Saturday, May 4, 2013

Osteoarthritis - Not Just Wear and Tear


An interesting study out of the University of Edinburgh in the U.K. demonstrates this principle quite clearly. Researchers performed a double blind placebo controlled study of patients scheduled for knee replacement. Half the patients received a tablespoon of high potency cod liver oil each day and the remainder received a placebo. As the original knees were removed, they were analyzed for enzymatic markers indicating pain and inflammation. The results were quite striking. The markers for both pain and inflammation were significantly reduced in the active group compared to the placebo group. In their published research, they indicated their belief that even this single measure could significantly reduce the incidence of knee replacements. Since joints can normally only be replaced twice and don't last all that long, delaying or preventing the need is critically important for long term health and quality of life.

Other research has demonstrated that some people are sensitive to the Nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes and peppers). Proteins in these vegetables have an affinity for joint tissue and since many suffer some degree of leaky gut syndrome, some of these foreign proteins pass undigested into the blood stream and bond to joint tissues. The immune system attacks the foreign proteins and inadvertently causes collateral damage to the tough but delicate and all important cartilage lining the ball and socket of each joint. Milk and gluten too, can wreak havoc on the joints of those who are sensitive.

Given the role of inflammation in Osteoarthritis, there are three approaches which may bring significant improvement or relief.

1) Use nutrient agents which many have reported to be effective in reducing inflammation and/or helping heal leaky gut syndrome, such as curcumin, Omega 3s, Equilib nutrient and Arthrimend.

2) Do a simple test of strictly eliminating suspected foods for at least three weeks to see if symptoms improve. This means carefully examining all mixed herbs and spices and prepared foods for eliminated substances.

3) Start doing consistent gentle but regular exercises and work up to full range of motion for joints.

This is beneficial for two reasons

a) Muscles should be taking up most of the strain on joints, so weak muscles = increased risk of joint pain and/or injury

b) When joints are taken to their full range of motion, it stimulates synovial fluid production. This is the lubricant which is critical in preventing cartilaginous damage between the ball and socket of joints.

One final word for Caucasian men and post menopausal women: Should you begin to experience unexplained hip pain and/or pain in the end knuckles of your middle three fingers, request your physician to order a serum ferritin test. If this blood test shows elevated ferritin levels, you may have Hemochromatosis (one of the most common genetic errors seen in Caucasians). If left untreated, the ongoing accumulation of iron will have serious brain/body health effects including substantially increased risk of liver cancer and dementia. For many, simply donating blood regularly will keep iron levels in the optimum range and helps save lives.

I personally use all of the above tools to very good effect.

How to Be a Great Cornerback in Football


The cornerback position is one of the hardest defensive positions to play in football. You are responsible for either running man to man with a wide receiver or playing a zone and possibly having to cover a few players at once. This can be intimidating for a lot of people, but if you use the right techniques and train well, you can improve your skills at this position.

The first thing you need to do is train properly to improve your overall speed and agility. Performing intense workouts involving moving backward, forward and laterally while making sharp moves will all be helpful to you. While you're covering a wide receiver, you never know where he is going to go, so you want to be as well prepared as possible in terms of being able to make a cut or follow your opponent all over the field.

Next, you need to perfect your technique when covering your opponent. It's always good to set up directly across from him with your knees bent and your hands a bit out. When the play starts, you are going to be back stepping with one eye on the receiver and one eye on the quarterback. Backstepping should involve you stepping backwards while essentially dragging your feet along the grass or turf.

Finally, once the receiver makes a move, you're going to need to turn your hips towards that direction and follow your opponent. If you can, get in front of him to cut off the ball from getting to him. Either knock it down or if possible, try to intercept the pass. There are many techniques to successfully playing the cornerback position, but if you follow these, you'll make a solid impact on the field.

Stem Cell Treatment For Osteoarthritis - What is it All About?


While many new and amazing therapies for rheumatoid arthritis have been developed in recent years, very little progress has been made in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects approximately 30 million Americans. OA is a disease of articular cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones. Cartilage has both gliding as well as shock absorbing properties.

It is this flexibility of function that enables a joint to work properly.

Normal cartilage is composed of cells called chondrocytes that sit inside a matrix consisting of collagen and glycosaminoglycans... much like grapes inside Jello.

Osteoarthritis develops when the chondrocyte begins to malfunction and starts to produce destructive enzymes. At the same time water content inside the matrix changes making it more susceptible to stress. Small cracks, called "fissures" develop. Also, local inflammation involving the lining of the joint- called the synovium- begins. The end result is a gradual and premature wearing away of cartilage.

This process is most apparent in weight-bearing areas such as the neck, low back, hips, and knees.

Current approaches to the treatment of OA involve the use of analgesics (pain-relieving medicines), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), physical therapy, proper weight management, exercises, injections of steroids, injections of viscosupplements (lubricants), and surgery.

While many of the above treatments help relieve pain, they do nothing to prevent cartilage loss... and more importantly, they do nothing to restore cartilage.

Orthopedic techniques such as chondrocyte transplantation and cartilage plug surgery are helpful for discrete, relatively small areas of cartilage loss but are generally reserved for younger people who have had traumatic injuries to cartilage. But what about the older person who suffers from osteoarthritis?

In recent years there has been much interest in the role of regenerative techniques to rebuild cartilage.

The topic of much study are stem cells. Stem cells are pluripotential cells, meaning they are cells that can become any kind of tissue, given the right stimulus. Stem cells can be obtained from embryonic tissue, which is a source of much controversy. Or they can be obtained from adults. The adult body has a small number of stem cells in many tissues. They are activated by injury or illness. Adult stem cells, as a rule, do not have the ability to differentiate as well as embryonic stem cells.

However, in recent years, techniques have been developed to harvest mesenchymal stem cells- stem cells found in the bone marrow. These mesenchymal stem cells cells, when properly prepared and concentrated, have the ability to differentiate into cartilage and bone.

Stem cells are harvested from the the patient's iliac crest bone marrow using local anesthetic and a special type of biopsy needle. The stem cells are then specially concentrated.

After the stem cells are prepared, the physician, using ultrasound guidance and local anesthetic, finds the area of arthritis involvement and irritates the area using a special large needle. This irritation is important because it initiates an inflammatory reaction which is the prelude to healing and regeneration. The areas that are irritated include the capsule, tendon insertions, pericapsular soft tissue, as well as cartilage.

Blood is drawn from the patient and spun in a special centrifuge in order to obtain platelet rich plasma. Platelets are blood cells that contain multiple growth and healing factors.

Once the irritation has been completed, stem cells as well as the platelet rich plasma are injected into the prepared area.

The growth factors within the platelet rich plasma act on receptors found on the surface of stem cells and cause the stem cells to differentiate and multiply.

The end result is cartilage regeneration as well as lessening of pain. While the data is preliminary, the early results appear to be very promising.

The Effects of Long Distance Running on the Knees


Twenty-six miles is a long way to drive, let alone run! For the long-distance and marathon runner, those twenty-six (or more) miles equate to hundreds of miles of running, thanks to extensive training and preparation. All that preparation means hour after hour of pounding on sensitive joints, particularly the knees. Indeed all runners inevitably must accept that joint pain is part of the deal.

Where does the joint pain originate? For some, it is purely genetic. Millions of people suffer from arthritis in the United States - whether they are professional athletes or stay-at-home mothers. While many forms of arthritis are genetic, some forms - such as osteoarthritis - can be brought on by injury or repeated use of a joint.

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease that is degenerative - it continues to get worse over time. About one in every 12 Americans suffer from osteoarthritis and the risk for developing it increases with age and lifestyle. Like all other forms of arthritis, there is no cure.

Osteoarthritis is nothing more than the break down of joint cartilage. Unfortunately, this simple-to-explain disease can involve debilitating pain as the break down of cartilage leads to a narrowing of the space between the bones meeting in a joint. When the cartilage "cushion" wears away, and the space in the joint narrows, bone rubs against bone.

Elite athletes, such as long-distance runners, are particularly susceptible to osteoarthritis due to repeated stress on the weight-bearing joints of the lower body. The constant pounding on the knees and ankles of runners, coupled with the tendency to "push through" pain serves only to exacerbate the problem. Even one injury - one sprained ankle, one fall on the knee - can trigger a lifetime of pain.

What can you do? Research strongly suggests that regular supplementation with high-quality glucosamine and chondroitin is particularly effective in not only decreasing inflammation, but also in building new cartilage and lessening future pain. This is in sharp contrast to traditional prescription treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which only mask pain by temporarily decreasing joint inflammation but never affecting a positive result in the joint.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two natural molecules that serve as the building blocks for healthy cartilage. In an arthritic joint, those molecules are not readily available to the body, thus deteriorating cartilage cannot be replaced. In essence, the cartilage is "behind the power curve." Supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin gives the damaged joint the boost it needs to recover.

What's New for Osteoarthritis Treatment?


The American College of Rheumatology meeting, held in Atlanta, Georgia, from November 7 through November 11, 2010 provided some new modest advances in the understanding of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the gradual wearing away of articular cartilage the gristle that caps the ends of long bones. Osteoarthritis primarily affected weight-bearing regions such as the neck, low back, hips, and knees.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 20 million Americans and is expected to increase in frequency as Baby Boomers continue to age.

The aim of treatment in osteoarthritis is to provide pain relief and improve function. However, the ultimate goal has always been to restore articular cartilage.

Some important highlights from this year's meetings were:

1. The demonstration that genetic markers called "SNPs" may provide clues as to why some people develop osteoarthritis more readily than others. So, in addition to trauma to the cartilage, which is a known risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis, there also appears to be a genetic predilection for the disease. Perhaps, in the future, patients who are at higher risk for contracting osteoarthritis might be identified and treated more aggressively.

