Saturday, October 19, 2013

The Runner's Knee: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome


If you have been an active runner or athlete over the years, you have surely felt all sorts of pain in your hamstrings, quads, calves and feet. Many times it is just the soreness or tightness that comes with running multiple miles per day, a mild pain that you can still perform through.

However, if you begin to feel consistent pain around your kneecap, you may be experiencing something a little more serious than just the typical soreness that can come from running. You could be feeling symptoms of Patellofemoral pain syndrome, or PFPS, a common knee disorder which typically affects senior athletes or those who frequently take part in running and jumping sports.

Patellofemoral pain is also known as retropatellar pain, peripatellar pain and anterior knee pain. More commonly, it is called runner's knee.

What Is PFPS?

When your knee bends and straightens, as it does when you run, your kneecap - the patella - slides along a slot on your femur. This slot is called the trochlear groove. If your knee is performing properly, the patella will move in many directions within the trochlear groove, providing you with the ability to jump, move side to side, rotate and perform a full range of motions without friction.

However, PFPS occurs when the surfaces of your patella and femur repeatedly rub and stress the tissues along the patellofemoral joint. This leads to pain, weakening of the joint, and sometimes a bone bruise. In some cases, PFPS may also be caused by the weakening of the articular cartilage or swelling within the joint.

What Leads to PFPS?

There is no universal cause for PFPS. It may depend on genetic factors or the amount of stress on your knee over time. Below are a few of the main factors that can lead to PFPS.


  • Overuse. Repeated bending and straightening over time will cause PFPS, especially among runners or older athletes who still remain active. When the knee is constantly bent, it increases the pressure points between your kneecap and the femur, irritating the patella.

  • Alignment. The angle between your hip and your knee, the Q angle, can be a factor in PFPS. Research has shown that those with a larger than normal Q angle are more susceptible to PFPS because your patella then tracks more to the outside. As female athletes mature and their pelvis widens, so does the Q angle, increasing the risk of developing PFPS.

  • Muscular Weakness or Tightness. An imbalance in the strength of your quadriceps will affect the tracking of the patella, as will tight muscles and tendons. Flexibility is essential in the movement of the knee and hip.

  • Flat feet. If your feet have little to no arch, you may be more likely to suffer from PFPS. Your tibia compensates for your feet when you run, placing atypical pressure on the patellofemoral joint.

There are operative and non-operative treatments for PFPS, though both could require a long-term adjustment of your physical activity. Your orthopedist will guide you through treatment and recovery so you can still enjoy the things you love.

I Have Arthritis in My Knee and My Doctor Told Me I Need a Knee Replacement - What Do I Do?


People with arthritis will eventually need a total knee replacement if they fail the other more conservative measures. These treatments include medications (anti-inflammatory medicines and analgesics), physical therapy, topical agents (arthritis rubs), intraarticular glucocorticoid injections (cortisone shots given into the knee joint), viscosupplements (lubricant injections into the knee joint), arthroscopy, and bracing.

Patients who have received the full gamut of conservative medical treatment and who continue to have either severe pain or loss of function, are considered candidates for total knee replacement.

The traditional method of total knee replacement involves making an incision through the large muscle located at the lower end of the inside of the thigh and slightly above the inside part of the knee- the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO). This large muscle is a stabilizer of the patella (kneecap) and one complication of knee replacement is patellar instability.

More recently, minimally invasive techniques using a smaller incision are becoming popular.

Prior to surgery, a careful evaluation of the patient's medical history is made. Since there is the chance that there will be blood loss, the patient may require either "banking" of their own blood or injections of erythropoietin (a hormone) to help stimulate red blood cell production.

What occurs with knee replacement is that the surface of the femur (upper leg bone) and the surface of the tibia (lower leg bone) are replaced with metal and plastic implants which are cemented in. For the operation to be successful, the surgeon will require adequate visualization of the operative site, proper sizing of the components, and proper alignment of the limb.

The postoperative period involves extensive rehabilitation and takes anywhere from four to ten weeks before a patient will be "as good as they'll be." Complications of the procedure include patellar instability, infection, blood clots, excessive blood loss, prolonged pain, and loosening of the replacement parts.

In patients who have two bad knees, it is a good idea to get them both done at the same time, if possible.

Finally, it is important that there is coordination between the patient's primary physicians and the orthopedic surgeons. This is particularly true in patients with other medical problems that require attention. oftentimes, medicines will have to be montored, discontinued temporarily, or changed before surgery.

Careful attention to detail including the preoperative management, the actual surgery, and the post-operative rehabilitation will ensure a good result in most cases.

I Hurt My Knee What Should I Do? - Painful & Unstable Knees Do Not Always Need Surgery to Get Better


How are your knees doing lately?

Something tell us that you would not be here if everything was fine.

We are sorry that you are having knee issues, but while you are here lets discuss some important information.

The truth is, some knee pain is temporary and insignificant. - The problem is that you should not think like this when you have knee pain problems; we will tell you why.

1.) The pain might be a sign of something that is actually more serious.
2.) Instability issues should be examined before they worsen as well.

Braces can help in both of these instances.

When you have knee instability or knee pain problems one of the best things you can do is take your time. Surgery is not always the answer. At least not the first conclusion that a person should jump to. Upon speaking with your physician they will discuss the need for surgery, but often times they will look to more conservative measures of treatment for you.

When someone speaks of "conservative measures of treatment" for your knee, what do you think they mean? - Well we will tell you.

1.) Rest
2.) Improving your knee support with a brace

These are two helpful options for anyone to consider. - We actually like the idea of rest, but have problems with it alone. The reason why rest is helpful but not always a definitive treatment method is because people just don't have time anymore. Can you disagree? Do you have a ton of time to waste everyday? - Well ,if you do consider yourself lucky.

If you have time to rest your knee constantly then great, but even if you do you should seriously consider getting some knee support. We will tell you why.

Many people will look back at their choice to get a knee brace and feel good about the decision. People who get a well designed knee support will often say that their pain is reduced and that they have increased confidence as a result of wearing the brace. Not because the brace is magical or something, but it is because the brace will help to provide you with some extra support. This support will help maintain a proper knee alignment and also it will help to reduce your discomfort.

Some people also refer to their brace as a "pain pill". If this were the case then the extra benefit of a knee brace would be that you do not have to wait for the pain pill to kick in. Once you have the brace on, many of your pain symptoms can reduce due to the support it can provide. These braces can be obtained very quickly and you should consider getting one when your knee hurts.

6 Ways to Regain Your Intimacy When You Have Arthritis


My husband and I had only been married for two years before I had knee surgery that set off a barrage of problems for me. During the surgery they found arthritis under the knee cap but decided not to remove it because they felt it would interfere with my recovery from the knee surgery. After the surgery I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue, and a few other problems that come up when you have these conditions.

My husband had also had back surgery and was in pain on most days. Our sex life before my knee surgery and after my husbands surgery was great. After my knee surgery, not so. It was difficult at best to get any pleasure out of any intimacy when my pain levels overshadowed the pleasure. Unfortunately, it hasn't improved in the 14 years since my surgery.

The effects of arthritis, the pain, stiffness, fatigue, lack of mobility, and the twisted, enlarged joints, can make sex difficult and at best down right unappealing. When arthritis affects your back, knees,hips, hands, wrist, feet or ankles it can be especially difficult. Not to mention the medications the doctor's prescribe that can diminish any sexual desire. They can have side effects, including vaginal dryness, and fatigue that can lessen your interest in sex. You may even perceive yourself as not very sexually attractive and this doesn't help you to relax and enjoy the experience of sex, it also brings anxiety into the bedroom adding to the issues above.

When you have arthritis the situation can be difficult for your partner and they may not be aware of the changes your body is going through and they may not understand completely just how you fee. This was and still is the case with my husband and I. He couldn't understand how my pain levels could have such an affect on me when his didn't keep him from going to work even on his worst days. After a while we just quit talking all together because the stress of the conversation made my pain worse and it would always end up in an argument.

This article takes a look at six ways for you and your partner to regain the intimacy in your relationships.

Communication, feelings and attitudes toward sex are really complicated. You may find the subject a bit terrifying or even embarrassing and really don't want to talk about it. While others will think the subject to be taboo because of some ingrained social or religious attitudes. However, when your arthritis becomes a factor in your sex life, keeping the channels of communication open is the key to preventing relationship problems. If your sex life isn't fulfilling enough, it is possible to lose the emotional connection between you and your partner. Sex is a sensitive issue and to ensure that the problem is solved to the satisfaction of both partners, you will need to be open and honest. I know it's never easy to admit that your sexual relationship needs help. You might want to examine your own feelings first by asking yourself these questions:

Do I react negatively when my partner wants sex? What sexual activities do I prefer and what are my partner's? Will I try new positions that would put less stress on an injured or painful joint? If you can answer these questions honestly those answers can help you to identify the issues you have and then they will help you to come up with possible solutions. You might want to consider taking notes to have during your conversation, especially if talking about sex makes you nervous or anxious. Actually, if you have a difficult time talking to your partner about sex, then writing down your feelings may help to open the door to a conversation. Sometimes it's easier to put to paper what you can't say out load. Leaving little letters for each other may be the answer for some couples who have a difficult time talking about their feelings on the subject of sex. If you think these ideas won't work for you then you may want to talk to someone else first. You may find the caregivers, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and other health professionals are often busy dealing with the medical condition at hand and so they don't raise the subject of sex or intimacy with their patients. You may have to raise the subject with them instead, this could be difficult, but there are some good ways you can bring it up. You might want to say something like, "My arthritis is affecting me in ways that I hadn't expected and my husband and I are having trouble with intimacy. Can we talk about it." Nurses seem to be better at helping you with this type of counseling.

