Knee Arthritis|Knock Knees|Virtual Knee Surgery

If you have injured your ACL these are often the symptoms you will experience. The anterior cruciate ligament restricts the tibia from sliding in front of the knee. When you tear this ligament there are several symptoms that will almost always accompany this injury. They include...

1. Pop or Snap Sound When Injury Occurs

One of the most common ways to tell if you have injured your ACL is from the injury itself. If when you injured your knee you felt a snap or pop and then collapsed it is possible you have torn your ACL.

2. Swelling

ACL injuries especially tears are often accompanied by significant swelling in the knee shortly after the injury. This is not always the case, from my personal experience both times I tore my ACL there was minimal swelling, however most people experience a lot of swelling.

3. Knee Instability

After you have injured your ACL you will likely notice knee instability this is due to your ACL no longer supporting and stabilizing your knee. If you are not in to much pain immediately after the injury you will likely notice the "funny" feeling you have walking where your knee no longer feels stable.

4. Loose Knee

Similar to the instability issue above, a common way to determine if you have an ACL injury is by testing your knees looseness. To do this sit in a chair with your leg relaxed and foot flat on the ground. Keeping your leg relaxed push place one hand on top of your injured knee and with the other push on the back of your calf. If both knees feel the same than you may not have injured your ACL. However, if you feel like the injured knee is loose and there is nothing stopping you from pushing the back of your calf forward than you could have an ACL injury.

5. Clicking/Popping While Walking

The final symptom of an ACL injury is clicking/popping while walking. Now this isn't actually a symptom of an acl injury it is a symptom of meniscus damage which can often accompany an ACL injury. This symptom by itself is not enough to say you have an ACL injury but if you have this symptom along with the 4 above than you have likely injured your ACL and meniscus.

How to fix and ACL injury?

Surgery is often the recommended choice of recovery for an ACL tear. The recovery process for ACL surgery can be long and time consuming but there are advanced recovery techniques that can greatly reduce the recovery time.

ACL Surgery Recovery Experience and Timeline

The knees are among the most vulnerable joints of the human body. This vulnerability mostly stems from frequent use as we constantly engage them daily when walking and exercising. Knee pain is a very common condition that affects as much as 19% of the population. While knee pain tends to be more common in women, its occurrence increases steadily with age in both genders.

Some of the common causes of knee pain often come in the form of sprains, strains, and fractures, most of which can be avoided. To prevent knee pain or injuries from some of the most common causes, here are a few tips:

• Wear good shoes that provide adequate support for your arches. Ill-fitting shoes increase the incidence of pronation which puts extra stress on your knees and may eventually result in pain and even injury.


• Carrying heavy objects puts a lot of stress on your knees; ask for help if you suspect that an object may be too heavy for one person to move.


• It is important to maintain a healthy weight. Not only does extra weigh put a lot of stress on your knees, it also increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis.


• Exercises like walking or swimming can strengthen your knees; however, controlling your intensity level and alternating days with other exercises is good practice to avoid hurting yourself in the process.


• Weight training is also a good way to strengthen your knees, and there are several low impact exercise machines in the gym that will engage your knees and keep them strong, making them less prone to injury.


• Protect your knees by wearing guards during recreational sports like soccer, and don't forget to stretch before engaging in physical activities. Be mindful of the correct techniques and positions when exercising, and always use them.

Engaging in exercises that improve strength and flexibility is one of the surest ways to prevent the common causes of knee injuries. Some of the benefits that come with such exercises are mentioned below:

Strengthening exercises: Strengthening exercises engage your hamstrings and quadriceps. Strengthening them will reduce stress and aid your knees in absorbing shock.

Flexibility exercises: Flexibility exercises stretch the muscles that support your knees, while strengthening them in the process. Gentle stretches improve flexibility and reduce soreness, while vigorous stretching can cause pain and muscle tightening.

Keeping your knees healthy and preventing injury starts with developing strong and flexible supportive muscles. A qualified physician can give you a customized exercise plan as well as specific tips to help keep your knees in good condition.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The Communicable Diseases Center in Atlanta estimates that OA affects more than 27 million Americans. Other estimates tend to run higher. Almost all agree that the incidence is going to climb as a result of the Baby Boomer "epidemic."

There are many symptomatic treatments for OA. These include analgesic medications, topical and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), physical therapy, exercise, lifestyle modification, bracing, and injections of glucocorticoid or viscosupplements. However, once these fail, there is little else to offer than operative treatment. This is not acceptable.

Recently, there has been increasing interest in the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to potentially slow down or even possibly regrow lost cartilage. Animal experiments have been promising and a few anecdotal reports in the literature along with short series have confirmed a possible benefit for humans as well.

Mesenchymal stem cells are sometimes referred to as mesenchymal "stromal" cells because their differentiation is along the lines of stroma or connective tissue.

Among the various tissues, mesenchymal stem cells can evolve into are skin, muscle, bone, cartilage, tendon and ligament, fat, and nerves.

Mesenchymal stem cells are relatively easy to obtain since they are abundant in both the bone marrow as well as adipose fat. MSCs have the ability to differentiate as well as replicate, given the proper environment. This last point is critical to understanding the biology of MSCs.

It is still not known what type of protection MSCs require when exposed to the hostile environment of a joint like the knee, where weight-bearing is such an important task.

It is important to know that a proper stem cell procedure done for OA of the knee involves more than just harvesting stem cells and injecting them into the joint. Selective injury administered to the area requiring repair is absolutely essential. Injury is the first step in healing and is required for stimulation of stem cell differentiation. The extent of injury required is still a subject of conjecture.

Combining ultrasound imaging as well as arthroscopy in order to visualize the area of disease and allow access to it can make the difference between a successful versus an unsuccessful procedure.

On a separate note, MSCs may find usefulness in OA since they do have immunomodulatory effects as well. It is now known that OA is an inflammatory disease that requires disease modification much the same way that RA does. This may be an important component that explains how MSCs work in OA.

