Knee Arthritis|Knock Knees|Virtual Knee Surgery

Are you currently experiencing sharp knee pain problems?Would you say that your knee discomfort is more like a sharp knee pain?When you try move your knees in certain ways, do your knees scream in pain, or make nasty popping, crunching sounds?Many people, young and old alike, experience knee pain in their knees. For some individuals, the knee discomfort can get so bad that basic knee functions make life a chore. - While avoiding the activities that cause pain may be one way to deal with the issue, it is certainly a difficult way to live, especially if you are an otherwise active and energetic person. Your mobility is limited, your activities are curtailed, and the pain is like a red flag that stops you from doing things you would like to do. This is a difficult way to go through life.So, what are the choices? How can you decrease your knee pain and get moving again with confidence? You might have looked around and found other possible options to be less than optimal for you. Expensive, unpleasant surgery? Sleeping with a bottle of pain killers at your bedside? Long, time consuming sessions of physical or occupational therapy?Fortunately, there is another alternative available. If you are one of the silent sufferers of knee pain when actively using your knee, the solution to your problem may be something as simple, convenient and non-invasive as a knee brace.Knee pain upon squatting or bending can be caused by a number of conditions, and only a qualified specialist can definitively diagnose your condition. However, whether the pain being caused by a misaligned or shifting patella (knee cap), too much stress on the muscles and ligaments in the knee, or any other of a number of conditions, chances are a knee brace can help. Not only can a knee brace offer additional support to the ligaments in the knee, but it can also help keep the knee correctly aligned and help keep the knee cap in place.Although evaluation by a qualified physician is always recommended, a knee brace, used alone or in conjunction with other medical treatment, could be your ticket to freedom from pain and a return to normal mobility.Now, if you are thinking that a custom made knee brace is simply out of reach financially, "brace" yourself for some more good news: the support you use does not necessarily have to be custom made. This means that you can save hundreds if not a thousand dollars. There are many kinds of knee support available on the market; some, soft and flexible, others, hinged and more rigid. Consequently, there is bound to be one that is right for you.

If you have ever suffered from pain in your knee then you are probably aware of how debilitating it can be. Doing any physical activity that requires the use of your knee becomes a chore that is dreaded. No matter what you do, your knee joint is one of the most commonly used joints in your entire body. Ensuring that you have knee pain relief is essential in learning how to manage your pain. Depending on the cause of your pain, there are many treatments that are available.People who have injured their knee in an accident should consider getting a knee brace or crutch to help relieve the pressure of the knee. Sometimes the best thing you can do if you have a serious knee injury is to rest. By resting your knee you can give your body a chance to go through the magical process of healing. When you are nursing and acute knee injury, icing is a very good way to help keep down some of the swelling. By regularly icing your knee off and on every 15 minutes, you will act to restrict the blood flow to the knee. This will help reduce some of the swelling that you may experience.For people who have chronic knee issues, you should consider finding a good treatment program to help you manage your pain. Knee pain relief is possible if you get a good program the puts a strong emphasis proactively treating your problem. Exercises like daily stretching and strengthening your surrounding muscles can help you alleviate some of the pain that you experience.

Have you ever spent a couple of hours in rush hour traffic and when you finally reach your destination, you can't get out of the car because of knee joint pain? This can be a humiliating experience if you have an audience when you finally do get out of the car and try to walk. Typically, within a little while you can walk it off, but wouldn't it be nice if this didn't happen at all?As we age our bodies don't produce enough of the substances we need to keep our bones and joints functioning as they did when we were younger. This gives us knee joint pain as well as other types of pain. Our joints become stiff and don't work well. There are things we can do to fix this problem. First of all you should start taking a supplement that helps replace the things your body now lacks. There are a number of joint supplements that contain glucosamine compounds, chondroitin sulfate and MSM. These are the primary things that your joints are lacking and by replacing these you will stop experiencing the pain you have become accustomed to recently.After you have allowed the supplement to work(it may take a few weeks to get the full effect) you need to increase your activity. Regular exercise of some kind will help you keep knee joint pain and many other types of pain away. Start out by taking a 45 minute walk 4 times a week. You will likely find that you enjoy it so much you will want to start doing it every day. Regular exercise will help keep your joints more flexible and will prevent the Knee joint pain and other joint pain from returning. Exercise will also make you feel better just in general.

