How to treat knee osteoarthritis at home

Medical hospital therapy is not the only way to treat arthrosis. The disease has a chronic course and is difficult to eliminate. In advanced forms of the pathology, irreversible changes occur, and to maintain the condition, a therapeutic regimen is prescribed that the 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 aware of the contraindications for using the treatment regimen. Correct assessment of the condition and complete familiarization with contraindications will help protect against disease complications and make therapy as effective as possible.

Main contraindications for traditional medicine:

• oncological diseases;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• diabetes;
• bronchitis with an asthmatic component;
• allergic reactions to medicinal plants or food used in a certain recipe;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• chronic infectious diseases;
• 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 in the form of goiter (autoimmune or toxic origin).

Before starting the treatment, it is recommended to consult a doctor, because it is difficult or even impossible to cure arthrosis of the knee joint at home with only folk recipes. During 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 suitable folk recipes. It is better to immediately make a choice of a few of the most suitable drugs and ask about the possibility of their use and the desired effect.

Treatment of the disease at home is recommended:

• after an accurate diagnosis. First, you will need 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 supplement drug treatment. The entire phase of therapy should take place under the supervision of a doctor and with regular clinical tests;

• external and oral means 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 eliminate pain and heal 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 complexly at home. The basis of each therapeutic course is a change in diet.

In malnutrition, there are 3 main violations:

• metabolic disease. One of the key reasons for the development of arthrosis is the lack of nutrients in the cartilage tissue;
• lack of micronutrients. The knee joint needs building materials for tissue regeneration, even with a good metabolism, in the presence of a lack of trace elements, rapid wear occurs;
• obesity. Eating fatty and unhealthy food not only damages the metabolism, the health of the internal organs, but also causes an increase in the 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 obese people is many times higher.

A balanced diet is the key to the patient's recovery and reduction of symptoms. With a properly prepared diet, all body systems are restored, and body weight correction is possible. 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 milk products, as well as from sesame, parmesan, basil;
• vegetable fibers: all kinds of vegetables, herbs and fruits.

The basis of the diet should be complex carbohydrates, they should make up to 80% of the calories in the diet. The condition of the joints is positively affected by dishes prepared on the basis of tendons of animal origin: natural jelly, aspic, extracts from bull joints, jelly, etc.

The diet should be more:

• various dairy products;
• legumes;
• fresh vegetables with herbs, but you should eat less cabbage, tomatoes, peppers;
• pasta and bread (it is better to choose whole grains);
• various cereals, except 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 harmful food residues. Intake of vegetables, fruits, rice, along with decoctions of juniper, birch or nettle leaves, will help to remove toxins and improve digestive function.

How to repair the 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 damaged 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 brace helps distribute the load evenly over the entire limb.

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

Basic rules for wearing bandages:

• the bandage is applied firmly but moderately. Strong compression of adjacent tissues often leads to worsening of the disease;
• before applying the bandage, the leg is straightened;
• burdock leaves or a honey poultice will help improve the effect of the bandage, they are placed under the material;
• if pain or discomfort occurs, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

The technique is also prescribed in the relapse phase 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 knee osteoarthritis at home?

The main condition of therapy is to cure the disease safely, all risky procedures are contraindicated. To determine the risk, the patient should always consult with the attending orthopedist or rheumatologist. During communication with the 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, because they can cause dangerous side effects: increased inflammation, allergies and disruption of various internal systems.

Gymnastics for arthrosis

Joint diseases almost always require special joint care. 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, exercise "bicycle" is performed. With breaks, the movement should last 15 minutes.
2. Lying on your back, pull the leg, bent at the knee, and then straighten it. It is recommended to do 20 repetitions for each limb.
3. They sit on a chair and straighten their legs, fingers reaching behind them. In the process of movement, 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 access, it is better to perform 30 repetitions.
5. Frequent walking, at least 20-30 minutes a day.