When it comes time to sit down and talk to your partner, you should keep these tips in mind to help make your conversation more effective.

Be honest and open. You have to be honest with your partner about your arthritis and how it affects you. Remember, your partner isn't a mind reader, they can't know where or even when it hurts unless you tell them. Hopefully, your partner will be relieved to know how you feel and what, if anything, they can do for you. You will have to let your partner know what feels good and also what doesn't feel good. Always be open and honest about your feelings, sexual needs and your desires. You might want to ask your partner if they would be willing to redefine intimacy through new positions, sexual aids, and different techniques. These things may take some effort to resolve, building a mutual connection requires time and thoughtfulness that can't be accomplished in a day, but you might be surprised at how helpful the results can be. Here are some examples to help you understand what I mean. Let's say that a romantic movie puts you in the mood but puts your partner to sleep. Then on the other hand, candlelight and champagne is what turns your partner on but it's a turn-off for you. Just knowing these things can help the both of you become better at responding to the others' needs and make an atmosphere of intimacy.

Schedule time for your lovemaking. Or maybe you could just schedule time alone in an intimate setting. The both of you will want to be relaxed and comfortable and you should make the time when you will not be interrupted. To help restore lost intimacy you could try kissing, caressing and petting, even if it doesn't lead to intercourse and it could help to relax the both of you. My husband and I talked about scheduling our lovemaking but it didn't work because my husband prefers that lovemaking be spontaneous. He said it just didn't feel like sex when we had to plan it. This made it difficult to get what we both needed and led to a break down in our sex life.

You will want to advantage of your good days. But if you are really feeling bad be sure to be honest to yourself and your partner. The two of you could postpone the sex until you are feeling better and are able to enjoy it. You are showing that you are still interested in sex, just not right now, when you share and communicate your feelings with your partner. A loving partner will understand this and appreciate your honesty. When the both of you can share the goal of regaining your sexual desires again you will be more likely to achieve success. However, if your partner isn't completely understanding of the effects your arthritis has on your ability to preform sexually you may want to talk to your physician together to get an objective viewpoint. If this doesn't work you may want to consider seeking the help of a sexuality therapist or counselor.

There are also environmental factors that play an important role in your sex life. After you have set a schedule of when you are going to have your lovemaking, the next step will be to set the stage. The first thing you will want to do is to make sure you are well rested. You may want to take a little nap after dinner, you can wait and do the dishes tomorrow. Or you may want to take a warm bath or shower before you have sex; this will warm up your joints and help you to relax. Avoiding cold temperatures is a good idea. Next, warm up the bed by replacing cotton sheets with flannel, or turn on an electric blanket for a few minutes before getting into bed. We have a heated waterbed.

The power of touch can be a great way to start to regain intimacy. Besides kissing and caressing, you may want to try massaging each other. There are many women who are very aroused by just being held and stroked. On my worst days my husband will rub in a massage oil I make using rosemary essential oil and almond oil. The aroma of the rosemary relaxes me but more than any thing I find it to be a turn on to just feel his hands on my body. Try spending more time on foreplay, kissing the neck or caressing the breast, are just a few examples. Try to find creative ways. If you are experiencing pain in your hands you can try using the back of your hands to touch your partner. Rubbing and touching your partners genitals with your hands or engaging in manual sex are other ways to enjoy sex without having sexual intercourse.

Although it may be obvious, the medicines you take, and when you take them can affect your sex life. It helps to learn how to manage your pain medication or medications as well as other medicines to your advantage. It can be difficult to get the timing just right when you are taking your pain medication so that your pain is in control when you are ready to have sex. You will want to remember that your pain is usually at it's lowest about 2 - 4 hours after taking your pain medication. I take Tramadole and in 2 to 4 hours after taking it I was usually knocked out but that is the only thing that cuts my pain with the minimum amount of side effects. Not only that but it also deadens my sexual desires.

If a medication you take causes vaginal dryness, you may want to try a water-based lubricant such as Astroglide, K-Y jelly, Replens, or Wet Original. Never use petroleum-based lubricants; They an irritate vaginal tissues, and they can also damage condoms, cervical caps and diaphragms. The water-based lubricants mentioned here can also help in vaginal dryness caused from Sjogren's (Show grins) syndrome, which is often attributed to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and other autoimmune conditions.

Remember that the sex positions you used before you were diagnosed with arthritis may no longer be possible because of the stress they may place on stiff and swollen and painful joints. You can modify these positions to make it more comfortable for you or you may want to try some new ones. If the movement of sex triggers arthritis pain in one partner than the other partner who doesn't have arthritis should provide the movement during sex. A vibrator may help if you are having difficulty with sexual arousal because of your arthritis.

Arthritis Knee Pain Relief - New Help For Arthritis Pain in the Knee - Nurse's Guide


You may or may not have heard of using acupuncture for arthritis knee pain but you may not be familiar with acupuncture you can do at home, which I'll explain later in this article. New studies are helping millions of arthritis sufferers who are still looking for pain relief. In these studies, a group of more than 500 people with osteoarthritis in the knee were either given acupuncture, fake acupuncture or attended meetings to learn about how to get arthritis pain relief from other sources.

The trial went on for about six months or so. It was discovered that acupuncture treatment was much more effective for about 33% of those who had acupuncture than those who didn't. Of those 33%, they showed about a 40% decrease in pain and about a 40% increase in functioning than those who had the other fake treatment with needles or just were learning to cope with pain relief who only had minimal improvement.

It's long believed that acupuncture causes the release of endorphins - our body's natural painkillers for pain relief. I'm sure you've heard about the benefits of laughter for also producing these endorphins to relieve pain.

And if you have arthritis in the knee and bad or severe knee pain you may surely benefit by having acupuncture treatments. However these can be expensive and oftentimes the treatments have to be repeated many times over.

So you can concentrate on relieving arthritis knee pain with laughter and one of a number of methods for endorphin-releasing techniques for relieving pain or you can use what many people are using and that is the home acupuncture technique.

Many people are using the technique to relieve pain not only for arthritis knee pain but from other types of pain as well. You can do this at home yourself and it's free. So it's not as costly or expensive as a series of acupuncture treatments. It's mentioned in the eBook "How To Stop, Diminish Or Control Your Pain Now!"

Also many people have used diet to relieve knee pain. So combined with diet you may finally get rid of your knee pain altogether. My diet change years ago to predominately raw fruits and veggies, nuts and seeds, completely got rid of my knee pain and is the best arthritis diet.

Even just adding lot of fruits and veggies to your current diet can make a big difference. If you're having severe knee pain now know there are home acupuncture techniques or treatments and other home remedies that can help relieve the pain or get rid of it altogether. You don't have to spend a lifetime dependent on drugs and painkillers with all their risks for arthritis pain relief.

Knee Osteoarthritis


Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, affects the elderly in parts of the body where it hurts the most. A person suffering from knee osteoarthritis will most likely equate it with cardiovascular disease because the breakdown of articular cartilage of knee joints restricts movement and the patient has to follow a set regimen affecting his lifestyle.

Knee Osteoarthritis is due to injury, congenital disorder, or obesity. The deterioration of articular cartilage, a smooth and fibrous connective tissue that acts as a protective cushion, narrows the joint space between bones. In time, the cartilage becomes grooved and fragmented and surrounding bones thicken or sprout into spurs. Sometimes, there is additional swelling in the knees caused when synovium, a membrane producing a thick fluid to nourish the cartilage, becomes inflamed and produces additional fluid known as 'water of the knee'. Changes occur due to constant rubbing of joint bones leading to deformity of joints that is equally painful.

Knee osteoarthritis is diagnosed through physical and pathological examinations of joints on either side of knee including hip joints, checking on posture, and gait. Once knee Osteoarthritis is confirmed, a treatment is suggested depending on nature and extent of damage and on the personal physical history of patient. Women over 60 years of age are high risk factors for knee osteoarthritis as they spend major portion of their lives doing physically demanding work that has direct relationship with knee Osteoarthritis. Wearing high heeled shoes also aggravates the pain. In youngsters, knee osteoarthritis is hereditary or due to some injury.

Precautions such as weight reduction, changing work routine, postures, diet, avoiding injuries, participating in physiotherapy, and exercise are advised. Other methods of relief such as acupuncture, ointments, prescription drugs, magnetic pulse therapy, vitamin regimes, and topical pain relievers are temporary. Using prescription drugs and surgery should be a mutual decision between patient and doctor.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Top Tips For a Winning Elevator Pitch


When you meet new people at a networking event, the question, 'What do you do?' inevitably arises. How do you handle it? Stumble out a few well-worn phrases that you've heard others using? Ferret around in your handbag or briefcase for a set of dog-eared cue cards?

This moment is a golden opportunity - a defining moment in your new networking relationship. Depending on how you project yourself, you will either build interest in your audience or switch them off.

Don't be fooled: first impressions really do count. And if you are new to networking, it can seem quite daunting to speak about your business in a room full of seasoned entrepreneurs. Where do you start? Just how do you set yourself apart from others?

Networking Secrets

The key lies in being prepared, being positive and being yourself:

Be Prepared. If you cannot explain in a few seconds what you do, then you are in the wrong job. You need to draw on facts straight away and be prepared for a variety of questions thrown at you. Ensure you tailor your pitch to the specific audience. Should someone ask, 'What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?' make sure you have a great answer.

