Knee Arthritis|Knock Knees|Virtual Knee Surgery

After you have a knee replaced many people get concerned about what they can and cannot do physically. The orthopedic surgeon also in most cases will try and scare you to death concerning the replacement and re-injuring the knee if you are not careful.

No doubt there will be limitations after your knee is replaced after all, it was a major surgery and, your knee is no longer the original. After having my knee replaced in 1999 and being told that I had to settle for swimming and biking only I set out to discover what else could be done to get my legs stronger again.

Having worked out in the gym for years prior to the surgery, I knew with some temperance that I could go back to several exercises for the legs, and the one that I feel builds the most strength and gets some mass and size back in your leg at any age is the leg press.

The leg press while being seated protects your low back providing you use it properly and does all the balance work for your upper body so that you can concentrate on the movement and, the development of the quadriceps. The important piece of advice I can give you is that you want to use a weight that is light enough that you can get a full range of motion from so, weight is not as important as is technique.

With the leg press also, you can either work both legs together or, work them unilaterally. The leg press itself is a safe alternative to the squat not only for your back but will not put as much stress on the knee prosthesis itself.

Be sure you are medically cleared by your orthopedic surgeon prior to starting or continuing your exercise program. Also be prepared for your surgeon to advise against most exercises in the gym. Most are very conservative and, unless they workout themselves or have had a knee replaced they will advise you against weight training.

You have to be the judge yourself. Use light weight and go for higher repetitions instead of heavy weight and low repetitions. I use anywhere from 15-25 repetitions and stay with a weight from 185-235 pounds. Settling for a world of limitations should not be for you.

Are you confused by all the jargon and medical terms relating to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament? Perhaps you have been diagnosed with a torn ACL and now need to start researching what is involved in an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Or maybe you have already decided to have ACL surgery and now need to understand some of the words used by your orthopaedic surgeon about the ACL injury, ACL Reconstruction Surgery and the ACL recovery process.

Here you will find definitions and easy to understand explanations of some key terms used in the area of Anterior Cruciate Ligaments which will be helpful to you before and after ACL surgery.

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament): Ligaments are thick pieces of tissue that connect one bone to another. Their function is to provide stability to a joint. Inside your knee there are two important ligaments called cruciate ligaments. They are called this because they cross-over in a cruciform fashion (ie. shaped like a cross). The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is important in controlling rotation between the tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone) such as in movements during pivoting sports. The ACL is one of the major stabilising ligaments within the knee. It connects the thigh bone to the leg bone and prevents instability occurring between the two. More specifically, it provides rotatory stability to the knee to allow movements such as pivoting or sudden change in direction to occur without the knee giving way.

Patella: Three major bones contribute to the knee joint. At the front of the knee is a bone called the patella (also known as the kneecap). The other two bones are the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). The patella moves on the femur in a groove called the "trochlear groove". This joint carries a lot of force with bending activities such as climbing stairs and standing up from a seated position. This part of the knee joint is called the patellofemoral joint.

ACL Tear: Also referred to as an ACL Rupture, the most common method of injury is from non-contact activity that typically occurs whilst attempting a pivoting or cutting (change of direction) movement, eg. whilst playing sport. The injury can also occur from contact activity (e.g. being tackled from the side) when your knee buckles inwards whilst the rest of the leg is held in a fixed position.

Arthroscopy: Knee arthroscopy is an operation that uses a specially designed telescope called an arthroscope. This is inserted into your knee through a small incision ( referred to as "key hole" surgery). The arthroscope uses a digital camera through which the inside of your knee can be thoroughly inspected. If needed, any necessary procedures (e.g. removing torn cartilage, ligament reconstructions) can be carried out at the same time through separate small incisions.

Allograft: this refers to the new ACL which is sourced from donor tendons. Allograft is most commonly used in lower demand patients, or patients who are undergoing revision ACL surgery (when an ACL reconstruction fails). For many patients, the strength of the reconstructed ACL using an allograft is sufficient for their demands. Therefore this may be a good option for patients not planning to participate in high-demand sports (e.g. soccer, basketball).

Autograft: this refers to the new ACL which is sourced from the persons own tendon. Numerous studies show that an allograft is not as strong as a patient's own tissue.

ACL Reconstruction: This is a surgical procedure using either the hamstring tendons or the patellar ligament. In the case of the hamstring tendons, two of your hamstring tendons (gracilis and semitendinosis) will be removed from the back of your thigh through an incision on the front of your knee. This is done with a special instrument called a tendon stripper. In some cases (eg. a revision operation), the knee cap ligament (the middle third of the patellar ligament) or the hamstring tendons from your opposite leg may need to be used. A tunnel will be drilled in the top of your leg bone (tibia) and the bottom of your thigh bone (femur). The tendons will be passed through these tunnels and anchored in place with screws and buttons to hold them in place and provide stability to your knee. An ACL reconstruction is sometimes referred to, incorrectly, as an ACL repair. A torn anterior cruciate ligament cannot be "repaired", and must instead be reconstructed with a tissue graft replacement.

CPM machine: A Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine is commonly used by orthopaedic surgeons to assist in patient recovery following injury or surgery to the knee joint. After surgery, many patients will experience pain and, as a result, not move the joint adequately enough to regain their full range of motion. The tissue around the joint will become stiff due to this lack of motion and scarring can begin to develop. When a Continuous Passive Motion Machine is applied after surgery, the knee joint can be moved through a defined range of motion for extended periods of time. By increasing the range of motion, recovery time will be reduced significantly, as well as promote healing of the joint surfaces and soft tissues, reduce the development of adhesions and scar tissue, and decrease stiffness of the joint.

Cryo Cuff: The Cryo Cuff is an ice therapy device pack. It provides compression to minimise bleeding and swelling, and cold to minimise pain following knee injury. It can be used with a variety of pumps and coolers to enhance its effectiveness.

While this is a helpful start in understanding some of the commonly used terms relating to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery, it is absolutely essential to broaden your understanding and be well informed in this area as you prepare for ACL surgery and the recovery process that follows. Your medical specialists will give you all the necessary medical information, however the most helpful practical lessons will come from the experiences of others who have had an ACL reconstruction already and successfully completed their ACL rehabilitation program.

Do you have problems with your knees currently? - Does it get worse when you bend your knee, or go into a full squat?