Knee replacements are made to complete replace worn-out or damaged knee joints. It is a major surgery and involves taking out a section of the lower and upper leg bones, taking out the kneecap in its entirety, and replacing each with hardware that has been specially designed to fit you specifically. The change in pain and function are immediate. The recovery and rehabilitation are tough, but the relief and return of activity a replacement knee provides is worth it. Before surgery, you'll be able to find out answers to many questions, including how long knee replacements last.

You may be experiencing a lot of should I or shouldn't I moments. However, if like many patients before you, whose knees have reached the point of no good return; knee reconstruction surgery is the only option available that can lead them back to a normal, active, lifestyle. While there will be many questions associated with the prospect of surgery, one of the most oft-asked questions, as mentioned above, that you may have, as well, is how long do knee replacements last? Like most patients, you will want to know the outcome is worth the surgery and recovery period you are facing.

The implants contain materials, like plastic and metal, which over the years begin to thin. However, the news is not all that bad. While no one can give you the exact length of time of how long your replacements will last, chances are good it's going to be many, many years. In fact one study done a few years ago found that 96% of knee reconstruction recipients were still getting along well with their knee implant 20 years after replacement surgery. However, keep in mind that the majority of people who have this surgery are over age 50. If you are younger and active, the replacement knee may wear out more quickly.

When considering how long knee replacement hardware will last, it will depend, as well, on factors such as over health, size, weight, you strength level, ability to tolerate pain, and various other conditions. In general, it really varies from person to person; although again, the more active you are after knee replacement, the more stress will be placed on the joint. It's important to remember that while the join needs to remain active to work properly, overuse will only serve to wear it down much more quickly. Because of this, a happy medium must be determined.

Fall's loom means a lot of time outdoors prepping your landscape for winter's impending arrival, or partaking in seasonal fun like pumpkin carving or baking seasonal cookies and apple pies. Hand injuries may be the last thing on your brain during this demanding and happy season, but professionals warn that many autumn activities necessitate repetitive motions that may advance to problems, or aggravate existing conditions of the hands and knees.

One in five American adults has received a diagnosis of arthritis from a health professional, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And, by 2030, 67 million people 18 and older will have been diagnosed with arthritis, the CDC estimates.

Whether hand or knee pain is triggered by a serious condition such as arthritis of the hands and knees or is just the result of overusing and overtaxing muscles, joints and tendons, it can prevent you from performing even the most simple tasks. Repetitive movement injuries are among the most common types of hand injuries, costing American companies more than $20 billion a year in worker's compensation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports.

You can take steps to stop repetitive motion injuries this autumn, and to achieve pain relief if you exceed it, or suffer from arthritis of the hands.

Take this simple tips this Fall

Taking breaks throughout tasks that require repetitive motion is an important way to help avoid hand pain and possibly injury. It's worth putting off some errands - like raking leaves - for as long as possible. Instead of raking every week (or even every day), use your lawn mower's mulching setting to cut up the fallen leaves into small particles. The natural mulch will be good for your lawn, and the exercise of walking behind a mower will be healthier than the possible back and hand strain that raking can cause.

For activities that involve fine motor skills and hand strength - like carving a pumpkin - it will also be vital to take a break. If you already have a condition like carpal tunnel or arthritis, it's essential to relieve wrist pain or hand discomfort before you take on a task that could make it worse. An assortment of supportive braces, like the SmartGlove by Imak, are available to help provide wrist support while doing repetitive motions.

Pain relief should be at your finger tips reach

If you've already been identified with arthritis, carpal tunnel or another hand ailment, or if you simply overdid it, it's important to find easy, speedy ways to achieve pain relief. Hand pain can obstruct everyday responsibilities, from opening a jar to driving a car. Assistive devices can help relieve hand pain, and many easy-to-use options are available.

On its website, http://www.arthritis.org, the Arthritis Foundation rates and lists products that are customer-friendly or contain packaging that is simple to open for people with hand or wrist pain. Products like SmartGloves or Arthritis Gloves earn the Arthritis Foundation Ease-of-Use Commendation for being comfortable, beneficial and simple to use. Pain relieving creams are also useful and safe. Look for menthol based topical analgesics rather than heat base creams with capsaicin (chili peppers). The medicinal herb Arnica has a world-wide reputation for its natural anti-inflammation properties and its ability to penetrate into the muscle tissue and relax tense muscles. Topical gels or creams can be safer to use over time versus oral pain medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen.

With some caution and preventative measures, it's probable to enjoy all that autumn has to offer - free of pain and injuries.

Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that removes fat deposits from underneath the skin. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia inside a surgery center, doctor's office or a hospital depending on the patient's medical history. Some statistics state that it is safer to perform liposuction in the doctor's office than in a hospital because multiple procedures are performed at a hospital. In the doctor's office they have all of the proper equipment, data and experienced professionals for a liposuction procedure. Liposuction can be performed by a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist but they do not have to have any specialized training. Each professional has different experience; therefore they must have a proven track record of successful surgeries to prove their abilities to new patients considering liposuction.

Knee liposuction is usually performed in conjunction with treating the inner thigh. There is a line that flows between the inner thigh and the calf, therefore if the knee fat bulges outward it will interfere the line and it will be difficult to have success with the procedure without performing some work on the knees. Knee lipo is not a difficult procedure, very straight forward. After performing knee liposuction many patients are able to wear skirts and shorts without feeling self conscious. Many patients seem to be pleased with the results.

The only complication that may go alone with knee liposuction is stiffness in the knee for about four to six weeks after the procedure. Usually patients have to wear a knee wrap or brace for a week until the swelling goes down or until they are comfortable walking without one. If the patient does exercise regularly they can resume their routine about three weeks after the procedure. Recovery times vary between patients; therefore they should use a wheelchair or a cane for the first couple of days after the procedure.