Be Positive. Throw away labels. Remember, you are more than a designer or copywriter, for example. You put businesses on the map. You inject new life into flagging marketing materials. You open doors for small businesses. Just think of the difference you make... and the value you add.

Focus on the results - benefits - rather than the features of what you offer. This way, you succinctly quantify what you do. If you waffle, you'll bore your listener. Keep it clear, concise and compelling.

Be Yourself. Nothing will earn you more business brownie points than being natural, friendly and professional. If your usual behaviour is to tell sexist jokes, swear and thrust your business cards at people before you even know who they are, perhaps it's wise to re-think your networking strategy.

A relaxed, approachable person who takes an interest in their listener, is more likely to get referrals. A warm smile and enthusiastic response initially allows you to build rapport. Behaviour that includes looking over the person's shoulder at who to pounce on next or crossing your arms and texting, isn't likely to make a good impression!

How to craft an elevator pitch that communicates

Have you heard of an elevator pitch? It's a short description, given in less than a minute, about your company and what you do.

Rather than it being a rehearsed, staged sales sermon, it's important to keep your conversation natural. You could start off for example by saying, 'Hello. Good to meet you. I'm Nikki Cooke, Owner of The Word Well. And you are?' Or perhaps use a conversation starter to break the silence such as,' Is this the first time you've been to this meeting?'

I often say something humourous when I first meet someone, as I think being informal is friendlier than a starchy approach. I might say, 'I spend my days giving clients' words a face lift. It's a lot cheaper than plastic surgery!'

If you launch into an all guns blazing sales pitch, without acknowledging the person you are speaking to, you'll fail. Instead of thinking of your listener as a prospect, think about how you can connect with them in a meaningful way. People don't like a hard sell to their face. But, they do like to know what's in it for them.

In general, a good elevator pitch should never make the question 'So what?' possible.

Why not follow this useful formula:


  • Initially introduce who you are, your business name and what you do in a nutshell. Or think of a distinctive way to command attention. Aim to be different, enthused, original. Use humour perhaps. Make an intriguing statement to make your listener want to hear more...

  • A useful tip is to ask a question to hook your listener. (Do you know how... Well, I help business owners become...) Establish who your clients are and what you do for your them. What do you save them in terms of time/money/stress etc? Establish a problem the person can identify with. Focus on benefits - not features - when describing what you do. (Our clients benefit from...) Show how your service or product solves a problem. (We help SMEs to...)

  • Next consider why people choose to work with you. What do you have that your competitors don't? How are you different? (Unlike other Virtual Assistants, we specialise in...) Stay away from platitudes. Be unique. Be real. Establish your best selling points.

  • End with a call to action to develop the conversation and consolidate the relationship. (Who do you know who would benefit from that sort of help?/Tell me more about you. / Here's my business card so we can keep in touch. / May I have one of your business cards? Perhaps I can put you in touch with someone in my network. / Here's my business card. Can I call you next week to discuss...)

If you rehearse a speech and your audience interrupts you with an unexpected question, then you need to think on your feet. Have a case study ready to show how your business made a difference. A successful elevator pitch should grow with you and not remain as a static script gathering dust.

Final thought

Always open your ears, before you open your mouth.

What Can Cause Fractures, Cartilage Damage and Osteoporosis?


Osteoporosis is an age-related condition that increases a person's risk of bone fractures and damaged cartilage. Bone fractures are more serious as we age, because of slow healing. Surgical procedures are often required to correct the damage. Surgery is accompanied by complications that can cut short a person's life. Here you will learn about the causes of these age-related problems and how to prevent them.

• Most Common Osteoporosis Causes

Osteoporosis is by definition a reduction of bone density and flexibility. Other than more fragile bones, the symptoms can include curvature of the spine or a stooped back and other bone deformities. The pain of arthritis may also accompany the condition.

When we say there is a reduction of bone density, what we are actually talking about is a decrease in minerals. Minerals account for the density, thickness and strength of our bones. The condition is most common in post-menopausal women and is referred to as primary type 1 osteoporosis. Primary type 2 or senile osteoporosis is diagnosed when the patient's age is over 75. It is seen in both males and females, but women are twice as likely to experience the problem, regardless of their age.

• Other Osteoporosis Causes

Another type is referred to as secondary osteoporosis. It can occur at any age as a result of chronic medical problems or prolonged use of certain medications. For example, steroids can cause bone deterioration and reduced mineral density. An example of a chronic medical problem that causes the condition is anorexia nervosa. In the presence of nutritional deficiencies, the body will break down bone in order to get at the minerals stored in them.

• Fractures Causes

At any age, fractures can occur as the result of an injury. Pathological fractures occur as the result of a disease or condition like osteoporosis. Because the bones are weaker, they fracture more easily. A chalk stick fracture is one example. It can occur in the long bones of the arms or legs and runs in the same direction as the bone. A similar fracture can occur in the spinal vertebra and appear to collapse the entire spinal column. The causes vary depending on the underlying disease or condition.

• Cartilage Damage

Cartilage damage can occur as the result of wear and tear. Repetitive motions can cause the problem in specific joints of the body. For example, tennis players may experience the problem in their elbows. Runners may have the problem in their knees.

Cartilage is a form of flexible connective tissue, less rigid then bone, but less flexible than muscle. It is composed of collagen, elastin and other structural proteins. A lack of complete proteins or essential amino acids in the diet will inhibit the body's ability to create strong cartilage. Similarly, a lack of vitamin C can cause the formation of weak collagen, because the vitamin is a necessary cofactor for collagen production.

Chronic inflammation causes cartilage breakdown and is one of the few things that degrade collagen. So, inflammation is another cause.

Now that you have learned about the causes, you probably want to know what you can do to reduce your risk. You'll learn about how to prevent pathological fractures, cartilage damage and osteoporosis in my next article. And now please visit the Healthy Body Supplements website listed below for more important information on How to Prevent: Fractures, Cartilage Damage and Osteoporosis.

Athletes Suffering From Knee Injuries Find Cold Laser Therapy Over Knee Surgery An Option


A knee injury can be a painful and debilitating setback for anyone, however for athletes experiencing knee problems it can be a deal breaker that threatens to take them out the game. This is why many professional athletes are opting to treat their knee injuries with cold laser therapy rather than go through traditional knee surgery.

Unfortunately, the athletes who rely on their knees the most are also the ones who are prone to knee injuries. Knee damage is extremely common in many sports, especially long distance running, competitive cycling, basketball, tennis, volleyball, skiing and weight lifting. Most athletes' training requires them to exert tremendous amounts of pressure and repetitive stress on the knee and with all the continuous pounding, pivoting, twisting and torque applied to this joint and surrounding tendons it substantially increases the risk of knee injuries.

Tendonitis, Arthritis, Meniscus Tears Are Common Knee Injuries for Athletes

The high demand athletes place on their knees means plenty of strains or sprains and can lead to stretched muscles, torn ligaments or cartilage resulting in tendonitis, arthritis or meniscus tears.

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons in the knee joint and typically makes movement of the knee joint impossible. In athletes, inflammation of the patellar tendon leads to swelling of the knee and restricted or loss of movement.

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and arthritis of the knee joint can eventually lead to severe pain. The disease affects both the cartilage and the bone and leads to extremely stiff joints. Today more and more young athletes are diagnosed with arthritis of the knee joint.

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries in athletes, and can cause locking of the knee joint pain. (There are two menisci that lie between the shin bone and thigh bone that help stabilize and distribute forces equally across the knee joint)

Cold Laser Therapy for Knee Pain - A Safer, Less Invasive Option over Knee Surgery

Unfortunately, these same young athletes who are dedicated to their sport to go the extra mile and continue to compete while injured are the ones putting their future knee health in jeopardy.

This is why today's athletes are turning to cold laser therapy to treat knee injuries rather than undergo knee surgery. They realize arthroscopic knee surgery is invasive and doesn't work most of the time, and often leaves athletes dealing with the effects of less cartilage, and more arthritis in the knee. In addition, knee replacements for young athletes aren't really an option because they typically should only be performed on patients sixty five and older due to the lifespan of the prosthetic.

Another reason athletes make the decision to have cold laser therapy over knee surgery is the fact that there is a long period of downtime after the surgery that would take them away from training for their sport.

Cold laser therapy or low-level laser therapy is an approved method of treatment by the U.S Food and Drug Administration, and it is primarily used to relieve pain and the debilitating inflammation resulting from tendonitis, arthritis or a torn meniscus. It also helps speed up the healing process so that athletes can get back to their sport quicker.

Cold laser therapy is the number one choice among athletes to rehabilitate knee injuries because this noninvasive treatment provides them with safe, livable solutions for pain relief and allows them to get back to doing what they love without any downtime.

Pepper Spray Versus Stun Guns - Which is Better?


In order to answer this question, I feel it is important to explain a little about each of these self-defense weapons. They are both non-lethal and are legal in most cities and states in the United States. However, before purchasing either of these items, be sure to check with local authorities as to any possible restrictions on them in your area.

Pepper sprays are just that - defense sprays made from the oils of very hot peppers. This oil is a natural chemical called Oleoresin Capsicum and when sprayed in the face of an attacker, this inflammatory agent will swell the veins in the eyes and the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. This will basically shut down the attacker, uncontrollably clamping his eyes shut and causing very little air to get through his airway, dropping him to his knees in a coughing fit and racked with burning pain. These effects will wear off in less than an hour leaving no lasting damage, but giving you plenty of time to escape and call for help.