2. Cymbalta (duloxetine), a drug already approved by the FDA for treatment of major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, was approved by the FDA for treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain, including pain resulting from osteoarthritis and chronic lower back pain. The efficacy of Cymbalta for chronic lower back pain and osteoarthritis were assessed in four double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials. Patients taking Cymbalta in these trials experienced significantly greater pain reduction compared with placebo.

3. Data on Naproxcinod, a unique non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug was presented. Naproxinod is the first cyclooxygenase inhibiting nitric oxide donator (CINOD) in development for the treatment of osteoarthritis. It was found to be comparable to naproxen in its ability to relieve the pain of hip osteoarthritis, while causing fewer adverse effects on blood pressure.

4. The popular "new kid on the block", vitamin D, suffered a blow to its reputation. Supplementation with vitamin D was unsuccessful in helping patients with osteoarthritis of the knee overcome pain in one study presented from Tufts University.

5. The use of ultrasound to guide knee injections for osteoarthritis treatment led to a 42 percent reduction in pain, a doubled response rate to therapy and a 15 percent reduction in cost to patients, compared with conventional injections guided by "feel."

6. Pennsaid, a relatively new topical agent which combines the anti-inflammatory effects of diclofenac with the penetrating power of DMSO presented some encouraging data on pain relief for osteoarthritis of the knee.

7. Another study showed that Lidoderm patches provide another possible options for knee osteoarthritis pain relief and were superior to placebo.

8. Researchers from Rush Medical School in Chicago recently studied the gaits of 16 adults who, through x-rays and reported symptoms, were diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knees. The researchers found that special shoes can ease knee pain and slow the progression of knee pain and arthritis.

9. A study from the Netherlands showed that distraction of the knee ( using pins to open the knee joint) actually led to cartilage growth and improvement of symptoms as well as avoidance of the need for knee replacement.

10. Two presentations on mesenchymal stem cells provided hope that in the near future, the ability to regenerate cartilage to treat osteoarthritis is a possibility. The first was a talk given by Dr. Nathan Wei, from the Arthritis Treatment Center in Maryland, who presented data on 22 patients treated with mesenchymal stem cells for osteoarthritis of the knee. At six months and at one year following treatment with autologous stem cells (a patient's own stem cells), patients showed improvements in both subjective measures as well as objective measures of cartilage growth. The second talk given by Dr. Rocky Tuan from the University of Pittsburgh, demonstrated that transformation of adult mesenchymal stem cells into human articular cartilage was not only possible but relatively easy.

Friday, May 3, 2013

What Types of Osteoarthritis Treatment Are Available?


When it comes to Osteoarthritis treatment, there are a few options, most of which depend upon the joint affected as well as the cause of the disease. For example, if someone is suffering from Osteoarthritis in the knees, chances are it could be because they are overweight. If this is the case, losing weight can make a tremendous impact in relieving the symptoms associated with this disease.

Rest

Rest is often prescribed for osteoarthritis treatment. Most doctors will encourage patients who present with osteoarthritis symptoms to rest their joints to eliminate swelling and the pain that it produces. Some doctors will suggest acetaminophen, the ingredient in Tylenol, or aspirin for the pain. In some cases, medications in the NSAIDS group will be prescribed to treat the osteoarthritis. However, this is not always desirable as they can have many side effects including those that affect the digestive system. Some doctors will prescribe muscle relaxants or even pain medication for cases where there is severe pain. Most doctors prefer not to prescribe anti-inflammatory medications for osteoarthritis treatment if they do not have to because of the side effects.

Judicious Exercise

Exercise is also beneficial to patients who show symptoms of osteoarthritis, however extreme care must be taken not to cause further injury to the knee. High impact exercise is not desirable because it can cause more pain. Exercise does not actually make the condition worse and can in fact relieve some of the swelling in the joints. Swimming is considered to be the best exercise for osteoarthritis.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet that is filled with nutrients found in fruits and vegetables is also desirable for those who want to treat osteoarthritis. By eating a healthy diet and trying to get some exercise, a person with this condition can succeed in losing weight and may be able to help themselves eliminate some of the painful symptoms of this condition.

Paraffin Wax

Other treatment includes keeping the joint warm. Paraffin wax is often a very effective treatment for those who are suffering from this condition in their hands or feet. You can get a paraffin wax treatment in a salon that offers this type of service. It can make a big difference for anyone who suffers from osteoarthritis in the joints of the fingers or toes.

Those who suffer from this condition in the spine will often complain of lower back pain. Some treatments that may help with this are those that can alleviate pressure on the spine such as a firm mattress, a lumbar corset or even a neck collar - if the pain is in the upper back.

When you are seeking treatment for osteoarthritis, the more you strive towards natural treatment instead of medications or drugs, the better off you are. If your osteoarthritis is due to being overweight, you will be not only alleviating the pain from the condition by losing weight, but you will also be helping your overall health.

In some cases, such as the case where there is a knee injury that results in osteoarthritis, the knee cartilage can be replaced. This is a surgery that is usually performed on younger people who may have become disabled by the condition. In most cases, rest, over the counter medication and keeping the joints warm are the ideal treatments recommended by doctors for osteoarthritis.

Female Hair Loss: A Hair Raising Problem With Naturopathic Solutions


Everyone wants a beautiful mane of hair adorning their scalp. Beautiful and bouncy, long and lustrous, healthy hair has been considered a mark of beauty for women since very old times. But a majority of women today are suffering from a lot of hair problems,female hair loss being a common one. While losing a 80 to 100 strands each day during hair wash is a normal phenomenon and the loss is subsequently made up for by the growth of new strands.

Female Hair Loss is considered a problem when there is an abnormal loss of hair which can not be replaced by the scalp ultimately leading to decrease in hair density and even to complete baldness. Referred medically as aloplecia, this condition may require medical intervention and can be controlled by the use of natural beauty products.

Most of the cases of female hair loss can be traced to an underlying cause- Malnutrition, stress, hormonal disturbances, chemotherapy and genetic factors are some of the important ones. A diet rich in proteins and vitamin A is essential for healthy hair as they contribute to keratin formation, A deficiency of these can cause the hair formation process to slow down. Zinc is another important micronutrient which contributes to healthy hair.

Hormonal disturbances related to menstrual cycle and pregnancy can also alter the pattern of hair loss in females. Thyroid disorders are also related to hair loss. Certain drugs damage the follicular cells of the hair roots and can aggravate the problem.In all these cases control of the causative factor can revert the hair loss.

In today's world where impression and appearance are extremely important, hair loss causes embarrassment and reduces the confidence of the sufferer. It thus becomes essential to tackle this problem. It is preferable to use natural beauty products before opting for invasive therapy. Products containing henna, fenugreek seeds, lemon seeds, pepper and safflower oil have proved to be beneficial in this condition. Stimulation of circulation by massage and drinking plenty of water also induces hair growth.

Another common ailment affecting females is knee pain. Pain, in medicine is not considered a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying disease. It is generally caused due accumulation of inflammatory products in the knee joint. Knee pain relief can be afforded by naturopathy. It is important to find the underlying cause of pain. Most commonly knee pain is caused by osteoarthritis, trauma, cysts, infection or nerve impingement. It is important to rest the knee, elevation and compression can provide knee pain relief. Over the counter anti inflammatory drugs can also be used but these have side effects and should be used sparingly esp in patients suffering from gastric ulcers and renal ailments. If the pain persists despite the home care methods for more than 4 to 5 days, it is recommended to seek immediate medical advice.

WD-40 for Arthritis?


A popular lubricant developed in 1953 is making waves as an arthritis "treatment" even though there is no scientific evidence behind this claim.

Thousands of people around the world swear that WD-40 (short for water displacement - 40th attempt), a rust-prevention product created by chemist Norm Larsen, has helped them cope with arthritis pain and stiffness. Users claim the household lubricant works miracles if sprayed on stiff knees, hips, and wrists.

Golfer Eric McKaig is one of them. The 70-year-old retired sales manager and former professional football player said the product has put an end to years of suffering. He got arthritis seven years ago and has tried a lot of painkillers and supplements for quick relief but to no avail.

His 78-year-old friend Ron Andrew told McKaig about his secret. Since then, the two claim they have found instant relief.

"It's been an absolute godsend for me. WD-40 has given me a hell of a lot of relief. A few weeks ago, I was even running around the garden with my grandson. I haven't been able to do that for about three years," McKaig said.

"There was a slope at my local golf course that used to really hurt my knees. But within a few days of spraying WD-40 it didn't hurt nearly as much. I only sprayed it three or four times and I've been fine since. It was unbelievable," Andrew added.

Although WD-40 has thousands of uses such as protecting tools from rust, silencing squeaky hinges, and removing crayon marks from most surfaces, the manufacturer stressed that it is a household product not a miracle cure for arthritis. In response to queries from users, it issued this statement:

"WD-40 is not a medical product. We would never recommend to people that they spray WD-40 onto the skin. Our recommendation is to see your GP (general practitioner) for expert advice on alleviating arthritis."

Doctors say the reason why people think WD-40 works is because of the placebo effect - meaning if you sincerely believe something will work, sometimes it does but only temporarily. That positive effect may be reinforced by the cooling effect of WD-40 that is similar to other topical painkillers or due to improved blood circulation when users massage the product into their skin.

