Saturday, September 21, 2013

Knee Problems Associated With Locking, Grinding, and Popping


Lock, Pop, grind and no it's not a dance move

Knee problems associated with locking, grinding, and popping

Since u are not a firecracker or a soda can you can be forgiven to think that popping sounds in the knee is an indication that something is wrong. The truth though is that popping sounds occurs naturally when movement occurs in the joints. A slight misalignment in the knee cap (Patella) or the movement of different ligaments across the joint can give a popping sound. If it is a case however where this sounds is accompanied by pain then one has reason for concern. Grinding and locking are better indicators of a physiological disorder in the knee, but the pain factor is also very important in these cases.

Popping

As stated earlier unless accompanied by pain then a popping sound is perfectly normal, however if there is pain then it is often an indication that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has been torn. ACL maybe torn in two pieces or there might just be a partial rip, the extent of damage will determine treatment implemented. If ACL is ripped apart then surgery followed by rehab will be necessary, however for partial tears one just need to stay away from physical activities for awhile as the injury will self heal. A popping sound in conjunction with pain may also be an indication of another condition known as Discoid Lateral Meniscus or "popping-knee syndrome". This occurs when there is an abnormal shaped meniscus in the knee joint. This can usually be treated by conservative methods such as stretching, however if pain persist arthroscopic surgery though optional might be required.

Grinding

When cartilage degeneration occur the bones of the knee joint tends to grind together causing immense pain and producing a grinding sound. This is usually caused by rheumatoid arthritis which rarely occurs in individuals under 50. The degeneration caused by rheumatoid arthritis is irreversible. Patella tendonitis (runner's knee) can also cause degeneration of cartilage and thus the pain and grinding sound. Runner's knee is the most likely cause of the grinding sound in the knees of young individuals particularly athletes. Fortunately in this case the degeneration is reversible, as resting the knee and doing exercises that strengthen the quadriceps muscles will see the knee return to normal over time.

Locking

You may find yourself playing a game of basketball and suddenly being unable to flex a leg or you may be kneeling then find that you are unable to straighten your leg to get up; when this happens you are experiencing a phenomenon known as locking which can be quite painful. There are generally two type of locking, pseudo-locking and true locking. Pseudo locking is a reaction to pain and functions like a kill switch where the knee locks into position when tension in the area becomes excessive. True locking results from physiological problems in the knee, causing the knee become rigid, unable to bend or extend. True locking usually occurs when torn cartilage or bone fragment (resulting from a bone disorder known as Osteochondritis Dissecans) becomes jammed between joints surfaces restricting movement of the knee joint. When a muscle on the inside of the thigh becomes weak and fragile or the outer muscles tighten they can throw off alignment of the knee cap, which also lead to locking.

Locking can easily be corrected by resting as movement will eventually return to joints. In the case of true locking the problem can only be completely nullified by orthopaedic surgery to remove loose bone or cartilage.

Joint Pain Relief With Yoga For Senior Citizens


For people suffering with joint pain it is often difficult to find an exercise program that is more beneficial than detrimental. Senior citizens often have an even tougher time finding a program that is a good fit for their needs. There are many Yoga instructors that are developing programs geared specifically to fit this scenario. "Why has this 5,000-year-old Eastern discipline grown so popular? The simple reason is that it 'works,'" according to American Yoga Association spokesperson Millicent Kennedy, who has been taught and practiced yoga for the last three decades.

There are many different types of yoga, as well as variations through each instructor. Many people find that they need to try several different styles before they find one that fits their ideals of activity level, instructor personality, and over all comfort.

When first beginning yoga it is normal to feel some pain; every person has their own levels of pain tolerance. It is a good idea to avoid any movement that causes more pain than might be experienced throughout a normal day. Although there can be pain associated with yoga, it generally should not last more than a couple of hours. If pain persists beyond a few hours, a modification in routine is probably a good idea.

For most people, two or more sessions a week can make a significant difference in joint pain. By choosing to attend an actual class with an instructor present, it is possible to find ways to modify postures to work for each individual. Although there are endless choices when it comes to yoga DVDs or books, nothing can replace a knowledgeable instructor in a hands-on situation. This is especially beneficial when first participating in a new exercise program.

The reason that yoga works so well is that is it basically a gentle form of exercise. The postures used may feel awkward at first but become easier as they become more familiar. Joint pain, inflammation, and even stiffness and swelling can be relieved through this form of exercise. There are several types of postures, all of them with different goals. Some of these stances focus on strength, flexibility, deep breathing, or relaxation. The postures that focus on flexibility are an excellent choice that can help to increase range of motion in painful joints. Instructors can help to modify postures so that there is not too much pressure or torque on the joint.

Supplements can be a big boost to a yoga program. Many people living with joint pain have found relief through CFAs, or cetylated fatty acids. This substance is especially beneficial in combination with yoga, as it has been shown to help relieve inflammation and increase range of motion. Celadrin is the most common CFA available on the market right now. However, keep in mind that just as it may be necessary to work at yoga to develop a comfort level, it is also necessary to take most joint supplements for at least a month before there is a noticeable improvement.

Top Ten Things to Build a Bridge and Get Over


God must love Top Ten lists because she made so many of them. They crowd my Inbox daily. They're right up there in popularity with offers to refinance my house and stock up on Viagra. Top Nine Lists are few and far between and Top Eleven lists unheard of. But for seem reason there seem to be ten nifty answers to pretty much any problem or life situation you can come up with.

In search of my own Top Ten favorites I had a hard time coming up with something that hadn't already been worked over. There seems to be a plethora of Top Ten lists designed to pump us up; increase our confidence and build self esteem. I thought it would be nice to let some of the air out. So here are my:

Top Ten Things to Build a Bridge and Get Over.

1. Nobody knows why anybody does anything. Imagine the time this one will free up. You don't need to figure out what happened to Aunt Bertha as a child to make her so mean and crabby; why your s.o. dumped you; why your neighbor ignores you. We humans are a product of our upbringing; environment, genetics and hormones. We do what we do when we do it. Let it go. Don't take it personally.

2. Nobody owes you a thing. When you think about all the time, love and attention it took to get where you are today you'll see that you can never repay the debt. Your mother and father who raised you; your teachers who pushed and believed in you; your friends who supported you; your community which nurtures you. Question is - what have you given back in return?

3. You'll be balanced when you're dead. Not a moment sooner. Balance schmalanace. We chase it like the Holy Grail. What's the big deal if you work too hard some weeks and goof off others? If you're passionate about something maybe you'd rather have more of it in your life. Your kids won't knock over a bank if you miss a few softball practices. Exercise is overrated and TV's not evil incarnate

4. Multi-tasking is an oxymoron. Don't be intimidated by colleagues who do five things at once. Studies on "Attentional Blink" show that we don't actually do more than one thing at a time. We switch our attention rapidly between projects. A one man band plays many instruments passably but none well. Better to be a maestro than a journeyman.

5. You don't deserve anything you have. See # 2. Entitlement is a very unattractive quality. No matter how hard you worked or how much you planned you were never in control of the outcome of your efforts. God and luck and the support of others, along with your own hard work, played big parts.

6. You're ordinary. Relax it's a compliment. Ordinary people are reliable, industrious and consistent . Superstars are a pain in the rear especially when they read their own press. Who would you rather call at 2 AM when your car breaks down - Tony Robbins or your brother-in-law Al? Imagine the ride home.

7. You're not a victim you're a volunteer. (Unless we're talking about a trainwreck or a typhoid epidemic). The old saw about nobody being able to take advantage of you without your permission is true. If you don't want something to happen in your life don't set it up in the first place.

8. You're right. Life isn't fair. But it's always interesting and instructive if you keep an open mind.

9. There is no meantime. No place where time stands still and standards are lowered and second best is good enough. There's only now. What are you going to do now?

10. Gratefulness is second to Godliness. Cleanliness is waaay down the list. Get down on your knees and look at your life. Oh, the places you'll go!

Tennis and MCL Injuries - Get Back on the Court After an MCL Tear, Rupture Or Sprain


An MCL injury can be one of the things that will keep you from playing tennis.

Have you ever injured your knee ligaments and are now looking for ways to help yourself get back on the court?

1.) Introduction

When it comes to tennis, we both might agree that playing the sport is more fun than watching from court side. If you want to help yourself get back to playing sports, and tennis in particular, you should seriously consider getting a low profile, light weight knee support. When you get the correct knee brace it can be the one thing that will help secure your knee while you are active. It can also help to reduce your pain because of an injury and when you get meaningful support, this can help you to begin the healing process with much less worry.

2.) Tennis Knee Braces To Protect Your MCL

Many athletes have used a knee brace while they were recovering to help them get back into their sport. We are not saying that a knee brace will heal you the moment you put it on, but we are saying that it is the one thing that will help support and protect your injury while you recover. The great thing about knee supports is that you may temporarily forget that you have an knee injury, from time to time, but the knee brace (if worn properly) will not forget that you have the injury. It will help to restrict unwanted movements that will put your healing knee injury in jeopardy.

3.) Your Choices When It Comes To Soccer Knee Support

If you want moderate to top of the line knee support, you will most likely want to look at knee supports that use a hinge on either side of the knee. Attached to these hinges is an upright that goes below and above the knee. You have probably seen different kinds of knee braces before, so this should not be anything new. However, this hinge mechanism can help to stop excessive movements that can make your injury worse! If you have a mild knee injury then you may want to look at elastic knee supports that act as a reminder to you, not to make dangerous movements. However, if you want more support for soccer, it is time to look at a well designed hinged knee brace.