This method can not only treat, but also prevent the worsening 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 in the initial stage of the disease. It helps relieve pain, reduce swelling, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. You need to prepare the ice in advance and think about the appropriate position of the body so that you do not do this while preparing the compress. 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 waited for 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. There should be no burning sensation after applying the coating, if it burns, cool it down to a warm state. The method helps to eliminate pain.

Medicinal infusions and decoctions

One of the most effective ways to relieve pain in knee arthrosis at home are decoctions, tinctures for internal and external use. They are designed to slow down osteoarthritis and improve well-being. The recipes are based on various medicinal plants and extracts. With their help, the metabolism in joint tissues is restored, pain sensations are dampened 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 it is forbidden to use:

• persons prone to alcohol addiction;
• patients with liver and kidney insufficiency;
• in violation of the function of the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organ disorders.

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

• bay leaf decoction. The plant removes knee swelling 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 ignited, boiled and cooked for 15 minutes. Then the soup is poured into a thermos and left to stand overnight. The prepared mixture is consumed for 3 days at 200 ml in small sips during the day. It is important to adhere to the dose, no more than 200 ml per day, and also to adhere to a diet based on: vegetables, fruits, herbs;
• Lilac flower tincture. 100 g of lilac color is useful for cooking. The flowers are poured with vodka (you can use distilled water). The infusion process lasts 1-2 weeks, and then the composition is filtered and stored in a darkened room. Take 30-40 drops before meals for breakfast and dinner;
• herbal tincture. You will need 2 tbsp. l. parsley seeds, dandelion rhizomes (crushed), buckthorn, fennel. The mentioned plant 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 meals;
• tincture of beetroot, cranberry and radish (black variety). The listed ingredients are peeled, passed through a meat grinder. 0. 5 l of cognac is poured into the obtained composition, and then everything is mixed. In a dark, cold place, the mixture is infused for 10 days, this is necessary for the acquisition of medicinal properties. After settling, the mixture is filtered and left in the refrigerator. Take 1 tbsp. l. in the morning, 10 minutes before eating.

Infusions for external use

Popular recipes for tinctures for external use:

• 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, it is necessary 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 over it. The infusion process lasts 30 days. A suitable place should be at room temperature and protected from the sun. After straining the dandelion, rub the composition on your knees every evening. A wool scarf is attached over the product.

Compresses in the treatment of arthrosis and methods of their application

When comparing the effectiveness of applications and ointments, the former show the best results. During treatment, it is better to give priority to proven recipes.

cabbage compress

Cooking algorithm:

1. Cut the cabbage and put it in a juicer.
2. A warm handkerchief is soaked in the juice of the plant, which is then placed on the painful area.
3. Use the compresses 1 time a day before going to bed.

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

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

Both wraps improve well-being and relieve discomfort. Duration of therapy is 1 month.

Compress with honey and bile

The preparation of the compress takes place in several stages:

1. Mix glycerin, honey, therapeutic bile, 5% iodine solution and 10% ammonia.
2. The composition is left in a dark, cold place for 10 days.
3. Before application, the composition is slightly heated and placed on the fabric.
4. The patch with the medicine is attached to the leg with a plastic film, and a warm scarf or scarf is placed on top.

To increase healing, the procedure is done at night, and the poultice is left until morning. Patients notice a complete removal of pain, sometimes the effectiveness is not inferior to injections.

Compress with horseradish

recipe:

1. Horseradish root is 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. Keep the medicine until the pain is completely gone.

Thistle compress

The compress will bring a positive effect when collecting fresh plant leaves 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 them.
2. They wait for the leaves to evaporate in order to start releasing useful substances, and then they are applied to the affected area.
3. Place a layer of plastic wrap and warm material on top.

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

Compress with dimethyl sulfoxide

This is a drug with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, which is often used to make poultices 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 gauze 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

In terms of their application properties, they do not differ from coverings. There are many variants of application in traditional medicine. Often boiled leaves of aloe, celandine, thistle and cabbage are used to relieve pain and remove inflammation. Before application, all the leaves are well washed and slightly swollen (you can crush, cut), the purpose of the procedure is to release the juice from the leaf. Applications are placed on the affected area, wrapped with a warm cloth. Store about 6-8 hours worth of sheets.