The technique of "Unmasking and treating the underlying problem":

This technique is being explained for the first time. It is a source of new hope for the patients, and gives promising results. It also gives us the clue and the knowledge of a new etiology for the symptom of Pain Knee Joint. Clinically our work has proved that the pain knee is due to lesions that are outside the joint and the aging process has nothing to do with it. These lesions may appear as early as 35 years of age and are invariably found in all those cases of Osteo-arthritis knee joint that clinically present with Pain Knee. Why these lesions develop is a question yet to be answered, but anyway they are well demarcated, identifiable and severely tender on deep palpation. These lesions when treated give complete relief to the symptom of Pain Knee, thus certain other treatment modalities would be required to be postponed, till the time that the patient escapes any benefit from this new technique.

However a big task is still lying ahead. This new algorithm needs to be authenticated and standardized by designing bigger treatment models. Their results evaluated and follow-ups carried out. Till date this new algorithm only gives us a clue of the etiology of pain knee and a new possible treatment technique.
Trigger spots identified around knee joint are as under:

1. Above the joint on the medial side it is on the Adductor Tubercle, possibly the insertion of Adductor Magnus (Fibro Osseous Junction).

2. Higher up on the tendons and ligaments in the same line on the medial side. May be these are tendonitis or with associated underlying Bursitis.

3. On Lateral side it is on the origin of the Gastronemius lateral head (Fibro Osseous Junction).

4. Higher up on the tendons and ligaments in the same line on the Lateral side. May be these are tendonitis or with associated underlying Bursitis.

5. Underneath the upper border of Patella (this is very rare).

6. On the medial aspect of the joint upon Tibial Collateral Ligament ( Pes anserine bursa).

7. On the Dorsum above the popliteal fossa.
The first and the third points are invariably found in all the cases presenting with Pain Knee joint. Rarely a patient may have only one of them. These points are basically causing the main symptom of pain as we clinically see in our everyday practice. Why these sites are more prone to develop these pathological changes is a very important question that needs to be answered.

However other questions that are looking forward towards us for explaining the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are:

What in particular is the pathology at these sites?
Why are certain people more prone to develop these changes while others are not?
Can these be prevented?
Are these posture related?
Having identified them what are the most effective options to treat them?

Getting a knee arthroplasty or joint replacement is expected by a lot of people to be a solution to their mobility problems. However, it seems that there is a certain group of people that have not regained the full range of motion that they had expected after surgery. This condition is generally termed as stiffness of the replacement joints. The duration of stiffness after total knee replacement has not been extensively written about, though there are available solutions to correct the condition.

Osteoarthritis and Knee Replacement

An indication that a patient needs knee surgery is when he or she has a developing osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a combination of various conditions that result in the continuous degradation of the joints. The joints are protected by a material called the cartilage, the same material the visible part of the ear is made of. A series of forces contribute to its thinning out, causing the joints to become closer and will eventually cause pain whenever in contact.

This is especially true to the knees, since they have to stand the weight of the entire upper body and the legs. Running, walking, or even standing becomes very difficult to a person with osteoarthritis. If therapy and medication cannot help anymore, the joints are replaced by artificial mechanisms that mimic the function of the knee.

Why Does the Stiffness Happen?

There are several factors that could lead to the stiffness. One is the actual built quality of the artificial replacements. Though the replacements have been rigorously tested prior to shipping in various medical facilities, there is still a big chance that a small portion may not have passed quality control measures.

Another culprit may be the lack of rehabilitation after the surgery. Usually, patients are asked to complete a series of physical exercises to retrain simple tasks such as standing up or bending the knees. At first, they are simply asked to do these exercises while in bed or sitting. Next, a physical therapist and railings or crutches provide assistance until complete motion is revived. If there is serious negligence on the side of a therapist or the lack of cooperation from the patient, stiffness of the knee will eventually occur.

How Long Does the Stiffness Last?

According to a recent study, it was found out that among people who have experienced knee surgery, only 1 percent have felt stiffness in their replacements. Most of them have also reported the issue earlier to their surgeons and they have performed certain corrections. Duration of stiffness after total knee replacement can last as long as the rehabilitation process of the patients. This can mean as long as three months or more, but most patients get full function of the knees by then.

Corrective Procedures

One way to shorten the duration of stiffness after total knee replacement is to massage the knees or have them moved by an expert while the patient is under anesthesia to remove the pain. This is usually part of the rehabilitation process already and ensures that the replacement is working perfectly.

If the stiffness can be discovered early on, surgery can be performed again to adjust the calibration of the joints or have them replaced altogether. According to the same study above, corrective surgery resulted to around 90 percent of patients getting back full motion of the knees.

A strict doctor ordered rehabilitation always follows knee replacement surgery. Unfortunately, this rehab is only enough to give you some mobility and get back part of your life. They don't expect people with knee replacements to have the full abilities like they once did, so they don't even try. With the right exercise and routines, though, you can have that life back, despite what the doctors tell you. Take the time to learn about rehabilitation from knee replacement surgery, and how you can ease your fear of living a sedentary life by taking action.

One very common knee injury is an MCL tear or a medial collateral ligament tear. The medial collateral ligament or MCL runs from the shin bone or tibia up to the thigh bone (also known as the femur).

Athletes commonly experience MCL tears following some type of knee related trauma. For example, sharp twisting or stopping can cause an MCL tear as can strong impact. An MCL tear is a common injury among dancers, and it is also a common injury among skiers, ice hockey players and football players. Soccer and basketball players may also be vulnerable to MCL tears as well.

Ligaments work to manage bodily movement by restricting the movement of joints. If the outside of the knee joint experiences some type of intense impact, sharp twisting or turning, you may experience an MCL injury. The MCL is particularly vulnerable to tearing if it is pulled too much or overstretched which can easily occur during athletic competition.

During a very intense injury to the knee, a person might experience tearing to the MCL, the Anterior Cruciate Ligament or "ACL" and the meniscus all at one time. Sharp pain on the inside of the knee often accompanies an MCL injury. This inner knee pain can last for hours and in more severe cases like with a Grade III MCL injury, a person may also experience a feeling of weakness in the knee or knee buckling.