* This is health information. Our experience has shown that knee braces can be of great assistance to soccer players and other athletes, but we do have to refer you to your doctor for medical advice for your particular knee injury first.

News Flash - Sore Knee Cap Leads to Sleepless Nights - How to Deal With the Pain - Special Report


Do you have sore knee caps?

Sometimes the pain for a sore knee cap is due to climbing or descending a set of stairs, or getting up from a seated position. Other times it is caused from sitting in a position where your knees are bent, and after hours of the same position, the pain can get to be really bad! - Can you relate to any of these scenarios?

These are all scenarios the involve daytime activities (unless you walk in your sleep) But what if you end up moving your legs into this same bent position while sleeping? Gosh, What a thought! The truth is you will end putting your knees through the same irritation they experience in your waking moments, but you might not even know it. - Many people do not think about this but the irritation can also build at night when you are not even really conscious of the problem.

This can result in a restless feeling wherein you will not get the sleep and rest that you need, and these days we all could use as much sleep as we can get! Moving around at night and allowing your knees to move into the same irritating position can actually result in additional irritation and could possibly worsen your pain issues you are having currently.

How Can I Help Control My Legs At Night?

The answer to this question will help ease the discomfort you have... Many times you can help control sore knee caps with a simple knee brace. These braces can help control your knee cap from deviating into painful and more unstable positions whether you are still awake or not.

Well designed knee braces are designed to move with the shape of the knee. They are helpful because they help restrict excessive positions where the pain comes due to misalignment. Some supports are more restrictive than others so it is always good to ask the brace provider for optimal brace for your needs.

Implementing the use of a knee brace both while sleeping and while awake has proven effective in alleviating many common pains and soreness that inflict so many people's knee caps. - Do not look back regretting what you could have done to help support your knee.

Question: Do you know how the soreness sets in for you? - We would like to know.

A Loose Knee - Treatment For Unstable Knees - Help Yourself Recover From Damage to Your Joints


A Loose or Unstable Knee - How To Help Feel More Stable

Do you ever feel like your knee is not as stable as it used to be? Maybe you feel like something has happened in your knee joint, and now you can not trust it like you used to?

Introduction: There are a lot of reasons why you can suffer from the feeling of having a "loose knee" or an unstable knee. You may have hurt one of the ligaments in your knee joint and now you may have some concerns about the stability of the joint itself! Or, your quadriceps are not as strong as they used to be and your knee might feel like it is giving out on you. Whatever the situation is, you will want to read this article all the way through. It can help you make a difference for problematic knees, in a truly unique way.

1.) Knee Injuries - Ligament & Degenerative Types

Let's cover a few basic reasons why your knee might feel unstable. Maybe it will shine a light on your knee issue and help give you some information you were looking for.

Ligament Injuries

Surprisingly, it is not that hard to really hurt one of your knee ligaments. You have four major knee ligaments, the ACL, MCL, PCL, & LCL. If you twist your knee the wrong way, especially when you foot is on the ground, you may find that your knee stability just went "out the window!" It does not even take a contact incident with another person or an object to have this kind of knee injury to happen! - This can definitely contribute to having the feeling that something is "loose" or "unstable" in your knee.

Degenerative Problems

You may also find that as time goes on, and our bodies age, you might have degenerative issues. The first one that comes to mind if arthritis. This can have a painful effect on your knee. Sure, some over the counter pain medication can help the pain symptoms, but you may be wondering if there is something more that you can try besides taking pills to remedy the pain. This can also make your knee feel very unstable or "loose."

2. ) Knee Braces For Support

If you have these kinds of problems with your knee, you do not have to settle for it! Well designed knee supports can really make a huge difference for someone in your position. The support that they can provide can act as a reminder to you, or it can really support your knee so that you do not feel like it is so unstable when you move. (Speak to your doctor for medical advice, this is helpful health information, but we are not your doctor.)

Friday, September 20, 2013

Market Ready for New Knee Arthritis Treatment: APOS Device Gets Funding


APOS Medical and Sports Technology Ltd., an Israeli company, recently announced that it has raised $8 million in venture capital funding for further development and marketing of its unique device designed for osteoarthritis treatment for knee pain sufferers. Pitango Venture Capital, a large VC firm also located in Israel, made the investment. The VC firm has a history of investing in successful technology companies, with over 120 investments since 1993.

The APOS device is designed to treat knee osteoarthritis by creating multi-directional instability. The device looks like a shoe with two half balls glued to the sole. APOS is an acronym for "All Phases of Step Cycle" and was developed by Dr. Avi Elbaz and Dr. Amit Mor in Israel. Development of the device has been underway for over 10 years.

The APOS device, which contains the semispherical balls, is attached to a patient's shoes. The platform's balls create an unstable gait, mimicking natural walking on uneven surfaces. While seemingly odd, the instability both relieves pain and strengthens a person's muscles. Patients use the APOS device for 30 to 60 minutes each day. As the patient uses the device, the instability forces the patient's body to a proper alignment, reducing pain. Also, the person's muscles are retrained, creating improved motion and increased function. The treatment is administered by specially trained physiotherapists, and includes computerized gait analysis.

Clinical trials have shown that the device improves the patient's posture and walk, and relieves knee and other leg joint pain. The system was designed around the concept of functional rehabilitation. The APOS device simulates real life conditions, where many current techniques teach a patient to stand in a clinic. APOS' designers attempted to simulate the way mammals rehab in nature.

APOS has conducted trials that have shown the platform can

* reduce the intensity of knee pain by 66% after eight weeks

* eliminate most lower back pain in 70% of patients

* enhance patient's quality of life by significantly improving joint function

Drs. Elbaz and Mor have seen over twenty thousand patients to date with the APOS device. Half of the treatments were conducted in Israel Additionally, in 2009, the company jointly conducted a commercial trial in the United Kingdom with Bupa, Britain's largest private health insurance company. As a result of the trial, the companies formed APOSTherapy, which is now a stand alone entity that is a member of the Association of British Healthcare Industries.

Dr. Mor, APOS' CEO says, "The product has several applications. It can be used for stabilization, improve athletes' performance, and prevent knee injury." The device can also treat knee damage caused by aging, or injuries from sports or accidents.

So far, APOS markets its product in Israel, Singapore, and the UK, where it operates with Britain's largest private health insurance company BUPA Ltd. APOS intends to use the proceeds from Pitango's investment to finance the launch of its device in other countries, especially the US, Germany, and Japan. APOS is currently seeking US FDA approval.

Can Exomine Revitalise your Joints?


There is no cure for Osteoarthritis but there are treatments that can help patients live more healthy, comfortable and productive lives. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and is the most common of all known joint conditions. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage over time, meaning that the joints loose their ability to move easily. Cartilage is used in the joints to allow bones to glide over each other easily and for joints to flex.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body and usually affects the most frequently used or most affected by impact stress or gravity. These areas include the fingers, hips, knees, lower back, and feet. It is not uncommon for persons to initially have only one joint affected. However, more joints can become affected over time.

Most treatments for this condition do not treat the condition at all, but rather try to manage the symptoms. There are many drugs on the market that attempt to do this and you can find information on analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, corticosteroids, and viscosupplements from your health professional or other trusted sources.

Exomine is a natural supplement which aims to minimize inflammation processes and ease arthritis pain and muscular discomfort.

How Exomine works

Made specifically for osteoarthritis, Exomine is an all natural supplement that has no known side effects. You can rest assured that you are helping heal your joints safely and effectively. According to the manufacturer's supplied information, it is made of the following components:


  • Chondroitin Sulfate - A major structural component of the cartilage. Chondroitin has been shown to increase the production of new, healthy cartilage, block enzymes that break down cartilage, and normalize joint fluids to reduce friction.

  • Hyaluronic Acid - The greatest concentrations of this acid are found in joints and used as lubrication. As you age, less hylaronic acid is produced, which results in stiff joints. Supplementation with this protein has been shown lubricate stiff joints.

  • Glucosamine HCI - The clinical benefits of glucosamine in the treatment of osteoarthritis are impressive. In one study, 252 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were given placebo or 1500mg of glucosamine every day. The results showed glucosamine can reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis. The longer it was used, the more apparent the benefits were.

  • BioCell Collagen Type II(TM) - This ingredient was formulated as an alternative to glucosamine and chondroitin, but is also very effective when used in conjunction with the two ingredients.

  • Methylsulfonyl Methane (MSM) - This natural form of dietary sulfur has been used to reduce or eliminate arthritis pain.

  • Vitamins B3 and C - These have been shown to reduce pain and aid with range of motion, muscle strength, and endurance. Vitamin C may help to reduce cartilage loss and prevent arthritis progression.

  • Boron - An important mineral critical for maintaining healthy bones and joints. Double-blind placebo controlled studies have shown that small daily amounts of boron can help with osteoarthritis.

  • Boswellia Serrata Ext - This botanical possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellic acid, its main chemical constituent, has been shown to block the production of enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.

  • Ginger - A study involving 56 osteoarthritis patients proved that ginger was 75% effective for osteoarthritis and muscular discomfort.

  • Cat's Claw - A potent anti-inflammatory, this botanical contains active ingredients called "glycosides," that have been shown to reduce inflammation and water retention.

  • Tumeric - Laboratory tests and clinical research indicate that the active ingredients have unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Grape Seed Ext - Has flavonoid-like substances call "proanthocyanidins" (PCOs) that act like antioxidants. PCOs inhibit certain chemicals from causing inflammation.

Why choose Exomine?