Introduction: Isn't it interesting how we can take our knees for granted until something unfortunately goes wrong? Maybe something has not gone wrong for you yet, and you are being proactive by reading up on health issues... but we doubt it. We are sorry that you have knee problems currently and we would like nothing better than for a way to help you. - This free information was designed to discuss the beneficial use of knee braces and how to find an effective one for you when you bend your knees or do full squats! - This information can make a difference for you.

1.) Our Knees

No matter what you ever do, your body will always bear weight onto our legs. You can do things to help absorb shock, but we can never forget the fact that we ask a lot of our knees, with or without squatting. - Your knees have a very meaningful role in supporting your body effectively. When something is painful or there is some sort of knee injury, then it can make life a lot harder.

2.) Best Knee Braces For Squats

In order to find you the best knee brace we have to ask you 2 very important questions first. The first: How bad is your knee pain on a scale -10? Think about your knee pain when it gets to be its worst, and record your answer. Next, how bad is your knee instability on a scale 1-10? Remember to write down your answer. Please consider the times when your knee instability (if you have it) gets to be its worst. - Got your answers?

Knee Braces for Mild Knee Problems

Maybe you subjectively came to the conclusion that your knee problem is more mild. In this case, you will want to consider getting an elastic style knee brace. These elastic knee braces can slide on your leg like a sleeve, or they can be a wrap around style. In the end, they can provide you with a little extra support that can actually go a long way for you! - They are light weight as well. Do not assume though that they are the best for moderate to severe knee problems.

Knee Braces For Moderate to Severe Problems

If you have come to the conclusion that your knee problem is moderate to severe then you are in a whole different area of knee braces. These knee braces typically have hinges and uprights. Do not be bothered though, these hinges and uprights help to augment your stability and they should not be a problem for you. The purpose of a hinged knee brace is to help support side to side movements, or front to back movements that can give you pain. Not all of them are made equally, so read up on them when you get to a brace website. (*Also, this information is health oriented, but it is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor about medical advice.)

Do you need to get your shoulder replaced or resurfaced. You can get this done for a low cost but at a five star service in India.

Shoulder arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis of the peripheral joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, post traumatic arthritis can all cause arthritic damage. Till now the treatment has been a total shoulder replacement. Shoulder resurfacing is now emerging as a superior alternative to replacement in India.

It is being provided for affordable costs in state of the art hospital facilities in India. International medical travel is bringing many western patients to India for shoulder resurfacing. Many international patients come to 5 star hospitals in India seeking value medical treatment like shoulder resurfacing.

Shoulder arthritis is less common than hip & knee arthritis in India. It mainly affects older individuals.

Causes of shoulder arthritis are:
• osteo-arthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• avascular necrosis
• rotator cuff tear arthropathy
• post traumatic arthritispost septic arthritis
• post tubercular arthritis

In shoulder arthritis like any other arthritis, only the top surface of the upper end of the arm bone (humerus) is affected. The socket is usually not damaged. There is no bone loss. The traditional operation for a shoulder arthritic problem is a shoulder replacement. However this involves sacrifice of bone. A shoulder resurfacing on the other hand preserves bone and can be performed in 95% of cases for the above mentioned conditions.

Shoulder replacement vs shoulder resurfacing

In a conventional shoulder replacement, the damaged parts of the joint comprising the shoulder joint are completely removed and replaced with a metal and plastic prosthesis. The metal portion is buried into the shaft of the arm bone (humerus). It has a stem and ball shaped end. The socket is made of polyethylene with a metal back and stem buried into the outer end of the shoulder blade.

In a shoulder resurfacing on the other hand, the top end of the arm bone is shaped to a hemispherical shape with cheese grating reamers. A central hole is drilled in the centre of the head of the humerus. The prosthesis made of Cobalt chrome, molybdenum and coated on the inside with hydroxyapatite is impacted in. Hydroxyapatite allows natural bony in growth over time and fixation.

The operation is done through a minimally invasive approach under either general or regional anesthesia.

The implant helps in preservation of natural bone and tissues of the patient.

It is seen as an ideal option for the younger, active patient who wants to lead a normal life. This cement less implant utilizes a patient's natural t issue growth. It can also be used in the older arthritic patient with good bone stock.

Shoulder resurfacing prosthesis

The Copeland shoulder prosthesis from Biomet is an example. This is the only surface replacement with the longest follow up. It was recently introduced in India.

At Indian hospitals, cost of surgery is low and is affordable by most international patients. Hospitals have state of the art infra structure and could be called as five star hospitals. The OR's have clean air which ensure a safe outcome after joint replacement. Rooms cater to all budgets ranging from suites general wards.

Shoulder resurfacing in Indian hospitals therefore has a chance of becoming a much sought after operation for international patients seeking treatment in India. You will get a high quality service at a very affordable cost.

Dorothy had both knees replaced almost two years ago. She struggled with this decision, discussing her options but she had already tried other treatments such as exercise and pain medication. The physical therapy and exercise did not work and the pain medication dulled her thinking and she did not want to live that way.

She was in her mid fifties, relatively healthy, active, and she knew herself well enough to realize that recovery would be painful whatever she decided and physical therapy would take time. She also knew myself well enough to realize that having gone through one painful recovery she would not want to live through that again for the other knee so she decided to do both at the same time. Dorothy is better but she has a problem with one knees and has returned to therapy twice. Some of her activities are limited and her story is still taking place.

The decision to have knee surgery depends on your age, health, activity level, and of course, how much pain and disability you have. Your doctor may also recommend knee replacement if you have lost a large amount of cartilage and if you do not have health problems that would make it dangerous for you to have surgery. Most of us have knee replacement when we can no longer control our arthritis pain with medicine and other treatments and when the pain interferes completely with our lives.

To make the decision about surgery make sure you get the facts, compare your options, know where you are in your life and where you want to go. Most people delay knee replacement surgery they believe the rehabilitation from the surgery is painful, takes a lot of time, their insurance probably covers only part of their therapy and office visits, and there is no guarantee of full recovery in the first place.

The problem is that delaying knee replacement surgery brings on its own sets of risks which usually involve more joint deterioration and increased pain and lack of mobility. Other risks include muscles and ligaments becoming weak and making the surgical procedure more complicated because more damage has taken place. In other words, if surgery is performed early it may be more successful and the patient is likely to recover faster.