Pepper sprays come in 3 different spray patterns and dispersal densities. The finer the spray and the smaller the spray droplets, the quicker and more effective the spray will be because it will be inhaled and dispersed quicker to the mucous membranes. The heat and inflammation will be released usually between one and two seconds with optimum efficiency. This type of spray would include the fogger spray, which is the most effective because of its fine mist, with the cone mist spray pattern taking a close second in instant stopping power.

The third spray pattern is the stream, which is better than the other two in a breeze as far as hitting the intended target and not blowing back in the face of the user, but it is less effective due to the fact that it tends to trap the OC agent in the carrier, not releasing it as quickly as the others.

Stun guns are electronic weapons that must touch the assailant in order to disable him. Currents of 200,000 to over a million volts flow through these devices. The title "gun" is not actually correct since they do not shoot anything. They will send a current through clothes into the assailant's body, causing muscles to work overtime, depleting them of necessary blood sugars. The muscles basically quit working immediately and the assailant will be disabled with immobility and pain for a few minutes. This gives you enough time to escape.

Stun guns will not permanently injure of kill anyone and the user cannot be shocked if the assailant is holding onto them when he gets stunned.

So now, which is better to own - pepper spray or a stun gun? It really is entirely up to each individual's level of comfort in using the weapon. Some would prefer something they can use from a distance and some want a weapon they can use if attacked suddenly.

Advantages of pepper spray -


  • spray cans are small and easily fit in a pocket or purse or on a keychain

  • they are easy to use at a distance to prevent an assailant from actually touching you - just point and shoot

  • not much training is required - a couple of practice shots is all

  • you don't have to charge anything - it is always ready to go

  • they are cheaper than stun guns so you can have 2 or 3 in different places if so desired

  • they come disguised as such things as lipstick, a pager, or a ring

Disadvantages of pepper spray -


  • spray may be blown back into the user's face depending on the wind

  • because they are under pressure, they will only last maybe up to 2 yrs if not used before needing to replace the canister

  • there is the possibility of an accidental discharge

Advantages of stun guns -


  • they come in several sizes, styles and voltages to choose from and some come disguised as cell phones or flashlights

  • just the sound of the electricity and the blue light coursing between the tester probes is usually enough to stop an attacker

  • if attacked from behind or suddenly from the side, you can grab the stun gun and press it into the assailant rather than risk getting pepper spray in your own face if you were to try to spray someone that close

Disadvantages of the stun gun -


  • an assailant does have to be within touching distance to be stunned

  • if the attacker has a weapon, the user of the stun gun has to come within range of the weapon in order to effectively use the stun gun

  • the user of the stun gun must be physically fit enough to forcefully hold the gun's probes against a struggling attacker for at least a couple of seconds for the electricity to force its way into him and knock him down

  • the intruder could possibly get the stun gun away from the defender and use it against her

I can't say that one of these self-defense products is better than the other. They are both effective for protection purposes. After studying the pros and cons of each, it is really up to you to decide which one you would feel the most comfortable carrying and using. But don't put it off too long. You never know when you might be in a situation where one of these items could save your life.

What Are the Options For Knee Osteoarthritis?


Knee osteoarthritis is a condition that affects millions of Americans and has several different causes. The primary cause of this condition is obesity. Many people who are obese or even overweight, will develop a problem in their knee joints that cannot take the extra weight.

Another cause of osteoarthritis in the knees can be related to a previous injury. Many athletes or former athletes suffer from this condition. The injury wears down the cartilage in the knee to the point where it is stiff and sore.

Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis will usually come on gradually. You will notice pain, the dominating symptom of arthritis, in the joint, accompanied by stiffness. This pain will usually get worse over a period of time, although not everyone who suffers from knee osteoarthritis will find the condition debilitating. Everyone appears to suffer from a different degree of pain from this condition. This could be because some people also have higher pain thresholds than others.

If you have the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, you need to see a doctor to have the diagnosis confirmed. The pain coupled by a stiffness in the joint are the primary symptoms for this disease. Osteoarthritis of the knee can also present with a freezing up of the joint intermittently.

Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis

When a doctor diagnoses osteoarthritis, usually after taking a blood test as well as an x-ray of the joint, they will give you options based upon the cause of the condition as well as your age and the overall damage to the joint. If the reason for the knee osteoarthritis is due to obesity, your doctor will advise you to lose weight.

Many people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee are overweight. They find that when they lose weight, their symptoms are dramatically reduced. If you are overweight and suffering from knee problems, losing weight is the best option. This can be done by a diet rich in fiber and vitamins as well as exercise.

Exercise can help those who suffer from osteoarthritis in the knee. Swimming is considered to be the best exercise for this condition. Walking is also good exercise, although many with this condition will find that walking becomes painful. Exercise with knee osteoarthritis can be somewhat of a Catch 22. People want to lose weight through exercise, but find it too painful - making the osteoarthritis even worse.

A knee brace is also one way that the pain and swelling from this condition can be alleviated. Your doctor may recommend a knee brace as well as a heating pad to help with the swelling.

There are anti-inflammatory medications that a doctor can prescribe for those who are suffering from very painful affects of osteoarthritis of the knee. NSAIDS are the category of anti-inflammatory drugs that are most often prescribed for this condition. Some doctors will prescribe muscle relaxants and others will prescribe pain pills. Medication, however, should be a last resort and not a first option when it comes to treating osteoarthritis of the knee.

In some cases, knee replacement surgery can be performed. This is often an option for younger people who have suffered a previous injury and who want to avoid disability from this condition.

Implications of Inside Knee Pain


Any injuries to the knee, damage to the nerves associated with the knee, numbness due to poor blood circulation, arthritis, etc. can affect the knee joint causing inside knee pain. Sometimes the problems associated with inside knee pain can seriously affect mobility and hence may have a great impact on our whole way of life. It is essential that you seek medical advice for pain that is felt in the insides of your knee as it may lead to severe complications if left untreated.

The symptoms associated with inside knee pain are varied but mainly involve stabbing pains in the area and a general lack of mobility especially while stretching your knee. The immediate cause of this pain can be due to some sudden jerky movements associated with the knee joint. The tight ligaments in the knee joint restrict movement. As a result the joint becomes stiff and is prone to this kind of pain

There are a number of simple steps that you can take to avoid inside knee pain. If you have injured your knee or are recovering from a sprain, you can start a program of home treatment and exercise to reduce the symptoms and minimize pain in your knees. A few months of rest and medicines administered to relieve the swelling usually cures the pain.

To ease the occurrence of inside knee pain the physiotherapist generally will advise you to apply gentle pressure to the affected area using soft padding that is secured with a bandage. This will also help to control the swelling and pain in the region. Sustained physiotherapy sessions may also be recommended for conditioning the muscles and other tissues surrounding the knee joint so that further instances of this pain can be prevented.

Other options for managing inside knee pain include the localized application of cold and heat packs. This treatment aids in the gentle expansion and contraction of the muscles and surrounding tissues making them receptive to treatment. The cold packs also serve to bring back the required elasticity in the bands of ligaments so that they perform their supportive role in aiding the knee joint to function normally.

Once the symptoms of inside knee pain are brought under control the dosage of medicines can gradually be reduced to find the lowest effective dose to relieve the pain felt inside the knees.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Top 10 Truths for Sleeping Well at Midlife


Are you in the one-half of Americans who do NOT get a good night's sleep every night or even most nights? Do you get less than the recommended 7-9 hours per night?

According to polls, lack of sleep causes mistakes at work, inefficiency, car wrecks, sex deprivation and problems with intimate relationships (as if less sex weren't a big enough problem in itself!)

When women don't get enough sleep, everyone is sorry! And fatigue is especially dangerous in an age of super viruses because lack of sleep suppresses the immune system we need to fight illness.

Rest is good for you and you deserve to rest well. Give yourself permission to go to bed by putting away that To Do list and making sound sleep your priority.

Here's what else we have learned:

1. Eat supper early and allow yourself to unwind an hour or two before bed.

2. Develop a sleep ritual that signals to your body (and your mind) that it is time for sleep. It needn't be fancy, just soothing, for example: wash face, brush teeth, brew cup of herbal Sleepy tea, turn down the bed, arrange pillows, set alarm, turn off overhead light, read, pray, set book aside, turn off light, sleep.

3. Create a restful haven. Remove piles of clutter and anything that makes you tense (him, too). Freshen bedding, try new or different pillows, flowers and plants. When you sit in bed reading or praying, everything you see should please and relax you.

4. Avoid bright or noisy clocks, radios, or other electronic devices. Cover shining displays or replace them. Set them away from the head of your bed. Definitely get that computer OUT of your bedroom!

5. Buy comfortable earplugs for the nightstand and for travel. Using a white noise-generator to mask sounds may also help.

6. Pass on the alcohol. Alcohol won't keep you awake, but it will wake you up around 2 or 3 am and make it hard to fall back to sleep. If you have overindulged, some experts advise taking an antihistamine (one of the drowsy types) and one over the counter pain reliever.

7. Reading for pleasure is fine, but avoid hair-raising mysteries that keep you turning pages. Spiritual or soothing reading is best. Reading in dim light causes eyestrain and sleepiness, so use a low light setting.

8. Wear comfy loose socks and even silk long underwear when it's cold. Turning over onto cold sheets WILL wake you up. Change your blankets and your thermostat setting with the seasons so you are neither too hot nor too cold.

9. Exercise every day -- early in the day. Do your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, or hips hurt and sometimes waken you? Get serious about stretching during the day. Program a meeting reminder in your computer, like: "Stretch arms & hips." When it pops up, do a favorite stretch for one minute while looking away from the computer. Set your reminder to snooze for an hour. When it pops up again, repeat.