There are always a number of questions to consider when looking at using a natural supplement to help with a condition like Osteoarthritis. You need to consider the balance between traditional medicine which relies heavily on tested drugs, with the positives and negatives that can come from them, against the potential benefits and risk levels of a natural supplement. Make sure you look at the potential issues and are happy with the feedback from other users of the product.

Arthritis Knee Braces - Selecting The Right Type


Any person with arthritis knows the pain and discomfort this situation can cause. An arthritis knee brace is designed to alleviate this pain. Arthritis pain usually occurs in the knee joint. These devices are recommended to reduce pressure on the knee and leg. Before you choose to use this device, appropriate consultation should be conducted to determine the cause of arthritis of the knee. This, in turn, determines the type of reinforcement for use.

The causes of arthritis of the knee

Inflammation in the knee causes pain of arthritis. This problem can occur in both knee joints and for all ages. Middle-aged people may also have arthritis. This is where the cartilage bones lack of moisture, which causes them to rub. This would in turn get the bones to rub against each other causing pain. The disadvantage is that this problem gets worse over time.

After a knee injury occurs, it can lead to arthritis. These damages cannot be identified immediately after it occurs. When is starts it leads to a huge pain in the knee joint.

Main reasons to start using arthritis knee braces

The pressure on the knees and legs can cause arthritis. A knee brace reduces the pressure to relieve arthritis pain. When you have a rare form of knee structure, braces can be used to properly align the knee. When you have a lot of weight pressing down, it can cause pain. In this case, the knee support is used to handle the pressure of weight on the knees.

There are medical experts do not recommend these devices for a long time. Experts say that such use may lead to a deterioration of the muscles of the knee and leg, which leads to excessive use of all their function.

Types of braces for the Knee

These braces are of two types: off the shelf and custom knee braces. The off the shelf kind of stock is comfortable to use because it is readily available. Custom, on the other hand, take a few days before delivery to the user. These braces are designed to meet the specific needs of its users. Therefore, they are more expensive than their counterparts. These braces are for specific areas of pain. They are recommended for people with rare forms of the knee.

Knee supports are available in both small and large sizes. Good medical advice should be sought before using the knee supports. For the most severe arthritis pain, the brace is recommended.

A knee brace is recommended for those with arthritis pain. This band is one of the best ways to manage this condition.

Knee Braces - Types and Uses


A healthy knee can flex, bend and straighten easily and without pain. While the knee's function may seem simple, a knee injury can be complicated, annoying and painful. Since knees are fundamental to walking, running, kicking and sitting, an injury can derail many of life's enjoyable activities. If you have suffered a knee injury, your physician can help guide you to the right brace to help rehabilitate and facilitate movement. This guide is intended to offer you a quick summary on what types of knee braces are available and their usefulness.



  • Post Operative Knee Braces As the name implies, these braces are used for post-operative support and rehabilitation. A quality post-op brace should be lightweight, but durable. Depending on your rehabilitation needs, you may need a brace with a full range of motion, or one with immobilization or limited range of motion settings. Post-op braces are available in different lengths, often feature moldable pieces, and should be easily adjusted for a perfect fit. Look for breathable materials and user-friendly adjustment features.


  • Functional-OA Knee Brace Osteoarthritis (OA) affects over 20 million Americans and involves the erosion of joint cartilage. A functional-OA knee brace can be used to stabilize knees suffering OA symptoms, reducing pain and additional erosion of the joint. Typically a knee is affected on either the outside (lateral) or inside (medial) of the leg, though it is not unheard of to have a knee with OA symptoms on both sides of the knee. The brace hinge should be situated on the side or sides that are affected, and should be lightweight, durable, and easily adjustable. Since they will be worn for an indefinite prolonged period of time, comfort is very important.


  • Functional-Ligament Knee Brace The stability of the knee joint is maintained by four ligaments, the ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL. A common sports injury, a torn knee ligament is usually treated with a functional ligament hinged knee brace. Torn or unstable knee ligaments require a lightweight, durable brace that supports the joint. Look for braces that offer the four-point principle for biomechanical stabilization.


  • Contracture Knee BracesA knee contracture is the shortening of a tendon resulting in a restricted range of motion and pain. Under medical supervision, these braces can be used to support the knee and increase flexibility over time. Look for adjustment range, comfort, and durability. Padding should be breathable and non-irritating. Contracture and post-op knee braces are occasionally interchangeable.


Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

Do You Have Peripheral Neuropathy?


If you have:

  • Diabetes

  • Cancer (and you're undergoing chemotherapy)

  • Shingles

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome

  • Exposure to toxins

You have a pretty good idea of what to expect from your disease. Your doctor has probably given you a list of symptoms that you're likely to experience, if you're not experiencing them already.

But if in addition to the symptoms you were expecting, you're having

  • Swelling in your feet, legs or hands

  • Muscle cramps in your legs

  • Changes in your skin and nails

  • Numbness in your feet and hands

  • Inability of feel heat or cold

  • Sleepless nights due to pain

  • Muscle weakness

  • Painful burning and itching in your hands or feet

  • Feeling like you're wearing gloves or socks when you're not

You could be developing another symptom that your doctor might not have told you about.

And it could cause permanent nerve damage.

You could have peripheral nerve damage in your feet and/or hands.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

PN is a condition that develops when your peripheral nerves are damaged. That damage can occur because of your diabetes, as a result of toxic chemotherapy, nerves being damaged by shingles, a lack of oxygen to the nerves caused by some other underlying condition or even as a result of HIV.

If you have the symptoms listed above, the nerves in your hands and feet have probably been damaged by your illness.

Granted, when you're dealing with the debilitating effects of diabetes or cancer or HIV/AIDS, peripheral neuropathy may sound like nothing to really worry about.

But you know how miserable it is to have constant nerve pain...to be unable to feel the simplest sensation in your hands and feet...or on the opposite end of the spectrum, to go to bed at night and be so hypersensitive that even the sheets touching your hands and feet is torture.

How Serious is Hand/Foot Peripheral Neuropathy?

Nerve damage can be very serious. How many diabetic patients have you seen with amputations below the knee?

Those amputations are usually caused by damage to the circulatory and nervous system caused by their diabetes.

Diabetics are not the only people susceptible to peripheral neuropathy in their feet and hands. If you are taking chemotherapy, if you have HIV/AIDS, if you've had shingles, or even if you've had some other infectious disease, you're a candidate.

The damage caused can be so gradual that you don't think much about it.
One day you have a small cut on one of your feet. The nerves in your feet are damaged so you don't really feel it and you don't know it's there if you don't pay really close attention to the condition of your feet.

That small wound becomes infected. Your immune system and circulatory system are compromised so the tissue doesn't heal properly. Before you know it, you have a serious infection and you lose your foot.

You're a little less likely to have that problem with your hands simply because you see them all the time and you're much more likely to notice if something is wrong. That means you'll seek treatment faster.

What To Do If You Think You're Developing Peripheral Nerve Damage

The first thing you need to do is make sure your treating physician is aware of the problems you're having with your feet and hands. Then you can take steps to help yourself.

First, find a local medical professional specializing in treating patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Make an appointment as soon as possible.

To get ready for your appointment -

  • Make note of what your underlying conditions are

  • Make a list of all medications you take

  • Write down when you first noticed your symptoms

  • Write down all of your symptoms

  • Write down what your typical daily diet looks like

Sports Injuries and Their Complications


I have decided to write this article to highlight the importance of understanding the complications that can result from misdiagnosis and untreated injuries.

My story began back in 2001 when doing some free sparring at the gym I used to attend in Manchester, UK. Unfortunately the flooring was uneven and when I went to turn my opponent from a clinch position my right foot became lodged in part of the uneven floor and my body turned 180 agrees. I heard a pop and immediately my knee gave way. Thinking it was just a sprained muscle I just rubbed some Thai oil on it and tried to contain with the sparring session. However the knee went again and I decided to get changed and go home.

Upon returning home I felt like there was something stuck in my knee joint, which was causing this problem. I got my mother to pull my leg out straight in the hope that "something" would pop back into place. However it didn't do the trick and I thought I would just give it some rest. Over the next few months I continued to have problems with my knee going, but I still contained to train because I was actively fighting at that time and didn't want appear to be "soft" to my instructor.

I did visit the doctors a few more times after that. However they kept telling me it was just a pull muscle. The injury really came to a head one morning when my knee locked. That was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced in my life. We called an ambulance and I was taken to the local hospital where they were absolutely no help at all. Later that afternoon I discharged myself still unable to walk properly. Fortunately my knee unlocked itself later that day.

After the above happened I decided that I would go to a knee specialist to see exactly what was happening with my knee. We were well into 2002 now. After a 15 minute consultation at a cost of 150 I was diagnosed with a torn / snapped anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which would need reconstruction surgery. However the cost of the surgery was over 5000 and I didn't have medical insurance to cover it, so I would have to go on the National Health Service (NHS).

After a few months I got to see a knee specialist on the NHS and underwent a MRI scan to see the extent of the damage. The results of the MRI scan were not good. I had actually snapped the ACL and had done a lot of cartilage damage. This could have been avoided if the doctors I initially saw didn't tell me it was a pulled muscle, which made me play down the injury and keep training on it.

I was informed that they would be able to do the surgery to repair the ACL in 6 - 12 months. Having just finished my degree I decided that I would go travelling in south east asia. I brought an ACL brace which was damm expensive and off I went. 3 months later I returned to the UK and another 3 months passed and I was finally in hospital for the surgery. It was now 2003 by this time!

