from gonarthrosis.
Treatment of Gonarthrosis at Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco
Gonarthrosis, or knee osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition that causes damage to the cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, limited mobility, inflammation, and swelling. Treating gonarthrosis requires a comprehensive approach that combines various therapeutic methods to reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow disease progression. At Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco, we provide specialized therapies tailored to the individual needs of each patient, aiming for the best possible treatment outcomes.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation:
Physiotherapy is essential in treating gonarthrosis, as it helps restore joint function and reduce pain through targeted exercises. Our team of experts applies various physiotherapy techniques, including manual therapy, physical medicine, mobilizations, and strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee. Kinesiotherapy, which is part of our treatment program, involves exercises focused on improving joint mobility, increasing muscle strength, and enhancing knee stability. Through personalized exercise plans, patients can improve flexibility, strength, and coordination, which helps alleviate gonarthrosis symptoms.
Rehabilitation also involves restoring normal knee function by gradually increasing load and normalizing movement. The exercises used in rehabilitation improve flexibility, stability, and joint mobility, while specific protocols help reduce pain and prevent further damage to the joint cartilage.
How Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco Can Help?
At Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco, we approach the treatment of gonarthrosis through specialized therapies tailored to the needs of each patient. Our team of physiotherapists and rehabilitation experts has extensive experience working with individuals suffering from gonarthrosis, allowing us to offer individualized treatments that combine physiotherapy techniques with modern therapies.
Specialized therapies for gonarthrosis:
Electrotherapy: Uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles around the knee, improve circulation, and reduce pain. Electrotherapy helps relax the muscles supporting the knee joint, reducing tension and pain, while circulation stimulation contributes to better nourishment of joint tissues, slowing degenerative changes.
Magnetotherapy: Magnetic fields used in therapy can enhance microcirculation in the knee joint, promoting tissue repair and slowing the progression of gonarthrosis. Magnetotherapy also has a soothing effect on pain and inflammation, reducing discomfort associated with the condition and improving knee mobility.
Therapeutic ultrasound: Ultrasound waves penetrate deeper layers of knee tissues, reducing pain and inflammation common in gonarthrosis. Ultrasound therapy improves joint circulation and accelerates tissue regeneration, helping reduce symptoms like pain and stiffness, while also enhancing knee mobility.
Shockwave therapy: Uses high-intensity acoustic waves to stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce pain, and improve circulation in the knee. This therapy can aid in treating pain caused by knee joint degeneration and speed up the recovery of damaged tissues, contributing to symptom reduction and increased knee functionality.
Laser therapy: Low-intensity light (laser) stimulates regeneration processes in knee tissues, reduces pain, and decreases inflammation. Laser therapy helps reduce pain and stiffness in the knee joint, accelerating recovery and tissue regeneration, which is beneficial in treating gonarthrosis.
Individualized treatment approach:
Every person with gonarthrosis experiences different symptoms and requires a specific treatment plan. Our team at Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco approaches each patient individually, conducting a detailed examination and symptom analysis to create a personalized therapy plan. Depending on the disease stage, symptom type, and physical condition of the patient, our therapists utilize a variety of treatment methods including physiotherapy, kinesitherapy, massages, electrotherapy, and other therapies.
Through regular sessions and progress monitoring, Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco helps patients improve quality of life, reduce pain, and enhance knee functionality, making daily activities easier and less painful.
At Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco, we believe the key to successful gonarthrosis treatment is an individualized approach combined with the most advanced therapeutic methods, which can help slow disease progression and improve the patient’s overall health.
Prevention of Gonarthrosis
Gonarthrosis is a degenerative disease affecting the knee joint, and its prevention largely depends on healthy lifestyle habits and timely measures to strengthen muscles, preserve joint mobility, and maintain proper movement. Although it cannot be completely prevented, there are certain strategies that can significantly reduce the risk of developing gonarthrosis, alleviate symptoms, and slow disease progression. We support a comprehensive approach to gonarthrosis prevention, which includes exercises, lifestyle changes, and advice on proper movement.
Exercises to strengthen the knee and leg muscles:
One of the most effective ways to prevent gonarthrosis is by strengthening the muscles around the knee and legs. Strong muscles provide joint stability and reduce stress on the joint cartilage, thereby lowering the risk of damage. At the In Locco Physio and Aesthetic Center, our physiotherapists use specialized exercises to strengthen the quadriceps (front of the thigh), hamstrings (back of the thigh), and calf muscles. These exercises improve knee stability and reduce joint pressure, which is crucial for preventing gonarthrosis.
Through physical therapy, kinesitherapy, and targeted exercise plans, we increase flexibility, strength, and balance, thereby reducing the risk of injuries and joint deterioration. Exercises may include lunges, squats, resistance band exercises, stability training, and similar activities that help maintain healthy knee function.
Healthy lifestyle and weight management:
Excess body weight is one of the main risk factors for developing gonarthrosis, as it increases the load on joints, especially the knees. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce pressure on joint cartilage and prolong its functionality. At the In Locco Physio and Aesthetic Center, we advise all our patients to commit to a healthy diet, which involves a balance of macronutrients and micronutrients while avoiding excessive calorie intake.
Moreover, an active lifestyle is key in preventing gonarthrosis. We recommend regular exercise, including aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, which do not overly stress the joints but improve muscle strength and endurance.
Advice on proper movement and ergonomics:
Proper ergonomics and movement patterns can significantly contribute to gonarthrosis prevention. Our team at In Locco provides education on how to stand, sit, lift objects, and move properly to reduce joint stress, especially on the knees. For example, we recommend maintaining good posture while sitting and wearing comfortable footwear that provides adequate support.
Through ergonomic advice at the workplace and during daily activities, we reduce the risk of strain and damage to the knee joints. We also recommend the use of assistive devices such as crutches or braces when necessary, which further reduce pressure on the knees, especially for people with prior injuries or existing symptoms.
Prevention of gonarthrosis is largely in our hands, and by implementing these preventive measures, we can significantly lower the risk of developing this disease. At the In Locco Physio and Aesthetic Center, we offer a comprehensive approach to the treatment and prevention of gonarthrosis through physiotherapy treatments, education, and counseling to help our patients maintain the health of their knees and joints for the long term.