Having said this there are still many risks of knee replacement surgery even when you have no other choice.

Blood Clots

Blood clots in the large veins of the leg and pelvis are common after join replacement surgery. Your doctor may want you to take blood thinning medications or wear a compression stocking to keep the blood in the legs circulating. The concern is that the clot does not travel to the lungs and cause a fatal pulmonary embolism.

Stiffness

Scar tissue is formed following surgery both on the kin and inside the joint. When a scars contract, a tightening of the soft tissues around the joint may occur which may make it difficult to bend the knee. That is way good physical therapy begins immediately keeping your knee in motion to prevent stiffness. If stiffness remains, your doctor can do a manipulation under anesthesia which will break the stiffness but require more physical therapy for you.

Implants fail

Overtime your knee implant will be worn out or it may loosen. Most implants last 15 to 20 years but every implant eventually wears out. A replacement surgery is usually the next step.

Infections

Infections sometimes occur following the surgery. They may happen a few weeks later or even in the next year. The goal is to remove the infection without removing the implant. Some patients develop urinary tract infections from their hospital stay.

The good news is that risks of serious complications are rare. Fewer than 2 percent of people undergoing knee replacement surgery experience serious complications. Keep in mind, however, that infection can occur even years after surgery so contact your doctor if you have a lasting fever, drainage from the surgical site and any redness, tenderness, or swelling and pain in the knee. If antibiotics fail to clear your infection you may need another surgery to remove the infected joint and to install a new one.

Does hip pain limit your everyday activities such as walking up and down stairs or getting up from a seated position? Do you have trouble sleeping because pain keeps you awake? If you are reading this, chances are you can relate to some of these symptoms. You may even be taking prescription medications or using walking aids to help relieve the pain you endure on a daily basis.

Maybe you've even considered hip surgery as a way to end your pain once and for all. As an orthopedic doctor, I know how you are feeling. I frequently treat patients who are faced with the choice between living with pain or hip replacement. More than 400,000 operations are performed each year that include total or partial hip replacements and this number is constantly increasing.i

The decision to have hip surgery should be a cooperative effort on the part of you, your family, and your orthopedic surgeon. Recommendations for surgery are based on the extent of your pain, disability, and damage to your hip joint. Before reaching the conclusion to operate, your doctor will most likely advise you to consider other treatments first, such as pain medication, physical therapy, and exercise.

Wait Before Going Under the Knife!

Before you rush to judgment on whether or not to have hip replacement, you might want to try managing your pain by making some simple lifestyle changes. Listed are just a few suggestions for hip pain relief.

•Weight Loss - Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial when it comes to the stress on your joints. Let's face it losing excess weight benefits your entire body - your heart, brain, muscles, and bones. The right combination of portion control and light exercise may be the secret to managing your pain.

•Exercise - Although some exercise is good for you be sure to avoid activities that cause pain. Some muscle soreness is to be expected but it should work itself out as you move through your day. Take it easy when you feel a sharp or shooting pain while exercising or if the pain lingers for hours or even days.

•Rest - Stop what you are doing when you feel pain. You should rest for at least 24 to 48 hours before resuming your old activity level.

•Apply ice - When you're feeling pain it is usually because of inflammation in your joint. If pain is intense try applying ice four or five times a day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

•Elevation - Recline with your feet up to help reduce swelling and help reduce pain.

•Supplements - Since cartilage is what makes your hips move without pain there are supplements that are extremely helpful such as glucosomine & chondroitin that restore damaged cartilage. Omega 3 fish oil and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) are excellent natural ingredients that lubricate your joints and aid in the efficiency of movement.

•Pain medications - Over the counter pain killers with ibuprofen will aid in targeting inflammation and reducing pain.

New Alternative to Hip Replacement!

When is it time to get your hip replaced? This is a question not easily answered. The treatments mentioned above may decrease hip pain but may not be the answer for everyone. Depending upon the damage shown in x rays, you may or may not be a candidate for surgery. There are certain conditions that rule out the possibility of hip replacement such as Parkinson's disease, high risk of infection, and overall poor health.

Hip replacement surgery is usually performed for severe conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, broken hip, and bone tumor. After exhausting other treatment methods mentioned above to alleviate your symptoms, surgery may become necessary. The good news is that there are some new and improved methods of performing hip replacement that are not as invasive as the standard surgery. These advancements include the following:

•Mini-Hip Replacement - This procedure uses two small incisions, and x-rays to guide the implant into position. It is hoped that this will prove to be a quicker, less painful recovery time. This may not be an option for everybody but the younger, athletic baby boomers, usually under 55 may be likely candidates for this procedure or the next one known as:

•Hip Resurfacing - In this procedure the implant is smaller and less normal bone is removed. The damaged hip's ball and socket can be relined with smooth metal rather than cutting the worn bone away and replacing it. Resurfacing relieves hip pain and improves hip function by replacing the parts of the hip that have been damaged by disease or arthritis.

Almost as Good as New!

In the past if you were suffering with pain from hip damage you were asked to wait as long as possible before undergoing surgery. This is because a standard hip replacement usually wears out in about 15 years. Now with some of the new advancements in hip surgery it is more likely that younger patients will be given the opportunity to choose one of these techniques to treat their painful condition.

In addition to new alternatives to hip replacement procedures, research is being conducted to improve not only the technique but the eligibility of the patient. The areas of study underway include which patients are more likely to do well after hip replacement and how to improve recovery programs used after surgery. Information for patients regarding minimally invasive hip replacement surgery has been developed by the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

Physical therapy is an important part of your rehabilitation. The exercises most effective are those that increase range of motion and make muscles strong without putting too much stress on the joint. The goals are to increase overall fitness and increase blood circulation by walking, bicycling on a bike machine, swimming, or cross country skiing.

Hip replacement is often called the miracle surgery because it is successful more than 90% of the time. ii Your new hip joint will reduce the pain you felt before surgery. However, always work with your physical therapist to create a recovery program that is individualized just for you. High impact sports such as running or playing basketball may never be approved by your doctor so be careful not to overstep your physical boundaries.

Remember, hip replacement isn't for everyone. You may be able to manage your pain by making lifestyle changes that affect your flexibility and range of motion. If hip replacement is your only alternative, consult an orthopedic surgeon and be sure to ask about some of the alternatives to the standard hip replacement surgery.