Arthritis expert Professor Robert Moots from Liverpool University said a lubricant similar to WD-40 is used to treat stiff joints. Unlike WD-40, however, the treatment is injected into the joints not merely sprayed.
"By spraying the outside of the knee with WD-40 I doubt if any would actually get into the joint. I've no doubt people who use it do feel better but it's probably only a simple placebo effect," Moots explained.

To top it off, arthritis is characterized by flare-ups and remissions. A remission is the absence of symptoms that occur for no known reason in 30 percent of arthritis patients. Thus, people who feel better after using WD-40 may actually be experiencing a remission.

"To date, no credible scientific studies have shown any benefit from the use of WD-40 for arthritis. In fact, there may be cumulative harmful effects. The manufacturer's warning indicates that contact with skin and vapors should be avoided. WD-40 contains petroleum distillates, as do gasoline and oil. Problems ranging from mild skin rash to severe allergic reactions have been reported. Prolonged exposure can cause cancer and other serious health problems," warned Dr. Katherine Poelhmann, author of "Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Infection Connection."

If you have arthritis, don't waste time on questionable remedies. While there is no cure for the disease, painful symptoms can be controlled with the right medication. One popular product is Flexcerin that helps soothe inflamed joints, relieves swelling, and restores flexibility and mobility. Check out http://www.flexcerin.com for details.

Introduction to Joint Replacement


Over the years, surgery has become more common. This may have been because of the advances in technology which have made such procedures accessible to the public in general. Combine this with the increase in conditions like arthritis which are known to be a great factor in degeneration of joints and therefore lead to hip, knee or wrist replacement et al.

Moreover, people nowadays have come to expect a certain type of life and they want to be able to keep up their lifestyle inspite of the demands it may make upon their body. This may include things like playing sports or the more mundane like being overweight et al.

Surgery itself is not an easy procedure to undertake and should only be considered as a last option. So first, the patient undergoes a variety of other alternative and basic treatments and medications. However if these fail to help the patient or if the pain becomes intolerable or if the patient has difficulty in functioning on a daily basis or a combination of the above then in that case surgery should be considered.

There are a number of alternative treatment options available to us like rest, weight loss, medication, physical therapy, and injection treatments. All of these, have their own pros and cons, have helped many and prove to be the first step to combat the pain and stiffness of arthritis.

Joint replacement, very simplistically, replaces the damaged joint surfaces with a part or more of an artificial joint after putting the blood vessels and nerves in place. The joint is thus made of various combinations of metal and plastic.

So to put it bluntly, the prosthetic joint is not a normal joint. The process may have to be repeated every five to seven years if the artificial joint wears out. Therefore, the quality of the artificial joint material and how much strain you put on it will determine how soon the joint will be replaced. Moreover, the procedure itself is complicated and demanding for everyone involved including the surgeons.

The post surgery recovery process is quite gradual and takes place in stages. Most patients see an improvement in mobility about a month after the procedure.

So it is highly recommended that you do not rush in to the operation without making sure you have tried all other non-surgical treatments. Furthermore, some research into what type of procedure is recommended and why and how will this specific procedure help the problem, is generally a good idea for the patient and family.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee - Preventing Knee Replacement With Options That Do Not Require Surgery


Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that affects millions of American adults. Osteoarthritis of the knee, an often painful condition, involves a loss of articular cartilage that typically covers the ends of the bones within the knee-joint. Typically there is about 5 mm of cartilage covering the ends of the two bones within the knee-joint.

If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, the articular cartilage that normally covers the ends of these bones and provides cushioning breaks down. Once there is widespread loss of articular cartilage within the knee-joint it cannot be replaced with new cartilage. This leads to symptoms including pain, loss of motion, swelling and stiffness. Further, bone spurs also start to develop in the knee-joint.

As reported by the CDC, people with past knee injuries and people who are severely overweight or obese are at an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the knee.

Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis in the Knee

There are a variety of treatments for osteoarthritis. Some people opt for a surgical option like total knee replacement. In addition, there are also many ways to treat the condition that do not involve surgery. Knee replacements give some patients significant pain relief and in other patients total knee replacement can actually cause more pain. In addition, knee replacement surgery comes with risks that include blood clots and infections. Other medical complications sometimes associated with a total knee replacements are heart attacks, stroke and blood loss requiring transfusion.

It's also important to recognize that joint replacement does not last forever. There are scientific studies that show that replaced joints may need more work after a period as short as 10 years. Delaying a total knee replacement or better yet, preventing it from ever occurring, is ideal. Non-surgical options for osteoarthritis in the knee can help to cut pain, decrease stiffness, improve muscle strength and increase the knee's range of motion.

Treatment for Knee Arthritis that does not Involve Surgery

The non-surgical treatment of knee arthritis focuses on pain reduction, strength improvement and increasing range of motion while reducing stiffness. Nonsurgical treatment options for osteoarthritis in the knee include:
1) hyaluronic acid injections,
2) unloader knee braces,
3) PRP (platelet rich plasma) and
4) physical therapy.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring fluid in the knee. With osteoarthritis, the composition of the hyaluronic acid in the knee changes. Typically it is a thick fluid that lubricates the knee joint. With the advancement of osteoarthritis, HA loses its normal properties and becomes thin and watery.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections only cause minor discomfort. The injection is performed in the doctor's office and takes less than 20 seconds to do. There are several different brands of hyaluronic acid on the market. Some brands require a series of three injections and others are just one shot. HA injections can give pain relief for up to a year or more in patients with osteoarthritis. If you are allergic to egg products, you are not eligible for the injections.

Unloader knee braces are another nonsurgical option for treating osteoarthritis in the knee and reducing pain. Most patients with knee osteoarthritis will have one side of the knee where the osteoarthritis is less advanced. The outer half of the knee joint is often less affected by osteoarthritis while the inner half of the knee is more commonly affected. The brace, called an "unloader," unloads the half of the knee that has more osteoarthritis and forces the person to place more weight on the "good" side of the knee.

The unloader knee brace is good to use during activity including going shopping, walking to work, or engaging in a sporting activity. It's important to note that the leg must accommodate a brace.

Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is now one of the hottest topics being researched in orthopedic medicine. Platelet rich plasma is used to treat a range of orthopaedic conditions including plantar fasciitis. The process involves drawing blood peripherally from the patient and then separating out the blood that is rich in plasma. The platelet rich plasma used for treatment has important components of the blood that have the potential to heal. This process is easily performed in the doctor's office.

Physical therapy is another way to help reduce the symptoms of knee arthritis. There are three types of exercises for patients with knee arthritis: flexibility, resistance and cardiovascular.

Flexibility exercises are very good for easing stiff joints which will help people with activities of daily living. You should try to do the stretches in the morning. They are easier to do in warm bath water.

Resistance exercises build muscles around the arthritic joints and building muscle helps to absorb shock and protect the knee joint from further injury. There are two types of resistance exercises: isometric and isotonic. Isometric are typically the easiest for people with osteoarthritis to perform. Strengthening occurs with the contraction of different leg muscles without moving the joint.

Cardiovascular exercises use big groups of muscles. The best recommendation for cardiovascular fitness if you have arthritis in your knee is water aerobics or cycling. The National Arthritis Foundation is a great resource for exercise DVDs. A referral to a local physical therapist can also be helpful.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a painful condition. If you think that you might be suffering from arthritis in your knee, you might want to consult an orthopaedic doctor like Orthopaedic Specialists for an assessment, and to explore your treatment options. Orthopaedic physicians specialize in bone disorders, musculoskeletal conditions and joint disabilities including osteoarthritis.

How to Treat your Arthritis Naturally


How to Treat your Arthritis Naturally

Arthritis is pain in the fingers, knees, elbows, hips jaw-any place in
the body where there is a joint between bones. It can be very painful. This
because joints are surrounded by many nerves and the nerves are needed to make
the complicated joints work properly. There are many forms of arthritis like
Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid; to name just two, but we are not going into that
now. What we are looking at here is natural remedies.

A lot of arthritis sufferers very often turn to natural herbal remedies
and botanical methods to gain release from their symptoms. But do these
natural alternatives do what they promise? Can you find relief from herbal
supplements? There are many herbs and such like that has shown some promise in
helping treat the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis and we will just look at a
few of them:.

Thunder god vine

A supplement that is derived from a perennial vine that is
native to Asia, also in areas of China, Korea, and Japan. The root is peeled
away to make this herbal supplement and is by tradition, been used to treat
autoimmune illnesses and inflammatory conditions. It has been find by research
that thunder god vine does indeed contain anti-inflammatory activity, and some
immune-boosting activity has also been discovered. One clinical trial carried
out at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that roughly
80 per cent of those patients who were given a high dose of the plant
supplement found that their Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms got better
considerably. However, researchers have found that this and other studies are
too small to prove the true efficacy of this plant-derived supplement.

Cherries

To take away the pain of gout, eat 6-8 cherries per day. They can be
tinned, frozen or fresh. This is a Japanese treatment, which they have used
for centuries. They also boil the cherries down into a syrup which makes a
strong sweet drink. The cherry is a very good source of magnesium (which is a
natural painkiller) and potassium. The potassium acts as a diuretic, reducing
inflammation by ridding tissue of fluid.

Dandelion leaves

One of the best remedies for treating arthritic conditions probably
grows right in your backyard: fresh young dandelion leaves. Because of the
high vitamin A and C content, when eaten raw in salads, these greens help the
body to repair damaged tissues and help the liver clear toxins out of the
blood. European herbalists have used these anti-pain dandelion recipes for
many years. Older leaves should be steam or sauté - like spinach, this is
because they are too tough to eat raw. You can also improve the taste by
cooking with garlic or add olive oil for a tasty dish. Dandelion can also be
made into a tea: Steep, just 1 teaspoon of dried leaves or 3 teaspoons of
fresh leaves in 1 cup of boiling water. Or make a coffee-like, but
bitter-tasting, beverage by boiling, and then straining, 4 ounces of fresh
root in 2 pints of water. Taken daily, this is a good guard against winter
colds.