A rather unusual method of therapy is foil treatment. Leafy foods change the energy of muscles and joints. Patients claim that pain and inflammation are alleviated after the application. The film is wrapped around the entire limb or affected area.

Baths

Treatment of arthrosis at home often involves the use of therapeutic baths. They have a beneficial effect not only on the organ with pathology, but also improve the condition of the entire 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.

Additives are used to provide medicinal properties:

• 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 get mud (it must be medicinal) in deposits or buy it in pharmacies, the technique is also applicable at home. Mud applications warm the joint and enrich the cartilaginous tissues with useful microcomponents.

When heating with mud, the following is additionally used:

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

Medicinal ointments and rubs

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

Garlic

Garlic is a storehouse of useful substances, it is not surprising that it is rubbed 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. Place the container in a place protected from light for 1 week.

There is no limit to the time of use of rubbing, but the effectiveness is slightly higher in the evening. It is better to use it in the evening because of its specific smell. If rubbed in the morning, the 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 the rub to the affected area and hold until the discomfort disappears.

Eggs and apple cider vinegar

Preparation and application:

1. The 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 it in the evening and leave it until the morning, wrapped in a warm cloth from above.

Mom

Production and use:

1. Mix 100 g of honey with 3 g of mummy.
2. After preparation, the mixture is applied to the skin near the affected joint, preferably before going to bed.
3. The treatment lasts 1 week.

You can supplement the prescription with the internal use of mummy, but the medicine has contraindications.

Warming mustard oil

recipe:

1. Mix 100 g of mustard (in powder form) with 200 g of low fraction salt and a small piece of melted paraffin.
2. Whisk the mixture until it forms a paste.
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 in 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 in the oil infusion with massaging 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 egg becomes foamy and all the ingredients are well mixed. The mixture is applied to the affected area at night, the place is covered with a bandage from above. The course continues until recovery.

Animal fats

Animal fat, especially badger fat, is extremely effective for joint and muscle diseases. Other healthy types of fat are pork and visceral. The substance is rubbed into the affected joints for 1 month.

Alternative treatments

Non-traditional areas of medicine are often used as adjunctive therapies. They are based on the experience of Eastern healers, combined with modern scientific achievements.

The basis of antiarthrosis treatment can be used:

• ozonotherapy;
• treatment of leeches;
• apitherapy;
• pharmacopuncture together with acupuncture;
• chiu energy treatment;
• moxibustion;
• manual treatment.

The only disadvantage of the direction is the complexity of implementation with one's own hand, because it is necessary to have the appropriate knowledge in each direction.

Hirudotherapy or leech therapy

The positive effect of leeches is due to the special composition of saliva, which leads to the removal of swelling, relief of inflammation and pain. Hirudin and other specific enzymes enter the patient's bloodstream, which increase blood fluidity, promote an increase in the quality of blood circulation and relieve pain.

Apitherapy or treatment of knee joints with bees

Bees are of great use not only for their waste products, but even their venom can help a patient with arthritis. Bee venom belongs to the group of strong allergens, before applying 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 brings a good effect.

Acupuncture

The technique involves influencing bioactive points, the procedure has a number of different effects:

• restores metabolism;
• helps to strengthen the immune system in the fight against pathology;
• accelerates the flow of lymph and blood;
• relieves spasms and painful phenomena;
• improves well-being;
• restores joint functions.

Today, acupuncture can be performed in several versions:

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

Kinesiotherapy

Movement therapy is prescribed for all joint pathologies. The way of performing the movement is determined individually.

By regularly performing the procedure, it is possible to:

• learn how to move properly so as not to injure the painful joint;
• increase muscle tone;
• develop relationships;
• increase in stretch;
• restore cartilage function.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is particularly dangerous due to the complications and irreversibility of the process. 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 diseases and improve the quality of life.