With Tiger Woods' recent announcement that he will not compete in the US Open in 2011, many golfers, professional or amateurs, can relate to his physical woes. Woods is currently dealing with left knee and Achilles' tendon injuries, having undergone surgery on both injuries in April. Are you feeling his pain too?

As the popularity of golf has exploded in recent years, so has the incidences of knee injury, causing, among injuries to the body, severe and chronic knee joint pain. For the recreational golfer, the most common knee injuries are caused by overuse and repetitive trauma stemming from too much play or practice, improper swing mechanics and stress on the knees, and generally poor physical conditioning. Over 50% of golf injuries occur during mid-season play, after putting continuous, unrelenting pressure on the same areas of the knees for days and weeks on end. An amateur golfer loses many weeks per year of playing time when dealing with a chronic golf injury.

Preventing Injuries While Golfing
It would be best to be aware of the following tips for how to avoid injury while golfing:

First, warming up for ten minutes or more, and stretching before beginning your golf game, will significantly reduce your chances of injury.

Next, try to work on your technical errors. Working with the local pro at the golf course to identify and address technical errors in your game can help you eliminate the errors in your stance, your swing, etc., which may cause undue stress on your body.

Last, make sure your clubs fit you properly so that you can play at your best. How are your clubs being maintained? Perhaps you need a different grip, or perhaps your clubs need to be made of a lighter, or heavier, material. Believe it or not, these small details can mean a lot when it comes to frequent use and play.

The Meniscus Tear
Although by no means exclusive to golf, a meniscus tear can be one of the injuries you will encounter from playing a lot of golf. The meniscus is a "C" shaped cartilage cushion, something like a wedge within the knee. Each knee has two of them; they cushion, support, and aid movement. Injury to the meniscus is very common and can occur from wear and tear over time or from a sudden twist or turn, hence it is a common area of complaint for many golfers.

Signs and symptoms of a meniscus tear may include: knee joint pain, swelling and stiffness, or fluid build-up inside on the top part of the knee. you may also experience the sensation that the knee is getting stuck or locking, preventing smooth motion.

As always, it is wise to seek professional or medical advice before starting treatment for knee joint pain or any other kind of physical issue. A doctor may recommend resting, icing, elevating, and putting compression on the injured knee, prescription or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication. Physical therapy might be suggested as well to strengthen and add flexibility to the knee area. Arthroscopic surgery might be a last resort to trim or remove any damaged cartilage from the meniscus.

If your symptoms are not overly severe and you feel that medical attention is not immediately necessary, then check my website for the countless effective and practical solutions you can find to alleviate your knee joint pain issues. There are a multitude of products available online, such as knee braces, crutches, or other technologically advanced support products that can immediately help the cartilage in the knee begin to heal. It would be a great idea to have some of these on hand, even before you need them, so that you will be ready in the event of a meniscus tear, or any other golfing injury to the knee.

"Always ready" is a great motto for all athletes, especially for golf enthusiasts who just can't bring themselves to put away the golf clubs even if they have to hobble a bit on the golf course.

Is it tee time yet? You betcha!

Recently an overweight, middle-aged man came into my office suffering with aching knees. It seems that his favorite exercise of running was playing havoc on his body and he was considering giving up this sport for good. I explained the possible causes for his pain could be any of these conditions: tendinitis (inflamed tendons), bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the joint) or perhaps even cartilage damage. The fact he was over fifty led me to believe that is was most likely osteoarthritis.

If you sense that your joints or bones are hurting from a strenuous activity it too might be osteoarthritis. This medical condition could develop in any of your joints, but the knee's complex design and its position in the body as a weight-bearing joint, make it more susceptible.

As you get older, gravity and the everyday wear and tear on your joints gradually wear away the
protective cartilage that cushions the knee. The bone in the joint gets exposed, and you begin to have pain, stiffness, maybe even buckling or swelling of the knee. Arthritis can also develop as a result of trauma, such as ligament damage or bone fracture.

So what can you do to help those aching knees?

Make A Few Easy Changes In Your Lifestyle

Your first step is to lose excess body weight. Taking the extra stress off your joints may relieve a great deal of pain and discomfort.

Middle aged people often try to stay in shape with running, tennis or other high impact exercise, never realizing that these activities tend to hasten the wear and tear process. But don't let aging knees become an excuse for lack of exercise. You can benefit just as much from low-impact activities such as Pilates, water aerobics, walking, cycling or swimming.

I highly recommend you stretch before any exercising. It is also beneficial to warm up the muscles slightly with light walking before you do stretching exercises. Always stretch slowly. It's also wise to continue stretching after you are done with your workout!

Many arthritis patients can find benefit from physical therapy. A professional therapist will teach you the proper methods of exercise in order to improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength. If you'd had an injury to the knee, therapy can speed recovery and may reduce the chances of developing arthritis later on.
When you've got troublesome knees, it's not always convenient to stay off of them. You may find that a brace, splint, cane or elastic bandage can help you stay active.

Treat Immediate Pain

When pain flares, stay off the knee. Keeping weight and pressure off the joint allows inflammation to subside more quickly. Use crutches if needed. For immediate relief, try an ice or gel pack, especially right after physical activity, to help control swelling. Try alternating the ice with a heating pad. You might also try heat just before athletic activity to loosen the joint. Don't leave either ice or heat on the joint for more than 20 minutes at a time. A hot bath may be comforting, as well, and a hot shower upon arising in the morning can soothe stiffness.

Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often recommended for arthritis pain, but keep in mind that, if taken too frequently, these drugs can cause stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding-even kidney or liver damage. For natural pain relief, try a soothing ginger tea. Brew 3 - 4 slices of fresh ginger in 1 cup of boiling water. In a Danish study, ginger relieved pain for 55% of osteoarthritis sufferers.

Start Early With Supplements and Diet

Don't ignore pain. If you take action right away with appropriate supplements and diet, you can often reverse the effects of arthritis.

-Glucosamine, a natural chemical, helps to rebuild cartilage and fluid around the joints. Always get the sulfate form, an additional cartilage builder.

-Chondroitin, found naturally in cartilage, may reduce pain and slow breakdown of cartilage.

-Bromelain is an enzyme which helps reduce inflammation. Take a supplement, or get it from eating lots of fresh pineapple.

-Omega-3 fatty acids, especially those from fish oils, lubricate the joints and control pain.

-MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur compound essential for joint and tissue repair.

-Boswellia, an Ayurvedic herb, reduces inflammation and restores blood vessels around tissues.

-Borage seed oil contains a fatty acid (GLA) which eases pain.

Eat plenty of foods high in vitamin C (such as oranges, cantaloupe, strawberries, and peppers), or take a supplement. Boston University School of Medicine researchers studied people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Those who took over 200 mg a day of vitamin C were three times less likely to experience unfavorable symptoms than those who took less than 120 mg a day. Try eating more garlic, onions and eggs. These foods contain sulfur, which aids in repair of bone, cartilage and connective tissue.

If your knees hurt either from arthritis that comes from aging or from a previous trauma to the knee, don't think you have to live with it the rest of your life. There's plenty you can do-without living on pain relievers! And if you start soon enough, you'll most likely be able to avoid knee replacement surgery, as well.

Arthritis knee pain is something that many of us want to deny is a problem but the truth is if nothing is done to correct the affliction then it can become a bigger problems later on.

We never imagined having to deal with arthritis as we get older. We might have thought we would have to deal with getting more rest to maintain our endurance or watching our diets because our metabolism has slowed down but having to manage arthritis pain, who knew.

The fact is arthritis affects over 50 million American over the age of 50. So needless to say, it is something we must address if we want to to live a healthy pain free life. There are many arthritis pain remedies on the market. You can find everything from prescription medication to natural supplements.

I am a strong advocate of natural supplements because they work from the inside out. Meaning natural remedies usually start to work at the root cause of arthritis. Prescription medications only address symptoms and never tackle the real cause of the problem leading to arthritis pain. So many have lost faith in conventional medicine ever finding a real cure for arthritis.

If you go the natural route, there are three ingredients that must be included in a natural arthritis remedy. They are Glucosomine, Chondroitin Sulfate, and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). These ingredients help to rebuild damage cartilage in the knee joints. Other herbs like ginger and white willow bark address the pain associated with arthritis without the side effects of prescription pain killers.

Arthritis knee pain can be debilitating symptom but there are natural products that can help you heal from the inside out. Remember - Natural supplements can't work for you if you don't give it a try. You must take an active roll in protecting your health.

Hyaluronic acid has received much press lately as a natural source of health and beauty. In fact, there are so many uses and benefits of hyaluronic acid, it is instructive to clarify and organize them.

The three main categories of uses for hyaluronic acid are: anti-aging treatments, nutritional supplements, and medical treatments.

Anti-Aging Supplements and Creams

As we age, hyaluronic content in the skin changes due to two separate clinically proven factors, decrease in HA synthesis and shift from concentration from the epidermis to the dermis. These changes can leave the epidermis depleted in hyaluronic acid resulting in thinning, aging, and decreased moisture in the skin. Nutritional supplement and beauty products such as Episilk ® contain ultra-high concentrations of hyaluronic acid in order to provide intensive moisture for aged skin that suffers from the dryness and wrinkles. When applied to the skin, HA can penetrate the skin surface and replenish the natural levels already present. Like hyaluronic acid produced in the body, hyaluronic acid used in this form moisturizes from the dermis to the epidermis - from deeper layers of the skin to the outer layer.

Nutritional Supplements

Hyaluronic acid extracted from rooster combs cannot be absorbed by the intestinal tract. But, Japanese scientists have developed a proprietary enzyme-cleaving technique to lower the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid without altering its chemical nature. This allows hyaluronic acid to be taken orally as a nutritional supplement, many varieties of which are readily available for commercial use.

Facial Injections

Hyaluronic acid based gel injections are a new option for the on-spot treatment of facial wrinkles. These shots must be administered by a dermatologist and last up to 4 to 6 weeks.

Medical Treatments

Products containing hyaluronic acid are in use or are being researched to aid in the prevention and treatment of symptoms related to connective tissue disorders such as: fractures, hernias, glaucoma, keratoconus, detached retinas, osteoarthritis, TMJ, prevention of scarring, vocal chord repair insufficiency, wrinkled skin, cartilage damage, and wound and ligament healing. Of these, osteoarthritis has recently become a particularly popular area for HA treatment. Physicians have injected hyaluronic acid directly into the synovial fluid in the knee as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee for the past 20 years. There is, however, an ongoing debate as to the efficacy of this treatment.

When you have trouble with your knees and traditional medical treatments and therapy aren't being very effective in resolving the condition and providing you with much relief, you should consider getting knee surgery. Since there are several different types of knee surgery available, it is best that you learn about the pros and cons of each one so you'll know what to expect when a specific type is recommended.

Chances are if you have injured your limb before, you may have sustained some damage to the ligaments or tendons. If you didn't have that part of your body properly diagnosed or treated, you may still have some residual injury remaining. As you may be aware, it can be pretty uncomfortable and downright painful walking around with an injury. Even if you receive therapy, trying to do some of the most natural activities can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. Medications may offer you little to no relief and the best option for successful treatment that you have is knee surgery. Having an operation done where the damaged tissues, ligaments, and tendons are repaired can bring an end to the pain and discomfort you have had to live with.

One type of knee surgery that is used to fix severe injuries is the total replacement. In this procedure, any joints, tendons, and bones that have been previously compromised and caused the joint to not heal properly is taken out. Basically, the joint is being completely replaced. The removed part is replaced with an artificial prosthetic that works and performs in the same manner as the removed component functioned. By using an artificial replacement, the joint can now function and move as it is supposed to without any pain or discomfort. This procedure is performed on older people more than it is on patients that are younger. The replacements tend to last longer in older patients and wear out much faster in younger ones.

Another type of surgery is called a partial. During this procedure, the surgeon only needs to replace a portion of the damaged joint. This is considered to be a less invasive operation compared to the total replacement. The goal is essentially the same; however, the results may not be as extensive as those that are received from having a total replacement operation.

Arthroplasty is a procedure where the joint is rebuilt. The offending components of the joint such as damaged bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons are realigned and resurfaced. This can include the excision of a portion of the bone so that it can be put back in properly to restore the full and normal function to the joint.

Keep in mind that there are many reasons why an individual may need some form of knee surgery. Before you commit to any particular procedure, it is important that you educate yourself on what happens during each type of surgery and how it can improve your condition.