Sometimes if you have an MCL tear, you may find that it hurts to touch the inside part of your knee around the joint area. MCL injury often includes swelling to the injured area and sometimes bruising in the days following the knee injury.

Following an MCL tear, it is generally recommended that you see a qualified health care professional like a board certified orthopedic doctor for a thorough examination and treatment recommendations.

Treatment to help an MCL tear includes putting ice on the injury, keeping your knee raised for an extended period of time above the heart, and reducing physical activity in order to avoid causing further damage.

You may also be required to wear a special brace and/or use crutches, depending on the severity of your medial collateral ligament tear. Sometimes physical therapy is also recommended to facilitate enhanced knee strength, especially if you have been sidelined by an MCL injury for an extended period of time. Physical therapy can be helpful to prevent additional injuries coming from the MCL injury.

If you think you may be suffering from an MCL injury, it is advisable that you seek out a medical assessment from your physician. A doctor specializing in knee injuries and sports medicine like an orthopedic surgeon may be particularly helpful in assessing your knee pain and the severity of your MCL injury.

Lift chair recliners, also known as rise chair recliners, are a form of mobility equipment. These chairs were designed for the sole purpose of assisting the weak and disabled who find it difficult to sit in a chair and get up out of it.

There are three settings in it. The user can be assisted into a seated position, an upright position or a fully reclined position. Lift chairs have the same appearance as any other ordinary chair; only, they have a few additional components.

When a person wants to get up out of the chair, a button is pressed which uses the motor to tilt the chair in an upright position. When attempting to sit down, the weight of the body causes the motor to lower the chair. A motor can also activate the foot rest to elevate and place the person in a reclined position. Reclining lift chairs are plugged into an outlet but also have a battery in cases where the electricity goes out.

When people have a hard time getting into a chair or re-assuming a standing from seated position, they tend to become inactive. Inactivity or immobilization promotes further weakness and other secondary complications. Many different population groups can benefit from using lift chair recliners. People who suffer from arthritis will present with increased pain and stiffness when getting up from a chair, especially in the morning. Those with neck and back ailments are also advised to use less taxing ways of getting around. Much of the stress of bearing the body's weight can be reduced in people who underwent hip or knee surgery or have degenerative joint disease.

Lift chair recliners not only benefit the disabled person; it can even help the health care professionals treating the patient. Health care workers such as caregivers and private nurses can use chairs that lift the patient automatically. Even when these professionals are trained to use proper body mechanics when lifting, the labor-intensive task can still cause back pain. Using lift chairs does not cause strain and it also saves time for the health care provider, allowing more time to be spent on other treatments.

It can be ordered in different colors, shapes and sizes. Most sizes range from Small to Extra-extra-large. The largest size can be ordered to accommodate obese individuals. When purchasing a lift chair, it is important to know both the weight and the height of the user. The small size can comfortably fit a person who is less than 5' 4'' in height.

The chairs may also come with additional features like a heat and massage setting for added comfort. Cup holders and areas for storage are available. Some models have hand controls for more convenience. When arranging lift chair recliners in a room, it is important to remember that an appropriate amount of space be provided. The lift chair should be able to operate in all positions without coming in contact with other pieces of furniture.

Every year, about 11 million Americans complain to doctors about knee pain. Roughly 21 million American people have osteoarthritis of the knee (a degenerative disease in which the cartilage gradually decays and fails to provide the shock absorbing padding that cushions the bones). Orthopedic surgeons performed more than 1.2 million such surgeries in 1996 alone.

Many older people suffer from this painful arthritic condition, however this knee pain is not only restricted to older people but healthy young people are also getting effected by it, for example dancers, athlete for various reason.

Reason for knee injuries/ pain

Lets see what are the reason that people get knee pain. Most common risk factor for knee pain are old age, obesity, knee injuries because of hyperextension , misalignment of knee, inappropriate way of doing exercise, tight muscles or because of combination of above factors etc.

Hyperextension at the knee joint occur when the joints are overly flexible. In this case legs extend too far and move past the point of being straight. Some people may be born with this condition however most people develop it by habitually locking their knee.

Knee injuries can also occur because the way we stand and walk. For example when we stand straight we need to be aware that whether our body weight is distributed properly on both feet or not. It is not very uncommon to observe that one side of heals of people shoes is wearing out more than the other side creating imbalance at the knee joint.

Imbalance at knee joint also occurs because of underdeveloped inner quadriceps and strong outer quadriceps. In this case tendency of strong quadriceps is to pull the kneecap towards the outside of legs I.e. result in imbalance.

Knee joints in our body can be healthy if the muscles that support them are healthy I.e. both strong and supple. Tight outer hips and hamstrings put undue pressure pressure on knee joints. Athletic activity cause these muscles to tighten up and along with the aging process condition become worse (unless proper stretching are done after each workout when body is warm).

Yoga provide effective solution

Yoga is excellent for increasing strength and flexibility in knees. More and more doctors are recommending yoga to their patients who are rehabilitating after a ligament injury.

The benefit with yoga is that it helps to strengthen both the inner and outer quadriceps, which help to keep the kneecap in alignment. It strengthens the quadriceps, the hamstrings, the calves and the ankles- all fairly consistently. Strength in these areas all help to support a weak knee.

Another benefit that yoga give for the knees is the increase in blood flow and nourishment that it sends to the surrounding joints and ligaments. As with most poses in yoga, the action of squeezing a body part, and then releasing it, sends lots of nutrient rich blood to the area that was affected in the posture. Many postures do this for the knees in yoga.

Yoga posture like staff pose(Dandasana),Half downward facing dog pose (Ardha Adho Mukha Svanasana),Seat of power pose (Utkatasana Pose), simple balancing pose, Half frog pose (Ardha Bhekasana) etc can be very helpful for rejuvenating knee joints.