10. If you do wake in the night, keep a change of night clothes by the bed if you are having night sweats. If you don't fall right back to sleep, don't lie there tossing, turning and fretting. Instead, get up, fix a light snack (piece of fruit, some yogurt) and read in a dim light.

If that doesn't knock you out, try some progressive relaxation. Lie on your back with a pillow beneath your knees; tense and then relax your toes, then ankles, then shins, knees, thighs. Continue up the front and back of your body, doing arms, shoulders, face, scalp. Breathe deeply.

Nighty, night.

Understanding How Knee Arthritis Affects Mobility


When people get older they begin to experience more aches and pains that usually get blamed on the loss of cartilage in the joints. A common cause of these pains is knee arthritis. Knee arthritis falls into the osteoarthritis category of arthritis conditions and it is a degenerative disease that can cause the loss of cartilage in the knee joint. Cartilage in joints is what keeps the bones in the body from grinding against each other and as we grow older, cartilage can weaken due to general wear and tear on the body. Without cartilage, the two bones in the leg rub together and the pain from knee arthritis becomes extremely pronounced and could lead to loss of mobility.

Osteoarthritis is most common found in people aged 50 and over but it can also be found in people much younger too. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis but rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis is also sometimes responsible for the pain related to knee arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that weakens cartilage in the joint. It normally affects both knees whilst post-traumatic arthritis is the result of an injury or accident at some point in the past.

As well as the actual pain related to knee arthritis, the knee could also stiffen up and lock if the muscle has not been used. It will feel like the knee will not be able to handle the weight of the person if they walk. The pain can be amplified by sitting for prolonged periods of time without moving or after climbing up stairs or doing high impact exercises that affect the knee.

Osteoarthritis Develops Slowly

In most cases the patient will experience a gradual increase of pain over time but it has been known for some to receive a sudden development of knee arthritis. Generally speaking though, the first twinges of pain will be experienced as nothing more than little annoyances. This is, of course, until more cartilage wears down and then the pain will increase. Losing weight can also affect how much pain the person suffers as less weight on the body means less weight being applied on the knee. This will cut down the amount of impact the two bones have with each other and reduce pain.

Lifestyle changes can also help relieve pain by replacing high-impact exercises such as running and jumping for low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling or even gardening. All of these low-impact exercise therapies will help reduce pain associated with this, as they help the person stay fit and keep the weight off. If used properly with anti-inflammatory medications a person can really see great pain relief.

When severe cases of knee arthritis crop up, by that we mean that the pain is non-responsive to any of the treatments listed previously, then surgery may be the only option left available. Surgery can help alleviate pain and restore mobility but should be considered as a last resort after all other methods of treatment have been exhausted.

Working Out After Knee Surgery - When is it Possible?


Running and exercising is exactly what you'll wish to do after the prospect of ending your long lasting knee pain becomes a reality. Even though the surgery and recovery time can and will be painful, you know that in time you hope to be back to your old self again. But how long exactly could that take? How much damage could you do to your new knees by exercising them too soon? There are stretching exercises that can hasten the recovery process and get you back to using your new knees in a productive manner. Your post surgery quality of life is important to your overall well being and piece of mind.

After your knee replacement surgery your doctor will not recommend that you engage in high impact activities. You must be careful to care for your new replacement knees as if they were your natural ones and know that too much activity too soon can cause a wear and tear on the artificial joints. After living in pain for so long, it is very tempting to want to get up and about after your surgery and get back to the life you once knew. Proper recovery time is a must and know that this could take some time to heal.

Finding the right balance of rest and activity will help shorten the recovery time after any surgery, but especially so for joint or movement related surgery. Moving and stretching a little bit each and every day will help with getting you back on your feet. It is important that you follow the instructions of your physical therapist and the exercises that they will recommend. They know best the kind of recovery time based on the particular knee replacement surgery you have had. An approved stretching plan is the fastest way to achieve a full recovery.

Knee replacement does not have to mean the end of running and other high impact activities. With proper recovery you can be back doing the things you love in no time. There are ways to hasten your return to a normal life. A life where you may not have had the luxury of running, jumping and even walking without pain for a long time. Lifting weights and working out is a healthy way to increase stamina and keep your weight down, both of which will make your quality of life better to fully enjoy your new knees. Educate yourself and view the information at Pain Free Knees, http://www.knee-replacement-video.com.

Cartilage Rebuilding is the Key to Reversing Arthritis


Joints are unique structures that receive a considerable amount of "wear and tear" throughout a lifetime. And, in all honesty, if you live long enough, work hard enough, and play hard enough, you will probably have to deal with some degree of joint damage sometime in your life.

Cartilage gets its strength from interlocking millimetre-long collagen fibres that work in a similar way to the load-bearing steel rods in reinforced concrete. But the precise structure of these fibres or 'fibrils' has remained a mystery for more than 40 years, so hindering any progress towards the development of potential therapies. Now, the sophisticated electron microscope techniques to uncover the molecular structure of the thinner of the two types of collagen fibrils. Now the challenge is to understand how the fibrils form and develop in healthy cartilage, they can then investigate what happens when things go wrong in diseases like osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates are popular supplements for joint health. Glucosamine sulfate works by building the proteins that make up healthy cartilage, and chondroitin sulfate provides a constant supply of the nutrients needed to repair damaged protein and build new protein. Unfortunately, there seems to be a large group of individuals for whom glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates provide little, if any, relief. One reason might be because many of the problems with joints stem from the fact that the cartilage surfaces that make up joints have little, if any, direct blood supply.

It helps if you visualize this cartilage as being similar to a sponge. A sponge is useless unless it's soaked in fluid. Likewise, your cartilage gets most of its nutrients for repair from the fluid within the joint capsule itself. This fluid, known as synovial fluid, contains a couple of compounds called hyaluronic acid and lubricin. As the joint is moved throughout its range of motion, the "sponge" is compressed and released.

This compressing action helps "squeeze" out waste material from the living cartilage cells. And, just as a sponge absorbs water, when pressure on the cartilage is released nutrients are then "pulled" into the cartilage cells. Since the survival of every cell of the cartilage surface depends on this regular exchange of waste material and nutrients, moving each joint through its full range of motion daily is one of the first steps for keeping it healthy. The synovial fluid also provides the lubrication and shock absorption for your joints. Thus, nourishing your synovial fluid is a critical step in supporting healthy joints.

Pueraria Mirifica Facts


Pueraria Mirifica is a plant that helps to increase the size and volume of the breasts naturally and without side effects and leaves them firm and beautiful. Pueraria Mirifica increases the speed of development of mammary cells and fills the ducts around the nipple. It also increases the firmness of fatty tissue and ligaments around the breasts resulting in fuller and firmer breasts. These tissues are responsible for breast firmness and muscle tonality. The results obtained with this herb vary from person to person depending on individual physiological conditions and genetic backgrounds.

There are some cases in which people have been able to have an increase of 2.5 cms in breast size by using this herb. People who have bigger breasts get faster results. People with smaller breasts react to the herb more slowly and need more time to reach the desired size.

This can be used by people of any age. At low doses no significant effect on breast enlargement is seen. The intake of this herb increases the sensitivity of the breast tissues within 24 hours of first dose. The process of breast enlargement continues for a while even after stopping consumption. If you continue to take regular doses even after the breasts have achieve the maximum possible size, the breast muscles would start getting toned up and the shape of the breasts would improve. The recommended dosage is 800 to 1200 mg per day. These are available in the market in the form of capsules and 1 capsule 3 times per day for 3 months can give you around 2cms of breast tissue growth.

Maintenance of female hormones and control of PMS and Menopause

This magic herb contains an element called puerarin miroesterol. This has the capability of influencing hypothalamus secretions and regulating the hormones responsible for ageing. Research reveals that this element is 1000 times stronger than the soy isoflavones. Pueraria mirifica is suitable for those with mental stress, suffering from menopausal symptoms, those with alopaecea, osteoporosis and sexual problems. Since this herb is full of essential nutrients, it is also beneficial for boosting up the immune system. Some disease symptoms such as nerve irritation, dizziness, skin blemishes, wrinkles, puffy face, muscle aches, palpitations, back cat, bent hip, hip pain, colds, crooked leg (type O) and knee-joint pain can be treated using this herb.

However, you should keep in mind that Pueraria mirifica is a very strong herb and if you don't use it under medical supervision, you might end up harming yourself also.

Weight Training After Knee Replacement Surgery


After knee replacement surgery and once you have been cleared by your orthopedic surgeon to resume your physical activities, there will be some changes that will have to be added. Theses adjustments will involve more of the high impact activities such as running, and jumping for instance.

When it comes to resistance or weight training, you should be able to continue as you had previously with some adjustments made to exercises such as heavy squats, or heavy deadlifts. These exercises however can be safely duplicated by using the leg press with lighter weights along with reducing the weight used on the deadlift and using higher repetitions to protect your knee replacement.

Having a knee replaced however does not mean your weight training days are over in fact, there should be a concerted effort on your part to be sure you continue to exercises to keep up not only your strength but, also to increase your muscle mass which in turns helps to burn more calories.

By weight training, you are increasing your bodies metabolism which helps you control your body weight which is important to reduce the amount of force through your knee prosthesis.

Knee replacement surgery will not affect your upper body exercises. The modifications come only with the affected leg or legs. For instance, you should be sure to include exercises for both lower extremities like hamstring curls, seated leg curls and the leg press. Exercises for your hips are important as well such as the abduction and adduction machines that many fitness centers have along with low back exercises.

