Knee Arthritis|Knock Knees|Virtual Knee Surgery

For those who have knee problems and arthritis of the knee there maybe a need in the future to replace the human knee entirely? That is right an artificial knee. Why do so many people have knee problems these days?

Well, consider if you will that your average American is carrying around about an extra twenty pounds of weight these days and what that means over the years to our knees? Additionally the lack of exercise, which along with the food we eat is complimenting this problem; our knees do not have the proper muscles in them to handle our demands.

It is for these reasons that knee replacements are increasing at an astronomical rate. Arthritis of the knee is such a common complaint in fact some say one in five people have it over the age of 55. Luckily science is moving ahead with better and better knee replacements these days. Some is due to soldier injuries and repairs, but most is due to sheer need of our society for replacement knees.

Of course if you end up getting a replacement knee it can cost anywhere from 25,000 to 60,000 depending on what you get and where you go. This means if you have high insurance deductibles you need to be thinking ahead and saving your money and make plans for going easy on your knees for weeks after the operations. Think on this in 2006.

Sports related injuries, specifically the ligamentous injuries to the knee, are quite common these days, thanks to the dramatic increase in young population's interest and participation in sports.

Of the sports-related injuries, particularly to the lower limbs, rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the most common, accounting for approximately 200,000 injuries in the United States annually.

ACL
Anyone thinking about undergoing surgery for ACL rupture should understand what exactly ACL is. It is one of four major ligaments (strong bands of tissue) that connect the three knee bones- the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (knee cap), which together form the bone structure of the knee joint. This knee joint is held together by the anterior cruciate (ACL), medial collateral (MCL), lateral collateral (LCL), and posterior cruciate (PCL) ligaments.

Made of multiple non-parallel fibers, ACL is a broad ligament that joins the femur and the tibia bones. It controls backward and forward range of motion of the lower leg, controls the rotational movements of the knee and provides mechanical stability to the knee.

ACL Injury
The commonest cause of ACL rupture is a sharp or sudden change in the force being applied to the knee joint during sports activities. A ligament can be damaged if the knee is sharply twisted or extended beyond its normal range of motion. This may occur either on the football field, after fall on the snow fields or in a motor vehicle accident.

ACL injuries can range from mild (small tears) to severe (complete ACL tear), and cause swelling, extensive knee pain and instability in the knee.

While partially torn ACL can be restored to its pre-injury state through progressive physical therapy and rehabilitation, surgical intervention is usually advised in cases where the knee has suffered combined injuries i.e. ACL tear or rupture in combination with other injuries in the meniscus, articular cartilage, or other ligaments.

Nonsurgical Treatment
In non-operative treatment, physical therapy combined with patient education can help patients restore their knee to a condition close to its pre-injury state.

In the ACL tears rehab program patients are taught how to avoid knee instability problems and maintain range of motion. They learn strengthening exercises to regain stability by improving their muscle strength.

A knee brace may be involved in non surgical treatment, especially for those who want to return to sports. Standard ACL rehab often takes 7 to 9 months until full strength and function of the ruptured knee are restored.

Nonsurgical treatment is likely to be successful in patients who suffered partial tears and no instability symptoms. Those who are willing to give up high-demand sports and live sedentary lifestyles may simply consider ACL rehab program.

Surgical Intervention
Surgical reconstruction of the ACL is usually advised to patients dealing with combined injuries.

A torn ACL is not usually repaired using suture to sew it back to the bone, because repaired ACL may fail over time. Therefore, it is necessary to completely replace the injured ligament with a by a substitute graft made of tendon taken from another part of the body or external source.

Patients with a torn ACL and significant functional instability often remain at a significantly high risk of developing secondary knee damage and should, therefore, consider ACL reconstruction surgery.

By some estimates, approximately 100,000 ACL reconstruction surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Patients who undergo ACL reconstruction surgery show impressive long-term success rate, up to 95 percent in most cases.

If you do opt to have surgery as your main treatment for combined ligament injuries, you can expect to undergo at least four months of physical therapy and rehabilitation afterward.