Practiced with care, yoga posture can contribute to the long-term health of your knees by strengthening your quadriceps, opening your stiff hips, and teaching your body improved alignment and movement patterns that transfer into your everyday activities.

Note: It is important to practice yoga with caution. Initially Some yoga posture for example, padmasana and yoga style like Ashtanga yoga mysore can be avoided. Yoga posture that are done incorrectly can actually injure the knee.

Remember most important rule in practicing yoga posture is that any slightest pain is indication from you body that something is wrong and come out of it. If starting yoga practice, it is strongly recommended that you begin in presence of qualified yoga teacher and do listen to your doctor advise.

Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta yoga expert based in London.

Mr Subodh Gupta, Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

With the many demands placed on you today, and the fact that many of us live fast paced lives, it is understandable why knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints people have when they visit with their physician. The knee pain can range from being mild to excruciating, as a result of having different knee ailments. As a result of this knee pain, millions of people seek pain relief in one form or another.

Knee pain severity varies among people, and as a result, you may require a unique treatment method tailored to your personal needs. Some people may simply need to rest their knee to find knee pain relief, while others may only find knee pain relief with the use of a knee brace, or as a result of having surgery.

There are many types of knee disorders and knee injuries that cause severe pain.

For example, If you are an athlete, you may have severe knee pain resulting from tears of the ligaments, muscles, or cartilage at the knee joint. Unfortunately, the more active you are, the higher the risk of a sports-related injury. In the case of a torn ligament (such as your ACL) your physician may look for you to obtain a knee brace to help provide meaningful, or they may recommend surgery in order to receive knee pain relief. In some cases, your physician may require the use of both surgery and a knee brace to achieve knee pain relief long term.

Knee Pain Relief for Knee Osteoarthritis:

Physical therapy and the use of medicines can help you manage the pain caused by osteoarthritis. Physical therapy is a special exercise program done with the help of a trained therapist, who helps you regain movement and flexibility of your knee, in the effort to reduce painful symptoms. Stability and balance may improve when the muscles around the knee are strengthened. It can be reasonably assumed that you will need physical therapy if you choose to undergo knee surgery.

Moreover, your physician may tell you to use pain-relieving creams or sprays that you can apply to your skin around your knee, to achieve some pain relief. In addition, your physician may recommend that you take oral medications, such as acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) or prescription medications to help relieve the pain.

Pain Relief for Overuse Knee Injuries:

Something as simple as overuse of the knees can cause people to seek knee pain relief. Minor insults to your knees, can worsen over time and become a more involved problem. Muscle strains and the inflammation caused by tendonitis can develop and worsen as people grow older. Tears, sprains and strains must be treated with care and allowed to heal over time. Some people use ice or heating pads for knee pain relief.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is, without question, the most common form of arthritis. It is a disease of articular cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones. Cartilage consists of a mixture of proteins and sugars (proteoglycans), and collagen. Interspersed in this matrix of substances are chondrocytes, cartilage cells. The purpose of the chondrocytes is to manufacture new healthy matrix and keep it healthy.

With the onset of OA, the chondrocytes begin to elaborate destructive enzymes. In addition, there is a complex interplay of events that leads to hardening of the underlying bone along with bone spur formation and inflammation of the synovium (the lining of the joint), which causes further joint destruction.

OA is predominately a disease of weight-bearing joints. However, other joints can be affected and cause debilitating symptoms and loss of function.

The conventional approach to osteoarthritis hasn't changed for more than fifty years.

The three aims of treatment are to relieve symptoms, improve function, and restore cartilage. While the former two targets are sometimes reached, the latter has remained elusive.

OA treatment begins with non-medical interventions such as weight loss, physical therapy, exercise, patient education, and sometimes assistive devices. Assistive devices are things such as braces and canes that might help a patient perform activities of daily living more efficiently.

Many doctors advocate the use of analgesics (pain relievers) instead of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). This is because of the side effect profile of the latter group of medicines in light of data regarding cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal events associated with the use of these drugs.

One way of getting around this is to use NSAID in topical form. There are two preparations, Voltaren gel, and Pennsaid which are topical medicines containing the anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac.

Nutriceuticals, such as glucosamine and chondroitin have their advocates. In addition various studies touting the benefits of dietary fish oil, and herbal remedies indicate these are also an option for people with mild OA. Glucocorticoid injections can be employed for patients with significant symptoms. They should be administered using ultrasound guidance and no more frequently than three times per year in an individual joint.

Viscosupplements, lubricants, can also be used although they are indicated so far for OA of the knee only. As with glucocorticoids, they should be administered using ultrasound guidance to ensure proper placement.

There is a huge void between these conservative therapies and surgery.

Recent experiences using autologous growth factors such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as well as autologous stem cells (a patient's own stem cells) may hold the promise of cartilage protection and cartilage regeneration.

(Wei N, Beard S, Delauter S, Bitner C, Gillis R, Rau L, Miller C, Clark T. Guided Mesenchymal Stem Cell Layering Technique for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee. J Applied Res. 2011; 11: 44-48)

Estimates state that 12% of Americans between the ages of 25 and 75 suffer from osteoarthritis. This figure is expected to rise dramatically in the future because of a number of factors. These include the increasing incidence of the disease with age, the relative lack of effective symptomatic therapies, and finally, the absence of treatments that are capable of restoring cartilage.

Of the many areas that are affected by osteoarthritis (OA), the knee appears to have garnered the most attention.

While oral therapies including various analgesics such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are often recommended and used, these carry with them the potential for systemic toxicity.

So the trend has been to use less toxic therapies. Most of these have local effects.
For example, recent guidelines issued by the American College of Rheumatology support the use of both acupuncture as well as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. (Larger electrical stimulators have also been used. While the data looks good, there has not been sufficient interest to pursue this mode of treatment. Since it is expensive, insurers are reluctant to pay.)

These are local measures that have the aim of pain relief.

The College didn't recommend topical capsaicin although many people do find this mode of treatment to be effective.