Desert devil Devil's-claw

An ominous-sounding cure - comes from the Kalahari Desert of South
Africa. For at least 250 years, the Hottentots, Bantus, and Bushmen (all
native tribes of this region) have treated arthritis pain with this large
claw-like fruit that can trap and injure livestock. The tribesmen's favourite
method is to draw an extract from the root and brew it into a tea.
Alternatively, devil's-claw can be dried, powdered, and taken in tablet form.
Recent French and German studies found that the pain-relief of devil's-claw is
similar to that of cortisone. The root acts mainly as an anti-inflammatory, an
effect of harpagoside, its active ingredient. Preparations using the whole
plant work even better because it contains additional compounds, such as
flavonoids, that enhance the anti-inflammatory effect. Devil's-claw is
available in many forms through most mailorder herb companies and health food
stores.

Molasses

The British, known for their fondness for sweets, swear by crude
blackstrap molasses dissolved in water. When taken every morning, they say
this preparation eases and even eliminates pain in the joints. This is some
feat in England! (Cold, damp climates usually aggravate a case of arthritis.)
The molasses is an excellent source of minerals, including iron, potassium,
and magnesium. It is also a concentrated sweet. So it is important to rinse
your mouth out or brush your teeth after using this treatment. Otherwise, you
may be trading one pain (arthritis) for another - a toothache!

Cooper bracelets

This does vindicate old wives. Until recently, Western doctors dismissed
as folklore the idea of wearing copper bracelets as a way of treating
arthritis. Indeed, there are many doctors who are still sceptical. Researchers
in Australia, however, have found that copper, when coupled with aspirin, is
more effective than aspirin alone in treating the pain of arthritis. Since
many substances are absorbed through the skin, there may be some truth in this
old wives' tale. Cooper bracelets are available all over the net.

Ginger.

Ginger is very effective in the treatment of arthritis and a host of
other ailments. Recent medical research in Holland has indicated that this,
too, is much more than just myth. Eating ginger does, according to the Dutch
doctors, help alleviate arthritis pain. Use the ginger with anything...soups,
sauces, or salads.

Bee Stings

An arthritis therapy that may sound more like a punishment was used
2,000 years ago by Hippocrates - bee stings. Once considered to be the leading
cure for rheumatism, arthritis, and gout, bee stings were used for centuries
by ancient Europeans.Based on this traditional therapy, scientists in
Switzerland, France, Germany, and Great Britain devised a treatment that
employed a series of injections of the venom- using either a hypodermic needle
or a live bee! The bee venom, like many noxious substances, stimulates the
immune system to release inflammatory substances. This is known as the counter
irritation theory.

Saint Hildegard's Ointment

Hildegard was a mystic from 12th century Germany whose wisdom still
holds true to day. She said " Detoxify, purify, and regenerate the whole
organism." Hildegard's recipe for an arthritis ointment was to take 4 parts
vermouth, 2 parts deer fat, and 2 parts deer marrow, and mix it into a salve.
This ointment was massaged on the painful joints while the sufferer sat in
front of an elmwood fire. The warmth of the fire and the stimulation of blood
flow from the massage were really the important parts of the treatment. So if
you cannot get your hands on any deer fat. goose fat is a much better option
and is available all over the net. To get rid of the rheumatic toxins that
caused pain, Hildegard prescribed eating fragrant, raw quince. The fruit can
be cooked in water or wine, baked in a cake or pie, or made into jellies and
candy ( this is popular today during holiday seasons). Hildegard's advice to
gout sufferers was to slowly chew (before breakfast) 1 to 3 teaspoons of
celery seed powder mixed with spices such as rue, cloves, and saxifrage. For a
better taste, the celery powder can be sprinkled on bread with quince jelly.
Celery is a diuretic, and the loss of excess fluid can reduce the inflammation
associated with the arthritis. Rue contains ruin, which can strengthen blood
vessels (preventing them from leaking fluid into tissue and thus preventing
inflammation).Warning: Don't use rue during pregnancy. It can bring on
bleeding.

Aloe Vera

Aloe, by its self does not cure or heal anything; it is the
beneficial effects of over 200 different nutritional constituents and the way
they react to help reduce inflammation and pain which promote healing. Aloe
Vera gives a great boost to the immune system and energy levels. So, In other
words.....Aloe Vera provides the body with the right agents to take care of
itself and to restore and repair body functions and the body's own healing
process.

Many people think that because they are taking an herbal supplement or
botanical-based drug therapy, there will be no side effects. The truth is that
herbal supplements can be quite powerful and can have strong side effects.
Many if not most of all conventional drug therapies are derived from plants
and herbs.

The bad news is that there is not enough sufficient research to
conclusively prove the efficacy of many of these herbal supplements and
botanical-based drugs. Before you try any herbal supplement, it is
important that you discuss its use with your doctor.

Posterior Knee Pain: Following My Dreams As a Dancer


Everyone has that childhood dream they have always wanted to accomplish when they grew up; some dreamed of being firemen rescuing damsels in distress, others wanted to opt for sport-related activities mirroring large stars like Kobe Bryant, or Wayne Gretsky. For me, I had always wanted to be a dancer waltzing on the stage, awing the audience with my superior flexibility and dance steps, and becoming a star featured on every magazine, appearing on TV shows, and signing contracts.

Honestly, it sounded like an amazing dream in my imagination. I'm sure you've experienced it when your imagination runs wild. I didn't give up on my dream though as I grew up; instead, I began to actively pursue it. That's when it all started to happen.

I would experience exceptionally painful posterior knee pain when rehearsing my dance routine. It felt as if no matter how much talent I had, the posterior knee pain would win over at the end as it began to interfere with my abilities to dance.

Every dance step ended with spurts of pain running across the back of my knee, and what it felt like was my knee cap was about to deteriorate and explode. I felt so embarrassed having to take breaks every few minutes, and the knee pain became exceptionally hard to deal with.

The posterior area of my knee would constantly feel swollen, and as if every single one of my tendons and knee muscles had been strained. It wasn't helping my dream as no one wants to see someone hop around on stage without any ability and no expression other than pain I would be the Biggest joke on stage!

After chugging down pain pills to ease the pain that was running down my knee one day during rehearsal, I realized that constantly consuming pain medications wasn't going to be a permanent solution to the strain on my knees. No matter how much I wanted to perform, the posterior knee pain would eventually catch up to me.

I had to other choice, so I went to a physiotherapist who specialized in treating dancers. I'm not particularly fond of physicians or having someone examine my knee, but after all my training, I just wasn't about to throw in the towel until I had exhausted all of my resources.

After being interrogated by my physiotherapist, I learned that the posterior knee pain I was experiencing was the result of strenuous dancing without properly stretching and resting. Boy was I embarrassed.

In my haste to master the dance steps, I neglected to properly do knee stretches. I figured dancing in itself would be enough stretching, but it obviously wasn't enough stretching for my knee. Strengthening knee and hip muscles are critical in preventing injuries, and stretching the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles will actually ease the majority of the posterior knee pain by strengthening the tendons and muscles for the intense exercise to come. Stretching your knees actually helps to encourage the muscles to elongate; thus, reducing the strain on my knees when I begin rehearsing.

Also, I had failed to properly allow my knees to rest; I was always short on time with my family, and I was always pushing the limits that my knee could handle. Turns out, I didn't listen to my knees enough. When it began to hurt after rehearsal, it was a crucial sign telling me to allow my knees to rest. I didn't,which led to three exceptionally painful months.

I learned that it is important not to push your limits; instead, let your knees rest until they stop hurting. Accumulation of stresses can actually cause the majority of posterior knee pain.

At the end, I ended up having to rest for a month to heal my knees! Now, that's a lot of time to be resting. On top of that, I had to do proper stretches daily in order to strengthen the muscles that I had strained. It took a lot of time before I could finally perform and rehearse again!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Please Don't Say JUST a Trail Horse


Is trail riding the activity you best enjoy with your horse? If so, you are like the majority of horse owners in the U.S. It's a wonderful way to get out and see some country you might not be able to see from car or foot, plus it gives us a chance to have something fun to do with our horse once it has been well trained.

A common problem I see with many horse/rider combinations is that the rider seems to feel that "just" trail riding doesn't require a horse with much training. I contend that trail riders should be mounted on horses that have as much or more training as other horse endeavors require. Think about it. When you go out on a trail, you never know what you might encounter-it might include traffic, backpackers, rough terrain, strange animals, or a slew of other things that the horse might be not see elsewhere. You may be traveling on trails well away from road access and have only the horse to depend upon to carry you safely.

If you are mounted on a horse than only knows go and hopefully whoa, you are basically at the mercy of the horse to see you safely through the ride. You are not as safe as you should or could be. What happens if you need more than just go or whoa? It's not unusual to be in a situation on a ride where your horse might need to back up, move its body around an obstacle, turn around in a tight space, or even sidepass.

For starters, trail horses need to be comfortable enough not to get upset if their feet get tangled in brush or vines, need to respond to your request to move their body away from a tree that could knock your knees or head, be able to jump fallen trees that may block the trail, and not be worried about branches that may slap at them or be trimmed and fall on them. They need to be comfortable walking down banks, into water, and walking up steep inclines without rushing. A good trail horse is not dependent on the horse in front of it to set its speed or direction. There are many times when a rider needs to act independently of what the others are doing.