Hyperextensions are a great exercise for your low back, hamstrings and gluteal muscles all wrapped up in one exercise without adding any stress at all to your knee prosthesis.

Calve raises are also another exercise you want to add to both lower extremities to add size and strength to your lower legs. By strengthening your affected leg or legs, you allow your muscles surrounding the knees to absorb the force of your body weight when walking and not your knees absorbing the full force.

This is done by continuing to weight train after your surgery and building strength throughout your body.

Many knee replacement recipients may keep up their current body weight or add additional weight through lack of physical exercise. The ideal solution after surgery is to start an exercises program that encompasses not only weight training but also a cardiovascular component that will allow you to live your life without physical restrictions.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Knee Pain When Walking - Remedies and Symptoms


Knees are tremendously prone to injuries and getting damaged. This is because they have complex structures, and are made up of bone, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. They usually undergo a lot of stress so we need to take extra care of them by taking the right preventive measures. We should also be aware of the symptoms of these knee injuries and what are the appropriate remedies for knee pain. Remember surgery is the last option and knee pain can be combated by various other means.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN

If the knee is sore, painful and swollen when you try to move it this may be caused by a tear in your ligaments or cartilage or else may be the case of softening of the soft tissue situated below the knee cap. Any of these might result in knee pain and as a result you may need surgery. In case of torn ligaments, your knee shape may also change. This is one of the most common types of knee injuries and if left untreated for long it can lead to knee surgery.

If you are unable to stretch your legs and experience pain when doing it then this may be the symptom of a torn hamstring which is a form of knee injury. If swelling appears along with inability to move then this symptom denotes that there has been over extension of the knee joint which happens when the knee joint straightens beyond a certain point. This is a common form of knee injury, especially among athletes who indulge in activities like running, turning and jumping.

After a serious knee injury your knee might be sore and you may be unable to walk, move well or carry items. You might have a torn the cushioning cartilage which is called the meniscus. This is actually a C-shaped part of fibro cartilage which is positioned at the peripheral aspect of the joint. The greater part of the meniscus has no blood supply. Hence when damaged due to a knee injury, the meniscus is unable to heal in the regular way. Additionally, as you grow older, the meniscus begins to get worse, frequently developing degenerative tears. Characteristically, when the meniscus is injured, the torn part starts to shift in an odd way inside the joint. Often such a situation calls for a knee surgery.

REMEDIES FOR KNEE INJURY

Any knee injury should not be ignored as else it might lead to knee surgery. So right from the onset opt for proper remedies to heal knee injury and prevent knee surgery.

Even if you do not have any knee injuries it is a good idea to give proper rest to your knee and avoid extreme activities that may initiate knee pain. Be cautious when working out as the wrong kind of work out or an excessive work out might lead to knee pain. Do not increase your work out pattern suddenly as that may strain your knees and cause knee pain. Always consult an expert before increasing or making any changes your exercise routine as sudden changes might cause knee injury. It's very vital to understand your body and treat it accordingly. Remember exercise is a must - but excessive exercise can cause knee injury and lead to knee pain.

Buy a good pair of shoes as this is essential gear that provides comfort to your leg and knees when you are walking, running or doing exercise. Do not compromise on quality over price as the shoe acts as a cushion to your leg and imparts much needed support. Also, for women, avoid pencil heels when you know you have to walk a lot as this may add a lot of pressure to your knees and cause injury.

Exercising is one of the best options to overcome knee pain and injuries that might lead to surgeries. Do stretching and other exercises as prescribed by the physical therapist or your trainer as this will help you to combat knee pain. This will help you to get rid of knee pain and be in shape while avoiding knee surgery. Do not exercise on hard surfaces that may hurt your knees.

There are plenty of pain reliever ointments available which are really effective for knee pain. But do not opt for just any of the medicines available. Consult your doctor concerning appropriate medicine. Frustrating knee pain may also be lessened using knee braces to provide firm support to your knee joints. It's important to strap it tightly as it may cause more damage.

Pay extra heed to take care of your knees and move ahead without pain!

Why Do I Have Burning Knee Joints? - Face the Pain With the Use of a Knee Brace


Whether you are an athlete, or you are just an active person, burning knee pain can ruin everything. You may be wondering how to address this pain without sleeping with a bottle of pain killers next to you. If you want to take a fresh look at how to face your knee pain, then read on...

When you suffer from burning knee pain, it can obviously keep you from enjoying simple daily activities. If you've ever experienced burning knee joints, you know how excruciating the pain can be. It's as if someone lit a fire under your patella.

So what should you do? Stop exercising? Stop living your life? Take a lot of pain medication on a routine basis? How about costly, long-lasting sessions of therapy? Or maybe an invasive surgical procedure is the only cure?

Face it: none of these options are pleasant, and while more extensive treatment may be necessary in the long run, there is something you can do in the meantime to help douse the fire: Wear a knee brace.

While only a qualified medical specialist can determine the cause of burning knee joints, in most cases, knee braces may help reduce the pain and add needed stability.

The burning joint pain that you feel in your knee is caused by inflammation. The burning knee pain you have can come from several different knee conditions. For instance wear and tear on the disc-like cartilage within the knee (otherwise known as the Meniscus), often causes inflammation, resulting in burning knee joints. Also, overuse can cause inflammation, as can arthritis, bursitis or a ligament tear. The inflammation is exacerbated by using the knee, and the more the knee is used, the more prominent the burning sensation becomes.

Consequently, any one of these and many other conditions can result in the symptom of burning knee joints.

A knee support is designed to easily fit on your leg, without being bulky, and can help support you while also allowing mobility. In this way, by helping to provide extra support to the joint itself, the brace helps to reduce stress on the joint when the knee is in use. The reduction of stress in turn helps to reduce the inflammation, and thus reduce the burning sensation. Therefore, with proper use, a knee brace may help you perform daily activities and partake in sports without being sidelined by burning knee joints.

This, of course is good news. But you may be thinking that you will have to save a ton of money to buy a well designed knee support. The even better news, therefore, is that in most cases, the knee brace you use does not have to be custom made!

There are many types and styles of knee braces available, each designed to fit your knee comfortably. This means that not only are knee braces readily available, but they are also more affordable since they do not have to be custom made.

Why Take Motorcycle Riding Gear Serious?


So you've finally dived straight into the scary world of motorcycling and bought your first bike but low and behold you've just found out you need to get more accessories to avoid any serious injury and to ensure you operate at your best while on the ride with your bike. Quality motorcycle riding gear is no joke and should be taken serious. It doesn't take a genius to realize that decent riding gear will improve your overall ability to also improve your enjoyment. The ultimate purpose of motorcycle riding gear is to protect you in the unlikely event of ending up in an accident or collision. Let's break it down into what accessories you'll need and what you can expect to pay on average.

• Motorcycle Helmets - The most important of the bunch. Look for helmets that have been certified by the DOT or by the Snell Foundation. This matter is not to be taken lightly as studies show that rider's are more likely to survive an accident when using certified helmets. Types available include; Full face, Open face, Hal face or Skid Lid, Modular or Flip-up, Off Road/Motocross, and lastly Novelty Helmets (most of these are not certified by the DOT).

• Motorcycle Leather Jacket - The basic idea here is to offer you protection on your elbows, chest and back. Be careful of knock-off or Cheap leather jackets made from pig or goat's leather. You want leather jackets made from Cow hide or Buffalo. Yamaha has an extensive range of leather jackets with a strong focus on protection and performance. Another recommended brand is Olympia that specializes in Viper Mesh textile jackets that are multi-functional offering super ventilation and can transform to short sleeved garments with the clever use of zips.

• Motorcycle Boots - Your main aim here is to get boots that are breathable and comfortable. It's very important that the boot provides support for your ankles and heels. Two different types of motorcycle boots are available namely Tall and Short Biker boots. Short boots are popular due to the fact that they offer more free movement but don't protect your shins and upper leg. Tall boots are the most popular and offer maximum protection from the elements (like riding in winter) and your body in the event of a collision.

• Motorcycle Gloves - Crucial in keeping your hands safe and warm. It's important to have good circulation while maintaining a decent grip while riding and shifting gears. Consider investing in a quality pair of Motorcycle Heated Gloves that serve to protect your hands while providing warmth when you most need it in winter months.

• Motorcycle Pants - These need to be comfortable and durable at the same time. Olympia offer great quality pants that keep you well ventilated without feeling the chill of winter. Alternative leather brands keep your knees well protected.

Companies like Yamaha and Olympia have invested millions into the research and development of highly functional motorcycle riding gear so all you have to do is consult your local dealer or look online.

Seniors Arthritis - How to Stop Arthritis Pain Without Taking Those Dangerous NSAID Drugs


As seniors, we can fall victim to painful and destructive arthritis. It is usually osteoarthritis, a wear and tear type of condition that simply means the protective shock absorber (cartilage) between the bones is wearing away. Cartilage protects from bone to bone contact in the joint. About 75% of all seniors suffer from it to one degree or another.

Osteoarthritis is usually found in the weight bearing joints, such as the knees and hips, but other joints can also be affected. It's a painful condition, and if left untreated, it only gets worse. If it gets to the point where there is no cartilage left, then it comes down to painful joint replacement surgery, or a life of limited mobility.

Many seniors will just allow the condition to deteriorate, until they are forced to see a doctor. Often, if a doctor has diagnosed osteoarthritis, he or she will prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug known as NSAID. While that type of drug can reduce the pain, it's not really treating the condition, only the symptoms. So, while your pain may decrease, you still keep losing cartilage. Doesn't sound like the best solution, does it?

You also have the very real and potentially deadly side effects of NSAID drugs to deal with. You have undoubtedly seen ads for these drugs on TV. The next time you see one, pay particular attention to the side effects listed. There are many and include potentially fatal heart attack or stroke and internal bleeding. This is pretty serious stuff, but fortunately you do have other options.

First of course, you want to stop the pain. You can do that with good, natural osteoarthritis remedies. The right one can also start to regenerate the joint cartilage you have lost. So, no more losing that crucial cartilage and no worrying about those horrible NSAID side effects.

Also, if you have some extra pounds that you're carrying, now is a good time to lose them. Each extra pound of weight, puts an additional three or more pounds of stress on your weight bearing joints. So, you can see, that just losing a few pounds can have a positive impact.

You may want to review your diet too. A few minor changes, if necessary, can help with weight control, as well as helping to improve your general health. After you have your pain under control, why not try some moderate exercise? Walking is a good one to start with and being a low impact exercise, it's great for arthritic conditions and can give you an extra energy boost.

Orthovisc: Stop Osteoarthritis Without Surgery


Knee osteoarthritis is the progressive deterioration of the joints and cartilage brought about by the daily grinding and friction of bones. A normal joint have adequate supply of synovial fluid that cushions the cartilage and allows the bones to smoothly slide. Old age decreases the amount of synovial fluid in between the bones and it eventually results to osteoarthritis. There are other options on how to treat and manage osteoarthritis other than weight management (diet and low impact exercise), physical therapy and taking of mild pain relievers.

Some patients take nutritional supplements such as glucosamine (animo acids that repair the cartilage), chondroitin (a form of natural sugar that helps strengthens the cartilage) and methylsulfonylmethane (natural sulfur that is anti-inflammatory found in plants). They take these supplements in conjunction with their lifestyle change program. If the ailment continues to worsen health providers will generally recommend surgery (arthroscopy, osteotomy and knee replacement). For those who are not yet ready or do not want to have knee surgery they opt to have viscosupplementary shots such as Orthovisc or Anika Orthovisc.

Viscossupplementary shots work by supplementing the synovial fluids present in between the knee joints to reduce pain on the knees; for the patient to be mobile and be able to resume normal activities.

Orthovisc: A Review

There are other viscosupplementation drugs available such as Synvisc, Eufexxa and Halgan, but Orthovisc is the most preferred because it contains high molecular weight hyaluran that did not come from avian sources (birds). Therefore, it is safe to use for those who have allergies to eggs and chicken. It was approved by the FDA in February 2, 2005. Its effects will last for six months. There are no serious side effects reported about this drug except for slight pain on the injected area and inflammation which will go away in few days naturally. The shots will be given for 3-4 weeks with 7 days interval. Gradually the knee pain will diminish and patient would be able to walk around with no more pain for 6 months.

It is possible to buy Orthovisc online at the lowest discounted rate. DrMax.biz is an online wholesaler of orthopedic and cosmetic medicines. This company sells Orthovisc from Canada and other brand name quality prescription at the lowest wholesale prices to licensed medical practitioners only. Buying Orthovisc online is very quick and easy. Just visit any online website selling drugs made from Canada.

Preparing Your Dog For Airplane Travel


Thousands of dogs fly every year. If they could talk; the majority of them would get down on their knees to beg their owners never to force them to repeat the experience.

Unless your dog is small enough to be crated and tucked under your seat, where you have complete control, he or she will be flying in the cargo hold. This is an extremely traumatic experience for many dogs. Some stress out so much, they don't survive it. Others, have such a negative association, it at times causes serious behavioral problems, mainly abandonment issues.

Suggestions to prepare your dog for their flight are:

1. ACCLIMATE YOUR DOG TO THEIR CRATE: If your dog is not crate trained, several weeks before the trip, purchase a crate to allow them to get accustom to it. Place small treats and toys inside, feed them in it, and allow them to sleep in it. They must associate the crate with good things. Leave the door open.

2. MOTION: Once your dog is comfortable with being in the crate, close the crate door while they are in it. If the crate is small, pick it up with the dog inside and carry it around. If it is too large to lift, gently slide it around. Reassure your dog that everything is 'OK'. Repeat this as often as needed. This will help reduce some of the stress of what they will encounter at the airport.

3. MOTION: To prepare your dog for some of the motion they will experience, take them for rides in the car, while they are crated. Start with short car rides; gradually increase the length of time.

4. NOISE: To desensitize your dog to some of the unfamiliar noises they will be experiencing, make a tape of airplane engine sounds and severe weather. Begin playing them softly, and slowly as your dog adjusts, increase the volume, until your dog no longer pays attention to it. Airport and airplane noises can be deafening, and extremely disturbing to many dogs.

5. SEDATION: If you sense your dog is too frighten by the above, or if they suffer from motion sickness, speak to your veterinarian about a mild sedative. You will just need enough to take the edge off, not knock them out completely! For some dogs, a motion sickness medication is just enough to take care of both problems.

6. IDENTIFICATION: If your dog is not micro chipped, now is the time to do it! Also make you have updated ID tags on your dog, with emergency contact address and phone numbers...including one with the address and phone number of your destination. Place the same information in a non-detachable, waterproof manner on their crate. Remember to remove the vacation destination location on the return trip home. You want only your address and phone number.

7. IMMUNIZATION: Be sure your dog is current on all their required inoculations. Carry those papers with you in your hand luggage. This way you will have their health certificate should the airline require it.

8. LEASH: Carry your dog's leash in your hand luggage. Should there be an extended delay, an overnight delay, or your dog escapes from the crate, you will be glad you have it handy.

9. WITHHOLD FOOD and WATER: Food should be withheld for 6 hours prior to your flight. Water should be with held for 2 hours. Make sure the empty water bottle is attached to the crate, should there be a delay. You may need to inform the airline staff that your dog is in cargo, and will need to be hydrated.

10. NATURE CALL: Prior to crating your dog, allow them enough time to relieve him or her self. Do not rush them! Upon arrival to your final destination, you may find you dog soiled in the crate...be sensitive to what they have just gone through. Consider how many times YOU used a rest room during this flight.

11. DISTRACTIONS: Place one or two of your dog's favorite toys, and blanket in the crate. Also by placing an item of yours, such as a T-shirt you have worn; the scent may give your dog a needed sense of security.

12. NON-STOP FLIGHT: Whenever possible, book a non-stop flight. Trying to make connecting flights is one of the leading causes of dogs being misplaced, put on the wrong plane, or left sitting in the baggage area.

13. TIME OF DAY PREFERRED: Cargo holds are not heated or cooled while the plane is on the ground. To avoid hypothermia or heat exhaustion; in the summer try to fly early in the morning, or in the evening. Remember, most thunderstorms occur in the afternoons, sometimes causing a delay for several hours. In the winter, try to book your flight during daylight hours.

14. INFORM THE FLIGHT CREW: The pilots are usually informed if there is an animal in the cargo hold. However, they have a lot on their minds. Ask a flight attendant to remind the captain, so they can monitor the temperature and air pressure gauges for the cargo hold.

15. AIRPORT DEPARTURE: Arrive at the airport with time to spare. Your dog does not need to sense any more stress than they are already experiencing.

16. AIRPORT DESTINATION: Get your dog BEFORE you get your luggage. Ask if there is a designated area where they are allowed to relieve themselves. Give your dog a small drink...they are most likely dehydrated. Don't let them over do it though...remember their stomach is empty. Give them a special treat. They are hungry, and they earned it! The security and relief your dog will sense simply seeing you, will help them from feeling abandoned. Your luggage can always be replaced.

17. FINAL DESTINATION: Your dog has just had an experience you would not wish for yourself. When you arrive at your final destination, allow them enough time to calm down and adjust to their new location. Remember, they have to repeat this horrendous experience on the return trip home.

Bottom Line: Whenever possible, try to make arrangements for your dog to stay home. Traveling on an airplane is not a pleasant event. Either board them in a reputable boarding facility, where they can make new friends...some even have pet-cams where you can watch on a computer, what your dog is doing all day. Or, find a reliable pet sitter. Your dog will be happiest in his or her own home, on their regular schedule, and you will have the added benefit of having someone watch your home for you.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Knee Surgery Brace - The Top 3 Benefits For Using Braces After a Surgical Procedure - Special Report


Knee Surgery Brace

How are your knees doing right now?

Do you ever have knee pain problems after surgery?

Introduction: Surgery sometimes is our only option, in order to help our knees. Although surgery can be an effective form of treatment, this does not guarantee your knee will be injury free afterwards! This free information will help you to understand why a brace is important after surgery. We will discuss the top three reasons why support is important.

1.) Protection

After you have a surgery, the last thing you will want to do is have another one! Right?

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to think about protecting your knee after a surgical procedure. You knee joint and any repairs can benefit from a surgery, but if you want to keep things safe, you will need to think about security afterwards. This is why knee braces can be extremely effective. The proper support can help you to avoid hurtful movements that can re-injure your knee. If you do not believe us, then ask someone who has had multiple knee surgeries. They will probably tell you they would do anything to avoid another one, and they will probably promote the use of anything that would help them avoid surgery.

2.) Pain Relief

Often times, when people put on a knee brace, they will almost instantly refer to the pain relief that they get. Not only will the relief come from physical pain relief, but they will also have an emotional relief as well, knowing that their knee is much more safe inside of a well designed support. - Just stop anyone on the street, who uses a knee brace and ask them what they think about it... They will probably tell you that one of the best things about the brace is that their pain goes down when they wear it!