Topical NSAIDS have their proponents. The two that are currently available are Voltaren gel and Pennsaid. Both of these preparations contain diclofenac, a commonly used NSAID.

Various patches containing either diclofenac or lidocaine have been used "off-label" by some physicians to treat knee OA.

Finally, injections are frequently used for symptomatic relief for patients in whom other local measures have failed. The two different types of injections are glucocorticoids ("cortisone") and viscosupplemments. The latter are hyaluronic acid preparations that have both lubricating as well as pain-relieving properties. Local glucocorticoid injections should be administered using ultrasound guidance with sterile technique. They should not be given any more frequently than three times per year since there is animal data indicating cartilage damage ensues if glucocorticoids are given more often.

There are a number of different hyaluronates that are used by both rheumatologists as well as orthopedists. These preparations are all about the same as far as symptom relief. Like glucocorticoids, they need to be administered using sterile technique with ultrasound guidance. It cannot be overemphasized, particularly with viscosupplements, that the precise placement of the medication is critical to a good outcome. That is why ultrasound guidance is mandatory.

Arthritis unfortunately has become a way of life for many people not only in the United States but around the world. We know there are over a hundred different types of arthritis that affect humankind but, one that seems to prevail more then others is osteoarthritis.

Known also as OA it has become prevalent over the years due to our life spans increasing and the obesity factor that has its grips on western society. Our diet also has been help somewhat responsible for the rise in arthritis over the years and, it costs the healthcare systems millions of dollars to treat each year.

There is a multitude of information on arthritis today that can keep you well informed. Exercise is just one of the components listed in the prevention of osteoarthritis.

As we age there are numerous changes that takes place within our bodies. Most of them are preventable by taking the time to address them. One of those areas that is easily addressed is strength training to keep are bodies strong and to allow the muscles to do the job they were meant to do.

By having strong muscles in your legs for instance namely the quadriceps they will allow the knee joint to work smoothly and not bear the brunt of our bodyweight. As our thigh muscles weaken over the years due to lack of strength training the muscles can no longer do the job of supporting the knee joint so therefore the joint absorbs our bodyweight and the wear and tear now increases.

Of course if you are overweight as well, this only exacerbates the problem as the forces generated through the knee structure are more then it was designed to handle. Once the knee joint has to absorb a larger amount of force through it then, you begin to develop bone spurs and the quick decomposing of the cartilage which acts as a cushion between the femur and the tibia can no longer do what it was designed to do.

By keeping your thighs strong you allow the knees to work more efficiently and pain free.

Several exercises that I recommended that will get the results you seek are as follows.

1. Long arc quads: also known as seated leg extensions. Depending on your strength level you attach a weight to the end of your leg while seated in a straight back chair lift your foot until its straight and hold your foot up for a slow count of five. Completing this exercise for ten repetition is a good place to start. As you get stronger you increase the weight to work the muscle harder and to promote further strengthening.

2. Quadricep sets: Using this isometric exercise will increase your thigh strength but only in the plane or position that you are completing the exercise in. With isometric exercise the key here is to squeeze the muscle you intend to strengthen as hard as you can then count to five. You have to be sure not to hold your breath with isometrics as it will increase the pressure within your chest cavity and raise your blood pressure. You simply place your legs out flat and flex your thigh muscles. the back of your knees will touch the surface you are laying on when doing the exercise correctly.

3. Straight leg raises: While laying flat in bed bring one foot up and place it flat on the bed. lift the opposite leg up keep it straight do not bend the knee, bring it up to the level of the bent knee and again hold the leg up for a count of five. You will feel the stress on the thigh muscles you should not feel it in the back. If you feel back pain with this exercise disregard it.

These are just three simple exercises that will help increase your leg strength. there are many more out there but it all depends on your current strength levels and overall fitness as to what exercises to prescribe. By keeping your legs strong you help ward off in one way the ravages of osteoarthritis in the knees that plaque so many with age.

Richard Haynes

Is your knee hurting? If you want to be relieved from the pain as soon as possible, then you need to learn what is behind the pain. If you are into sports or recently had a minor fall, you most probably have problems with your quadriceps tendon.
What exactly is the quadriceps tendon?

This special tendon is actually what connects the four different muscles of the quadriceps. At the same time, it is also connecting the knee cap to the quadriceps. The quadriceps tendon is playing an important function when we are running, walking, or jumping. This is actually the tendon that absorbs the shock as you land your feet to the ground. Thus, it is one of the parts that are really prone to injury especially in demanding physical activities.

With this crucial function in the body, quadriceps tendon is designed to be actually strong to handle the demands. It is quite tough to injure; however, there are cases when it can rupture due to extreme demands from sports and overtraining. It may also be torn because of old age or disease. In most cases, however, quadriceps tendon tear is actually experienced because of an accidental fall.

How do you know you have this problem with this particular tendon? With this injury, you will usually notice that the knee cannot bear anymore the weight that it can normally carry. You will also have problems with running or even the simplest activities such as walking and climbing the stairs. There will also be some bruising, swelling, and pain in the affected part.

The problem with the above observations is that these signs are quite common with other injuries of the knees. But one sign that you have indeed quadriceps tendon tear is that you will have a strange alignment in the knees. You will observe that the knee cap is out of its proper position and it has an obvious gap to the muscles of quadriceps, which is quite weird. Together with the signs mentioned previously, it is time to consult a doctor.

What do you need to do when you experience problems with your quadriceps tendon? It is advisable that you consult your doctor as soon as possible. This problem requires proper treatment and some cases would even require surgical methods. When it is only a partial tear, you need to discuss the specific plan with your physician to treat this successfully. You may need to limit physical activities until you fully recover. Proper treatment is essential to prevent your individual case from progressing into a stage where it would require surgery.

Now that you have been informed, it is time to have your knees checked to combat the real cause of your pain. Seek professional help as soon as you can. You need to understand that this problem cannot be handled by self-diagnosis only.

First, lets distinguish between the two.