There are some horses out there that handle the trails basically without any guidance from their oblivious passenger riders and follow along doing what the others do, but there are many more good horses that need some rider guidance and help to make the ride enjoyable. This is where it is the human's responsibility to make sure that they have the training themselves to help support the horse in whatever situation comes up. "Just trail riding" should involve as much prior thought and training as showing, distance riding, or any other activity that someone might want to do with their horse. It's not an excuse for sloppy or non-existent horsemanship, and people should be proud to say I'm a trail rider-leaving out the word "just"!

Hyaluronic Acid Meta-Analysis


In a meta-analysis conducted to test the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid, twenty randomly conducted trials to compare the therapeutic effects of intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid to treat osteoarthritis of the knee were made. The outcome of pain with activities, pain without activities, and function were all observed and measured to determine the safety and the improvement of the patient by using hyaluronic acid as compared to the placebo treatment.

The test conducted showed that although hyaluronic acid can help maintain the synovial fluid and makes the knee more bendable and the cartilage between the joint more elastic, there was only minimal improvement compared to the placebo treatment. There are very few significant improvements in pain and function outcome with few adverse events. The positive effect of hyaluronic acid as a treatment to osteoarthritis was greatly overestimated. It is theorized, though, that the highest molecular weight of hyaluronic acid may be more effective than the lower molecular weight.

A separate test showed that hyaluronic acid in powder form can be used as the next-generation anti-aging supplement. It can be applied to damaged skin and used to treat rough skin surface and skin dehydration. In fact, with its ability to draw and hold water, it is very effective in hydrating the skin and can be used as a moisturizer. It forms a thin transparent viscoelastic surface film, resulting in healthy skin texture and a very youthful look. It helps the regeneration process of kertinocytes, decreasing wrinkles, lines, darkened spots and other signs of aging.

Hyaluronic acid is also used as an eye drop to aid the healing of the cornea that has been abraded by contact lenses. The eye drops help relieve eye discomfort. It is also used to induce the tissue healing in the eye, especially after cataract surgery.

Bad Knee Workout - What to Do When You Can't Do it All


How do your knees feel during your workouts? Or, even after your work out session?

Do you wish you could help reduce your knee pain?

Because of their frequency of use, our knees are one of the most common body parts to receive injuries. Whether you are a seasoned athlete running the ball fifty yards for the game winning touchdown or if you are a cashier who bumped your knee at work; knee pain is knee pain.

Knee Braces and Working Out With A "Bad Knee"

Regardless of how the injury occurred it is most likely that your doctor will recommend some sort of physical therapy once any major medical and healing issues have been addressed. For some that will likely involve the use of a knee brace for at least a few months, though many athletes will find that it is necessary to continue wearing a knee brace of some sort while they are participating in sporting activities as a prophylactic tool. A knee brace can also make it easier to do the workouts that are more strenuous on your knees, because of the support that they can provide.

How To Choose The Best Knee Support For Your Needs

When you are going to get a knee support, think about the knee pain and diagnosis that you have. If you have nominal knee pain, you may just want to try to rest your knee or get an elastic (drytex) style knee support. These are often times considered to be "knee sleeves". Once your pain increases you will need to think about getting a more deluxe knee support. There are many that address meniscus injuries, ACL tears, MCL tears by helping to limit side to side and hyperextension movements of the knee. A good retailer will go into more detail on their website about each knee brace that can help you.

It is an old thought that a knee brace must be oversized and heavy to provide you with the support that you need. This is not true, especially with the innovations seen today. A low profile knee support can offer great support and help reduce your knee pain problems before, during and after your work outs.

In the end, it is in your hands. You can choose to forego a knee support or choose to use one. If you have knee pain as a result of working out, then you should consider the positives of a knee brace.

1.) They can be obtained quickly and help support your knee right away.

2.) They are not super expensive (especially when you compare their costs to having knee surgery)

3.) Many people refer to them as a "pain pill" because they can ditch their bottle of pain killers at their bedside, because of the support that their knee brace can help provide. (See your physician about the use of any medications...)

The Benefits of the Oxford Partial Knee Replacement


Remember when simple routine tasks were something you took for granted? If knee pain is changing your lifestyle, then you need to know this: The new concept in joint replacement surgery is to only replace the worn out portion of the arthritic joint. A large number of people with osteoarthritis of the knee have worn out only one of the three compartments in the knee. If this is the case, the individual may only require a partial replacement.

The Oxford Partial Knee Replacement is the first implant that can accomplish this task with proven long term results of 95% at 15 years and beyond. For this reason the Oxford makes a whole or total knee joint replacement NOT necessary in many cases. A very common patient scenario is bone on bone osteoarthritis. This occurs due to degeneration or "wear and tear" of the articular cartilage, and degeneration or surgical removal of the meniscus. Once this situation develops, the individual usually has severe pain. An Oxford is perfect for this situation.

After an Oxford has been placed, the bone on bone rubbing condition has been replaced by the Oxford with it's meniscus replacement bearing. The implant actually sits between the bones and cruciate ligaments (white ropes in the middle of the knee) and the medial collateral ligament (white rope on the right side of the knee). A total knee replacement is not necessary for this situation.

The Oxford Advantages:

The Oxford Unicompartmental Knee System offers these advantages:

At 15 years following surgery, 95% of implants are still functioning well.
More normal motion of the human knee
Only a portion of the knee is replaced, making this procedure available to a younger population
Minimally invasive - a small incision is utilized
Less pain due to a smaller operation
Outpatient, or one or two nights in hospital
Quicker recovery - discontinue crutches as fast as one desires
Covered by Insurance and Medicare

No other partial knee replacement has the proven success rate and longevity of Oxford. Until Oxford came along most orthopedists in the United States did not do partial knee replacement because of the high failure rate of these earlier implants. Many orthopedists today still do not recommend partial knee replacement for their patients because they are not familiar with Oxford or qualified to do it. If your orthopedist tells you "partial knee replacement does not work", you need to get another opinion. If your orthopedist tells you a different brand of partial knee replacement has the same success rate of Oxford, ask him to show you the scientific paper or data supporting his opinion.

The Oxford Partial Knee Replacement prosthesis allows for better range of motion of the knee by virtue of replication of the function of the menisci and allows for more normal motion of the human knee. With the Oxford partial knee replacement, only a portion of the knee is replaced. In performing an Oxford, the anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligaments are always preserved. In performing a total knee replacement, the anterior cruciate ligament is always removed; sometimes the posterior cruciate ligament is removed as well.

In some cases, this prosthesis may be applicable to individuals who were previously considered too young to undergo a total knee replacement. The Oxford implant utilizes a minimally invasive procedure in which patients may experience less pain and a quicker recovery time than experienced with a total knee replacement.

Talk with your orthopedic surgeon to find out if you are a candidate for a partial knee replacement.

Natural Joint Care Supplements For Arthritis


Sufferers of osteoarthritis may want to rejoice - there is more than one natural joint care supplement available which have shown some promising results for alleviating the pain from inflammation. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease which targets the cartilage between joints. Often the joints become inflamed, which causes a great deal of pain and stiffness.

There have been many recent studies which have examined a variety of natural joint care supplements and the good news is that there are several which seem to support their claims to alleviate inflammation and pain in arthritis sufferers.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin, these two substances work best when taken together; they are often packaged as capsules containing both. Green lipped mussel extract contains these naturally. They have been shown to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and stop the progression of arthritis.

How do they work? Glucosamine sulphate prevents the cartilage from further deterioration. Chondroitin works to slow deterioration, as well, and aids patients in regaining their mobility. Both of these substances are naturally occurring and do not cause any side effects. Numerous studies comparing the effects of glucosamine-chondroitin against a placebo for a period of several years resulted in the patients taking the supplements realising an end to cartilage degeneration, reduced inflammation, and pain relief.

The next supplement on the list is S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e). This natural remedy is actually a molecule which increases certain chemical reactions in the body. Because it has been shown to be effective for depression as well as easing pain and increasing mobility, it is often prescribed for patients who suffer from both osteoarthritis and depression. SAM-e is one of the most commonly recommended natural treatments for arthritis.

It works by delivering sulfur to the cartilage, which, in turn, aids in the building of collagen bonds to strengthen deteriorating joints. It also provides relief for pain and inflammation and it is believed that it boosts mood via chemical messengers in the brain. SAM-e can be used to replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Ibuprofen.

Finally, the culinary spice turmeric has also been identified as being effective as a natural joint care supplement. This spice, which is found in curry powder, has long been used by Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medical practitioners who realised its properties for relieving both pain and inflammation.

So far, studies to support this have only been performed on animals. Although it is still unclear exactly how it works on osteoarthritis, it is thought that turmeric inhibits the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, two of the body's naturally occurring chemicals which cause inflammation of the joints. One piece of research combined turmeric with the capsaicin found in chilli peppers and it was effective in reducing inflammation in the paws of rats. A further study on the combination turmeric-capsaicin was done on post-surgery patients suffering from inflammation and the results were purported to be as good as from the drug phenylbutazone.

If you have been living with osteoarthritis and wondering if there was a natural joint care supplement which might be effective for your condition, any of these natural remedies may work at relieving your pain and inflammation.

How To Ruin A Perfectly Good Relationship In 3 Easy Steps


There are so many articles out there on relationships and marriages that it can make your head spin: How to communicate with your husband even if he's a complete jackass; The 72 secrets to lasting love, even when she can't stand to look at you; 13 fun ways to increase intimacy after your spouse has been deported.