3.) Promote Healing

Knee braces do not cure you. However, what they can do is really help to promote an environment for your knee to heal naturally. Excessive movements can be controlled and it is at these very moments, when you do not re-injure yourself, that you will be happy you had additional support. Sure, we call can mentally control our knee movements, but what about when you forget? What about when you sleep, are you thinking about your knee? - A knee brace won't forget about your knee and there is nothing quite like using one for yourself when you need to heal! (This is helpful health information, but remember to speak with your doctor about medical advice.)

Everything You Know About Knee Therapy Is Wrong


A few years ago there was an article written in Men's Health Magazine titled "Everything You Know About Muscle Is Wrong." by Christopher McDougall

The article talks in detail about what scientists have discovered as being the secret to healing long time sports injuries, improving posture, and building a stronger, faster more athletic body is actually hidden within you.

What essentially they are talking about is the patterns that develop in the connective tissue of the body. Just think of the ruts in an old dirt road that no matter how you try to drive your tires still end up in the ruts...

Connective tissue also know as fascia surrounds our muscles, organs and bones. This connective tissue or fascia is what needs to begin to change in order for knee therapy to be permanent and long lasting. So back to the comparison of the ruts in the dirt road, if the ruts are not smoothed out you are always going to fall back into the old patterns in your body.

So what does this article have to do with your knee pain and how does it tie into your knee therapy?

Well I'm glad you asked!

The patterns your body takes on as a result of a long time period of stress, trauma or injury are functional patterns for the stress, trauma, or injury however these same patterns become dysfunctional when they continue to present problems for your body resulting in chronic knee pain.

The key is to begin doing your knee therapy exercises slowly and with conscious awareness. The more awareness you bring to the table the more your mind is able to connect with that part of your body, namely your knees and begins to re-pattern the dysfunctional tension patterns in your body reducing the pressure going to your knees.

One drawback on the article is it only covers how to actively re-pattern these dysfunctional tension patterns through modalities of body work like Rolfing and Feldenkrais. At the end of the article they also talk about how doing this yourself can take a very long time...

This is partially true however there is a much easier and much quicker form of knee therapy I refer to as "passive stretching" that I cover in my Virtual Knee Pain Clinic. This approach works with the tension in the nervous system that builds up as a result of the body tensing up to protect itself. By teaching our body to understand what comfort is you avoid the entire tension mechanism and allow your body to "reset" itself.

When your nervous system is reset...It is much easier to go in and do the slow controlled knee therapy exercises that hold longer with better faster results...

MCL Injury From Football - Treatment Options - Knee Braces Will Help


The Medial Collateral Ligament or the MCL is one of the two important collateral ligaments. It is located on the inside of the knee joint and associates the femur or thighbone with the shinbone or the tibia.

The MCL may get torn when the knee is bent in a wrong way while landing or when something hard hits the knee forcefully. This type of injury usually occurs mostly when one is engaged in skiing and American football. In American football, the guards and center players get this injury because of their cleats, a US boot that is worn before playing football and baseball. To reduce the number of MCL injuries, companies are now trying to develop better cleats.

According to sports doctors, the PRICE protocol should be followed immediately after an injury occurs. PRICE stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. For protection, use cohesive bandages. These bandages stick to themselves and help in reducing the swelling. Rest is highly recommended as well; avoid engaging in any sports activity while still injured.

Ice packs should also be used for twenty minutes after the injury, and repeated after every six hours. It will cool down the tissues which will reduce the pain and prevent further damage to the tissues. Air cast Knee Cryo/Cuff is a method for ice therapy and can be used to reduce the pain and swelling by providing cold water and compression for six hours. This method is used for home treatment.

The last is elevation, which means that your knee should be elevated.

However, if over 10 percent of tissues have been damaged, then rehabilitation under the supervision of a licensed physiotherapist may be required to prevent the recurrence of the injury. When the MCL is completely torn and other ligaments are also injured, surgery may be recommended. Arthroscopic surgery may also be required in cases of serious injuries. It uses a camera placed in the knee to enable the surgeons to view the damaged structures directly.

Most of the patients who have this kind of injury are asked to use a knee brace for support and to limit the knee's movements.

After injury the patient may feel weakness; it is normal. He can perform proprioception exercises while recovering; it will help in healing the injury soon. Wobble Board is a tool that can be used at home to continue proprioception exercises.

Do not try to diagnose the injury or heal the pain or swelling by yourself. In case of any injury to your knee, immediately consult your physician.

Hydrotherapy For Knee Arthritis - What If I Can't Swim?


Many people can't swim, are uncomfortable around water, or have an outright fear of water. Does this mean that they cannot benefit from hydrotherapy?

Firstly let's consider why hydrotherapy is good for arthritic knees. The two main reasons are the effects of heat and the support of body weight. Stiffness is aggravated by cold and eased by heat. This is why winter can be a miserable time for arthritis sufferers. Osteoarthritis is also mainly a disease of the weight-bearing joints. Just as increased load tends to aggravate pain (through being overweight for example), a decreased load can lead to less pain.

Waist deep water is usually enough to exercise in. Most people can build water confidence by continually holding onto the edge and by beginning in shallow water. It is possible to do a complete knee workout in 4 feet of water. To get the full weight supporting effect of water you need to submerge up to the neck, but this can be done gradually and in shallow water - swimming is not required.

If you are nervous around water, please don't automatically discount hydrotherapy as you may be missing out on a valuable tool in the fight against osteoarthritis. Group exercise can even be a lot of fun.

Speak to your physical therapist and be honest about your concerns. They are used to helping people overcome their fears around water and most purpose build hydrotherapy pools are no more than chest deep.

Give it a try. This could be just what the doctor ordered

Knee Pain Treatment - All About The Importance Of Knee Braces


The biggest reason why you should be concerned about your knees is that it happens to be the largest joint in the human body. However, as we age, our muscles will begin to deteriorate and the joint muscles in our knees are no exception. As a results, joint pains happen to everybody.

A sprain happens when the muscles which connect your bones together are strained. Obviously, this results in a lot of pain, however if the strain were very serious, a temporary inability to walk may also be probable.

Second and third degree sprains are the worst of them all. These kinds of sprains don't just have strained ligaments, they are actually torn. Healing the damage will take weeks and quite a bit of physical therapy, but sometimes, surgery may be considered an option especially if the damage is deteriorating.

In addition knee pain there are other signs which can tell you that your knees are having trouble.


  • Swelling

  • Inability to Walk

  • The Sound of Grating

  • Numbing

  • Discoloration

Although there different kinds of treatment for knee pain, perhaps the most practical of them all would be a knee brace. And even though not a perfect solution, one of these can prevent further damage to your joints while helping it heal faster.

In addition to an ordinary medical knee brace, there are other types of braces for knee pain relief. A good example would be a sports knee brace. These kinds of knee braces usually come in many forms, including "basketball knee braces" or "football knee braces." You may use these braces in conjunction with other braces as well as other knee pain remedies.

In terms of costs, knee braces are not that expensive. Most knee brace sites can give you a good price, provided you know how to find them. The best way to start your search is by looking up online medical supplies sites with brace credentials on Google.

Perhaps the best thing about knee braces as knee pain treatments is that they are very simple. Unlike medication or even surgery, a medical brace only requires you to wear it for a given amount of time. Most people who suffer from joint pains already use them, so there's no point in getting worked up about using them. Knee pains and arthritis are problems which happen to almost every person. But with the help of a medical knee brace, treating it will be a lot easier.

Knee Pain: Natural Treatment Works Best


Knee pain is very common in modern life. This is not surprising since knees provide major support for walking, standing and getting up from sitting or lying down. They are also at risk of injuries from bumping into hard surfaces or twisting the wrong way. Pain in the knees ranges from a dull ache to intense pain that prevents even walking.

Most of the time, natural methods can help knee pain. These include self-care people can do at home. They also include natural medicine. In a few cases, however, medical treatment, including surgery, may be necessary.

Accompanying Symptoms

In most cases of knee pain, there may also be additional symptoms. Here are some of the things to notice:


  • Swelling of the knee due to inflammation

  • Stiffness in the knee joint causing weakness, instability and reduced movement

  • Popping or crunching sounds whenever the knees are moved

Possible Causes

Knee aches and pains do not always happen from just one cause. They can also happen from a combination of reasons at once. These reasons include:

Injuries: Injuries cause ligaments, tendons and sacs of the knee joint become inflamed.

Structural Problems: These also add to knee pain. Moving the wrong way can lead to locking knees, dislocated kneecaps, and hip or foot pain going to the knees.

Arthritis: Inflammation is at the root of arthritic pain. Many things can cause inflammation.

Other problems can also lead to pain in the knees. These include tightness of the muscles of the leg.

Natural Treatments Recommended

Fortunately, there are effective natural treatments for knee pain. To get the best results, it is important to choose the right method of treatment. At the same time, it is a good idea to treat the accompanying symptoms of such pain.

You may be asking why we do not recommend medications as first options for most knee pain. This is because there are considerable risks of side effects. And they are not always effective in relieving the pain. On top of that, these drugs do not take care of the underlying problems that caused the pain in the first place. For example, injections of corticosteroids into the knee joint are not effective in all cases, not to mention carries the risk of infection that can aggravate the pain.

The following natural treatments have high levels of safety, efficacy and affordability:


  • Resting the knee joint to avoid placing more pressure on it. This allows the knee to heal.

  • Applying ice on the affected knee to reduce the pain, swelling and inflammation.

  • Using compression methods to prevent fluid buildup.

For some people, nutritional supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are effective. Acupuncture can also provide long-term relief from knee pain. In time, your knees should feel better and look healthier.