Knee Replacement Exercises - Pre & Post Operation Knee Exercises

There is a lot you can do to prepare for and ensure a successful knee replacement surgery. Prior to surgery, there are excellent exercises that you can do to maintain your range of motion and build strength. One of the main symptoms of osteoarthritis is the decrease in range of motion in a joint. In the knee joint, you will either experience a reduction in range of extension, the ability of the knee to straighten, or flexion, the ability of the knee to flex or bend. Once you know where your limitation of range is, you can select specific exercises to target maintaining range of motion.

The reason addressing this range of motion is so important is because it affects your ability to do daily functional tasks such as walking, going up and down stairs, driving, and standing. If your knee is unable to perform at its regular function, then other joints and muscles will unnaturally assist in executing movements which can cause pain. There are simple, easy to follow, quick exercises you can do at home that will help you target optimal knee flexion and extension. Some of these exercises will include stretches and some are strength exercises.

Strength Exercises

The most important muscle to strengthen prior to knee replacement surgery, is undeniably the quadriceps. When this muscle is strong, it acts as a shock absorber and protects the knee by absorbing some of the load placed upon the knee joint. Unfortunately when the pain of arthritis progresses at the knee joint, it spirals a chain reaction of events that weakens the quadriceps. When you have pain in your knee, you unconsciously transfer more weight on to the other leg which begins the weakening of the quadriceps muscle.

In addition, when your body experiences pain in the knee joint, the lack of use and range of motion creates a shortened, tight quadriceps muscle. Pre operation quadriceps strengthening may need to be non weight bearing depending on your level of pain. Also, you should select unilateral, or one leg, strength exercises in order to strive for balance in strength across the limbs such as the one leg press on the shuttle.

Post Operation Knee Replacement Exercises

Immediately post operation, you will be given an exercise program by a physiotherapist and supervised to ensure successful healing and return to daily activities. This may last up to eight weeks and it is imperative to continue your exercise program after you are released from physiotherapy supervision. Patients who continue with progressive, consistent exercises for a year post operation, gain amazing results in functional ability way beyond what they had at the three and six month mark. Your post operation exercise program will continue to include the range of motion exercises and stretches you need to target either knee flexion or extension.

Also, you will be advanced through a series of incremental leg strength exercises that will move you from isolated muscle contractions to dynamic, functional strength exercises. The post operation exercise program includes gait, balance, and agility training that will promote your safe, confident return to hobbies, sports, and daily life demands. In addition, once your swelling is gone, your range is good, and your strength improves, you can then gradually increase your cardiovascular training as part of your post operation goals.

The Incredible Benefits of Exercise for Knee Replacement Candidates

Exercise improves many of the symptoms of arthritis and can speed up recovery post knee replacement surgery. Gentle non weight bearing range of motion exercises lubricates the knee joint thereby reducing stiffness. By doing range of motion exercises that target where the joint is limited, either in flexion or extension, an individual can improve their function in daily tasks. Improving strength in the quadriceps muscle supports the knee joint and protects the joint by absorbing some of the load placed upon it.

If you want to participate in the management of your osteoarthritis by doing exercises, you will not only improve your overall function, but you will also recover quicker post surgery. With a small commitment of a handful of exercises done two to three times a week, you can drastically improve how you feel, what you can do, and your quality of life.

If your knees are aching and it hurts to climb the stairs, kneel over to pick anything up or work in your garden you likely have or have already been diagnosed with arthritis - osteoarthritis. Maybe you've already had a series of knee injections and take a lot of anti-inflammatory medications but you still are feeling the knee pain. And now you're thinking about arthritis knee surgery - knee replacement surgery.

Many doctors give you something to take away or relieve the pain but there are many others who try to approach the pain in a different way. If osteoarthritis is the only diagnosis you have that affects your knees then there are some things you can do or try. Assuming you have been cleared by your doctors to exercise your knees that is. When you look at x-rays of the knees you can see that there isn't much support anymore for the knees and many think their only option is knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement surgery is expensive and only lasts for between 10 and 15 years or so. Plus you'll have plenty of exercises you'll need to do after the surgery and physical therapy.

The doctors who are not in favor of exercise for the knees are in a way contributing to more health problems such as obesity and diabetes from inactivity and lack of exercise and the accompanying depression from loss of mobility etc.

You probably know right now whether you'll be capable of doing some exercises or if your physician insists that you not do them and you disagree, seek out a second opinion.

The areas of exercise you might consider once you've been cleared by your doctor are resistance training, stretching and endurance exercise.

Resistance training strengthens the muscles surrounding the knees in a safe range of motion which restores the ability to absorb shock. This will help the stress put on the knee joints and reduce or relieve the pain or some of it. Start slowly and when you are warmed up.

You want to stretch your thigh and hamstring muscles about 15 minutes a day or so. This will help your knees become more flexible and also reduce the stress on your joints and relieve pain. Be careful when stretching that you don't overdo it and make sure your body is warmed up first.

Endurance exercise - this may be the hardest or easiest to do of the three. This would include low impact activities like cycling, walking, and the elliptical machine at your local health club or gym unless you have one at home. Do these for about 15 to 30 minutes continuously. This will also help to relive stress on your arthritic knees and give you some arthritis pain relief.

Make sure you do the exercises carefully because you don't want to make the pain in your knees worse. If done properly many have avoided getting arthritis knee surgery (knee replacement surgery.) Consider changing to eating a lot more fruits and veggies in your diet. I cured myself of arthritis and breast cancer) several years ago with a raw foods diet (living foods.) This may prevent future damage to your arthritis knee joints and other joints in your body like it did for me.

Meniscus Tears

Do you have a knee injury? - Do you have increased knee pain?

Introduction: Torn cartridge in the knee is also known as a meniscus tear. The meniscus is found in the between the shin bone (tibia) and your upper leg bone (femur). The meniscus helps to cushion the knee joint and allows movement of the bones without causing harm to the bones. When a tear occurs in the meniscus, this can cause a painful injury in the knee and often requires some form of medical treatment.

1.) Meniscus Tear Problems

Who is most likely to suffer from torn cartilage or a meniscus tear? The truth is that anyone can suffer from a knee injury in their life because the knee joint is one of the most used joints in the body. The knee joint has to be able to absorb the entire weight of the body, and if there is damage to the cartilage (or meniscus), the weight can become unbalanced in the knee and lead to further injuries. There are two main kinds of people who are more likely to suffer from a torn meniscus and those include athletes, or people who are active on a regular basis.