But what if you're in a solid, happy relationship and you have absolutely no interest in improving your marriage? Then what? Where do you turn? Where are the articles for people like you? Or maybe you're eager to knock your relationship down a few pegs so it's more in line with the rest of the couples on your block. After all, it's no fun being the golden couple in a sea of mediocre relationships. Enough already with all of us self-proclaimed relationship "experts" telling you that it's possible to recapture your adolescent passion with the balding, paunchy snorer who has sawed away next to you for the last thirty-five years.

Healthy relationships like yours have been neglected for too long. But that's about to change! Here are three guaranteed steps that will knock the life and vibrancy right out of your relationship in a matter of days. (Please Note: Use of these methods for more than three days can lead to a spike in name-calling, profanity, door-slamming, and frantic calls the legal team of Vito and Vito.)

Step 1:

The "I doubt it" technique. No matter what your partner says, respond to him/her with the phrase, "I doubt it." Whenever new methods of communication designed to improve intimacy are practiced, couples report considerable difficulty in using the new skills in a consistent and reliable manner. They commonly report that the methods feel too unnatural or artificial.

Not so with the "I doubt it" technique. Most couples report that speaking this way feels 100% natural and couples seem very eager to practice this skill. Here are a few examples of this technique in action:

Q: "Can you pick up the kids later?" A: "I doubt it."

Q: "I have something important to discuss. Can we talk later?" A: "I doubt it."

Q: "Honey, do you still find me attractive?" A: "I doubt it."

Step 2:

After two days of using the "I doubt it" technique, you are ready for step two.

The inappropriate laughter technique (ILT). The ILT requires practice. If you don't have one already, you'll need to develop a hearty belly-laugh. This technique will only work if your partner thinks you're seriously laughing at him or her. Many people report that they practice while driving to and from work.

The ILT is to be used under two specific sets of circumstances:

A) Every time your partner is getting dressed or undressed in front of you;

B) Whenever your partner attempts to communicate something of importance.

For example:
Here's what your partner says: "I felt you were being unfair when you said I don't do enough around the house."

Here's what your partner's statement looks like when you add the ILT: "I felt [HA!] you were being unfair [HA! HA!] when you said I don't [HEE!] do enough around the house [HA! HA! HO! HO!]."

Isn't that better? Now your partner can't even get his/her own serious statement out uninterrupted, and you're also amused in the process. Feel free to jazz up this approach by improvising. Try bending forward while holding your stomach with each laugh--it really intensifies the effect.

Step 3:

Ungratefulness Diary. This one requires the most effort on your part but it gives a lot of bang for it's buck. Some prep time is needed. Try to put aside all the things you love and appreciate about your partner. Then reflect on all the ways in which your partner gets under your skin--focus your attention on how s/he annoys, irritates, and bothers you. Visualizing your partner's undesirable habits adds to the effectiveness of this exercise by forcing you to relive all the ways you feel exasperated by him/her.

For example, an entry might look like this: God, I hate the way she chews. I mean, I'd rather watch a crow pick the eye out of a dead squirrel. I don't think I can eat near her anymore.

For maximum effect it is recommended that you keep a daily journal and add to the list. This will help you become more and more attuned to the ways in which your partner's behavior irks you. A side benefit to keeping an ungratefulness diary is that you'll begin to overlook all the kind, generous and considerate things your partner does for you.

There you have it. A solid, full-proof way to kick your relationship behind the knees so that it falls flat on its face. You'll be amazed at how quick and effective these methods are. You can thank me later.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The Surprising Secret To Curing Knee Joint Pain


Location, Location, Location
The knee joint is a hinge joint comprised of the femur above and the tibia below. The knee functions primarily in bending and extending. Yet despite the importance of the knee in our everyday function, the knee joint is significantly impacted by the function and structure of joints above and below; specifically the hip and foot. Weakness and a loss of mobility in the hip as well as flexibility and biomechanical issues of the foot can result in abnormal stress passed on to the knee, causing a variety of knee conditions. The knee in many ways becomes the victim secondary to its location.

Supporting Research
One of the more common types of knee joint pain is patella femoral syndrome which is simply an irritation around the knee cap. For many years, the cause of patella pain had been specifically related to a lack of quad strength. Recent research studies now indicate that the lack of hip strength has a significant impact on knee cap pain. The most common component affecting the knee is a lack of lateral hip strength. Hip abduction strength has been implicated in a number of studies as common issue for those suffering patella related pain. In addition, studies have also found that performing specific lateral hip strength exercises is an effective treatment for patella femoral pain.

In a similar finding, a 2007 study looked at muscle strength associated with knee osteoarthritis. This study, reported in the journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders, found that hip strengthening helped to reduce knee joint stress as well as arthritis knee pain symptoms.

Similar to studies finding an association between knee joint pain and hip strength, studies have also found foot biomechanics can also have an impact on knee pain. Studies indicate that those experiencing patella femoral pain have a greater tendency to also have pes planus, or a flat foot. Although those with anterior knee pain are more likely to have flat feet, research has not found that the presence of flat feet is a predictor as to who may or may not have knee pain.

Why does the Hip and Foot Matter?
The biomechanics of the leg involves a complicated chain of events. Once your foot hits the ground, the position, strength and flexibility of the foot will influence how forces are passed up the leg. In the same vein, the strength and flexibility of the hip will impact how and where those forces are absorbed.

There is a classic pattern that is found in relation to leg biomechanics and knee pain. Frequently a flatter foot allows the tibia or shin bone to rotate inward. If the muscles of the lateral hip are not strong, this shin rotation will result in femur or thigh rotation. This internal rotation between the shin and the thigh creates increased twisting stress on the knee, frequently leading to pain.

What can you do?
As part of your overall treatment program, seek help from a physical therapist who can evaluate the extent of your biomechanical issues as well as the strength and flexibility of your hip. Wearing supportive shoes, using a shoe insert, and doing lateral hip strengthening exercises may be the best way to help you relieve knee joint pain.

Total Joint Replacement - Airline Travel Without a Joint ID Card


When flying today security is tighter then ever, I think we can all agree. Getting through security can be time consuming but it is a necessary requirement due to the world we live in. When you get a joint replaced like a hip, knee or shoulder, you will have questions regarding whether a joint ID card is needed to travel with? Depending on who you ask you will get several different responses from you do not need one to you must have it. I suspect to be on the safe side, it may be prudent to carry one however, after flying around the world I have yet had to produce or have been asked to provide an ID card regarding my joint replacement.

Security today at all domestic or International airports understand that a card indicating you have had a joint replaced can be simply purchased over the internet for a small fee. Anyone can do it therefore, an individual that wanted to try and slip something through will have to produce more then just a card indicating they have a metal prosthesis in their hip or knee.

The drill goes something like this, you enter the metal detectors even if you have advised them it will go off.
Once it goes off they immediately take you to the side and then have either a male or female depending on your sex check you by waving a wand over your body. You get patted down then presto you are finished.

I have yet had any great difficulty going through security with a knee replaced. You are not asked to produce the scar if you wear long pants. You get held up only for several minutes.

Therefore, you really do not need to ask your surgeon to give you an ID card. Some may still do it, some have stopped altogether. If you want to carry a card as some sort of feeling of initiation into the joint replacement fraternity you can but, you will not be asked to produce it in today's age of technology.

Knee Replacement Surgery in India - World Class Surgery, Recent Advances & Huge Cost Savings


Knee replacement surgery in India is world class and patients get huge cost savings. Patients from the UK, US and Canada increasingly prefer India as destination number one for Joint replacements of knee, hip and shoulder and hip resurfacing. Indian surgeons are well trained and Indian hospitals have infrastructure at par with the west. A large population of baby boomers lacking insurance and unable to afford private treatment in the socialized health systems of the West has fuelled the demand for Joint replacements. High success rate, affordable costs, safety of the surgical procedure, are main factors attracting overseas patients to Indian hospitals.

Costs are very reasonable and are lesser than a similar procedure in countries like Thailand, Singapore, South American countries and only amount to one tenth of the cost in the West. A price range of 5000- 7000 US dollars is quoted for a Knee replacement depending upon the type of implant chosen and the class of accommodation. Implants & prosthesis are designed and manufactured in the west and have FDA approval. In some cases even implants which did not have FDA approval like the Birmingham hip, Oxford knee, were available in India before they were obtainable in the US.

If you know that your surgeon is overseas trained, then it is re-assuring. Infrastructure of the hospital is vitally important. The operating theatres in some leading Indian hospitals provide "Ultra clean air" with ideal parameters. Exponential Laminar airflow is ideal where air is changed 25 times per hour. The delivered air is treated by special HEPA (High efficiency particulate air filters) with 99.99 % efficiency so that the chance of infection is reduced to the level of

Total Knee Replacement Surgery Guide


Total knee replacement surgery is recommended to treat conditions like arthritis as well as trauma by major injuries. In the modern day, there has been great technological advancement with equipment and practices that are able to give those suffering a new lease on life.

However, there are several risks that are involved. Apart from the chance of the operation going wrong, some knee replacement implants or products have high failure rate. In fact implants like those of Zimmer and Depuy have brought grave concerns. Many are not safe and have been recalled.

Faulty knee replacements will devastate patients because they will need to go through surgery again to correct the problem. Many faulty implants also cause pain, tissue damage and a host of other troubles. Going to a trusted health care provider is the key. The following is a look at some of the top considerations while choosing a doctor for total knee replacement surgery.

Firsts, total knee replacement is done to the knee joint (which is the largest of joints in the body). Artificial implants or products made of steel and plastic will replace the joint. Wear of the knee joint sees the cartilage disappear gradually causing great pain in patients.