The concept of knee joint replacement continues to offer patients a significant increase in mobility and motion as well as a decrease in pain and discomfort. Joints commonly replaced are those of the knee and the hip. Joint replacement remains an elective procedure and requires a high degree of patient understanding, education, and cooperation. The patient must assume responsibility for physical therapy, exercises and weight control.

Usually joint replacement is done especially for severely destroyed joint surfaces as in arthritis, necrosis and other degenerative diseases. When the pain is increasing in severity, doctors would recommend this procedure. Moreover, it is done when there is decreased mobility and when a person has an inability to perform activities of daily living. Persons with irregularities of the joint surface such as following a fracture or instability of the bones are good candidates for a joint replacement.

Knee Arthroplasty or Total Knee Joint replacement is a medical procedure wherein the distal femur, proximal tibia, and articulating surfaces of the patella are replaced with prosthesis. Infection is a disastrous complication in knee replacement, so prophylactic antibacterial medications are administered and aseptic technique is strictly followed.

This procedure requires a considerable amount of patient compliance. The emphasis is on progressive exercise and prevention of complications. Following surgery, the knee is immobilized and the exercise program started as soon as possible. Many patients begin continuous passive motion using a mechanical device that flexes and extends the knee at a set range and rate. These are gradually increased as prescribed by the physician.

The goal of the exercise program is to achieve more than 90 degrees of flexion and full extension. Most patients remain on the machine when not ambulating. The continuous range of motion to the joints decreases postoperative pain, bleeding and possibly the incidence of deep vein thrombosis.

As the patient goes out of the hospital, it is of utmost importance to continue with the exercise regimen. This is to prevent scarring and instability. The wound will be monitored on follow-up checkups. However, it is the person's responsibility to monitor any signs of complications like infection especially at home. Contact sports or any activities that would involve pressure and stress on the operative site is prohibited. The recommended exercise is swimming because it increases muscle strength and at the same time prevents any pressure on the joints.

Home medications must be complied properly. In the future, when the patient will undergo other elective surgery or procedure, he must inform the physician that he has an artificial joint or knee. This is due to the fact that the prosthesis can be a good area for possible infection. Aside from the medications, the patient must take note of his diet to control his weight. Increase in weight can place pressure on the joints and thus would complicate things.

There are many things that the patient needs to know especially when it comes to total knee joint replacement. These important details will enlighten the patient about the procedure and also be informed of the things that he needs to do and the things that he must not do.

Collagen protein (Type II Collagen) is the most abundant fibrous protein found in our body, representing 30% of total body protein AND up to 70% of the proteins in our connective tissues. Collagen is essential for the healthy growth and development of muscles, tendons and bones, giving structure to tendons, cartilage tissue, and connective tissue.

Our body produces and stores collagen protein during our youth; unfortunately, as we age, our collagen protein level decreases and our body cannot produce or rebuild the collagen level on its own. From the age of 25 our collagen levels reduce at about 1.5% every year as part of the aging process, as well as, the body's natural ability to repair supporting connective tissue (bone, joints, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, hair and nails) begins to diminish. By the age of 45 our collagen levels will have been reduced by up to 30%. When the body's collagen production is reduced, both cartilage strength and all the body systems that contain cartilage are affected. This reduction contributes to an increase in general aches and pains in our joints and muscles and longer recovery times from injuries.

Collagen Hydrolysate can replace the collagen our body is no longer producing. Collagen Hydrolysate is collagen effectively broken down to facilitate easy absorption by the body. Although collagen hydrolysate is found in a mixed diet which includes meat and other animal produce, (vegan diets do not contain any collagen hydrolysate), an insufficient intake of collagen hydrolysate is relatively common. Due to the limited food choices in our diets and the wear and tear that occurs with the natural aging process (and even greater risks for those who participate in strenuous jobs or recreational activities or are predisposed to joint disease), a collagen supplement is vital.