2.) How The Injury Happens

When people usually suffer from a torn meniscus, it can be caused from turning or twisting the knee suddenly and this can cause the cartilage in the knee to tear. People who are prone to degenerative diseases like arthritis usually develop meniscus tears over time as well. The meniscus gets worn down as we age, and if a person has a family history of arthritis or other degenerative bone and joint ailments, the chances increase of a meniscus tear occurring.

3.) Knee Braces For Support

When a person suspects that they have a meniscus tear and seek advice from a doctor. Sure you will be the first to know that someone is not right, but self diagnosis is never recommended. The doctor will usually start out with a series of questions for the patient to try to develop a cause of the injury and what the most likely reason for having the knee injury could be. Knee braces can be used very effectively to help promote healing with these kinds of injuries as well. The meaningful support can help you to reduce your knee pain, and improve your stability as well.

(*This is health information. Speak to your doctor about medical advice.)

Athletic Knee Support

Do you enjoy to participate in sports, but your knees are giving you problems?

Does the pain or instability create enough of a problem for you that you can not turn the cheek anymore?

Introduction: Knee pain and instability problems can really keep you from participating in sports, at the level you want to. This might be obvious to you, and now you are looking for knee pain relief or improved support for an unstable knee joint. If you are looking to reduce your pain or increase your knee stability, it is time to look into a well designed knee brace. They do not have to be really big and heavy to be useful anymore! This free information was created to illustrate the benefits of support and you can make your choice after having read through the article, to see if you agree or not...

Top 3 Benefits of Braces

1.) Pain Relief

The great things about well designed knee braces is that they can be used before, during or after an activity or sport to help reduce your pain. You may be thinking that rest and ice can be used to help reduce your pain, but nothing is quite like the use of knee support. Ice will fall off your leg and rest immediately stops the moment your activity starts. This is what makes knee supports so unique, and this is why we like them. They can really make a big difference for someone in your position.

2.) Improved Stability

Another great benefit of knee supports is that they can improve your stability. Many times, when people injure their internal knee structures, they will tell you that their knee feel like it will "give out from underneath" them. Knee braces really help to combat this problem due to the meaningful support that they provide.

3.) Knee Protection

Once your doctor has cleared you to play sports again, that is great! If you have hurt or injured your knee then you might now think twice about how you approach your sport. The internal knee structures that you have, whether it is your ligaments, meniscus, tendons etc, all can benefit from improved support. A well designed knee brace will help you because it can restrict certain painful movements that might perpetuate your injury. Many times they also come with pads that will also help to protect you from impact as well.

(* This is helpful health information, but remember to speak to your doctor for medical advice.)

Having partial knee replacement surgery is a surgery that now not only decreased your pain but has allowed you to get back into the game we call life. The question on longevity of the knee replacement now comes into question and the best way to take care of it. Lifestyle changes are the number one factor that is promoted to get as much use out of it as possible. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight through diet and exercise are the keys.

It is well known today that are bodies as we age run much better by living a disciplined life through consuming a thought out diet and exercise program. For your partial knee replacement to operate properly your choice of food you consume comes into play to keep the weight off our knee.

Changing your choice of food consumption does not have to involve strict dieting. In fact the word diet for most has a negative connotation with it. To lose weight you can begin by making sure your food choices involve eating a high fiber diet along with cutting back on high fat food content like red meat and sugar laden foods. More fruit and vegetables along with items such as chicken and fish make it much easier to lose weight. By sticking to food items such a these you begin to develop the habit of eating them on a consistent basis and, also start to notice profound changes in body weight and appearance.

Making sure you get the most out of your partial knee replacement not only involves eating cleaner but, also exercise and strength training should play a vital role. Doing one without the other will not get you the results you want out of the replacement. By keeping not only your entire body strong through weight training but more importantly your surgical leg, you develop a stronger area around the prosthesis. Weight training exercises such as seated leg extensions and hamstring curls are just two exercises that develop not only the quadriceps but, the hamstring muscles that play a large part of keeping your knees operating properly and efficiently.

By eating cleaner with foods that your body can use for proper fueling and, exercise to keep not only your entire body strong but most importantly your legs after knee surgery,you will assure yourself that you are helping to enhance the longevity of the knee replacement. By combining both diet and exercise together you then are on the path to knee health prosperity.

The ACL or Anterior Cruciate Ligament is one of two major ligaments in the knee that are critical for lateral stability. ACL tears have been on the rise in females since the 1980's. In fact, I was the first female athlete in my high school to suffer an ACL injury and it seemed to snowball after that. The following is my narrative of how I was injured and how I returned to sports. Every case is different so if you suspect that you have an ACL injury or any other injury, please seek medical assistance.

1986 was just like any other year except I was a freshman in high school playing Varsity basketball. After the season I had the opportunity to try out for the Junior Olympic Basketball team. This was an elite traveling team and competition for a spot was fierce. Each athlete showcased their talents and as I went to do a layup, I heard something pop in my knee. It was when I landed on the floor that I knew something was wrong. I did not have excruciating pain, but I began to notice swelling almost immediately. My basketball days were over, for now. The doctor pushed, pulled, and prodded, and then confirmed on an MRI that I had torn my ACL and that I would need surgery to repair it. My question was when I could return to basketball. His answer was not what any athlete wanted to hear. I would miss an entire season, and maybe by Spring I could play softball.

My surgery went well, but I suffered damage to my patella, basically the kneecap and I had to have cartilage removed. I was in a full leg brace and in a lot of pain. A week passed and after seeing the doctor again, we scheduled physical therapy. Now, back in 1986, the protocol for ACL repair was almost a full year of rehab after surgery. Now, since ACL repair is more advanced, the rehab usually takes less time. I saw the physical therapist 3 days a week to start. Then 2, then 1. It was as full 8 months of intense rehab. I was committed to at least making Spring softball a reality. My hard work paid off and after being custom fit for a knee brace, I made it for Spring ball. But, I could no longer play the position of catcher, because the brace did not allow a full squat position. That is something that has changed since the 80's. The braces are much less cumbersome and allow for full range of motion. Oh, an I would have to learn to slide on my opposite side. The brace was made of fiberglass and metal, so sliding on it was not an option. So it was that I now learned to pitch and play first base. No problem, I was back on the field and back playing sports.