• Let total knee replacement surgery be the last resort. There are many alternatives to the surgery and usually when all options are not working, this major surgery comes into play. Therefore, consult your orthopedic specialist on options like analgesics, cartilage treatments like Synvisc, prescription drugs and the list is endless. Choose the surgery when all things have failed.

• Knee specialists are varied. Patients are advised to seek or consult with several orthopedic specialists before making that final decision. Those who have a personal orthopedic doctor can ask for referrals to other experts in a bid to get opinions that might help salvage the problem.

• Let friends and family members who know great specialists recommend the right doctor. Those relatives with knee problems might also provide their input on the matter which might prove very helpful.

• Immerse yourself in the search for excellent specialists online in your area or beyond. Read reviews and opinions on the topic of total knee replacement surgery. This way, you will connect with total knee replacement experts who might take on your case. Connect also with people who have suffered similar problems to exchange ideas.

• Reputation is everything, access doctors who have made a good name in this area of total knee replacement. Doctors who perform multiple surgeries (hundreds a year) will be best for your case.

• Do not forget to consult experts on gender-based knee replacement. Centers that tailor replacements for both genders will do a much better job.

• The right specialists will provide you with precise information on recovery, cost as well as all the heartache and aspects involved. Be sure to provide all needed history and medical records that come in handy in preparation for the total knee replacement surgery.

• Searching for the ideal orthopedic surgeon might as well hold the key to a successful procedure.

Knee Replacement and Reversing Muscle Atrophy After Surgery


Once your knee replacement surgery or knee surgery in general is completed and you have gone through your physical rehabilitation program, you are encouraged to continue some sort of exercise program. For many this will consist of everything from strength training at a local gym to walking around the block. To get the most productivity out of your surgery, it is recommended you incorporate weight training as well as other exercises if you wish to keep the muscles around your knee strong to help you improve your quality of life and, to protect the prosthesis that has been implanted.

I recommend my patients and clients to work on an assortment of exercises depending on their age, prior level of function and, expectations. Today, with many younger adults having knees replaced, many of them are expecting to get back into enjoying their prior activities within reason as soon as possible.

The exercises to reverse the muscle wasting process I include in the exercise routine are leg presses, leg extensions, hamstring curls and calf raises. These are exercise I use and continue to use to keep my knee replacement running and operating at a high level. Use a weight that you can initially get between 15-20 repetitions to start with. You first want to build endurance in the muscle. Working with weight that is too heavy will cause a considerable amount of muscle soreness and discomfort and swelling if you are not careful. You start slowly and increase your resistance as you get stronger and more confident with the exercises.

What I instruct patients that are pursuing post rehabilitation strengthening is to start by warming up on a stationary bike for 10 to 15 minutes at a slow pace to loosen the muscle and surrounding soft tissue around the knee. Follow the stationary bike with two sets of leg presses for 20 repetitions using slow controlled movements. Do not take your knees past the 90 degree mark at this time. Follow leg presses with seated leg extensions for 15 -20 repetitions. Then you go to hamstring curls which can be done either seated or in the prone position for the same amount of repetitions. These exercises should be done for two sets each to start with.

As you get stronger in the months ahead you can of course increase your workload as tolerated. Avoid using very heavy weights that might stress the prosthesis. Heavy weights will not be needed to rebuild your leg or legs to get them to an ideal level. Remember after joint replacement surgery, your rehabilitation should really never end.

Also to be sure that you are taking in a good quality protein to help in reversing muscle atrophy and after knee surgery. Taking in quality protein such as skinless chicken breasts, salmon, ground turkey breast and egg whites are just some of the ways to help you increase your protein intake during the recovery phase.

Taking a good quality protein powder supplement also is the key in making sure you are getting the fuel your body needs to help in building stronger muscles not only in your legs but also by reversing the atrophy process throughout your entire body.

Warning - Don't Even Think of Skiing on That Bad Knee Until You Have Gotten a Knee Brace


How are your knees doing when you are out on the slopes?

If you like to ski or snowboard, then we both know that your knees are always needed. You need to keep them healthy if you are going to stay out there, unless you would rather pick up the sport of sledding. Hey, this way you can stay on the slopes, but you will most likely do so in a seated position...

Listen, we are not trying to bring this stuff up because it is fun,... we bring it up because sometimes we need to be reminded that protecting our knees is serious business. - Hey, we hope you never had to worry about this kind of a situation, but you do.

When you are out there on the slopes and you need to add some serious support to your knees then it is time to consider using a knee brace. An ACL style knee support can be very effective if you have hurt your ACL in the past, or if you are trying to stay away from this kind of injury in the future. - Moreover, there are "combined instability" braces available that will help you if you have more than one type of problem.

One friend of the author told us that she had previously undergone knee surgery with a favorable outcome. At one time she really needed her knee braces for the physical support that they gave to her, but after she healed she kept wearing them because of the mental support that they provided. As a veteran skier, she also knew that she would rather not undergo another ACL and MCL tear though, and she knew that her knee braces could help prevent this kind of injury from happening when she was on the slopes.

A brace can be obtained very quickly and these days they do not have to be custom made necessarily. For most people, a non custom knee brace can be extremely effective, and the only difference where a custom brace would be felt would be in your wallet.

In the end, the choice is yours. We hope you never have any kind of knee pain or instability. But, just remember that the sudden twists and turns, and the speed at which you move down the slopes can be very unforgiving, and the mountain will demand respect from you. Let's hope it does not take it in the form of a knee injury.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Arthritis Causes - Factors Causing Joint Pain and Inflammation


Arthritis is a disorder causing joint inflammation. Joint inflammation includes inflammation of joint lining or synovium, surrounding tissues, eroding of bones and cartilages. Arthritis is a very common ailment, and chronic in nature. Once attacked by arthritis, it is not possible to eradicate the disorder completely, but remission of the disorder is possible through medications, changing of lifestyle and habits, simple home remedies involving natural herbal massage oil and herbal supplements.

Pain is the most torturing symptom of arthritis. Pain is often accompanied by swelling, joint stiffness, tenderness, redness of skin around joint, crepitus or crunching sound while moving affected joints, deformity, anemia, constipation, colitis, limited range of motion, fatigue. Many symptoms occur together making the disease debilitating, and the patient almost crippled. Life activities and mobility becomes quite difficult. Ankles, wrists, neck, back, shoulder, knee and hip are the joints commonly invaded by arthritis. Arthritis can inflict people of all ages. Osteoarthritis is noticeable in elderly people while rheumatoid arthritis is common among youths. Of the many forms of arthritis, the above two forms are the most widespread.

Causes of Arthritis

1. Age is one factor causing arthritis. With advancing age, the bone protecting cartilages become weak and brittle. The fluid content in the cartilages rise, the protein make up starts breaking up, leaving crevasses on the cartilages, the cartilages start flaking, and in no time are lost exposing the bones to friction. The result is arthritis.

2. Obesity also causes arthritis. The extra load on joints due to weight gain causes the wearing out of cartilages and rubbing of one bone against the other.

3. High impact sports and activities like wrestling, boxing, gymnastic, ballet dancing etc cause much wear and tear of cartilages, and often lead to arthritis in future.

4. Certain occupations trigger arthritis. Occupations like cotton processing, carpentry, shipyard work, the work of a construction worker etc involve frequent kneeling and squatting. Such occupations easily wear out joints, thereby leading to arthritis.

5. Arthritis is an inherited disorder, and seems to run in the family. In other words, heredity or genes is an arthritis causing factor.

6. Tobacco smoking and stress also may initiate or aggravate arthritic conditions.

7. Infection by viruses or bacteria may also lead to arthritis. For instance, the bacterium that causes gonorrhea or Lyme disease or the bacterium causing diarrhea is also responsible for causing arthritis.

8. High levels of urate or uric acid in blood lead to an arthritis called gout. Alcohol intakes, high blood pressure, fasting, over eating, taking diuretic medications are risk factors in case of this form of arthritis.

9. Previous history of traumatic joint injury or bone fracture may in future cause arthritis.

10. Also past history of septic joint may later cause arthritis.

11. Immune system abnormalities also cause arthritis.

12. Preponderance of calcium pyrophosphate in the body also causes arthritis.

Dialing in Cleat Position For More Power and Less Pain


With regular pedals and toe clips your foot can move a bit to find it best position. With clipless pedals your foot is held in a fixed position so it is important to get the cleat placed properly for your unique bone and muscle structure.

Installing the pedals is easy but putting the cleats on your shoes can be difficult with the variations of adjustments available. Most cleats are adjustable front to back, side to side and rotationally for angle. If you get the set up of your cleats wrong it will put foot, ankle and knee out of alignment. Over time this can lead to pain and potential long term injury.

The easiest route to proper cleat placement is to head into the shop and get me to position them for you. ItâEUR(TM)s cheap and will save you a lot of potentially painful trial and error. If youâEUR(TM)d like to do it yourself, the following guidelines will help you get set up with the least amount of problems.

Fore-Aft Placement

In bare feet, feel for the joint (first metatarsal phlange joint for you anatomy junkies) under the ball of your foot at the base of your big toe. To pin point the location of the joint wiggle your big toe up and down. Put your shoe on and check for that point. Lightly mark the sole with chalk or marker.

Now place the cleat based on the following chart.

Size 36-40 5mm behind the ball of the foot
Size 41-43 7mm behind the ball of the foot
Size 44-46 9mm behind the ball of the foot
above Size 46 10 mm behind the ball of the foot

Check each foot separately as one foot is usually bigger than the other changing where the point of the big toe joint is.

Rotational Placement

Your feet have an angle they naturally sit at. Your cleats should be set up to put your feet in this position on the pedals.