Collagen Hydrolysate is an ideal nutritional supplement and preventive for anyone wanting to stay fit and healthy. Collagen Hydrolysate can play a vital role for those individuals at risk of developing joint disease. Such at-risk populations include: older individuals, especially 50 years or older; being overweight; those whose occupational activities predispose to osteoarthritis (ex. jobs involving repeated knee bending); individuals participating in extensive non-occupational physical activities including recreational running/walkers, cyclists, gardeners, soccer/football players; those with a history of significant joint or ligament injury; and individuals with a family history suggesting a genetic predisposition to any form of arthritis. Collagen Hydrolysate can even benefit individuals who already suffer from degenerative joint disease and arthritic conditions by reducing inflammation, decreasing pain, (thus reducing pain medications) and improving joint function, flexibility and mobility.

To find out more information about Calotren, Better Joints, or any of our health supplements, please visit our website.

Remember...it's your life...your health....live well.

Should you let an adult child come home again? Parents send their nearly grown children out to conquer the world and sometimes they bounce right back home. A parent's goal is to teach their child to survive the best and the worst that life has to offer. Most young people are able to maintain a level of existence, sobriety and relationships that sustain them until they really know who they are and what they want to do with their lives.

However, sometimes life throws them a curve and they falter. Circumstances can hurt them, even bring them to their knees. A devastating break-up with a lover, flunking their first semester, an unexpected death of a best friend, or getting fired from his or her first real job can knock your child out of the game and take months to a year to recover.

Did you keep their childhood bedroom just the same? Perhaps this is the time to open the shades and prepare for a wounded visitor. Make it clear that the invitation is temporary but open your door widely and let them come home again. As irritating as they are to you and your spouse, remember that your little habits will irritate them, too. As they begin to recover their sea legs, they will want the freedom of their own place ASAP. If you want to encourages them to leave quickly after a few weeks recovery, begin to talk endlessly about developing a strong work ethic and new disciplined habits in place of blaming others for their situation or procrastination. Hopefully, they will soon be out seeking new adventures.

Help them improve their diet and sleep patterns. Try including fish oil and B vitamins daily to help them recharge their nerves and bodies. Less coffee and colas and more vegetables will help them with their mood. If your child seems to be getting worse or rarely leaves the house, antidepressants may be indicated. Get medical help immediately if your child seems despondent or suicidal.

Being mom or dad again may even heal your empty nest pain. Give them a safe haven for a little while away from the pressures of living fast and competitively. Soon, they will try to fly again, this time a little wiser, a little stronger and a bit more ready. Oh, and don't redecorate that room just yet. They may be back.

Mistake #1 - You Don't Have Situational Awareness - Situational awareness means you see the "orange alert" signals of suspicious and dangerous-looking behavior on the part of suspicious and dangerous-looking individuals.

Solution: You must trust your "gut" instinct. When you feel that something is wrong or not right in a strange environment, pay attention to those feelings. Don't ignore the individual with the shifty eyes wearing the thick wool overcoat in the middle of a hot summer August day with his hand placed inside of his coat pocket.

Mistake #2 - You Don't Look Around For Objects In Your Environment Which Can Be Used As Weapons - Forget about nunchakus, shiroken stars, bo staffs and kung fu swords that ridiculously many sifus teach the use in kung fu schools. This ain't ancient China folks! You are not going to walk around with any of these ancient weapons. One, the law won't allow it, and Two, most of them are too complicated to maneuver and use expertly. How many times have you seen on America's Funniest Videos someone demonstrating the use of nunchakus and then wind up hitting himself in the "family jewels"?

Solution: If you see a ketchup bottle in a fast food restaurant, (or any hard and easy to grab object), if necessary, grab it and use it. If you have a cup of hot coffee (or cup of any liquid for that matter) throw it in the face of an aggressor unexpectedly, then kick hard several times to the shins, and follow through with other blows.

Mistake #3 - Allowing An Obvious Aggressor To Strike First - This is a judgment call, but there is a point where the situation moves from a gray area to jet black. If someone gets verbal with you, but is just yelling and screaming while standing in the same place, this is usually a sign that he is not a real threat but is just letting off steam. Now, if that same person starts to clench his fist, start moving in aggressively toward your personal space even though you are stepping back - now it's time to use a preemptive strike.

Solution: You strike first and fast in a way and in an area that will devastate him and stop him cold in his tracks. Best first blow? Front kick his shins hard a couple of times, and follow up with an eye rake, tiger claw, fingers curled inward from top to bottom over the eyes or a 45 degree angle close range foot stomp to the knee.