Common snowboarding knee injuries occur when the ligaments around the joint are torn. There are ways, however, to help prevent those injuries and continue enjoying the sport while recuperating.Tearing of the ACL or anterior cruciate ligament is a typical snowboarding knee injury. The ACL forms part of four major knee ligaments. The ACL can tear when a snowboarder lands on a bent knee then twisting it or landing on an overextended knee. A popping sound can be heard and the knee will give out.The PCL or posterior cruciate ligament crosses the ACL and together are responsible for the stability in the knee. Spraining the PCL happens when the front of the knee suffers an important impact.Another snowboarding injury is a sprain of the MCL or medial collateral ligament, another of the four important knee ligaments. The MCL is on the inside of the knee and when twisted during a bad fall from a jump, can be overstretched and result in a sprain.All injuries stated above can cause instability in the knee joint and, depending on the severity of the injury, the duration of which is determined by the severity of the injury.To avoid snowboarding pain or to recover from an ACL rupture or a MCL or PCL sprain, wearing a knee brace can be efficient in both protecting the knees while snowboarding and stabilizing them once injured.The DonJoy FullForce ligament knee brace can help prevent ligament injuries by stabilizing the knee and significantly reduce the strain on the ACL. DonJoy's Fource-Point hinge dampens knee joint extensions to increase bending angles.The DonJoy FullForce is designed for snowboarders suffering from hyperextension of the ligaments around the knee, to help ease snowboarding knee pain and cushion the strain on the ligaments.The FullForce knee brace eases moderate and/or severe PCL or ACL instabilities caused by sprains or ruptures, to let the snowboarder heal to continue enjoying the sport without further injuries.

Thousands of people suffer from chronic joint pain (pain that lasts for a period of six months or longer). By understanding what causes it, a person suffering from chronic joint pain can better understand its effects and how to treat them.There are many reasons why a person may develop chronic joint pain. It is not unusual for a traumatic event to be the root cause of continuous pain. Infection and inflammation are also known to be responsible for some chronic joint problems. Another fact about joint pain is that it is the most common type of pain, according to doctors and the schedule they see every day when they come in to work. Apparently, nothing gets a patient in the door quite like pain in those hinges we call joints.The number-one grievance of patients by far is chronic knee pain. The knees are compromised of so many different parts that there are more chances of having a problem with this major joint. Runners, skiers and tennis players all know the drill when it comes to painful knees, but even non athletes are afflicted with knee pain because they use their knees every day to accomplish day-to-day tasks.Chronic pain comes with its own set of problems. Joint pain, chronic or not, can rob people of activities that they enjoy. Over time and with increasing amounts of pain, people often experience complete changes in their lifestyle. Unfortunately, when relief is not attained after trying several different methods or products, it is not unusual to begin to feel hopeless and helpless. This can lead to emotional repercussions that move in along with chronic joint pain. It is not unusual for people to be afflicted with symptoms of depression and anxiety--an issue that is often overlooked when people are seeking treatment for pain relief. Pain that is not relieved can also affect the immune system as a whole. Overall health can become compromised just because of one painful joint and the stress of chronic pain.For many people, finally finding a solution is a giant step in the right direction. Treatment after treatment with no lessening of the pain can be more than a little discouraging. Doctors and researchers are optimistic that joint pain relief is becoming attainable for even those with chronic problems.One recent form of relief, Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs), is making a difference in the lives of those with chronic joint pain. Studies and personal stories are both emerging regarding this option. These acids have been proven to provide increased joint lubrication, which allows people to attain greater mobility. A boost in cushioning also helps to reduce inflammation and pain. CFAs are worth more than their weight in gold to a large section of pain sufferers out there.Where and why knees and other joints have so many pain issues is an important topic and is being addressed by the medical community. Researchers continue to work hard to find solutions while restoring people to good health and happiness.