The surgery went smoothly. They took some hamstring tendons and strapped them across my knee and put a few screws in there to hold everything in place. Now it was time for the real hard work. 18 months of physiotherapy to build up the muscles! This was bloody hard work and I found in the winter months I would get a dull aching pain in my knee, which whilst not painful it was very uncomfortable.

I was told after the surgery that I would never train Muay Thai again. However a year after surgery and physiotherapy I did go back to train and teach, but I have never taken place in competitions since. It's just not worth the risk.

You might be thinking what is the point of this story! Well what I would like people to take away from this is that when you get an injury don't down play it. If you feel it's not improving then get specialist advice. You know your body better than most people and you know when something is seriously wrong. This is something I didn't take notice of and was brain washed by people that I was just been "soft", which was compounded by misdiagnosis by general practitioners.

They took x-ray after x-ray and because they couldn't see anything broke then they just assumed it was a pulled muscle. A MRI scan is the only way that I am aware of that will show tendon and ligament damage. However they are reluctant to do this on the NHS, because it costs them a lot of money.

In any sport you are at risk of injuries. However knowing how to treat and look after them could make the difference between recovery and surgery. In my case I would have needed surgery regardless. However I could have saved some of the cartilage in my knee and a lot of pain if I was diagnosis correctly and didn't ignore what my body was telling me.

Now in 2012 I seldom think about the injury and it doesn't cause me any problems. However during the time I had the injury and a few years later it did effect me physiologically, because I always had it in the back of my mind that if I do this then my knee might give way and it will cause me a lot of pain. I hope you found this post helpful and if you are suffering an injury that isn't improve please get the proper advice.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)


During the early childhood years, an injury to a particular joint, may affect the growth factors of the joint and later act as a causative factor in developing Osteochondritis Dissecans. In the older individual the most likely cause would be a sudden extreme trauma that will place an abnormal stretch on a ligament beyond its normal range of motion, and an even more likely scenario would be that the stretch has caused minute or complete tears within the ligament. These cracks or tears will remain due to the fact that cartilage has limited healing properties. There can also be cracks on the head of the bone in the affected joint. When this occurs, chips may flake off within the joint.

The results of the ligament being minutely torn or having a complete tear and the cracks within the bonehead and possible flaking within the joint, will cause inflammation and severely affect the joints range of motion. Athletes are ideal candidates to develop Osteochondritis Dissecans in a joint that is most used in that particular sport. A prime example would be baseball pitchers who constantly place extreme stress on the shoulder and elbow. Another example would be a tennis player who not only places extreme stress on the shoulder and elbow, but the knees will be impacted as well. Any individual having OCD of a joint will have a sound in that joint known as crepitus. As in many diseases OCD occurs in a progressive manor and the results would be diagnosed as stage I, II, III and IV.

X-rays and MRI Scans can usually diagnose Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD). The x-rays and MRI Scans will also determine if there are any malignant lesions present. In Osteochondritis Dissecans the knee is the joint most affected in many individuals, and the condition is so severe because in OCD the ligaments and bone are deprived of their blood supply, causing the death (necrosis) of the bone and is the usual reason for the need of knee replacement surgery. If the cartilage is not too badly torn or desiccated, it can possibly be repaired with arthroscopic surgery, avoiding a full knee replacement procedure. After the arthroscopic surgery, the period of rehabilitation will be shorter, than if there was a full replacement. The patient will be the prime factor in the rehabilitation following arthroscopic surgery. Mainly the rehabilitation will consist of using RICE, not the food but the acronym as follows:

R: Rest. Stop using the injured area for at least 48 hours.

I: Reduce inflammation with use of cold compresses. Use ice packs for 20 minutes and repeat for pproximately 8 times daily.

C: Compression to prevent undue movement. Use an ace bandage and wrap firmly, but not so tightly as to cut off circulation.

E: Elevation to help circulatory drainage. Elevate the injured area so that it is elevated above heart level, using one or two pillows if necessary.

The use of RICE as physical therapy will continue until the patient regains full range of motion and is able to use the leg without pain. They will then be able to return to their normal daily routine and activities.

Should You Let Clients Who Cancel Get Away With It?


Another knock, I open the door, and again I'm surrounded by monsters who come up to my knees. "Trick or treat!" In the US, October 31 is Halloween, when it's a tradition for parents to take their children knocking on neighbors' doors, to get their bags filled with goodies.

It's too much fun. There's no chance these kids are going to no-show for their appointment with the neighborhood.

Except that there some houses kids just avoid. Just like some of your clients cancel or no-show on you.

Those skipped houses have candy for the kids. You have better than candy for your clients. Why do some kids skip certain houses and some clients skip appointments?

Don't they know how painful it is to be all ready, and have no one show up?

Why a kid would no-show and miss the candy. There was one house in my neighborhood when I was growing up that really did it up for Halloween. Their front yard looked like a grave yard, and the front hallway was filled with dry ice smoke, with a wicked looking witch stirring a huge cauldron waving her pointed fingers for us to come in.

Every year when I was little, I told myself I was going to go up to that house. And every year, when the time came, I never did. It was years before I felt brave enough to face the witch.

You are that witch with the cauldron. Yes, your clients are adults, and yes, they really *should* call in advance to cancel. But, it's hard. Your client made the appointment because they want help, so they aren't really wanting to cancel.

But, when the time comes, they just don't want to go up to the witch with the cauldron. You know you aren't going to eat them, but for them, they're wondering... and because they're adults, they aren't allowed to say 'I'm scared.' Instead, they're 'Too busy.' Or 'Don't have the money.' Or they 'forgot.'

Should you charge them double for pain and suffering? I don't know if Halloween trick-or-treating was something you did growing up, but think about it from the kid's perspective. You're young. You're small. You're dressed in a funny costume. And you're about to knock on an adult's door, someone you might not know at all.

For adults, it's a fun holiday. But for very young children, Halloween can sometimes be a little too real, if an adult doesn't make the effort to make it really clear.

Older, more experienced kids love witches with realistic cauldrons. Young kids don't.

You can avoid cancellations, but not after the fact. Managing cancellations after the fact is so painful to your heart, because almost anything you do is going to feel like punishment to them and to you. And punishment isn't really how you want to run your business, is it?

The truth is, cancellations either happen or don't at the time the appointment is made. So, that's the best time to handle it. And not with strict policies, because that's not what your clients really need.

What they need is to have clear expectations. If you make it clear that the smoke is just dry ice, and that the witch is just a costume, and that there is actually plenty of candy for them, then their fears won't get the better of them.

Are there specific ways to set their expectations, so you don't have cancellations? Yes, as a matter of fact, there are. Just come up to my door, and I'll tell you about them. And I promise I won't boil you in my cauldron.

Keys to Canceling Cancellations.

o Looking through the appointment.

When a client makes an appointment, can they see what comes after? If you take time to explain what kind of benefits and experiences they will have after the appointment is over, then they have something to look forward to, beyond just the experience.

It may seem obvious, but it can be easy to get carried away talking about the work you do, and forget to emphasize how rested and relaxed they'll feel after the treatment you give, for instance.

o Show them the dry ice machine.

The witch in my old neighborhood probably had a lot of fun with the dry ice machine, and perhaps forgot that as a little kid, I had no idea what a dry ice machine is and what it does.

For your clients, explain to them what they can expect, and why. What happens during the appointment? What do they need to do to prepare? Ask, and ask again, if there is anything that they are unsure about, or that they are nervous about. Do your best to empathize with their fears, and soothe them.

o Let 'em go, and learn from 'em.

Despite your best intentions, some people cancel. That's okay. Don't chase them down, or fret about it. If you've put in a good effort to be transparent and safe with them, and they still don't show, then chalk it up to experience.

However, think back over your interactions. Did you have any niggling thoughts early on that they might not be a perfect client, or that they might not be 100% committed? When you are wanting appointments, it's easy to run roughshod over your own intuition.

Make a mental note of any signs you picked up, and add them to your experience, so that you don't ignore them next time. Sometimes clients say "Yes" when they really aren't ready. Your job isn't to force them into an appointment, but to see what they need to be ready.

Every business has some cancellations and no-shows. But, you can keep these to a minimum by coming out from behind the cauldron, and making things as clear and transparent as possible to your potential clients.

It will be a lot more fun when they actually show up for the candy, and you get to work with them.

Treating Arthritis and Related Conditions Through Drugs


Drug treatment is usually the preferred "traditional" method of managing arthritis. Considerations need to be made regarding each person's individual reactions to side effects and contraindications of various arthritis drugs. With this in mind, acquiring knowledge of the many arthritis drugs available, and working with your doctor to find the most complimentary combination of medications possible can help you make an informed decision.

NSAIDs / COX-2 Inhibitors

Of all arthritis medications, NSAIDs (non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs) are one of the most popular and widely prescribed. Three types of NSAIDS include:


  • salicylates - acetylated drugs (aspirin), non-acetylated ones like salsalate (Disalcid), choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate), and magnesium salicylate (Doan's Pills, Novasal).

  • traditional NSAIDs

  • Cox-2 selective inhibitors

NSAIDs function by impeding cyclooxygenase (a COX enzyme) activity. COX enzymes like COX-1, which keep tissues healthy and COX-2, which have to do with inflammation pathways, are both affected by NSAIDs. Research undertaken in the development of NSAIDs has also led to the discovery of COX-2 selective inhibitors.