Mistake #4 - Not Continuing Your Attack After You Have Committed To Executing The First Blow - In street combat, it is a dangerous mindset to want to just "control" the situation or placate the attacker. I know of a case where a brown belt in kung fu got into an altercation with an individual whom he swiftly and luckily managed to knock to the ground with a high round house kick to the face (the type of kick that I would not recommend in a street combat situation) anyway, to make a long story short, when the guy hit the ground after that kick to the face, he feigned being hurt more than he actually was. When the brown belt bent over to "talk" to the guy to calm him down, and as he was explaining how unnecessary it was for them to be fighting, the guy on the ground quietly grabbed a brick and smashed it into the brown belt's skull, knocking him unconscious and giving him a brain concussion.

Solution: Once your commit to hitting someone with the first blow, make sure it is a blow that counts and - don't stop hitting - until your attacker is either completely subdued or knocked out.

Mistake #5 - Trying To Do High Aerial Kicks Instead Of Low Line Kicks - Forget Bruce Lee. Forget Jackie Chan. Forget Jet Li. Forget the movies. This is real life. You are not trying to fight pretty, look cool or feel like an action hero. This is not sports fighting. This is not tournament fighting. You are, in many cases fighting for your life or the safety of your loved ones.

Solution: Fight to survive. Fight low down and dirty. Kick the shins. Kick the knees. Kick the groin if you have a clean shot at it. But never kick higher than waist level. Save that for the Hollywood movie producers. You job is just to save your life.

Ever since Marcel Proust wrote about the ability to transport one's emotions via smells in Remembrances of Things Past, the use of olfaction (smelling) stimulators has fascinated many people, including physicians.

One type of alternative medical treatment is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of essential plant oils either massaged into the skin, added to bath water, inhaled directly or diffused into the surrounding environment.

More conventional physicians are also beginning to look into the medical properties of aromatherapy in the treatment of diseases. There are more than 200 oils, which are often used in combination to treat different problems, including headaches and insomnia.

The essential plant oils are obtained from the flowers, leaves, stems, buds, branches, or roots. The oils are extracted through a variety of methods such as steam distillation or cold-pressing.

When an essential oil is inhaled, the molecules enter the nose and stimulate the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system influences emotions and memories and is complexly linked to other areas such as the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. Through these connections, it is possible to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, stress, memory, hormone balance, and breathing. The essential oils used in aroma therapy are then theoretically able to have physiologic effects that may alter emotions or pain perception.

Essential oils can be toxic when taken internally so they should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified professional.

Aromatherapy blends for the treatment of arthritis are usually made from pure essential oils, but also from hydrosols and -- more recently -- phytols. For application to the skin during massage they need to be mixed with vegetable oil, a cream base or a carrier lotion. Essential oils must always be used diluted when applied to the skin. A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is generally regarded as very effective and safe.

Examples of some oils which have been used to treat arthritis include:
Benzoin, Chamomile, Camphor, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Hyssop, and Rosemary.

Few well-controlled studies have been done to formally test aromatherapy in arthritis. One recent uncontrolled observation was made by an orthopedic surgeon in Japan.

Dr. Nobumasa Shiba, director of orthopedic surgery at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital, became interested in aromatherapy as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis in knee joints, which occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears away. About 1 million people in Japan have the degenerative condition.

To test the effectiveness and safety of aromatherapy for patients, Shiba carried out an experiment on a group of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Thirty-six patients, aged 40 or older who had had physical symptoms for more than three months, were entered into the uncontrolled trial.

The thirty-six patients massaged lavender oil, effective for pain, and rosemary camphor oil, to improve circulation, into their knees in the morning and evening for two weeks.

More than 75 per cent of the patients said their symptoms, including pain, had lessened.

The uncontrolled nature of this study obviously makes interpretation suspect.

A form of aromatherapy used by thousands of people in the United States on a daily basis are menthol-based topical arthritis rubs.

Aromatherapy needs to be studied more intensely before it can be formally recommended as a standard treatment for arthritis. It does seem to help with symptoms in some people. There is no evidence it has any effect on slowing the progression of arthritis.