The knee joint may seem to be a simple joint, but actually, it is the most complicated joint in the human body. It is mostly injured more than any other. Four bones make up the knee joint: femur, tibia, fibula, and patella.The femur is the largest bone in the thigh so it is also called the thighbone. Just below the tibia (shinbone), there is the fibula and then the patella which is also called the kneecap.The four ligaments help to bind these bones together. One of the collateral ligaments is the Medial Collateral Ligament, abbreviated as MCL. It is also called Tibial Collateral Ligament. It is located in the inner side of the knee and attaches the thighbone to the shinbone.An MCL injury occurs due to being hit on the outer surface of the knee and stretched. The damage of tissues depends on the force applied on the knee. An injury to the MCL can also cause a Medial Cartilage Meniscus Injury. The knee has two cartilage menisci-one on the medial or inside and the other on the lateral or outside upper surface of the shinbone.MCL injury is classified into three grades depending on the severity of the injury. In a Grade 1 injury, 10 percent of the tissues are damaged. In Grade 3, fully 100 percent of the tissues are damaged. Of course, Grade 2 lies between the two.The symptoms of an MCL injury vary according to the nature of the injury. Grade 1 symptoms include mild tenderness, usually no swelling, and no instability of the knee. When force is applied to the outside of the knee, the pain is felt while the knee is bent at 30 degrees. In case of a Grade 2 injury, the knee may swell up and there would be pain when the knee is bent to 30 degrees.With a Grade 3 injury, there would be pain and the patient may feel like the knee is unstable and giving out. MCL assessment tests are conducted to diagnose an MCL injury. These tests include a questionnaire about general health problems and current injury. The physician will perform physical assessment as well to find out the cause of pain. Resisted Muscle Tests and Valgus Stress Test are two tests that are conducted.Non-operative treatment for an MCL injury includes rest, placing ice, compression, and elevation. The patient may also use a knee brace or knee immobilizer for support. One should consult a doctor as soon as possible after injury. No one can afford an injured ligament.This article provides the basic information about MCL and MCL injury. In case of any medical problems with your knee, you should visit your doctor.

What is a cortisone shot?A cortisone shot or a cortisone injection is given to patients to relieve pain mainly caused by joint inflammation. The ankle, hip, shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist and spine joints are the most common areas in the body where patients receive cortisone injections. Outside of the common joints, cortisone shots may rarely be given to the smaller joints in your feet and hands.An injection of anti-inflammatory medicine into the joint is commonly referred to as a cortisone shot, usually consisting of a mixture of corticosteroid and a local anesthetic. In some more rare circumstances different types of medications may be added to the mixture. The local anesthetic works to relieve pain in the short term, while the corticosteroid reduces the inflammation providing the longer term pain relief. Frequently it is your doctor who will give you the cortisone shot in his office.Listed below are some side effects and rare complications that may arise from cortisone shots
Osteonecrosis - occurs when a bone dies near the cortisone injection point
Joint infection
Damage to nerves around the injection site
Skin may thin near the injection site
Pain may become worse due to a temporary inflammation which could last for as long as 48 hours
May affect tendons near the injection site by weakening or even rupturing them
May lead to osteoporosis in bones near the injection site
Skin pigmentation may become lighter close to the point of injection

What type of shoes are healthiest on your joints? Which ones will help blast the fat, but not your knees? Good question! A good walking shoe is essential when undertaking a walking workout routine. Every step places a lot of wear and tear on the feet and joints, about five hundred pounds of pressure with every stride. This article discusses a fitness shoe that is very joint friendly and an excellent solution for people with knee problems.This joint-friendly footwear is called MBT shoes. It is a brand that has a uniquely designed sole that provides instability as you walk, turning flat ground that we walk on into uneven terrain like walking on a beach. It has several benefits including improving core muscle strength and burning more calories, but one of the most important benefits of MBT for dedicated fitness walkers is that they are very helpful in relieving pressure on the feet and joints, especially the knees.Most of us know first hand that aging brings on more aches and pains, but that staying active is crucial in staying healthy. The MBT will help to keep you moving, allowing your body to increase blood flow and lubricate joints, thereby easing some of the pain.The key to the MBT's effectiveness on reducing joint pain is the multi-layered sole. It works as a buffer between the ground we walk on and our feet and joints. The curved sole allows for more equal weight distribution as you take steps, so you are not jarring joints as you stay active.Another reason why these are the most joint-friendly shoes is that they help tone muscles that surround your knees, hips and back. They challenge the muscles to work harder and tone them much more than walking alone. This can help reduce the amount of pain by improving your posture, alignment and overall joint mobility.Staying active is very important for overall health and weight management. But your joints and knees do not have to pay the price. The MBT shoes hold several benefits that will make your walking routine much more joint-friendly.

