Archive for the ‘knee pain’ Category
Knee X-ray
New research coming out of Tufts University School of Medicine had concluded that patients 65 years of age and over who suffer from knee osteoarthritis (OA), and who practice Tai Chi, increased their physical capability and experienced less pain. Osteoarthritis is a general form of arthritis that causes a wearing away of joint cartilage. Chiropractors help a large number men and women who have developed OA in a number of regions of the body, including the knee joints. Knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread conditions of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal abnormalities. In fact, an astounding 4.3 million US adults over 60 years of age have been diagnosed with knee OA, according to the CDC, and it conjectures that half of the people in America may suffer from symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85. Knee OA causes pain, immobility, functional disabilities, and a diminished quality of life.
Are you wondering why so many adults develop OA? As with nearly all of the musculoskeletal conditions that we develop as we get older, undue stress to a joint over the years is a major determinant. Therefore, as people age they are more at risk for developing OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Improper function of the knee, improper gait, compensatory foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, and repetitive use of the knee joint all produce undue stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint develop. Most chiropractors advocate such natural, drug-free practices as Tai Chi, in addition to their chiropractic management. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that produce mental relaxation, as well as an enhancement of balance, an augmentation of strength, and enhanced flexibility.
Though in good health otherwise, the 40 men and women with confirmed OA that were chosen for the Tufts study were, on average, 65 years of age and overweight. Participants were selected at random to participate in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.
Tai Chi practice incorporates the kind of range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout that is consistent with contemporary exercise protocols for osteoarthritis. Furthermore, researchers found that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi encouraged a sense of well-being, life satisfaction, and perceptions of health that assisted the participants in dealing differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi experienced a considerable decrease in knee pain.
Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.
Along with spinal complaints, knee pain and disability is one of the most frequent dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. Insufficient mechanics of the knee, as well as reduced foot mechanics due to foot pain frequently create painful knee conditions. Additional causes generally include overuse of the knee joint, inflammation due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: Insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because many times the patella does not move properly on the femur during bending of the knee causing abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is frequently called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This dysfunction is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles having to do with knee movement often start from lower back ailments, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that join to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can create pain on the medial or inside of the knee. Faulty foot mechanics that cause gait irregularities such as pronation, are one more cause of mechanical knee pain.
Evidence of overuse includes pain during activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, as well as pain upon standing after prolonged sitting. Some women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, however such conditions are frequently due to wearing high heels on a regular basis.
The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot. In certain cases, a brace is required to aid with the adjustment of the patella or to secure the joint. Chiropractors, such as your Orlando chiropractor, are highly experienced in rendering the appropriate diagnosis and management of these conditions.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often take place during sports that involve running and jumping, especially. Sprains happen when tissue is torn due to the knee being stretched or bent beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together. Strains to muscles that facilitate movement of the knee can take place when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a minor injury that needs little attention to a severe injury necessitating surgery. Furthermore the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which facilitate smooth mobility and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury often needs surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can produce severe pain and swelling and require prompt evaluation and attention. In the majority of cases a qualified chiropractor, such as your Orlando Chiropractor, can take excellent care of these problems, however there are some injuries that do need the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Whatever the case, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to put ice on the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be assessed.
Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be fixed at an early stage. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will start to erode. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful condition, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, commonly increases with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are highly effectual such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in reducing the pain. Your Orlando chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, people can often help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.