At birth, all babies are somewhat bow legged because, within the cramped space in the uterus, the legs are likely to fold over each other. This condition is referred to as genu varum in medical parlance. (In Latin, genu means knees and varum means inwardly curved.) In the simplest terms, legs are defined as bowed if, when the ankles touch each other, the unbent knees do not. In practically all cases, mildly bowed legs correct themselves, even if the condition persists until the child is three years old. When only one leg is bowed, however, the cause may be a turning in of the leg bone resulting from a birth injury or an inherited degenerative disease of the knee.

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures

A pediatrician normally checks a baby's legs during routine examinations. If the bowing is less than 20 degrees, chances are that the problem will correct itself. However, a bowing of more 20 degrees after the age of 18 months, or one that is progressing or causing pain when walking, should be investigated by a pediatric orthopedist. Mildly bowed legs that fail to straighten out spontaneously by the time the child is four years old also warrant an evaluation by an orthopedist. In arriving at a diagnosis, the doctor will ask about family medical history, nutrition, and any birth injuries. An X-ray may show bone deformities or injuries. If there is a family history of bowlegs and knock knees, a genetic disorder is likely. Other possibilities include Blount's disease, or tibial osteochondrosis, in which the shin bone curves inward because the growth plate ceases to function normally. This abnormality may develop in children who walk early, or who are very short or obese. It may appear also during the adolescent growth spurt. Bowlegs may indicate rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency due either to an inadequate amount in the diet, a lack of exposure to sunlight, or a genetic inability to absorb the vitamin. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body cannot utilize calcium, and the result is soft and deformed bones. Nutritional rickets is very rare in the United States, thanks to fortified milk and other basic foods that are enriched with vitamin D. Laboratory tests can detect the genetic form.

Medical Treatments

If the bowing is severe or worsening, braces and surgery are the first options to be considered. Correction should be undertaken as early as possible, first with braces, and if this treatment shows no positive results, with surgery to correct the faulty knee structure . Blount's disease usually requires surgery to rotate the shin bone to its proper position. Otherwise the condition may eventually result in disabling problems of the knee joints. Nutritional rickets is treated with large doses of vitamin D. The treatment of rickets that is caused by a genetic metabolic defect will vary depending on the nature of the disorder.

Alternative Therapies

Responsible practitioners of acupuncture, chiropractic, and most other alternative therapies would not undertake the basic treatment of bowlegs. Some alternative therapies, however, may improve the under lying causes.

Light Therapy

Exposure to sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp stimulates the skin's production of vitamin D. Be careful when exposing a baby to the sun, however, because of the danger of sunburn. A few minutes in the early morning or late afternoon two or three times a week is all that is usually needed.

Massage Therapies

Massage, using gentle manipulative exercises by a practitioner trained in pediatric care, may be helpful. Physical therapists on the staffs of orthopedic clinics are also knowledgeable about these techniques, and can show you how to exercise the child's legs yourself.

Nutrition Therapy

If a physician has determined that a dietary deficiency or a metabolic abnormality is the cause of bowlegs, she may suggest that a nutrition therapist be consulted to prescribe the appropriate amounts of such supplements as calcium and vitamin D. Careful monitoring is necessary when giving a young child supplements of these nutrients because they are stored in the body and excessive amounts can result in severe liver damage, metabolic abnormalities, and kidney disorders.

Self Treatment

When a baby appears to be bowlegged, parents should not encourage early walking, which can exacerbate the problem. They should also avoid bulky diapers, which can push the development of bowlegs, especially when a baby starts standing and attempting to walk. If your baby is overweight, consult a pediatrician about a change in diet.

Other Causes of Bowlegs

In rare cases, an inherited metabolic disorder called neurofibromatosis may produce leg bowing and other neuromuscular abnormalities. Sometimes bowing occurs as a result of a fracture in the growth plate, or metaphyses, the part of a long bone that abuts the cartilage and covers the end of the bone. This condition usually corrects itself as the bone heals.

You may have suffered painful or weak knees from overusing them. If so, maybe the Cho Pat knee strap can help you

How does the knee strap help your injury? The knee is kept well supported while allowing a good range of mobility. This is what the Cho Pat knee strap was designed to do. This is because the strap is made from neoprene which is a flexible synthetic rubber.