If you are like me, you will have reached the age where you now suffer from a few pain issues. Therefore you will more than likely be interested in a simple way of decreasing inflammation, RSI, muscle, tendon, and medial nerve pain particularly in your hands, wrists and other joints.For over 10 years now I have suffered from these problems particularly in my hands, wrists and right knee joint, which all become more inflamed when I play my favorite sport -- golf once a week.Some years ago I came up with what I believe to be a pretty ingenious solution that enables me to cope with the pain when I play. There are about 14 points where I experience pain in my hands and wrists when I grip the club and take a swing. Sometimes it hurts so much I can barely grip the club at all.My simple method is to place small circles of BluTack held in place by rigid tape at the points of pain, commonly where the finger joints form a V on top of your hand and sides of your wrists. This is then covered with an elastic pressure bandage. I guess you could possibly relate this method to some type of acupuncture, where you are applying pressure to a certain point. I don't really care about the theory -- all I know and care about is it works and I can continue playing golf.10 years ago I could only play three painful holes of golf before the inside of my right knee would swell to the size of a tennis ball with inflammation, I either had to waddle on in severe pain or give up.An old football friend of mine showed me how to do a kind of figure 8 bandage around my knee using rigid tape, which stabilized the joint and supported my kneecap. Walking up to 36 holes pain free became possible after mastering this simple taping technique.Three years ago I started taking a cheap brand of fish oil capsules and noticed some minor improvements in my joints. However 18 months ago I stumbled across a superior brand of fish oil on the Internet with a high concentration of DHA omega-3 fatty acid in particular. There has been a marked improvement in reducing joint pain in my hands.Think about trying natural alternative methods to control your joint, muscular, tendon and nerve pain, including stretching exercises. Taking painkilling pills or rubbing on these types of chemical ointments is not necessarily the most effective, safest or best long term solution.

Pain in the knee is a clear sign that you need to see a medical practitioner. This, along with other problems like a deformed knee, constant knee pain or knee pain that arises even when you are simply resting are reasons enough for you to pay your doctor a visit.Also if you have a knee that will not bend or one that buckles instead of offering support, you too will need to pay the doctor a visit. There could be instances where the joint just swells and you start to suspect that you could have an infection.If however, your condition is not one that requires a visit to the doctor then it is important to you pay close attention because you could actually be able to solve the problem all by yourself. Many of the knee treatments that are recommended may not be of great help in certain conditions but there are instances where they are actually the perfect remedy. Make sure you know which one to go for and when to go for it.Apply a gentle massage on the knee then put it in a resting position. The importance of resting is to ensure that the inflammation reduces. Sometimes this is all you have to do for the pain to stop completely. It is also vital that you use crutches so that the pressure and weight on the joint is reduced massively. This should be until such a time when the knee can hold the weight again without experiencing any pain at all.Sometimes knee pain can be controlled by using heating pads or ice packs. Make sure that you always remember that if there has been an injury to the joint there is need for heat and therefore using ice may not offer the best solution.Other times, knee pain can be controlled by simply applying some stretching to the tendons and muscles around the area of the joint. Make sure you come up with a good routine that you stick to on a regular basis. If need be, visit a physical therapist who will give you the best advice on which technique to use. Only they can tell which technique will increase strength and help the movement while helping the knee to get back to its original state.It is also important to maintain a diet that is full of natural ingredients as you try to make your joints stronger and free from pain. Items that you should have are hyaluronic acid, glucosamine sulfate and chrondroitin. These will come together to offer better prevention measures against problems of the joints.The treatment that you embark on for knee pain will be determined by the reason for the knee pain. In case you are not really sure what caused the problem or how serious it is you are better off contacting a doctor for advice before you decide which treatment you would like or what supplements you should take.