The Most Commonly Used NSAIDs Include:


  • Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)

  • Arthrotec (Diclofenac/Misoprostol)

  • Cataflam (Diclofenac potassium)

  • Clinoril (Sulindac)

  • Daypro (Oxaprozin)

  • Dolobid (Diflunisal)

  • Feldene (Piroxicam)

  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

  • Indocin (Indomethacin)

  • Ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail)

  • Lodine (Etodolac)

  • Meclomen (Meclofenamate)

  • Mobic (Meloxicam)

  • Nalfon (Fenoprofen)

  • Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)

  • Ponstel (Mefanamic Acid)

  • Relafen (Nabumetone)

  • Tolectin (Tolmetin)

  • Voltaren (Dicolfenac Sodium)


COX-2 Selective Inhibitors include:


  • Celebrex (Celecoxib)

  • Vioxx (Rofecoxib) - pulled out of the market

  • Bextra (Valdecoxib) - pulled out of the market


DMARDs

A class of "slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs" are referred to as DMARDS (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs). These type of medications, also known as 'second-line agents", take several weeks and sometimes even months, for their healing effects to take hold. Despite the length of treatment, research has evidence that DMARDs are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, particularly when the diseases are diagnosed in its early stages. DMARDS has been known to halt the development of arthritis and arrest joint impairment.

There are several kinds of DMARDs:


  • Arava (Leflunomide)

  • Auranofin (Ridaura, Oral Gold)

  • Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)

  • Mycophenolate (CellCept).0

  • Myochrysine (Injectable Gold)

  • Cyclosporine (Neoral,Sandimmune)

  • Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide)

  • Imuran (Azathioprine)

  • Leukeran (Chlorambucil)

  • Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)

  • Minocin (Minocycline)

  • Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

  • Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine)


Corticosteroids (Steroids)

For fast acting swelling and inflammation relief, powerful steroids like corticosteroids or glucocorticoids are often used. Closely mimicking the behaviour of cortisol, a hormone secreted at the cortex of adrenal glands, steroid dosage is prescribed based on the type of rheumatoid condition and treatment objective.

Steroids keep joint and organ inflammation in check, particularly with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, polymyalgia rheumatica and vasculitis. Unfortunately, because of its potency, long term steroid use can cause grave side effects, especially in high dosages. Administering corticosteroids like Triamcinolone (Kenalog) for a limited period of time, intravenously or via injections, can precipitate relief from chronic joint symptoms.

Some Corticosteroids Medications:


  • Betamethasone (Celestone)

  • Cortisone (Cortone)

  • Dexamethasone (Decadron)

  • Hydrocortisone (Cortef)

  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

  • Prednisolone (Prelone)

  • Prednisone (Deltasone)


Analgesics - The Painkillers

Pain is a controlling factor in arthritis. Alleviating pain symptoms play a vital role in the management of the disease. To achieve this, analgesics like Acetaminophen (Tylenol) are prescribed as painkillers. For the relief of severe pain, doctors prescribe stronger narcotic analgesic drugs. Analgesics can help control pain, however they cannot rid joints of arthritic inflammation.

Different Narcotic Drugs For Severe Pain:


  • Codeine (Tylenol#3)

  • Darvocet (Propoxyphene/Acetaminophen)

  • Darvon (Propoxyphene)

  • Duragesic (Fentanyl Skin Patch)

  • Hydromorphone (Palladone)(no longer on market)

  • Morphine Sulphate (MS Contin)

  • Oxycodone (OxyContin)

  • Percocet (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen)

  • Percodan ( Oxycodone/ Aspirin)

  • Talwin NX (Pentazocine/Naloxone)

  • Ultracet (Tramadol/Acetaminophen)

  • Ultram (Tramadol)

  • Vicodin (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen)


Biologics: Biologic Response Modifiers (BRMs)

When the body's immune system is impaired in some way, the ability to combat disease or infection is aversely affected. Biologic Response Modifiers, or BRMs can invigorate and re-establish the body's immunity response. BMRs are naturally derived from living organisms, not manufactured in laboratories. Some of the most common and widely used BMR drugs and their functions include:


  • Enbrel (etanercept), Remicade (infliximab) and Humira (adalimumab) - intercept TNF-alpha, one of the most prevalent cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis. These BMRs act to constrain TNF-alpa, reduce inflammation and minimize joint impairment.

  • Kineret (anakinra) - an IL-1 antagonist and selective blocker, which can be used singly or combined with other DMARDs. This BMR works against an excess of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a protein prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis. This action slows inflammation and pain symptoms.

  • Orencia (abatacept) - the first T-cell co-stimulation modulator recommended for the management of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

  • Rituxan - considered the world's most popular drug in the treatment of cancer, Rituxan selectively works against CD20-positive B-cells. This medication was approved by the FDA in early 2006, and administered with methotrexate to inhibit symptoms of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Rituxan is normally prescribed for arthritis sufferers exhibiting negative symptom response from anti-TNF drug treatments.


Fibromyalgia Solutions

There are many medications used for the management of Fibromyalgia, although no drug specific to the condition has been approved by the FDA. At present, doctors prescribe related drug treatments to treat symptoms of the disease. It may be heartening to note, however, that drugs are currently being developed for the exclusive treatment of Fibromyalgia.

Gout Treatment

Considered to be among the most severely painful forms of arthritis, Gout treatment involves proper medication and a regulated diet. People suffering from this disease require pain killers, anti-inflammatory agents,and drugs to correct the accompanying metabolic dysfunction that results in serious attacks of Gout due to excessive amounts of uric acid in the blood.

Drugs used for Gout:


  • Analgesics or painkillers - like Acetaminophen (Tylenol).

  • NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like indomethacin (Indocin) - reduces inflammation.

  • Colchicine - averts and lessens incidences of Gout attacks.

  • Corticosteroids - fights against inflammation.

  • Probenecid (Benemid, Probalan) - lowers uric acid levels in the blood.

  • ColBenemid (Col-Probenecid and Proben-C) - relieves gout symptoms.

  • Allopurinol (Zyloprim) - reduces uric acid levels and inhibits its production.

  • Losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar) - although not a gout drug, it is antihypertensive in nature and works to contain uric acid levels

  • Fenofibrate (Tricor) - also not a gout drug but acts to reduce lipids to aid in lowering uric acid levels.


Osteoporosis Medication

Osteroporosis is characterized by frail and brittle bones, especially in older people. However, it may also strike long-term users of corticosteroids. To treat this disease, various drug regimens may be prescribed, including estrogens, parathyroid hormones, bone formation agents, bisphosphonates, and selective receptor molecules. These medications can allay bone degeneration, assist in bone growth, and lower the risks of fractures.

Osteoporosis drugs include:


  • Actonel (Risedronate)

  • Boniva (Ibandronate)

  • Didronel (Etidronate)

  • Estrogens (Hormone Therapy)

  • Evista (Raloxifene)

  • Forteo (Teriparatide)

  • Fosamax (Alendronate)

  • Miacalcin (Calcitonin)

Accident Health Insurance - Plan For the Emergency Room


Accident health insurance supplements are being used to cover upfront injury related expenses for the ER. Plans can be used to compliment an existing health insurance policy or just as a personal injury plan to pay for any unexpected ER visits or surgeries.

Many Americans are concerned with insuring the everyday mishaps like bodily injuries and emergency room coverage. Of course, insuring things like Cancer and Heart Attacks are important, but for younger adults and especially kids, emergency room visits are far more prevalent. Unfortunately, a trip to the emergency room isn't cheap and the healing process from a serious bodily injury can be exhausting. Damaged body parts often need to be surgically corrected and the post operation Physical Therapy sessions feel like a Sylvester Stallone Rocky Movie. I'm not going to lie, the Rocky Four soundtrack got me through my Physical Therapy workouts post ACL Knee surgery.

Health insurance for the self-employed is especially complicated when it comes to emergency room visits. To qualify for a Major Medical PPO plan one must go through underwriting and medically qualify. Assuming you get approved, you'll need to select a deductible and plan style. The most cost effective PPO policies in the individual health insurance market are the HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) plans. Deductible is the out of pocket expense the insured has before the health insurance policy picks up the bill. PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization and is the type of health insurance that lets you choose any doctor. Choosing any doctor isn't necessarily true, theirs a lot of gray area with "being in network or out of network" with PPO's.

Deductible options for individuals in the PPO market are $1,500, $2,500, $3,500, and $5,000. Typical family deductible options are $3,000, $5,000, $7,000, and $10,000. You'll want to choose a co-insurance of 100%. Co-insurance is the shared expense between you and the insurance company after the deductible. Most people are familiar with 80/20 % co-insurance. 100% co-insurance is popular because you won't need to understand Calculus to figure out any future hospital bills. Insurance plan picks up 100% of the bills after deductible with this option. On a side note, it's a good idea to set up a Health Savings Account. HSA's have some decent tax advantages and you can set up an account equivalent to the deductible amount. So a $10,000 HDHP can have a $10,000 health savings account attached to it. The yearly max contribution to the health savings account is determined by your HDHP deductible. Ask your CPA about health savings accounts if your self-employed.

Higher deductible health insurance plans have lower monthly premiums. However, with that high deductible comes risk of having to owe that deductible amount if you use the health insurance. A $5,000 dollar deductible hospital bill is one broken bone away. Guess how a lot of Americans end up paying that HDHP $5,000 deductible? You guessed it, in the emergency room from a accidental bodily injury.

Accident health insurance supplements have been doing a good job filling this ER gap for years. Other names used for this plan include personal accident insurance, emergency room insurance supplement, accident medical coverage, personal injury insurance plan, 24 hour accident coverage, and accident supplemental benefit plan. These plans are under marketed in my opinion, and most licensed health insurance agents are doing a disservice to their clients if they don't bring it up. I say this because so many people are shelling out a lot of money each month to insurance companies, and if they actually use the insurance could be stuck with a huge deductible bill.