The extra support you get, helps to stabilize, compress and make the overall kneecap structure stronger. This is achieved when pressure is applied to the tendon below the kneecap (patella tendon) as well as the tendon above the kneecap.

If you have patella tracking disorder, this strap may be able to help you. Patella tracking disorder is when the patella (kneecap) shifts out of place as the leg bends or straightens. When you walk or run, you may also experience grinding noises, clicking or popping sounds. The strap can help to keep the kneecap straight and reduce the problem.

If you suffer from patellofemorial syndrome which is also known as chondromalacia patella or runner's knee. The strap can help provide relief from these conditions. This common knee injury occurs from friction between the patella and groove in the thigh bone (femur) or from injury to the patella. The pain worsens when climbing stairs, kneeling or sitting for long periods.

If you use the Cho Pat knee strap, you may reduce the chance of developing iliotibial band syndrome (ITB). This is an injury to the thigh usually associated with activities like cycling, weightlifting, jogging or hiking. You will feel a slight pain to the outside of your knee just above the knee joint if you have ITB.

If you experience pain or discomfort from jumper's knee also known as patella tendonitis, the Cho Pat knee strap may help. If you have this condition, you will find that the tendon and tissues that surround it become inflamed. This usually occurs from overuse particularly in jumping activities. You will feel pain just above the patella tendon.

Who are Cho-Pat? They produce sports medical braces. The company has wide range of products to relieve the pain from a number of knee injuries which are aimed at athletes.

Their most recognized product is the Cho-Pat knee strap. It was developed to help those with weak, degenerated and overused knees. The strap was developed to provide good support to the knee structure while allowing a good range of mobility for the wearer.

Is your knee giving you problems?

Debilitating pain combined with a progressively limited range of motion is symptomatic of degenerative knee cartilage. Also called osteoarthritis, this condition is indicated by the wearing away of the cartilage in the knee, which could be caused by old age, excessive repetitive movements, or excessive pressure.

What is Cartilage? What Role does it Play?

Cartilage is an elastic substance that covers the ends of the leg bones where they meet at the knee joint. The cartilage is smooth and slippery, allowing for proper movement within the knee, which enables a person to flex their leg without feeling pain. The elasticity allows of the cartilage to act as a shock absorber, preventing severe damage if and when there is any impact to the knees.

When this knee cartilage breaks down the cushioning effect is lost. When this happens the bones in the joint can grate against each other during any movement, causing excruciating pain.

Cartilage typically undergoes a natural rate of degeneration as the individual gets older. In effect, after a certain age, every person will experience some degree of degenerative knee cartilage; the only difference being in the severity of the condition and the impact it has on the individual's mobility.

What are the Treatment Options for Degenerative Knee Cartilage

Although typically osteoarthritis takes time to build up, it can eventually lead to the breakdown of all the cartilage in the knee. At its most severe, the only solution to the problem is surgery and radical reconstruction. This is only done when there is no other choice, however. The procedure is not risk-free and the patient may not regain anything close to the full range of motion the used to have at the joint.

For mild to moderate cases, however, there are several forms of less-invasive treatment that have proven effective for many individuals. Drug therapy using anti-inflammatory drugs have proven to be quite effective at reducing pain levels. Glucosamine and chondroitin have also proven to be quite effective at promoting regeneration of knee cartilage to some extent. (When using these treatment options you should always speak with your physician.)

The symptoms of degenerative cartilage can be very effectively managed using knee braces as a physical form of treatment. A brace is a device that is designed to wrap snugly around the knee which can provide meaningful support that can really help reduce knee pain and help maintain proper alignment.

What is the Prognosis for Degenerative Cartilage?

While degenerative knee cartilage is a progressive and incurable condition to have, the good news is it can be managed. If it is detected early enough, effective measures can be taken to prevent the condition from deteriorating even further and out of control. A brace worn over the knee will do much to hold the knee in place preventing inadvertent movement, which could cause further pain. In addition to being easily available and relatively inexpensive, knee supports are a great way to take your stability to the next level.