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease that results in decreased bone density and an alteration in the bony architecture. It does not directly cause pain. A more simple definition would be " a bone disorder that results in decreased bone strength and an increased risk of fracture."

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the loss of articular cartilage and results in pain, stiffness and decreased mobility.

Because both are common in the older age group, the two often get confused. Many times I have heard people blame their pain on osteoporosis when this is not the case.

The concerns with osteoporosis are the increased risk of future fracture, with osteoarthritis, it's pain, deformity, and loss of mobility.

There are of course many people unfortunate enough to have both of these common disease processes active at the one time. However, different diseases take different approaches to address them.

Osteoporosis needs to be treated with dietary changes, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and medication such as bisphosphonates - talk to your doctor about these.

Osteoarthritis needs to be addressed via a program of weight loss, exercise, analgesia and if required,surgery.

It is common sense to target both conditions simultaneously if required. As a general rule, osteoporosis treatment does not get in the way of arthritis treatments. Many good hospitals now include an osteoporosis risk profile questionnaire as part of their treatment of osteoarthritis.

Many people do not realize they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture - it creeps up silently.

Osteoarthritis is anything but silent with a gradual increase in symptoms,the primary one being pain.

These two separate diseases of the bone don't directly affect each other but commonly occur in tandem. A knowledge of both would be beneficial for the majority of patients.

There are few NBA stars that possess the ability to have there first names be recognizable above any other name in their sport.

Today's game boasts interesting names such as Kobe and LeBron but before they were even old enough to lace up sneakers one man separated basketball from sports.

Michael was, and remains, the most recognizable name in not just sports but in popular entertainment. His air-ness may share his name with the King of Pop and their achievements may be similar on a global stage but Michael Jordan's ability to combine his achievements as an athlete and his ability to bolster his public image with his successes in the business world undoubtedly separate him from the other Michael.

Jordan entered a league dominated by Magic, Doctor J., Larry, Kareem and Moses. Among those titans of basketball, Jordan managed to captivate the sporting world while playing for an untalented Bulls team.

Jordan's career seemed to reach new levels each season but his team was not always recognized as the second (behind Russell's Celtics) greatest dynasty in basketball history.

Though MJ led his Bulls to the 8th seed playoff spot his first several seasons, a feat that is underappreciated on Chicago teams that were untalented and under achieving, his early career was marred by injuries and controversies caused by jealous opponents.

The NBA's most jealous superstar, Isiah Thomas, unsurprisingly led the charge in 1984. Michael Jordan was voted as a starter, by the fans, to the all-star game in his rookie season. Isiah, feeling the attention Jordan was receiving was unjust, led a player revolt in the all-star game. In a move most forgotten for unsportsmanlike behavior, Isiah refused to pass Michael the ball throughout the game.

Jordan went on to win Rookie of the Year honors and his battles with Isiah had just begun.

His next two seasons were busted by foot and knee problems.

In 1986, Jordan returned from knee surgery in time to face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Though the Bulls were swept by Larry's Celtics, Jordan managed to set an unbroken playoff record of 63 points in game 2.

In 1987, Jordan averaged an astonishing 37 points per game but was again swept by the Celtics.

It wasn't until 1988, perhaps Jordan's most successful season individually, the Bulls emerged from the first round of

Jordan holding on of his 6 Larry O'Brien Trophies
the playoffs. That season, Jordan averaged 35 points per game, 52 percent from the field. He won his first of five NBA Most Valuable Player award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

It's rare to have a player succeed on the offensive and defensive ends of the court in such a dominant fashion.

In 1988, the first of 4 epic post season battles, Isiah Thomas and his Detroit Pistons eliminated the Chicago Bulls in five games.

The Pistons and Bulls would meet again in 1989 and the Pistons, now famous, "Jordan Rules" defense facilitated in once again eliminating the Bulls.

In 1990 the Bulls emerging talent surrounding Jordan again fell to the Pistons as the "Jordan Rules" was now a famous and effective method for slowing down Jordan and stopping the Bulls.

It wasn't until 1991 that Michael and his now ultra talented squad finally beat the Detroit Pistons. The Bulls were able to finally get revenge and swept the Pistons led by Jordan opting for the assist over the shot, made difficult by the Pistons "Jordan Defensive Rules".

Isiah Thomas, in typical unsportsmanlike fashion, walked off the court before the final buzzer without congratulating his opponent.

After defeating the Detroit Pistons in 1991, Jordan led his Bulls to their first title.

The Bulls would go on to win 6 titles in 7 years.

Michael Jordan, a man who achieved personal stats unmatched by any player in NBA history, won 6 NBA titles, 5 NBA MVP awards, 6 Finals MVP awards, Rookie of the Year honors, Defensive Player of the Year honors, 14 all-star appearance, 10 all NBA first team appearances, 9 time defensive first team honors, 3 all-star game MVP awards, 2 Dunk contest championships, and now he will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Jordan, nearly single handedly, made famous such globally branded products as Nike and Gatorade.

Even in retirement, Jordan's endorsements of products such as Nike and Gatorade continues to ensure their profits. On the day of Jordan's first retirement, the NY Stock Exchange actually took a dip because of Jordan's effect on global business.

No professional athlete can boast such a claim.

I consider myself to be a somewhat astute NBA historian and yet I had to research all of Jordan's accolades online as to not forget any.

Above all of his personal and team achievements, perhaps Jordans most admirable contributions to professional sports was his ability to face defeat, adversity, world fame, and tremendous success with grace, maturity, sportsmanlike conduct, and humility.

His brilliance on the basketball court is missed but his presence is still felt by the players that follow him. Players such as Kobe and LeBron emulate Jordan in their on court highlights. We can often be found, jaw dropped, at an amazing move made by today's players while thinking and sometimes shouting:

"That was a Jordan move!"

Today's players may be able to resemble Jordan in their play but they certainly cannot reach the levels Michael achieved, always carrying himself with class, on and off the court

Arthritis is the word used to describe inflammation of the joints. It is often described as an auto-immune disease as it relates to the system within the body which produces antibodies.