To find your foot angle, sit on a high bench or sturdy table with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle. Holding your feet level, lean forward until you are in your riding position.

Look at the angle your feet sit at. I use a large protractor to measure the angles of each foot.

This adjustment will apply mainly to Shimano and Look pedals. If you use Time pedals there isn't much angle adjustment but the pedals themselves have lateral and rotational float so your foot will find it's correct position naturally. Speedplay pedals have a rotational adjustment on the cleat to adjust for this.

Side to side placement

This one is hard to do on your own as it has to do with pedal stance on the bike. If your feet are too narrow or too wide your knees won't track properly over the pedals.

A few things to look for.


  • If your knees flair out wide when pedaling, your feet are probably too close together. Move your cleats towards the inside, closer to the bike. You may also need to put a spacer on your pedal to move it out.

  • If your knees lean in towards the top tube it can be indicative of either too wide a stance or fore foot varus. This is a tendency for the big toe to sit higher than the baby toe. 90 per cent of people's feet sit this way because we we're made for walking not riding. Most cycling shoes have a flat toe box, so your foot is forced flat with each pedal stroke. The fix for this is either shimming your cleats, orthotic insoles or a combination of the two. By aligning your foot, you'll get more power to the pedals and reduce the chance of overuse injuries to your knees. I recommend the Lemond Lewedge shims to correct for forefoot tilt.

Leg Length Imbalance

If you feel like you can't ever find the right seat height you may have a leg length imbalance. Riding with an imbalance can lead to knee problems as well as hip and lower back pain. With this if one leg is getting correct extension the other will be over or under extending. This can be from actual bone length differences or a structural imbalance in the hips. If the difference is less than 6 mm then it usually isn't much of a problem, but anything more than this should be corrected. The general rule is to correct for half of the difference, so if discrepancy is 8 mm we adjust your shorter leg 4 mm.

This can be accomplished by shimming your shorter leg cleat and moving the cleat of the long leg back slightly. This is just an example because depending on whether the difference is in your upper or lower leg, I will use different techniques to correct for it. Think of your feet as your base of power. If your base is unstable, you will not get the power to the pedals.

Knee Joint Pain - Discover 3 Natural Supplements That Work


Knee joint pain can be caused by many things such as a knee injury from torn ligaments, worn out knee cartilage due to arthritis, or just a plain old knee joint infection. Even though there may be many reasons for knee pain, figuring out what is causing the affliction may require a trip to the doctor. For most people however, knee joint pain is cause by osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the joints by causing deterioration to the cartilage that supports it. When there is degeneration in these areas, it can cause arthritis pain and inflammation. These symptoms can be mild to severe depending on the stage of arthritis you are in.

The cartilage that protects the bones in the knee from rubbing against each other becomes worn out. When this happens, the bones begin to cause excruciating knee joint pain because bone is rubbing against bone. As time goes on, joint deformities, joint stiffness and limited range of motion can also occur.

Because arthritis affects over 40 million Americans, there has been extensive research on several natural supplements that help alleviate joint pain, rebuild cartilage and decrease inflammation. Three such supplements that is used to treat arthritis pain are glucosamine, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), and chondroitin.

Glucosamine is a natural substance that is found in the body. It is manufactured into a supplement from a natural compound called chitin found in shell fish like shrimp, lobsters, and crabs. Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan. Glycosaminoglycan is a molecule that helps repair and rebuild cartilage and other connective tissues.

MSM also known as Methylsulfonylmethane, is a natural source of sulfur which has been shown to reduce inflammation and strengthen collagen. Sulfur also helps get rid of excess mineral deposits found in joints and tissues. This supplement is often used in conjunction with glucosamine.

Chondroitin is also a substance that is found naturally in the body. It is manufactured by extracting beef cartilage into a supplement. It has found to be an essential building block for the body to produce new cartilage and it may also block enzymes that cause cartilages to breakdown.

There are other natural supplements like white willow bark that can alleviate knee joint pain. White willow bark was the inspiration behind the now famous aspirin but we all know that aspirin can cause side effects such as stomach irritation. If you decide that a natural supplement is right for you, make sure it has all the ingredients discussed here.

High Heels and the Link to Arthritis


Looking good in high heels does not come without a price. Heels make your legs look longer and attractive no wonder a poll by The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists found that a quarter of women wear heels very regularly if not everyday. This may be the reason why millions of women could be at risk of arthritis in their knees. Wearing high heels could most certainly put women's knees at risk of arthritis along with other serious problems such as bad posture and ingrown toenails. People, who need bunion operations, help with foot pain and removal of corns and calluses is also on the increase reported by podiatrists.

Remember all those times when you have squeezed your feet into tight ill fitting high heels, bending your toes into abnormal positions. As a consequence, you end up with sore, blistered, thick skinned feet which rub against your shoes causing you pain with most likely every step you take. Several hundred tons of pressure is what your feet are put under every day from just walking. This adds up to a whole lot of pain. Changing something as simple as the type of shoe you wear could make all the difference. Basically the higher the heel, the worse it is for you.

Wearing high heels changes the way you walk as your centre of gravity is put on the ball of your foot. High heels also affect body posture by placing more pressure on knee, ankle and foot joints. This can cause strain to the cartilage and lead to the start of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, it is seen a lot more in women than in men. Wearing high-heeled shoes considerably changes the normal role of the ankle. Due to the compromise of this function, the knee and hip are used instead to maintain steadiness whilst walking, mostly at the knee. Women walking in high heels put a lot more strain between the kneecap and thigh bone as well as in the inner side of the knee joint compared to when they walk in bare feet.

The society has warned, with levels of obesity on the increase and people living longer, together with poor footwear could result in an "arthritis crisis". Wearing the right footwear will help to reduce the stress your feet and joints are under through your daily life. Little changes can help decrease the risk of joint damage and injury. Wearing shoes with a heel height of no more than 2-3cm (one inch) is recommended for daily wear. Preferably shoes with a shock-absorbent sole as they will help keep shock to the joints to a minimum.

It is vital to be aware of what kind of footwear to use when exercising or taking part in sport. Prof Redmond has said: "Those who wear trainers that are not designed for sporting activity are placing themselves at real risk." It is important that shoes which are specially designed for the sport you play are used as wearing incorrect footwear can increase the possibility of developing arthritis. During some sports, the force going through your joints can be more than eight times your body weight, so we cannot state how important it is to wear the right footwear for your sport.

The poll also showed that while 65% of people have suffered stiffness or pain in their lower body and feet, only half of those tried to find help for the symptoms they experienced. Prof Redmond said: "If you do experience frequent pain in your feet or ankles, don't ignore it, as something can always be done." Early treatment can be essential to achieve the best result for the long-term. If you have arthritis pain in your feet or knees when you walk then get in touch with a podiatrist who can help you choose the right pair of shoes for you.

If you can't give up your high-heels then here are a few tips to minimize their effects:

  • Try to limit how long you wear your high heels by changing to good quality trainers or flats for some of the day.

  • Go for "walking" pumps, which are fashionable and at the same time they provide athletic shoe-like construction, reinforced heels, and wider toe room, helping to put your feet under less strain.

  • If you must wear heels more than 2-3 inches high then only wear them on special occasions.

  • Take your shoes off when you can to give your feet and legs a bit of a break.

  • Buy shoes which have a rubber heel as they will absorb the impact on your knees whilst walking.

Ladies you have to take care of your feet, more than you already thought. It can save you from a lot of unnecessary pain in the future so the next time you are out shopping for a pair of new shoes, just stop and think for a minute. A small change can make a big difference and benefit your health.

Getting Back on Your Feet With Total Knee Replacement


If you suffer from certain disabilities, such as osteoarthritis within your knees, having a total knee replacement can be an effective way of regaining much of your mobility. This surgery has proven to be very safe and very effective at correcting problems.

While total knee replacement might be a big step toward improving someone's quality of life, it is also a very expensive procedure. The average cost right now is around $15,000. For those people who want to improve their mobility and have severe knee problems, however, this cost might very well be worth it.

Still, this surgery is extremely popular. In the U.S., about 600,000 of these procedures take place each year. That's about $9 billion generated annually-not a small number by any measure. The success of this type of surgery has increased quite a bit over the years, and the business of total knee replacements is still growing. This is thanks in part to a growing senior population and the increased liveliness of this population, as well. Thanks to better technology and better healthcare practices, people are living longer lives that ever before. It only makes sense that this part of the population will want to continue their active lifestyles. If total knee replacement can remedy this problem, it is a very worthwhile investment.

Of course, surgery is not for everyone. The very old and the very ill are going to be at a larger risk of complications after they have a surgery, so unless the need is dire, this type of surgery might be best avoided. For other people, especially those who want to have active lives, this surgery can be a big success.

The bottom line is that this surgery is extremely effective in the vast majority of cases. The people who have knee replacements are able to do things that they might not have been able to do for years. Plus, as healthcare practices become better, the recovery time for this surgery is minimal. People can be back on their feet sooner than ever before with today's practices. There is, however, an increased risk of readmission into the hospital if patients try using their new knees too much too soon. Medicare has incentives for short initial hospital visits for procedures like this-this is not necessarily a good thing for patients. So while patients are recovering quicker, they also need to be very aware of the fact that they can have complications if they push themselves a few days too early. If you are going to have this surgery, you definitely need to be aware of this fact.

Knee replacement surgery is a great way to regain a healthy and active lifestyle. This will give people plenty of incentive to start exercising more frequently, and this is definitely a great way for elderly folk to take charge of their health. Make sure you know all of the risks and the rewards for having such a surgery before you agree to go under the knife, however.