Opposite the PPO health insurance industry is Guarantee Issue insurance products. Emergency room insurance supplements fall into this category and are automatic approval. Online applications have zero health questions but do need social security numbers and birth dates. This type of guarantee issue accident medical expense coverage is an indemnity. Indemnity's compensate members with a predetermined benefit amount.

Personal injury insurance plans in this category are membership based associations. The membership organization helps individuals and families in the United States gain access to discount programs and in this case, the pound for pound most practical emergency room insurance supplement I've seen so far.

Each association member can choose a benefit level of accident coverage to fit their monthly budget or to match the HDHP deductible. Plans cover the HDHP deductible giving high deductible health plans a virtual zero deductible effect. Remember, a lot of HDHP's max out deductibles from ER visits due to injuries. ER plan pays injury related expenses to pay off the PPO deductible. Again, plans only cover ER related expenses due to injury and not sickness.

Members can choose a emergency room coverage level of $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000. Accident compensation benefits pay out per injury and have no limits on use. Typically a person will have a $100 dollar deductible per covered accident. ER policy pays up to the $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000 per accident excluding the $100 deductible. In simple terms, you'll owe $100 dollars for any covered injury assuming the bill doesn't exceed the policy benefit max of $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000.

Here's some figures on what the leading personal accident insurance dues are. Indemnity plan rate increases are seldom because it's an association based health insurance product.

-$24 dollars a month: $5,000 benefit individual plan.

-$29 dollars a month: $7,500 benefit individual plan.

-$36 dollars a month: $10,000 benefit individual plan.

-$35 dollars a month: $5,000 benefit family plan.

-$41 dollars a month: $7,500 benefit family plan.

-$47 dollars a month: $10,000 benefit family plan.

(family policy prices include everyone, it's the same price for a 3 person family or 12 person family)

It doesn't matter what accident health insurance plan brochure you pick up, all plan brochures EOB (Explanation Of Benefits) page say the same important benefit: Members may choose any Doctor, Hospital, or Emergency Room. Since this is accident indemnity, benefits have no restriction on health care providers to choose from. Accidents are unpredictable and so is knowing what emergency room you'll be showing up at. I can't imagine accident plans would sell if they came with some lame network provider booklet of acceptable doctors. This brand of accident coverage is 100% portable and can be used up to two months outside the United States while traveling abroad.

Accident Plan benefits at a glance:

-Hospital Emergency Care

-Doctor's fee for surgery (in and outpatient)

-Laboratory Tests.

-X-Rays and MRI's.

-Ambulance Expense.

-Registered Nurse.

-Hospital room and board.

-Operating Room Costs.

-Anesthesia.

-Prescription Drugs.

-Physical Therapy (super important post operation)

-Doctors visits (inpatient and outpatient).

-Dental treatment for injury to sound natural teeth.

-Splints, Crutches, and Casts.

Arthritis Treatment: Knee Osteoarthritis And The Epidemic Of Knee Replacements - Part 2


Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis affecting more than twenty million Americans.

OA is a disease of articular cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones. Articular cartilage is responsible for withstanding the usual loads that accompany the activities of daily living. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber. It will partially deform but springs back to its normal shape under normal circumstances. It also provides a gliding surface which is enhanced by a small amount of synovial fluid, produced by the joint lining that acts as a lubricant.

Osteoarthritis is essentially a wear and tear disease of cartilage. It arises as a result of the lack of ability of cartilage to keep up with excessive breakdown.

Current forms of treatment for this condition are inadequate.

While advising a patient who is heavy to lose weight and exercise is admirable and necessary, it is an admonition that is usually ignored.

In addition, other measures such as analgesic medications (pain killers), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, bracers, and injections of glucocorticoids and viscosupplements provide only temporary and palliative relief.

Ultimately, patients will go on to get knee replacements.

In a recent report, Madonna Behan writing for Healthday reported, "The number of new-knee procedures doubled over the last decade, reached more than 620,000 in 2009, and the researchers said younger patients -- those 45 to 64 -- accounted for a disproportionate amount of that growth. In addition, researchers "estimate that nearly 53 percent of men and 52 percent of women diagnosed with symptomatic knee [osteoarthritis] will receive a total knee replacement in their lifetimes."

Knee replacement surgery is not an innocuous procedure with the potential for complications such as infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, worsening pain after the procedure, nerve damage, and death.

So what else can be done? Attempts to find a pharmacologic solution, so-called disease modifying anti-osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADS) have been disappointing at best.

The most promising new development is the use of autologous mesenchymal stem cells. These are adult stem cells found within many areas of the body including the bone marrow, fat, deciduous teeth, and periosteum of bone.

Anecdotal reports and small uncontrolled studies in both animal models as well as humans appear promising as a method for slowing down the rate of cartilage loss in knee OA and possibly even allowing for cartilage regeneration.

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

Martial Arts Marketing Success


There are over 45 forms of mixed martial arts in the world. With these variations, there are millions of different practitioners worldwide. Dojos are built and maintained to cater to this number of martial artists. However, the need to eliminate costs and generate more profits seems to be much more of a challenge compared to teaching the arts.

One of the main areas where profit seems scarce is the Karate business. Karate means the art of kicking or punching. Based on the meaning, it is likely to knock any opponent out but in Karate business its strength does not seem to take effect.

Everyday, more karate dojos lose business because of the stiff competition surrounding it. These dojos may have the best locations in their area. They may have the best teachers and facilities, yet their operations have gone into a standstill. Why? I believe the reason is poor business strategy.

Developing strategic methods does not necessarily mean conducting extensive researches, no; we do not have time for that. It simply means understanding your market and using your advantages as your edge. Just like in the art of Karate, you have to learn how to use your bare hands and knees as weapons. Create a plan and stick to it.

A karate business plan does not need to be all that grand. It only has to include four main parts: A. Objectives, B. Mission, C. Keys to Success, and D. How to Use these Keys. The objectives should include your goals. It may a combination of tangible and intangible. Under the mission portion, it should have what you envision your Karate business would look like. It's like seeing it from dream, only that you know it's not. The keys to success are those factors that you find unique to your Karate business. It could be that the location is convenient for all your students. It could be the cleanliness of the dojo and the quality of the equipments that you have. Most importantly, it could be the kind of instructors that you hire. And lastly, using the key elements that you have discovered; what are the steps that you should take in order to realize your mission and achieve your goal? Formulate your own Karate business plan using this formula and watch your profits grow.

It is vital that you include in your karate business plan the impression you wish a student would have as soon as he/she steps into your dojo. Statistics say that one of the primary reasons why a martial arts student would quit is because of the first impression he had. Remember, it's all about giving the correct mindset.

With a very good plan, martial arts success would be at hand. Martial Arts success has two faces. One is for the shihan or he who owns the dojo. Success for him would mean the satisfaction of seeing new faces as well as the profit he would get. Not to mention keeping illness at bay through regular exercise. Martial Arts success would also benefit the student. Not only will he learn the different levels of discipline, he will also add another hour to his life free from stress. Studies show that mixed martial arts is a form of exercise and meditation that leads to reduced tension, anxiety, depression, and anger.

So, start developing your own Karate business plan and welcome to the world of success.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Hip Arthritis - Pain Relief


Hip arthritis is without doubt one of the most common forms of arthritis- which can have many different causes. There is one factor in common however- this is loss of cartilage from the hip joint. The loss of cartilage results in the hip bones grinding unnaturally together, resulting in pain. Hip arthritis advances quite quickly once it sets in, and pain and treatment options vary greatly depending on the patient's age, health and lifestyle.

Once hip arthritis has been diagnosed, the doctor will consider both surgical and non-surgical options for treatment. The doctor may recommend combining several treatment methods. Simple non-invasive treatments for hip arthritis include weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication such as Naprosyn and Ibuprofen, and lifestyle changes- such as taking up regular walking. These non-surgical methods assist in reducing the pain, and preventing symptoms re-occurring. Sufferers of hip arthritis should be aware of some claims of the benefits of "Nutraceuticals" such as Glucosamine supplements in treating hip arthritis. There is no strong evidence that links their effectiveness with hip arthritis and they are not FDA regulated in the US.

In terms of surgical treatment options for hip arthritis there are 2: Osteotomy, wherein the surgeon cuts the bone to re-align the hip joint and Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), which means total hip joint replacement. The latter is obviously more serious.

THA is the most common form of surgery used to treat hip arthritis. The doctor will need to analyze various factors before deciding that THA is the best treatment for hip arthritis. The beauty of THA is that in time it will allow most patient to regain normal use of their hips, so they can resume the activities which may be so dear to them. Another strong reason for pursuing THA as a viable treatment option for hip arthritis, is the fact that the pain will be eased immeasurably- specifically the pain experienced at night, which is the worst. THA is not necessarily the best treatment option for everyone. Many patients will be able to comfortably modify their lifestyles to reduce the need to pursue the THA procedure.

Many sufferers of hip arthritis are pursuing THA, due to recent medical advancements, and the brilliance of surgeons specifically in the US. Further to this the materials used nowadays in THA are totally durable, meaning they will not break down over time. These recent developments have seen a spike in the number of patients been encouraged to pursue THA as a viable and effective treatment option for hip arthritis.

THA is an extremely effective and safe procedure performed under anesthetic, which greatly lowers the risks of surgery-related complications and allows for a faster recovery- and hence less time off from work. Currently in the US, patients undergoing THA do not remain in hospital for longer than 5 days. Hip joint replacement usually has an extremely high success rate with 85 to 95 percent success rate over a period of 20 years. This is re-assuring for sufferers of hip arthritis, as it provides a swift method of dealing with the pain for the long term.