In the modem medical approach to arthritis, anti-inflammatory drugs are used which are either steroidal or non-steroidal. Unfortunately joint disease is poorly understood and the treatments have not advanced for a long time. Hopefully more research into the causes and the cure of joint diseases will be done over the next few years.

Naturopathic approaches are certainly worth trying. They may not cure the disease but they can certainly relieve much of the discomfort and slow down the debilitating symptoms. Diet plays a huge role in controlling the symptoms and some plant medicine and nutritional supplements can be very beneficial.

My father, who had severe arthritis in his knees, was always joking about the fact that there was no cure for joint problems, and he was very disturbed that the anti-inflammatories he was prescribed were upsetting his stomach, which is a very common side effect. Just by increasing his intake of water each day (elderly people tend to be dehydrated because they don't consume enough water daily) and including some vitamins helped him.

In all treatment of joint problems, solutions must be looked upon as long-term: a lifestyle change and a commitment to taking the supplements regularly to stop degeneration and further damage to the immune system are essential.

Treatment & prevention program

Follow the diet for health and vitality. This is imperative. All junk food, white sugar and white flour products must be eliminated. Foods that nourish joints are those containing omega 3 and 6 oils, such as deep-sea fish, flaxseed oil, and vitamin E in avocados and wheatgerm oils.

Eat high-quality proteins such as legumes, eggs and white meat, which are more suitable than red meat, as one of the waste products from digestion of red meat is uric acid which can aggravate joints.

Drink celery juice daily as it assists the balance of potassium and sodium being carried to the joints. It can be mixed with carrot juice.

Avoid acidic foods such as rich sauces, white wine, white vinegar, and some fruits such as oranges, strawberries and other berries which can aggravate joint problems. It is best to stay off these foods for six weeks and introduce them back into your diet slowly and see if they affect your level of joint pain in certain quantities.

Drink lots of pure, filtered water.

Encourage mobility of the joints through exercise such as water exercises and walking. Running is very aggravating to any joint, especially on a hard surface.

Supplements

Two omega 3 and 6 oil capsules twice daily. It lubricates joints. Double the dose if in severe pain.

One glass of celery juice daily or two celery tablets daily. For taste and health, mix with carrot juice.

Two tablets of the standardized extract of boswellia twice daily or one tablet daily as a preventative. Boswellia, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, is excellent for arthritis (and also for inflammation of the bowel). There is often a link between inflammation of the bowel and arthritis. You may find this herb mixed with ginger and turmeric (both natural anti-inflammatories).

One or two ginger capsules three times a day. Ginger tablets have relieved many joint problems because they stimulate the circulation. They are especially useful for those in cold countries, to assist mobility. In fact they are very useful when skiing or participating in water sports in cold water.

Glucosamine sulfate one tablet two to three times a day.

I have made many wonderful tonics for arthritis using traditional herbs, and if the client stays on these daily over the winter period, when joints seem to be at their worst, the aches and pains are kept under control without the long-term effects of anti-inflammatories. The following tonic is recommended. Equal parts of celery, dandelion, prickly ash, boswellia (you can also take this herb separately as a tablet for better results), willow bark, devil's claw, liquorice, ginger and astragalus (which helps the immune system in chronic conditions). Take one teaspoon in water twice daily.

A liniment containing the Chinese herbs kadsura, pothos and curcuma, and menthol, camphor and some wintergreen oil. These are available at your health store. Rub on the affected area.

The knee is a remarkable creation. It is both durable and vulnerable at the same time. The way the knee is assembled, with the patella (kneecap) virtually "floating" in front of the joint with relatively large spaces between the related bones, the knee depends on surrounding muscle and ligaments to keep it stable and strong. Damage to the knee is common in athletes, and is generally thought to be associated with the bones though that is not the case. Knee injuries are most often associated with the ligaments, muscles and cartilage that holds it together.

Actual kneecap injuries are not the usual source of knee problems. The cartilage and ligaments are. Consequently patella surgery is not performed as a first line treatment of most knee injuries. Most knee problems are minor and can be effectively dealt with by simple home treatments such as rest and ice. Others may require advanced physical therapy under the care of a licensed therapist. And finally others may have to be dealt with by surgery or other major interventions. But in every case there will be eventual exercise to retain or restore the normal range of motion of the knee joint.

Patella surgery is most often performed after a severe trauma to the knee such as kneecap dislocation from a hard twist to the leg. I've seen people in martial arts tournaments dislocate their knees while free sparring. It causes horrendous pain and is immediately disabling. It is generally from these type situations, if less invasive methods do not work, that surgery will be performed to realign and strengthen the kneecap.

Another issue that regularly results in surgery is Chondromalacia patella which is the softening or degeneration of the cartilage underneath the patella. In young people the condition is generally thought to be related to injury or excessive force on the knee joint. In older people it may be a sign of arthritis. People who have had a dislocation of the knee or other previous injury are most likely to develop this condition. In either case the condition inhibits the correct alignment of the kneecap. My mother has the condition in both knees and the cartilage is virtually gone between the bones of the knees leaving her in chronic pain and with very limited use of both knees.

Initial treatment of Chondromalacia patella may include anti inflammatory medications and rest to relieve pain combined with physical therapy to keep the knee's range of motion. If therapy does not work to realign the kneecap then patella surgery may be required. This is normally a last resort after all the other therapeutic methods. And doctors will not perform the surgery if it is determined that in very elderly individuals the surgery would not alleviate the problem.

Finally, as a preventive measure, be sure to exercise using full range of motion with the knees. Strengthening the muscles around the knee is the best protection you have against knee injury and deterioration. This, along with good walking posture and good nutrition will go a long way in getting a full life's use from your knees.

In any case, be sure to check with your physician if you experience any pain, problems walking straight, or injury to the knee. Problems left untreated can take what could be corrected, and turn them into chronic lifelong issues.