How should cartilage wear in the knee joint be treated?
Dec 24, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, knee cartilage wear may be caused by excessive joint use and strain, overweight or obesity, chondromalacia patellae, degenerative knee joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other factors. Measures such as general treatment and medication can be taken to improve the condition. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and engaging in appropriate exercise regularly can help prevent the occurrence of knee cartilage wear.
Generally, knee cartilage wear and tear may be caused by excessive joint use and strain, excessive body weight, chondromalacia patellae, degenerative knee joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other factors. General treatment and medication can help improve the condition. It is important to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment. Specific details are as follows:
1. Excessive joint use and strain: Long-term participation in high-intensity physical activities or frequent use of the knee joints, such as in athletes, dancers, and laborers, may cause repeated compression and friction of the knee cartilage, leading to wear and tear. Reduce high-intensity physical activities, avoid prolonged standing or walking, and maintain correct posture and adequate rest during exercise.
2. Excessive body weight: Being overweight increases the load on the knee joints, placing greater pressure on the cartilage and accelerating the wear process. Obesity may also lead to other health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension, which can indirectly affect the health of the knee cartilage. Losing weight through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise can help reduce the load on the knee joints.
3. Chondromalacia patellae: Chondromalacia patellae occurs when the cartilage between the patella and femur is damaged due to intense physical activity or trauma, leading to cartilage wear and degeneration and resulting in joint swelling. Follow medical advice to take medications such as celecoxib capsules, meloxicam tablets, or diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets for pain relief.
4. Degenerative knee joint disease: Degenerative knee joint disease is a natural physiological change. As age increases, knee cartilage gradually degenerates and wears away, leading to narrowing of the joint space and uneven joint surfaces, manifesting as knee pain. Under a doctor's guidance, take medications such as ibuprofen tablets, acetaminophen tablets, or compound chondroitin sulfate tablets for pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and replenishment of proteoglycans in the cartilage.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis causes the immune system to attack and damage the knee joint cartilage, leading to cartilage wear and degeneration, accompanied by general fatigue. Follow medical advice to use medications such as methotrexate tablets, hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, or Zhui Feng Tou Gu Wan to inhibit the production of rheumatoid factors and relieve pain.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and engaging in appropriate physical exercise in daily life can help prevent knee cartilage wear.