Basketball season came around again, and a funny thing happened. The way I suffered my injury was constantly on my mind. I knew my brace would protect my knee, but the fear of suffering another injury was holding me back. This is very common amongst athletes. You will even see it on the professional level. I played basketball and softball for the rest of my high school days and declined a softball scholarship at a local University. I wanted to stay active, so I played intramural sports.

I made sure to continue post-rehab work so my knee would never again fail. That's the point of this article. When you tear your ACL you can never stop taking care of yourself. Here is what I recommend:

1. Do not get hurt - Enroll in a Sports Performance program designed to make you stronger. This is the best investment you can make.

2. Do not let the doctor push you out of rehab before you feel ready. Some insurance companies limit the time you have for rehab. Try and extend it if you can.

3. Pay attention to the exercises you are performing, you will need to continue them post-rehab.

4. Educate yourself. There are volumes of information about prevention and pre and post rehab for the ACL. I recommend the ACL book on dcsportsinjury.com website. Dr. Steve is a great resource.

5. Be committed to taking care of yourself. That means, working out regularly, eating right, and taking joint supportive supplements like Glucosamine. I recommend the liquid natural form.

6. Do not forget to have fun.

Are you looking for a soft knee brace?

Maybe you know that you could use a little extra support, but you also do not want one of those more high profile braces that have the metal in them. - This article will discuss what materials a "soft knee brace" is actually made of, so when you are looking for one you will know how to find what you need. - Then at the very end we will also discuss how to get the best one for your needs. - Sound fair?

Hard Knee Braces

When someone has a more severe knee ailment they will need to control their painful knee movements more. Sometimes a person that has severe knee instability has to rely on a brace that has a hinge and metal in them. - These braces can actually can be very effective in helping to reduce pain and add meaningful stability but this does not mean that everyone needs this kind of support.

Soft Knee Braces

When you are looking online you might type in the words "soft knee brace" on Google, or whatever search engine you are on. (Maybe that is how you found your way here... ) In most cases "soft knee brace" are good for people that need a little extra support. Usually you will not look to one of these supports if you have an ACL tear for example. This is an important point to remember.

Soft braces are good if you need a reminder to not make certain painful movements but they do not usually prevent you from making those movements. They can provide gentle compression that can help reduce pain and add some stability and this can be all a person will need sometimes. They can be referred to as elastic, and are actually made from a material called drytex or neoprene usually. Drytex has the reputation of being more breathable in the "brace world".

Secrets To Helping You Find The Brace You Need

1.) Go to a website in which you can either email or call in with any questions. If you can not talk to a human, then move on fast!

2.) Rate your knee pain and instability on a scale 1-10. If the pain or instability is more than a "nominal" rating, then a soft brace may not be the best one for you. This is important to remember. There are many other braces for you to consider that will not cost you an "arm and a leg" either.

Post surgical pain can be intolerable, especially after an orthopedic procedure. The good news is that modern pain management treatment can alleviate a significant degree of pain and discomfort. There are healthcare centers in New York where physicians offer treatments that provide great relief to patients who have recently undergone a knee surgery.

Pain Management Specialists

These specialists comprise a team of medical practitioners such as psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, neurologists and orthopedists. They assess the condition of the patient and take into account the extensiveness of the surgery. This helps them formulate a customized multi-disciplinary treatment plan by combining pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic procedures.

Effective Pain Relieving Techniques

Symptoms of pain are addressed at the physical and psychological level by adopting certain techniques. These are effective if performed under the care and guidance of experienced doctors.

• Rest and relaxation - It is the most essential part of the treatment plan, especially after a major knee surgery such as a knee replacement.


• Muscle relaxation and exercises - Therapists would assist patients in both the techniques to ease stress related pain and improve joint motion.


• Heat or cold compressions - These help to reduce the intensity of pain and swelling.


• NSAIDS and narcotic medication - Physicians prescribe pain relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs if needed.


• Pain relieving modalities - TENS Unit (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) may be used to decrease pain perception.


• Knee elevation - Patients who have had a knee replacement surgery would need to elevate their legs higher than their hip. This positioning can be adopted when the patient is in bed, recliner or chair as this would reduce the sensation of pain.

Live a Life Free from Pain

Patients don't have to worry about suffering excruciating pain after a knee surgery. Pain management centers are there to help you live a comfortable life. It is best to learn about what you can expect after a surgical procedure and be prepared. Talk to specialists and know how quickly they can get you back on your feet with their specialized care.

Arthritis is a very painful condition that affects millions and millions of Americans every year. There are many different types of arthritis including psoriatic arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, scleroderma, osteoarthritis, gonococcal arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis of all types is a condition that affects the body's joints. A joint is defined as the location where two bones in the body come together. People suffering from arthritis experience joint inflammation that may occur in one bodily joint or many joints.

Two types of arthritis that are commonly discussed include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. You may be wondering what some of the major differences are between these two conditions. Here are seven major differences between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

1. Osteoarthritis is more common than Rheumatoid Arthritis. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), OA affects around 27 million American adults 25 years and older. The Arthritis Foundation reports that RA affects about 1.5 million people in the United States.


2. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by the wearing of bodily joints over time. RA is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a person's immune system attacks the body's joints.


3. Typically people experience OA when they get older. RA can strike a person at any point in life. When it occurs in children, it is sometimes called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.


4. RA can occur quite quickly whereas OA tends to have a more gradual progression over the course of many years.


5. RA tends to strike in a more symmetrical manner where a person might experience inflammation and pain in both hands or both feet. In contrast, OA can easily affect only one joint in the body.


6. Both types of arthritis cause a sense of stiffness in the morning. While the morning stiffness may lessen as the day goes on for those with OA, people with RA are more likely to experience this stiffness for a longer period of time during and throughout the day.


7. Rheumatoid arthritis is often accompanied with other symptoms which include overall tiredness and malaise, whereas the discomfort associated with osteoarthritis is specific to the joint that is affected.

Arthritis of any type is painful and challenging. Treatment most typically aims to help reduce discomfort, aid physical functioning and if possible, to prevent additional damage to bodily joints.

A thorough physical examination by a trained health care professional like a board certified orthopedic physician is advisable if you think you might be suffering from any type of arthritis including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.