Knee Pain When Bending - Top 5 Major Causes


Any type of pain is hard to deal with. Whether you are experiencing headache, stomach ache, or knee pain when bending, you will find it difficult to move around like you used to. If you are dealing with knee pain, for example, it causes a lot of discomfort. The knee is a vital part of the body for it acts as a weight-bearing joint - the most important one for that matter.

Joint pain when bending restrains your movements a lot. What used to be small chores become heavy-duty tasks because of the discomfort you feel. As a matter of fact, data shows that every year more than 30 percent of visits to doctors are attributed to this condition. It affects mostly athletes, but even common individuals are severely affected by this.

Top Causes of Knee Pain

There are various causes of knee pain while bending. Some of them include the following:

1. Sudden movements- Sudden and jerky movements, especially while playing sports, contribute a lot to the development of this. The knee is a joint. It is vulnerable to pain since sudden movements may cause an impact on the knee that may lead to severe pain.

2. Injury- Injury is the top cause. Falls, awkward landings, trips, and accidents can damage your knee. Athletes are very prone to knee injuries since they are always on the move. For example, basketball players are very at risk for ACL. Otherwise referred to as anterior cruciate ligament, ACL happens when there is damage in the ligaments located in your thighbone and shinbone.

3. Repetitive activities- If you are engaged in strenuous and repetitive activities like doing jumping jacks without resting, this can strain your knee.

4. Tendon inflammation- Another factor that causes severe pain is tendon inflammation. Once the tendons are overused, they are susceptible to infection.

5. Osteoarthritis- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition commonly seen in people aged 50 and above. This type of disorder is natural and happens because of deterioration of the cartilage because of constant use.

How to Address Knee Pain?

Knee pain can be treated with the help of exercises. Aside from that, you need to rest your knee as often as you can. Do not stress your knee out because doing so might worsen your condition. If you can, visit a physician. Follow your doctor's orders. If he or she recommends that you undergo several tests and even rehabilitation medicine, then go for it.

Every individual experiencing pain while bending should look for methods to address this condition. It should not be ignored. With all the number of treatment options available, there is no need for you to suffer anymore.

Alkaline Foods Provide Powerful Nutrition For Athletes - What Are They and Where Do You Get Them?


Alkaline foods may sound like something out of science fiction, but when choosing the most powerful nutrition for athletes they should be taken into consideration. If you envision a superhero with a big A on his chest for ALKALINE MAN, you are at least beginning to imagine that these all natural foods may provide a key to superior fitness.

When we refer to the alkaline forming or acid forming properties of foods, we are talking about what's left behind after your body burns them up for fuel. Depending on what you ate or drank or smoked, you end up with an alkaline or acid ash in your blood.

Anything that goes into your bloodstream affects your alkaline/acid balance, commonly referred to as your pH balance. There are several different ways to measure your pH, including urine and saliva tests, but we are talking about your blood pH when we refer to the benefits of alkaline foods.

In order to maintain proper pH balance, nutritionists suggest a balance of 80% alkaline foods and 20% acid forming foods. Most people have this 80/20 alkaline/acid ratio upside down. This can be a huge factor in fitness and should be thoroughly considered when seeking proper nutrition for athletes. When you consume too many acid-forming foods and not enough alkaline foods, you leave yourself susceptible to numerous challenges, including, but not limited to:


  • Stiff joints

  • Brittle bones

  • Plaque buildup in arteries

  • Plaque buildup on teeth

  • Unhealthy gums

  • Bad breath

  • Lack of energy

  • Poor digestion

  • More, colds, allergies, and illnesses

Your body is so efficient that it will not allow your blood pH to stray far from 7.4. It will do whatever is necessary to alkalize the acid in your bloodstream, even if that means pulling calcium from your bones. The last thing anyone needs in their nutrition for athletes is something that causes a loss of calcium. Instead, the exact opposite is required, and is obtainable with the consumption of more alkaline foods.

When there is a lack of alkaline food in someone's diet to help manage that delicate blood pH balance, then the body has to pull calcium from bones in order to neutralize excess acid in the bloodstream. You can easily see how that could cause bone weakness, and again, that's the last thing you want in high quality nutrition for athletes.

Recently, I offered free nutrition coaching to some of my online health food store customers who are searching for the best nutrition for athletes. Here's how I responded to someone seeking natural remedies for arthritis symptoms:

"Thank you for your question about a healthy diet to get some relief for arthritis symptoms. Having had personal experience eliminating arthritic problems in my life let me share with you what has worked for me. Please understand I am not a medical professional and would never pretend to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any diseases with my advice. In fact, I don't believe that natural remedies cure anything. I feel that if you give your body the right nutrients, it will take care of you beautifully for a long time.

Having said that, I will tell you what gave me some relief, but first, a little background: Most of the cartilage in my right knee was removed 28 years ago, so my right knee is basically bone on bone. Before I made dietary changes in my life a doctor told me I had the knee of a 72 year-old man, and shockingly, I was only 39 at the time. He said I would need a knee replacement in a few years. Well, it's been seven years and I just got back from a 3 hour, 20-mile mountain bike ride over grueling terrain in the Arizona desert, and my right knee feels as strong as my other knee, without any surgery or drugs. Other men my age can't understand how this is possible. I can only say the difference is that I understand the need for alkaline foods as part of a diet that provides the highest quality nutrition for athletes. All I did to make a change for the better was to eliminate many acid-forming foods from my diet and integrate more alkaline foods into my daily routine."

Once I became aware of the need for more of these all natural foods in my diet, I started to find more ways to get them. It's like what happens if you buy a blue car, suddenly you start to see blue cars everywhere. So, now that you are aware of this need for alkaline foods when searching for the highest quality nutrition for athletes, you will begin to notice them as well.

What is a Knee Scooter?


There are many options for people who can not bear weight on their foot or ankle due to surgery, injury or wound. One of these options is the Knee Scooter. Also known as Knee Walker or Roll About after the name of the original manufacturer, they can provide improved mobility, stability and comfort compared over standard underarm crutches.

Function

All Knee Scooters consist of a cushioned platform which the patient kneels upon to support their body weight while keeping all weight off of the injured foot or ankle. The opposite leg is used to propel the wheeled scooter providing the patient mobility. Knee Scooters fold for compact storage and most fit in the trunk or back seat of a car or even on a commercial airplane. Knee Scooters can be used both indoors and outdoors, but should not be used on stairs.

Design Differences

Over the last decade many refinements have been made to these devices: Turning, Knee Pads and Wheels.


  • Turning: Early designs did not turn, forcing the patient to lift the front wheels to change direction. Not only does this require upper body strength and coordination, it could lead to falls. Newer turning designs provide increased maneuverability while maintaining stability.

  • Knee Pads: Original units consisted of a fixed one-piece padded bench. Modern units have adjustable pads that accommodate casts, fracture boots and surgical dressings

  • Wheels: Larger wheels accommodate small bumps such as those found at the threshold of a door or a crack in the sidewalk. Small diameter wheels, especially small caster wheels like those found on a grocery cart, should be avoided.

Who Might Benefit

The Knee Scooter allows patients who cannot bear weight on their foot or ankle an additional option to crutches. Users must be able to kneel comfortably on the side of the injured foot or ankle. Knee Scooters are not as physically taxing to the upper body as standard crutches, yet still require basic balance and a level of physical activity. Lacking these abilities, the patient might be best served by a wheelchair, seated scooter or powered scooter.

Insurance Coverage

Each insurer and policy is unique so it is best to contact your individual provider to see if a Knee Scooter is a covered benefit. The code used to describe Knee Scooters is HCPC Code E0118: Crutch alternative with or without wheels.

Where to Shop

Knee Scooters can be found at some local pharmacies or durable medical equipment stores. They are also widely available through dedicated online providers that offer competitive rates and deliver directly to your home, work or hospital room. Used units may also be found on Craigslist, eBay and similar websites.

Cost

Knee Scooters can be purchased new from $300 to $800 depending on the supplier and model. Renting may be an alternative for those non-weight-bearing for less than three months. Rental rates vary from $35 to $80 per week and $100 to $320 per month. Some suppliers charge a deposit that can be as much as the full purchase price. Others charge for delivery and/or pickup. Make sure you know all associated costs along with the policy for returning the unit if it doesn't meet your needs. You should be able to determine this within three days.

How to Lose Weight If You Have a Knee Injury


Are you experiencing this? Do you want to lose weight but you have found out that there is something that you are experiencing and it causes a huge barrier wall in front of you? Well, a lot of people that have knee injuries are facing this huge barrier because they could not follow tips from experts due to their limitations caused by their knee injury.

Do not worry. This article is written for those that want to lose weight but have knee injuries. If you are one of those people, I urge you to keep on reading and I will help solve your problem. Back to the basics of losing weight is that you need to use more calories than you consume. You need to consume the right foods, cut down the calories and exercise more. This article is focused on how you can burn as much calories as the people with healthy knees.

If you think that because you have a knee injury and think that the only cardiovascular training you can do is walking on a treadmill, you are so wrong. There are many equipment out there that you can use that does not put pressure on the knee. Choose equipment like the elliptical machine, the rowing machine and the cycling machine.

Just make sure you wear your heart rate monitor so that you can make sure you are in the fat burning zone. You need this heart rate monitor because unlike the treadmill, which makes sure your keep your pace, other equipment needs you to make sure you are in the right pace. The heart rate monitor will signal you and help make sure you are pushing hard enough.

The important thing here that you have to focus is that your heart rate is at the right zone. It does not mean that if you are not running, you can only walk on the treadmill. Walking on the treadmill alone cannot help you lose weight fast. Nonetheless, you have to follow the doctor's advice before proceeding.

In summary, get hold of a heart rate monitor, calculate your targeted heart rate for your age and fitness level, plan out your training schedule for optimum results.

How To Choose The Right Shoes


Research shows that our feet shrink or grow in size at periodic intervals. It is no wonder then that the size that fitted us perfectly last year is not the same this year. It is very important to select shoes that fit us well to avoid causing aches and pains in the back and legs.

Old and worn out shoes can cause severe back pain, aching feet, and extremely sore knee joints. It is time to get yourself a new shoe if your shoes have given you more than 550 miles if you use them for running or walking. If you use your shoes for sports, your shoes will start wearing out after 70 hours of active use. Most expensive shoes will show no outward wear and tear, so you cannot wait for the heel to wear out or the shoe to tear before you replace it. If your old shoe has served you well, it will be safer to go for the same brand and fit rather than trying out something new each time.

To look for the correct fit for your feet, you need to first familiarize yourself with the factors that tend to affect the fit of your shoe.

Interestingly, about 80% of our population has one leg longer than the other. In some people, one end of their foot is extremely pliant while the other end is extremely unbending. Also the knee and feet alignment varies in different people. For some people, feet turn in or out or point straight outwards. Similarly, the knees could be in a neutral position, bow out, or knock against each other. Each of these factors play a role in the actual fit of the shoe.

Knowing about the common irregularities in feet will also help you in asking for the right shoe. If you have highly arched feet, avoid motion and stability control shoes as they tend to reduce the mobility of your foot. Inserting special customized pads into your shoes will correct this irregularity. Flat footed people with no or low arches in their feet, should go for stability control or motion control shoes with a sturdy mid-sole. Those with excessive inward rolling of foot while in motion (over-pronation) can cause severe strain on lower legs, ankles, knees, and back. And those with under-pronation, that is when the outside of your foot bears the shock when your foot hits the ground, are more prone to ligament injuries in the feet. Stability shoes are ideal for those with over or under pronation, preferably with a roll bar or dual-density midsole.

It is important to buy shoes only from a store that has knowledgeable sales personnel and displays a wide choice of shoes. Although the shoe industry promotes the idea of different shoes for different uses, when it comes to athletic shoes, you need either a running shoe or a cross trainer. There are three main categories: motion control, neutral cushioning, and stability control. There are two types of sports shoes; one that is good for frequent stop-go movements, and one that is ideal for running or walking.

Always go shoe shopping only in the evenings when your feet are slightly larger than in the mornings due to the day's activity.

You need to also try on several pairs before deciding on the one that fits you best. Then, you should wear the shoes and walk around the store for at least five minutes to gauge your level of comfort. Only select those shoes that are somewhat shaped like your foot for added comfort. Remember to take your socks with you when you go to purchase shoes. You will find out the exact fit only when you wear your shoes with the socks that you normally use. Your feet should be supported on all sides and should not flop around inside the shoe. The shoe with the best fit is one that offers some cushioning, quite a bit of flexibility, and lots of stability, and a maximum of half an inch more than your longest toe.

It is amazing what a good sports shoe can do to generate enthusiasm for outdoor activities. Wearing a good shoe with a perfect fit, can help you go the extra mile effortlessly and painlessly. A pair of good shoes is your key to an active and healthy life.

A Degenerative Knee Joint - A Major Problem! Improve Your Knee Stability & Alignment With a Brace


Treatment Options For A Degenerative Knee Joint

A degenerative knee joint is a debilitating condition wherein the knee joint becomes inflamed and begins to deteriorate. Although it is more commonly associated with people over 50 years, Osteoarthritis does not discriminate and can affect anyone, irrespective of age or sex.

Some of the strong indicators of the development of a degenerative knee joint include:

" Genetics
" Being overweight
" Repetitive overuse either through repeated strain or excessive exercising
" Previous injury to the knee
" Trauma to the knee brought on by a disease that affected the mechanics of the joints
" Accumulation of crystal deposits such as uric acid crystals in gout

While a degenerative knee joint can be excruciatingly painful and can severely restrict mobility as it advances, it not life threatening. There are several ways that you can treat and manage the condition without having to resort to full knee replacement surgery.

A.) Why Not Knee Surgery?

One of the reasons why most people tend to avoid knee surgery unless absolutely unnecessary, is because it is an invasive procedure. It can also take an indeterminate amount of time to rehabilitate the new knee joint after the surgery. Surgery can involve resurfacing the entire degenerative knee joint. It can be risky and is not always 100 percent effective. In some cases, the knee surgery will not be much of an improvement over the old knee.

Knee surgery is also expensive. Not all insurance companies will cover knee replacement surgery and for those who are not insured, it is basically out of the question financially.

B.) What are Other Options?

Conservative treatment methods are always recommended as the first line of defense for osteoarthritis. This includes a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs, knee braces and ice packs to quell swelling and alleviate the pain.

Many people who suffer from a degenerative knee joint will just use a knee brace to help allow them to remain active without pain. Affordable and easily available, knee braces help offer respite from the pain without the risk of any adverse side effects. Very often, especially for older individuals who may have underlying medical conditions, a knee brace is the only option for treating their osteoarthritis.

C.) Should you Rest or Not?

If you have a degenerative knee joint, your first inclination may be to rest the joint so that it does not hurt as much. However, this can cause even more stiffness in the joint. It is best to remain as active as possible (under your physician's supervision) and although you may want to refrain from high impact activities, there are certain exercises you should do that will help maintain flexibility in your knee. Wearing a knee brace will help reduce the pain and prevent inadvertent movement of the knee while exercise.

However, if your condition is not related to osteoarthritis of the knee, you will want to rest an inflammation. This is why it is so important to get the correct diagnosis. While some conditions require rest, others, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, should be exercised in a way to keep the joint from deteriorating further.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Knee Pain - Common Causes of Knee Pain


Though not always taken seriously, knee pain can result in the loss of the ability to carry out normal daily functions. Our knees are critical in the movement of our legs and are essential for normal walking. The knee also bears much of the body's weight therefore reducing the strain on the lower limbs. Our knees are vital for our daily lives.

The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body. It consists of three compartments. The patella, commonly known as the knee cap, is the small bone that makes up the front of the knee. This bone is classified as a sesamoid bone. The description of a sesamoid bone refers to a little bone embedded in a capsule or tendon. The patella is embedded in tendons and measures up to 2 inches in an adult.

The knee joint is formed at the point where the femur (thigh bone) meets the tibia (shin bone). Other components of the knee joint include cartilage and ligaments which provide strength and stability to the knee joint.

Ligaments are the fibrous tissues that connect bones together. They have the ability to stretch therefore allowing movements in joints such as the knee. Injuries to the ligaments in the knee joint may result in knee pain. The pain felt as a result of an injury to the ligaments in the knee is usually felt immediately. Depending on the ligament injured, tenderness may be felt above the area of injury or deep within the knee. Ligament injuries cause pain even at rest and may be accompanied by swelling and a warm sensation. The pain usually becomes worse when bending the knee or when more weight is placed on the knee while standing or walking.

Treatment of knee pain resulting from ligament injuries depends on the severity of the injury. Initial treatment usually involves the application off ice packs to the knee, rest and elevation of the knee. Immobilization may involve the use of splints or braces for more serious injuries. Severe injuries of the ligaments may require open surgery to repair the damage.

The pressure between the two large bones that make the knee joint (the thigh bone and the shin bone) may result in friction. Cartilaginous tissue between these two bones disperses the pressure and friction between the two bones. This tissue is known as the meniscus. Tearing of the meniscus will result in Knee pain. The tearing results from sharp shearing forces that are caused by the rotation of the knee joint. These are commonly felt in rapid and sharp movements of the knee which are common in sports requiring fast body reactions.

Knee pain as a result of meniscus tears is more common with aging as a normal part of degeneration. There can be more than one tear. The pain is manifested as a popping sensation that becomes worse when carrying out activities requiring rotation of the knee. The patient may experience locking or instability in the knee joint. Other common causes of knee pain include fractures to the knee joint and straining of the knee joint tendons resulting in inflammation of the knee otherwise known as tendinitis.

Arthritis - Coping With Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis


Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common type of childhood arthritis. It causes joint inflammation for at least six weeks in children 16 years old or younger. Doctors believe that JRA is an autoimmune disorder meaning the body's immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. It is not known why this happens, but both heredity and environment seem to play a role. In most cases, symptoms of JRA may fade after several months or years.

A virus or bacterium may cause the development of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children with certain genetic profiles. These genetic profiles are detected in some children with JRA and are considered genetic markers. However, not all children with the markers develop JRA, and children without the markers can develop the condition.

Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis should live life as normally as possible by attending school and participating in extra-curricular and family activities. To foster a healthy transition to adulthood, adolescents with JRA should be allowed to enjoy independent activities, such as taking a part-time job and learning to drive. Provide your child with opportunities to interact with other children who also have arthritis in or near your community. Ask your rheumatologist about summer camps and other available group activities.

Treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis focuses on physical activity to maintain full joint movement and strength, preventing damage and controlling pain. Continued physical activity will help prevent loss of function. Therapists may construct splints to prevent joint contractures or deformity, and work with school-based therapists to address issues at school.

Parents should be familiar with Federal Act 504, which may provide children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis special accommodations at school. Families with children with JRA may be eligible for assistance through state agencies or services such as vocational rehabilitation. They may also benefit from information and activities available through the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization.