Saturday, November 9, 2013

Hyaluronic Acid Research


Hyaluronic acid research has existed for over 40 years now. Research has shown that a good dose is 200 mg. taken dividedly each day. Medical researchers have also called it hyaluronan or hyaluronate. They have discovered that hyaluronic acid is actually found naturally in many tissues of your body like the skin, the cartilage and the vitreous humor. The first biomedical product ever developed from hyaluronic acid was approved for use in opthalomological applications for cornea transplant, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery and retinal attachment surgery.

Research on hyaluronic acid has actually been very successful. Products derived from hyaluronic research have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2003. This acid is used to monitor the progression of certain diseases. It is used as a tumor marker for prostate and breast cancer. It has been used as a food supplement to enhance the knee joints and treat osteoarthritis and to induce tissue healing after cataract surgery. In addition, it has been proven to be good for the skin.

Hyaluronic acid can now be used to work through several mechanisms of action. It can restore normal synovial fluid with improved viscoelasticity, improve the effects of cartilage biosynthesis and degradation as well as anti-inflammatory effects and direct analgesic effects. This is the most important effect it has for athletes. You can use it to protect the synovial fluid in the knee and help treat osteoarthritis. Effects are induced by injecting the acid into the knee.

Hyaluronic acid can also be converted into powder form and applied as a cosmetic ingredient. It is the next generation anti-aging supplement that can help give you healthier skin texture, resulting in a more moisturized and younger appearance. It can remedy facial wrinkles. It works in the same manner as collagen injections but has a longer lasting effect with fewer allergic reactions.

How to Heal Quickly After a Rhinoplasty


Some people opt for rhinoplasty because they're not satisfied with the shape and size of their nose. Every operation takes time to recover and it's really big discomfort, so here are some tips to heal faster than the average person.

Swelling and bruising are normal after the operation. The patient will experience it for more than a week, but it's much better if the swelling is checked by your doctor. You must avoid taking aspirin, vitamin C, E and ibuprofen after the surgery for at least 3-4 weeks. This will just increase the swelling and delay your recovery.

You have to limit your everyday activities as your nose is still regenerating and it is very fragile. Avoid activities that can cause injury and trauma. It can make things worse. Your nose might shift or pain might occur if these things happen. You can put a cold compress over your nose. You may use a frozen cloth or a soft pack. This will serve as a temporary relief for bruising and swelling. You must do this after 24 hours after the surgery.

Also, avoid touching your nose. Our hands touch many things and if you are unsure if it's clean and touch it, infection might occur. When you're sleeping, make sure you'll not hit your nose on the sides of your bed or a pillow. You can sleep in a reclining position, you may use three pillows, and this will help drain the fluid inside your nose. Never take pain reliever because this will make your blood thinner which makes you more prone to bleeding and swelling. Take the recommended medication, which is prescribed by your doctor.

If you experience any pain, ask your doctor what's the best medicine for it. Before doing anything when you're in recovery, the best thing you need to do is consult your surgeon. By doing this, your recovery might go smoothly and you will not experience any complications.

How to Treat Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis


Believe it or not you can in fact be born with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where in the U.S approximately 300,000 babies a year are diagnosed with some form of arthritis with RA being the most common.

Known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or JRA, this is often detected when your toddler or young child will complain of stiffness, joint pain and swelling.

JRA Cause

The cause is still not fully understood. Genetic traits may play a part but why your own body mistakenly attacks its healthy cells at such a young age - known as auto-immune disorder - causing the joints to swell is unclear, however what triggers this action is thought to stem from an environmental toxin.

JRA Symptoms

Like many forms of JRA, it can either go undetected for years or the symptoms will become noticeable shortly after birth.

As mentioned, swelling, joint pain and stiffness, especially before your child gets up in the morning can be worse before the day pans out and occasionally the lymph nodes will swell up, where a fever might develop along with a rash.

Internal organs can also become affected but this is rare.

Diagnosing JRA

If you feel your child has some form of arthritis or you are simply concerned over the joint pain they're experiencing, visit a pediatric rheumatologist.

They will carry out the standard tests such as a blood test, a physical, ask about the symptoms and maybe take some xrays.

This diagnosis won't confirm JRA but once all alternative ailments have been ruled out and if the symptoms still persist after 6 weeks, then JRA is often confirmed.

There are 3 types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

1. Systemic JRA

This is the least likely form of JRA and includes all the symptoms listed above and it also affects the internal organs.

This is the most serious form of JRA and accounts for 20% of all JRA cases. It also increases your childs chances of JRA not disappearing but developing into RA in their teens and twenties.

2. Pauciarticular JRA

This affects roughly 50% of JRA cases where most children grow out of it, but you have to be careful with one of the symptoms which is swelling of the eyes that can lead to a loss of vision down the years, so be sure to consult an ophthalmologist.

It will only affect a few joints, those being the major ones like the arm and knee joint.

3. Polyarticular JRA

This is quite serious as 30% of polyarticular sufferers are unable to shake off this form of JRA in childhood.

It frequently affects a handful of both big and small joints and is predictable in its nature by targeting the same joints on each side of the body.

Anemia is also a risk so plenty of physical therapy is advised to keep the child active and fit.

JRA Treatment

Fortunately modern medicine and natural supplements today will help prevent JRA from flaring up, where a worst case scenario would affect the child's bone development.

This quite severe case though is now treated through physical therapy and medication, restricting any potential growth defects.

However, what's disturbing in the West is that like adults who are prescribed NSAIDs, so are children.

This is worrying because NSAIDs can deliver dangerous side effects and can also affect the health of the liver, kidney and heart.

VIOXX and Celebrex were recently withdrawn from the market for posing exactly these dangers, so if you want to avoid these pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory supplements, and not place your child in harms way, the following natural anti-inflammatory ingredients will help reduce the swelling safely, numb the pain and increase bone density.


  • Glucosamine Complex

  • Reishi

  • Chondroitin Sulfate

  • MSM

  • Magnezium and Calcium Suplements

  • Vitamin C and D

  • Ginger

  • Tongkat Ali

  • Capsaicin

  • White Willow Bark

Inflammation of Knees Can Be Very Painful


Inflammation of knees is painful and can often interfere with our ability to play sports or to exercise. Inflammation of knees is often chronic, which means we may get it many times over our lifetime, unless we take the proper measures to fix it. If you have a swollen knee, you have to remember that that is natures way of immobilizing the knee to prevent further injury.

What you should do is have plenty of rest. Rest takes the pressure off the joint and relieves the pain. If you elevate your leg, this will help reduce the swelling. You can of course see your doctor and get medication for the pain. But remember this. The COX 2 inhibitors, that doctors prescribed for arthritic type pain, have resulted in thousands of law suites being lodged against the major pharmaceutical companies.

Because of this, many people are now choosing to go the natural way to treat their inflammation of knees. The natural way is generally taking Omega 3 supplements, and if the pain is real bad, taking Omega 3 supplements in conjunction with the green lipped mussel powder put out by a New Zealand company. They have discovered a new way of processing this powder, which gives it greater anti-inflammatory properties

The Maoris of New Zealand were well known for the fact that they never suffered from joint pains. The scientists put this down to their diet which consisted of mainly seafood and shellfish, including the green lipped mussel. This diet of Omega 3 fatty acids has been proven over and over again to alleviate the swellings and the pain often associated with arthritic type diseases.

Another thing you can do is use a knee pad, this will protect your knee and keep it warm. One thing I would advise is that you seek the advice of a doctor before you start any type of home remedy. Only a qualified professional can diagnose the cause of your inflammation of knees, and recommend the best course of action.

Luxating Patella in Toy Poodle


You and your Toy Poodle is at the peak of your excitement playing fetch when suddenly, Fluffy yelps in pain, pulls his one leg off the ground and limps in agony. But after around ten agonizing minutes, he is back to normal and again on-the-go to play with you. This seems some sort of a joke but this is not something to be taken for granted because your dog is definitely suffering from knee joint abnormality.

Luxating patella is one of the most common knee joint abnormalities in dogs. Also called trick knee, subluxation of patella or floating patella, luxating patella is a condition in which the patella or kneecap dislocates and moves out of its normal location. This patella or kneecap should be located in the center of the knee joint but moves out of place because of traumatic injury or congenital deformities. Sometimes, only one knee is involved, but this disease can affect both knees. Toy and miniature dog breeds especially Toy Poodles are more likely to develop luxating patella. This disease usually develops in dogs between four to six months old but may also affect new born puppies.

The signs of the disease vary depending on the severity of the condition. Affected dogs usually exhibit lameness, intermittent skipping gait, pain and stiffness of the hind limb. A dog affected with luxating patella may show only one or all signs. Some can tolerate the problem for many years, some for all their lives.

Luxating patella should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent osteoarthritis from developing. This weakness in the knee may also result to other injuries such as torn cruciate ligaments. In order for the disease to be treated, the four grades of patellar luxation must be determined. The treatment is then prescribed based on the diagnostic grade. Grades III and IV, and most grade II cases are treated surgically. During the surgery, the alignment problem is corrected, the groove in the femur is deepened so the patella will stay in place (sulcoplasty) and the capsule around the joint is tightened.

Ten to fourteen days after the surgery, your pet should be touching the toes to the ground and should be using the limb well after two to three months. To help your dog recover after the surgery, additional help can be given with the use of pet ramps, stairs or steps.

An Overview of Unloader Knee Braces


In the US, over 10 million people suffer from arthritis in the knee known as osteoarthritis, which is the wear and tear type of arthritis. Treatments for arthritis of the knee are designed to avoid the last resort which is a knee replacement. Why? A knee replacement is one of the most successful procedures in surgery today with regards to improving quality of life. However, it is not designed to last forever, so if it can be delayed that is best.

It is not a good idea to just stop doing activities. That may help a bit, but the knee actually needs activity to help promote cartilage health. Our joints are designed for being used, not ignored!

One of the methods that are used non-operatively for knee arthritis includes knee bracing. There are three areas of the knee, called compartments, where arthritis develops. There is one on the inside, called the medial compartment, and the outside one is called the lateral compartment. The third one sits between the kneecap and the joint, known as the patello-femoral compartment.

Typically, knee arthritis involves one compartment more than others. This is known as uni-compartmental arthritis.

The most affected compartment with arthritis is the medial compartment. There is a specific kind of brace known as an unloading knee brace which is designed to take pressure off the arthritic region. Other names for the brace are an "offloader" or "offloading" or "unloading" brace.

Unloading braces are custom designed and made of a combination of plastic, foam, and steel struts. They work on three pressure points to unload the arthritic area from stress on the inside of the knee to the outside part where arthritis is not as severe.

Studies looking at offloading braces have shown that they do help considerably with decreasing pain and improving function. The unloading braces are often covered by insurance and need to be custom fitted. That way they can be tailored to the individual patient's anatomy and needs.

The braces serve a "load sharing" purpose by absorbing the stresses during the realignment. They can be slightly bulky, so consideration is necessary of whether to wear the brace outside the pants or under loose clothing.

A treatment program consisting of physical therapy, medications such as NSAIDS, injections into the joint, along with the bracing can put patients into a new realm of a pain free existence.

Undergoing a total knee replacement is a quality of life procedure and is typically very successful. There are risks associated with the procedure and it is not designed to last forever. It should be considered a last resort, however, and bracing fits nicely into a non-operative regimen designed to keep patients out of the operating room.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Knee Pain - Could This Be a Symptom of Arthritis?


More and more Americans young and old are suffering from knee pain on a daily basis. The pain may range from mild to severe but debilitating none of the less. Unfortunately, people make the mistake of thinking that they may have a knee injury of some sort but not realizing it may be a symptom of arthritis.

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects over 40 million Americans over the age of fifty. The symptoms cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. It may also cause joint deformities and restricted range of motion. In the case of knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, the swelling in the knee joints is caused by cartilage damage and sometimes excess mineral deposits in the tissues.

The cartilage in the knee is a protective covering that works to serve as a buffer between bones. The knee cartilage keeps the bones from rubbing against one another. If it wears out through a knee injury or just plain old age, the protection is no long there causing knee pain.

Your diet can also play a role in your susceptibility to knee joint pain. If your diet is constantly high in sugar, this can cause dehydration of the joints because it becomes too concentrated with sugar instead of water. Water is needed for lubrication of the joints for free mobility and other vital tissue function. This is why it is important to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.

Of course not all knee pain is cause by arthritis. However, if the pain is constant and you notice it when walking up stairs, stooping down, or squatting then it might be worth making an appointment to see your doctor. Also you may hear a constant grinding and knee popping which may also be a symptom of osteoarthritis.

Fortunately, there is good news for arthritis pain sufferers. If you indeed find out your are in the early stages of arthritis, there are some very good natural products on the market that have been proven to work.

One natural supplement that is widely used in these products is called Glucosamine. Glucosamine is a natural substance found in shell fish which helps to rebuild damage cartilage. Other supplements such as MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) and Chondroitin are also used in these products. MSM is a natural sulfur compound that helps sweeps away excess mineral deposits and chondroitin is needed to help the body produce more new cartilage.

If you decide that a natural product is the way to go, make sure it has natural ingredients that work together to reduce joint pain and inflammation, help to rebuild damage cartilage, and reduce excess mineral deposits in the joints. You no longer have to suffer from knee pain caused by arthritis. There is help.

Understanding the Causes of Severe Knee Pain - An Overview - Treatment Options


How are your knees doing? Are they "killing" you?

If you are coping with severe knee pain, a quick glance at the waiting room of nearly any hospital emergency room across the country would show you that you're not alone. In fact, it is estimated that as many as one in three Americans over the age of 45 have reported experiencing some type of knee pain. Many people are surprised to learn that knee problems are not always caused by some sort of traumatic injury.

So What Causes Knee Pain?

While an injury is the most common cause of severe knee pain, there are several other potential causes of which you should be aware. Arthritis is to blame for a large number of incidents of severe knee pain problems and though most tend to think of arthritis as being reserved for 'old people', there is no minimum age limit. Young people are known to suffer from arthritis just as the elderly do.

Inflammation

The knee is surrounded by three major fluid filled sacs called bursae (the plural form of the term 'bursa'). In the condition known as septic bursitis, those sacs have become infected with bacteria. The bacteria can in turn cause the bursae to inflame and thus cause the severe knee pain known as bursitis. Incidentally, this is the very same bacteria that cases staph infections on the skin (known as staphylococcus) and it can cause severe knee pain that is as bad as the pain associated with a staph infection.

Knee Braces - The Runner's Badge of Honor

Of course there are plenty of physical traumas that can lead to severe knee pain as well. Many runners are more than happy to proudly display their scars from visits to the surgeon when they've had one of any number of dislocations, ligament tears and / or fractures. Even the ones who haven't had surgery can be seeing carefully putting on their knee brace before starting out on their daily run. The knee brace is seen as a badge of honor among many diehard marathon runners.

The same can be said for nearly any other sport including the seemingly sedentary golf. That's right; golfers are prone to severe knee pain as well! Everything from simple strains and sprains up to and including a torn meniscus is far more common among avid golfers than you might think.

Before you think that you are safe from having knee problems of your own because you aren't involved in sports, you should know that a tremendous number of knee injuries don't occur during sporting events at all. In fact, the condition referred to earlier in this article - knee bursitis - is also commonly referred to as housewife's knee, roofer's knee or carpet layer's knee and none of those qualify as sports.

Severe knee pain can be caused by traumatic injury related to sports play or it might simply be a genetic issue that the slightest trauma may bring to your awareness. Regardless of the cause, severe knee pain should be diagnosed and treated by your physician as soon as possible to lessen the likelihood of permanent knee damage.

In the end, your knee pain is your business. You can address it as you see fit. If you have never considered using a brace, now should be the time that you take a moment to do so, for your own good. Many people refer to their braces as "pain pills", due to the pain reduction that they can provide when you use them. - You deserve to be pain free, don't you?

A Review of Senior Arthritis and Its Effects on the Elderly


Seniors face a number of health related issues, often simply as the result of aging, but also because over time their body is at an increased risk of developing an illness. Of the many conditions common to those over sixty, arthritis is one of the most commonplace disorders, which can have a very large impact on a senior's daily life.

One of the most common misconceptions about arthritis is that it only affects the elderly, but this is not actually the case. Arthritis can affect even children who are very young, however it is far more common among the elderly. In fact, among seniors, arthritis is the single most common mobility related disorder. Another misconception about arthritis is that it is only a single disease, but arthritis is actually a very broad term used to describe over a hundred different disorders.

Even though there are many different types of arthritis and it can affect the body in many ways, it is commonly a joint disorder, which affects the cartilage and bones around an individuals joints.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of senior arthritis and is called wear-and-tear arthritis, as a result of it typically being the result of time and use in a joint. The risk of this type of degenerative arthritis is much more common among those who play certain high impact sports, such as soccer, or professions such as farming, where the individual might perform the same repetitive motion over and over again. The Knee is the most likely joint to be affected by osteoarthritis, however it can also affect a number of other joints, including those in the hand or feet. Generally, this will only affect a single side of the body and not both sides at once, unlike many other types of arthritis.

Another common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, however this is generally not the direct result of joint use, but is considered to be an autoimmune disorder. With an autoimmune disorder, the immune system, which is the part of the body responsible for fighting infection, begins attacking healthy tissue and body parts. In rheumatoid arthritis, this results in the cartilage and are around a joint being broken down, resulting in joint damage. Unlike many other kinds of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can extend to organs as well as joints. In most seniors with rheumatoid arthritis, joints are attacked symmetrically, so that those on both of the side of the body are affected at once.

While rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are by far the most common kinds of elderly arthritis, with wear-and-tear arthritis being exceptionally common, there are over a hundred other kinds of arthritis and many affect the elderly. In addition, the elderly are at risk for a number of other diseases and conditions, like osteoporosis, which affects bone strength. In many seniors, it is a combination of these sorts of diseases working together that significantly decrease mobility, as well as increase the risk for injury.

Knee Pain When Bending: What to Do When Your Age Starts To Catch Up to You


When your age begins to catch up to you, it seems like the pain from all the injuries that have accumulated throughout the years do too.

I like most was once more head strong than smart, with my eyes on the prize during sporting events, and causing trouble to the neighborhood with my incredible stunts, but lately, with everyday that goes by, my body doesn't seem to think the same anymore, especially with the knee pain when bending that I now suffer through.

Don't get me wrong, my body may have aged, but my heart hasn't. I still want to experience canoeing in the outdoors, climbing Mount Everest, or playing soccer with the boys, but my body doesn't seem to have the same thoughts as I do.

Nowadays particularly, it appears as if I experience knee pain when bending just doing ordinary tasks Every step up the stairs, or every time I want to pick up things from the ground, the pain becomes too much to handle.

Normally, I would use it as an excuse to escape from the cleaning and vacuuming that my wife believes is so important even at this age, but lately, it has become so serious that I can't even seem to concentrate or get any work done let alone go out for soccer with the boys due to the knee pain.

The tenderness of the muscle ligaments come alive during the night, and my knee caps feel like they're exploding in spurts of pain. It hurts so much that even trying to bend my knee when I get up becomes a problem.

The knee pain when bending gets so bad that sometimes I have to just lie in bed for the whole day. It is such a waste of time, especially when the weather's good and I would so much rather be out in it.

The pain and injuries accumulated through youth stays with you even when you're old; even though, it appears as if the injuries have healed, the side effects still linger. This is particularly true for knee injuries.

It was becoming such a big deal that my wife started talking to her friends. They may be yappy, but boy, do they have great remedies for pain relief especially for knee pain when bending. I have to thank them all for the pain-free life that I lead today, and the fact that Sundays is now Boys' Soccer Day!

Turns out the remedy for knee pain when bending was simple; in fact, I had the solution right in my backyard. The secret to easing knee pain when bending came right down to water exercises.

Simple daily exercises in the pool like walking exercises can help strengthen the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the knee, and end up easing the knee pain I was experiencing. It takes consistency, but the result was tremendous.

Regular exercising can cause a lot of strain on the knee due to the stress of your body weight, but water exercises lifts up the body weight, and allows the knee to actively exercise underwater. It really is a fairly simple concept!

Women's Self-Defense Tips and Tactics: What to Hit Him With!


In the realm of women's self-defense training, there are generally two very different theories. One says that a woman can learn the same techniques, tactics, skills and strategies as a man - that self-defense is no different for men and women. The other "camp" says that the only thing that a woman needs to know is how to deliver a well-placed kick to the groin and she's home free.

And I say that they're both full of it! Self-defense for women is unique in that there are many strategies, tactics, skills and self-defense techniques that can be applied equally well by both men and women, there are certain things that women should avoid, and others that only they will need to worry about.

Also, as I have pointed out in many other articles and self-defense courses and programs, kicking a man in the groin, if not done correctly, could leave the female defender lying in a crumpled heap on the floor, wondering why her instructor's so-called "guaranteed, never-to-fail" women's self-defense trick failed so miserably.

To clarify and to set you on the right track for success, this article will focus on weapons, both armed and unarmed, that you should add to your women's self-defense arsenal.

Effective Body Weapons for Striking in Women's Self Defense:

Hands: There are many ways to shape the hand for striking. Some are better or worse, depending on the target area on your assailant's body. As a rule of thumb, strike hard parts of the body like the skull with the base area of your palm. It provides you with the same kind of damaging force as a clenched fist, while simultaneously resulting in less chance of breaking your hand or receiving cuts from striking the chisel-like ridges on head and face. Use your clenched fist and fore-knuckles for soft spots in the torso like the sternum. A fist would devastate the throat, but harder to get at compared to sneaking in a strong karate-like chop with the edge of your hand.

Elbows and Knees: Both are much harder than the hands and can inflict serious injury to the head area, torso area and any weak points in the skeleton from the groin up. And since self-defense for women is usually at closer distances than attacks on men, the elbows and knees are in better positions for delivering the kind of knock-down blows you'll need to get this bigger, heavier attacker off of you!

Feet: Great for striking the groin area and below. Using the foot in a stamping like fashion, crushing the toes or smaller bones in his foot with the bottom of your heel is the goal. Striking higher than the groin, like you see in arts like karate, tae kwon do, and in many movie scenes is a serious no-no. Kicking the upper body or head is only recommended if your attacker is already kneeling, bent over, or on the ground where he can't take advantage of your raised leg if you miss.

Hand-Held Self-Defense Weapons and Everyday Items for Women's Self Defense:

Kubotan: A Kubotan is a short piece of metal, often sold in the form of a self-defense keychain. Combining this very effective weapon, with a training class where you will learn simple yet effective techniques and striking methods is highly recommended, as long as it is legal in your State or Province. If not you could use a similar item that looks less threatening and legal to carry.

Keys: A good strong key from your key ring, or the entire set, held in the hand while walking to your car or doorway can be very effective. While many women's self-defense courses will teach you to place the base of the key in your palm and let the key portion rest between your index and middle finger, this is actually not as strong as simply holding the key the same way that you would to open a lock. Of course you can also hold a fob or other part of your key chain and use the keys in a flailing manner.

Ink Pen: A strong solid ink pen (preferably metal frame) is a great tool for stabbing soft tissue areas. The face would be a good area as well even though it is hard because of facial sensitivity. A pen is one of the best weapons and makes a great substitute for the Kubotan self-defense key chain.

Other Objects: Anything that is solid, with a little weight, and that fits in your hand, or something you can grasp tightly will do in an emergency. Good examples include: rocks, bricks, glass bottle, pool ball, book, knife, hairbrush, or how about your purse! I've heard many instructors have their female students go through their purses during a women's self-defense course, looking for all the weapons inside.

The reality is this... if you don't already have it in your hand when the attack starts - forget it! But, that being said, I have a wife and sisters. I've seen what many women put in their purses.

Hell! if I was carrying something like that...

I'd just use the purse!

Keep in mind that these are just a few ideas, and is by no means all the answers. There are many ways to protect yourself. The important thing to remember is to always be in the proper mindset and to have the survivor's attitude when it comes to effective women's self-defense designed to save your life and give you the greatest advantage!

Highly Effective Tips For Understanding How to Prevent Knee Injuries in Ballet and Dance


*** 1. Knees that angle in toward each other, with the feet facing straight forward; this is called tibial torsion. You can also see this clearly if you sit on a table and let the calves and feet dangle over the edge. Here your knees are straight in front of your thighs, and the lower part of the leg turns out.

Compensation for this is understanding and using your turnout from the hips, as best you can, and never allowing pronation, or "rolling ankles". It is easy for legs like this to get a good turnout in the foot positions, but it should be worked to get the leg as close as possible to postural plumb line.

***2. Knock knees is when the knees face forward when the feet are parallel, but the inside of the knees touch and the feet are apart on the floor, a little turned out, and slightly pronated (rolled in).

***3. Bowed legs. This where the knees turn in slightly and the outside of the calves bow outwards. The feet can rest comfortably close together. The feet may also pronate slightly, yet will come to a correct position, flat on the floor, when the turnout is held well in the hips and thighs. This may straighten out the whole leg in some cases.

***4. Hyper-extended legs, where the knees go beyond straight and the calves sway backwards. This will pull the body weight back onto the heels, and the thighs will turn in as a result (which can lead to tears around the knee). The correction of stacking the ankle, knee and hips above each other along the plumb line, strengthens the legs. It also corrects the weight on the whole foot, and keeps the body weight forward enough. Uncorrected, this will lead to other complexities of technical inaccuracies, especially in doing ballet on pointe, if they do not show up before that.

The knees are wonderfully engineered joints. The details are described well elsewhere. Suffice it to say they are held in place by muscles, ligaments and tendons, and when healthy, all the moving parts glide and move well. The knees bend and straighten a zillion times for dancers and sports enthusiasts, without mishap, if used correctly..

Turnout enables easy pivoting to change direction without straining the knees. Many athletes now study basic ballet and turnout to prevent knee injuries.

A sharp pain in the knee, a pop, any clicking or feeling of impeded movement around or under the knee warrants an immediate pause. Any dance teacher or sports coach will want you to get it looked at by a chiropractor or sports medicine practitioner right away.

Tears can occur in the tendons, ligaments and other supportive tissue around the knee. Usually ice and rest will reduce the inflammation and heal theses injuries. Sometimes tissue will tear off and go under the kneecap, and this must be removed.

Normal growth in kids and teens can cause imbalances in muscle flexibility and strength which can lead to injuries and inflammation from overuse. Regular stretching and relaxing efficiently with the help of a soft rubber ball rolled on tight muscles, can help this temporary condition.

Correct turnout, foot strength in landings, in fact all ballet position placement, helps protect the knee joints. A sprung floor is also essential, rather than dancing over concrete.

If you are a serious ballet student or athlete, take a look at the anatomy of the knee structure. It is brilliant, and you'll see clearly why you are taught the way you are, to prevent knee injuries in ballet shoes and pointe shoes, or on the fields and courts.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Knee Replacement - Find Meniscal Repair is a Surgery Used For Cartilage


The "cartilage" is actually known as a meniscus. A meniscus tear is a common injury that damages the rubbery cushion of the knee joint. This tissue is made of two disks, which are called the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus. The pattern of the tear can determine whether your tear can be repaired.

Tears of the meniscus that cause so-called "mechanical symptoms" tend to respond best to surgical treatment. Common "mechanical symptoms" include:

o Locking of the knee (unable to bend)
o Inability to fully straighten the knee
o A popping or clicking sound or sensation

The meniscal repair is performed arthroscopically as an outpatient, the recovery is longer because the incisions are often larger then the standard incisions used for arthroscopic removal of a torn meniscus. The surgeon inserts a thin tube (arthroscope) containing a camera and a light through small incisions near the knee and is able to see inside the knee without making a large incision. Surgical instruments can be inserted through other small incisions. The surgeon repairs the meniscus using dissolvable sutures (stitches) or anchor.

Surgical repair may result in less pain and a return to normal knee function. Successful repair of meniscus tears depends to a large degree upon where the tear is located.

When performed by an experienced surgeon, meniscus repair is highly successful , with good results in approximately 90% of patients.

There are dedicated specialized hospitals in India for Joint Replacerment like Indraprastha Apollo Hospital (New Delhi) , JCI Accredited Apollo Hospitals (Chennai), Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai. They availed high quality and cost effective advanced surgery in India.

Functional Knee Braces - What This Terminology Means - How to Find the Best Brace For Your Needs


Does it mean that these are the only braces that really function.... The rest being dysfunctional?

The term "functional knee brace" can be misleading right at first... Functional knee braces, and their traditional meaning is discussed in the following paragraphs. Let's understand together what the term really means in plain English...

Functional knee braces are traditionally designed to help provide support to your knee (or knees) during sporting activities. Usually, people who have ligament problems, or those people who have ligament reconstructions of some kind are meant to benefit from this kind of a brace. They are designed to help provide you with support without restricting your performance.

Typically, these kinds of supports are used for people who suffer from ACL injuries either as an augmentation to treatment or it may be worn by someone in their later stages of recovery after an ACL reconstructive surgery, for example. This is what is told to you when you study the literature, but do not let your mind just stop there... Functional knee supports can help support more than just your ACL, and can extend support to your MCL, PCL, or LCL as well.

The problem that many people will have when they are reading about these knee supports is that they can typically just be used for sports, but this is not necessarily the case either. If you are an active person, then you can benefit from a functional knee brace as well. Whether you are gardening, carrying heavy objects or whatever, we believe that these kinds of supports can extend themselves to other activities very easily.

When you look online to learn more about functional knee supports, or when you wish to find one for yourself, then do not just stop at the words "functional knee brace", to find what you are looking for. If you have had a ligament reconstruction, then look for a brace that provides maximum support for your injured ligament(s). The term "functional knee brace" is not really used by brace companies now online as an advertisement and you will feel like your options are more limited if you just focus on this terminology.

In the end, your knee support is up to you. Do not rush into sports without your physician's consent when you have an injured knee. Also, do not take your knees for granted. Extra support can go a long way for you, and we hope you do not look back with regrets, wishing you would have done more to stabilize your knees when you had the chance...

Knee Replacement Surgery - What You Need To Know From Someone Who Has Been There


BEFORE

Knee Replacement is pretty scary, but you can do it since I, the biggest baby in the world, did it! After you and your Doctor have decided you need your knee replaced, it's time to make preparations.

First and foremost, check with your insurance company to make sure which benefits you have. Find out specifically how long they will allow you to stay in the hospital. Many insurance companies will make you leave the on the fourth day after the operation and they may send you to a "rehabilitation facility", which in their jargon could mean a nursing home.

In my experience, I was transferred to the nursing home on a Friday. This meant I would not be evaluated by their visiting physical therapist until Monday. Because of that I declined from a 90 degree bend in my new knee to a 70 degree bend, in just three days. All my rehab in the hospital had just gone down the drain and I had to start all over again. Just so you know, you will be working towards a 125 degree bend after the Knee Replacement Surgery.

I won't even go into the other down sides of being in nursing home. One funny thing that did happen is that I was the hot new chick; remember this is a nursing home. So, it is very important to know how the insurance company will deal with you before, during and after the knee surgery.

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following questions:

o Find out with whom you are speaking, their position and their extension number.

o I want to know what benefits I have for a total Knee Replacement.

o Do I have skilled Physical Therapy benefits in the hospital where the surgery takes place for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they?

o Do I have Rehabilitation benefits for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Where may I go for the services?

o Do I have Rehabilitation equipment and supplies covered for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Is there a co-pay?

o Do I have ongoing outpatient therapy benefits for after the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Where may I go for services?

o Do I have home therapy benefits after the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Which Home Health agencies may I use after the Knee Replacement?

To maintain your independence at home, after your Knee Replacement Surgery, buy a bar refrigerator that will go on a table next to your bed. This will be invaluable when you do come home. Stock it with water, sodas, milk, Jell-O's and individual pudding snacks. Fresh fruit is also a good snack. Purchase the 2 oz boxes of cereals and stack them beside the refrigerator. Put a large plastic drinking cup next to the bed and weight it with a golf ball, which will hold plastic utensils, knives, forks and spoons (the golf ball keeps it from tipping over). Use a plastic bowl for the cereal and throw it away when you're done. Bumblebee Tuna makes an individual lunch kit that comes pre-made with crackers and a little wooden spoon.

These little things will help you feel independent by being able to get breakfast, snacks and an occasional lunch on your own. It also gives your care giver a little break. I found that there were some days that I had no appetite due to pain and/or medication so I kept a stock of Slim Fast or Boost in the refrigerator for basic nutrition.

If you smoke, now is the time to stop or at least cut down. Smoking constricts your blood vessels which is not a good thing when you're going in for major surgery. If you tend to be a little over weight try to lose a few pounds. A little less weight on a new knee joint, means a little less pain. Okay, no more preaching.

Line up the people that will be helping you after your Knee Replacement Surgery and, believe me, you will need them. If you can afford it, hire someone to come in for 4-6 hours a day. They will help you get out of bed, shower and get dressed. They prepare your meals, help you with your therapy exercises, keep you company and give your spouse or significant other, a break. Interview them now and let them know what your timing is. Your church would be a good place to find someone, or if you live near a retirement community, many times they have companions of their own that are looking for some extra income.

This isn't essential but I think wise. Donate two pints of your own blood in case of an emergency. Make sure that this is completed at least a week before the surgery. You have to donate one pint per week. If you are taking antibiotics wait five days before giving blood. The blood bank will give you a card with the unit number on it that you present upon admission to the hospital.

You will need Grab Bars put into your shower/tub (don't use your towel bars). Put them in before you have the surgery, installation is not that difficult and you will be grateful for the assistance over the next couple of months. This is a major safety issue. Balance will be tough after your Knee Replacement Surgery especially the first couple of weeks. You should buy a shower stool so you can sit while bathing. Your doctor may supply you with a cast protector to keep your new knee dry.

Purchase three rubber mats, one for in the shower/tub and the other two to be lined up parallel outside the shower/tub. You do not want to slip on a wet bathroom floor.

There is a product; a disposable body wash cloth, available that you can use to bathe in your bed. They can be placed in the microwave to be heated up and you can use them on days that you just can't face the shower. They come in packs of eight. While they say to use all eight for one bathing I found that four were sufficient. Just close up the remaining four and use save them for the next time.

You will need a pair of slippers that cover the entire foot with a non skid bottom, flip flops are just too dangerous. You will also need a pair of lace up shoes for stability.

Some other items that you may need are:

o TV with Remote Control

o Telephone/emergency numbers

o A night light for the bathroom

o Handi wipes

o Bedside Commode/Toilet paper

o Tissues

o Dental floss, toothbrush, toothpaste

o Bell to ring for assistance

Another suggestion is to clear all the pathways in your home. Scatter rugs and cords are often the cause of falls, so are pillows and magazine. Remove articles from around the bed and chairs. Keep your pets under control. A dozing cat or a playful puppy in the wrong area can cause accidents.

Get a manicure, pedicure and haircut. They will be the last for at least eight weeks. Heck, if you can afford it, throw in a massage. If you like baths, take a long hot soak with lots of bubbles. This will be the last time you will be using your tub for that activity for some time.

Draw up a Living Will Directive and Declaration. Sign a Durable Power of Attorney/Proxy, and designate a Health Care Surrogate. These are for your protection and are very important.

Do not take anything valuable. Leave your purse, your wallet, money and jewelry at home. If you're female bring in a little make up. It will make you feel better and will take your mind off your knee for a while. Bring in a book, you may not read it but at least you'll have something to take your mind off of why you're there.

DURING AND AFTER YOUR BIG DAY

This is how your day of surgery will progress:

 Get to the hospital promptly at the time specified by the admissions office. Paper work needs to be done before you are admitted.

 After being admitted, you will proceed to the pre-op room, where the nurses will review your test results and history. They will get you ready for surgery. Whoever brought you to the hospital will be able to stay with you to this point.

 The nurses will insert an IV before surgery and infuse your prescribed antibiotic.

 You will be wheeled on a gurney to the operating room "holding area".

 This is where you will see the anesthesiologist prior to surgery. He will ask you how much you weigh. Don't even think about lying. The amount of anesthesia is based on your weight.

 After the surgery you will awaken from the anesthesia feeling groggy. Your mouth will be dry and there will be pain at the surgical site. You will be given pain medication and ice chips.

 A bulky bandage and a drain will be present at the site.

 You may have compression stockings on both legs to prevent the risk of blood clots.

 Once your blood pressure, pulse and breathing are stable, you will go to a room in the Orthopedic/Surgical Unit.

The balance of the day is to recover from the surgery. You will be very tired so sleep as much as you can. It will be annoying but the nurses will come in very often to check your vital signs and, yes, they will wake you up. Use this day to sleep, relax and keep yourself calm. Tomorrow the physical therapy starts.

o You may be able to drink water after surgery when fully awake. Your diet will be soft and will advance as you can tolerate it.

o Your doctor may have ordered a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) to control your pain medication, or injections and/or pain pills. If the PCA is ordered, the nursing staff will provide additional information about how to use its button.

o Nurses will periodically ask you to rate your pain intensity on a 0-10 scale. (0=No Pain, 10-worst pain ever). Be honest!

o You will be asked to take deep breaths and cough. You should do this every 1-2 hours while you are awake to prevent congestion in your lungs. The doctor may even order an incentive spirometer to breathe into. Exhale deeply and hold for 3 seconds and then inhale. Do this 10 times every hour while awake.

o Flex your ankles 10 times every hour while awake to decrease risk of blood clots in your legs.

o Turn from your back to your sides every couple of hours to prevent skin irritations and to help circulation.

If you want further information on the specific graphic detail of the operation go to http://www.JointReplacement.com. You can get every last detail there.

Okay, it's the day after surgery and the physical therapy department knows you're here, they know your room number and they know the bed number. They will come, ha ha. The therapists know how to handle you, let them guide you. It's going to be painful. Try to find out from the nurses what time your therapy is scheduled, so you can time a pain killer thirty to forty minutes before they arrive.

Things that should be ordered by your Doctor from a medical supply store, delivered to your house and covered by insurance:

o Over the toilet commode with arms

o A commode for next to the bed to use at night

o Wheelchair

o Crutches

o Cast/wound protector for the shower

One thing that is very helpful is a "Reacher Arm". It's invaluable for picking up things that you drop or can't reach.

You must do all the exercises the doctor orders. The more you do them, the faster you will get back in shape. I will not kid you, the exercises will hurt but they really are essential. If you have access to a pool, use it to do aquatic exercises, which will build up your muscles and ligaments, so it won't hurt as much.

One last thing, sleep as much as you can. While you sleep your body heals!

Good luck with your replacement and I promise you, it will be worth it!

Knowing Different Type Of Knee Brace For Running


Running is the simplest form of whole body exercise, and it's becoming more and more popular nowadays as people are discovering that it easy to do. People take up running for various reasons. Some do it to keep fit, and some to lose weight while others find it rejuvenating.

However, it has been known that knee injury is the most common form of injury a runner can suffer. And at some point, many runners start experiencing some form of pain or injury in their knee after doing some running activity. It is common knowledge that while running the knee has to absorb a lot of impact, which can result in injury that might have long-term implications. If the knee injury gets serious, surgery is the only option for remedy, which again may not be effective in all cases.

The distressing fact about knee injury is that once you have it, there is no going back. Therefore, before you take up running, you need to adopt some kind of preventive measure in order to protect your knee from injury. The effective way to prevent knee injury is to use knee brace for running.

If you already have some kind of injury to your knee, it is important that you determine which brace will be the best for you based on the type of injury sustained. Here are some types of running braces that you can check.

1. Neoprene brace

Neoprene brace has the dual property of stretch ability and insulation. The brace tighten the knee movement and also insulate it from cold. It is mostly used when running in cold weather.

2. Hinged brace

These braces are more advanced than the neoprene brace. They are capable of providing more stability and less flexible. In fact, hinged braces can be adjusted in order to limit the range of movement of the knee at the required degrees of movement. These are available in standard form and also in adjustable form. Moreover, hinged knee brace for running can be customized according to the need of a runner.

3. Knee bands

Knee bands are generally straps. It wrapped around the knee in order to relieve stress on the tendon. These knee bands are generally used for treatment of runner's knee and tendonitis.

4. Arthritic knee brace

This brace are specially designed with hinges that reduce the friction between the bones, which in turn reduces the pain while running. This brace are perfect for person who suffers from arthritis.

5. Patellar stabilizing brace

Patella is the scientific name for kneecap. This brace helps in stabilizing the kneecap so that it properly tracks in the groove of the femur or thigh bone. Pain arises when the kneecap does not track properly. Patellar stabilizing brace has been designed to provide proper tracking of the patella. These braces are provided with block to hold the patella in position when the knee goes through motion.

When you are using knee brace for running, remember that it is not a solution for your injury. It is just a temporary appraise to helps your knees into proper shape and to relieve you from pain. You need to consult with qualified medical professional who will be able to provide you with the solution for your knee injury. Moreover, you also need to consult to the doctor who will be able to recommend you the appropriate brace depending on the type of injury you have sustain.

Fila Skeletoes Vs Vibram's Five Fingers


Since Fila introduced their Skeletoes line, much attention has been called to whether or not this new shoe is a direct competitor to Vibram's Five Fingers shoe. Fila Skeletoes were in no way designed to be a knock off or competitor to Five Fingers. Even Fila's marketing tends to shy away from any tone of being a competitor to Five Fingers. Instead the shoe has been marketed more as a means to complement Vibram's shoe. Fila Skeletoes are actually an ideal companion to anyone who has used the VFF or other performance barefoot shoes for running or climbing. The Skeletoes shoe can be easily slipped on (especially with the EZ Slide feature) as an alternative to those wanting to avoid continuous wear and tear on their high performance footwear at times when they aren't engaging in heavy physical activity. Fila Skeletoes allow them to slip on another shoe and still maintain the physical benefit of a shoe that contorts with the natural form of their foot and simulates a barefoot feel while being protected from the elements.

While Fila Skeletoes provide the same experience to an active demographic of going barefoot, they are not a running shoe like Five Fingers. The shoe is built more for casual activity like yoga, biking, walking, gardening, and basic lifestyle activities. Durability in all terrains is also a huge selling point of the Fila Skeletoes line. The Skeletoes shoe can withstand anything from rocks, sticks, gravel, pavement, dirt, mud, and water. Runners have nonetheless enthusiastically embraced Skeletoes with some praising that the shoe's extra padding reduces stress on their hips and knees while running.

Skeletoes were made with a four-way stretch, 2 ply nylon, and a Polyurethane design making them water resistant and light on the feet. If you scan online comments, you'll find that many people wear Fila Skeletoes during days at the lake, hikes involving creeks, or even while jet skiing. This should come as no surprise since this particular Fila shoe looks like a water shoe with toes. Keep in mind, just like other barefoot simulating shoes, your Skeletoes shoes will still need a bath from time to time.

One thing you'll notice when comparing Fila's shoe line with Vibram's Five Fingers and similar shoes is the fact that Skeletoes can be purchased for a fraction of the cost. This is an incredibly affordable shoe that has been the recipient of praise for its comfort, durability, and flexibility. The shoe can't really be compared to the Five Finger line since it looks different and has many additional benefits that make it either a viable alternative or a complement to similar shoes on the market. Try a pair on and see for yourself how Fila Skeletoes feel on your feet. From there it's just a matter of deciding how well Skeletoes shoes will work in your daily routine and overall lifestyle. Judging by the shoe's initial sales and feedback, many consumers are satisfied with their Fila Skeletoes purchase and you should be too.

Peroneal Nerve Damage - What Are the Causes?


The peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve that crosses from behind the knee and then around the outside of the knee, to enter the muscles of the outside of the leg. Its thickness can be compared to the size of a pen. The purpose of this nerve is to supply energy and stimulation to the calf, ankle, and foot. Whether or not you can move your foot normally depends on the health of this important nerve.

No other nerve in the body is as frequently subjected to trauma as is the peroneal nerve. And damage to this nerve is a major cause of the condition called foot drop.

A sharp blow to the outside of the knee, such as may happen in a sports or car accident is a frequent cause of peroneal nerve damage, as is knee surgery itself. Of course, if the fibula, the bone in the lower leg, is actually fractured or broken, the peroneal nerve is in danger of suffering injury.

Also, due to its vital connection to the sciatic nerve, a broken hip, such as an elderly person might suffer in a fall, or even complications from hip replacement surgery or spinal fusion operations, can cause damage to this nerve.

The above reasons all relate to trauma or complications from surgery. However, less dramatic reasons for peroneal nerve damage exist; reasons that you may not have imagined. These have to do with too much compression of the area behind the knee.

We may not engage in sports activities that could result in injuries, or we may be fortunate enough to never sustain injuries in a car accident, but how many of us (ladies, are you listening?), sit a lot with out legs crossed, or, if we live in a cold, snowy climate, frequently wear high boots? While these actions may be seem perfectly innocent, the truth is that they are not good for our legs. We are risking the possibility of creating too much pressure on the peroneal nerve. Something else we need to be careful about is wearing a tight plaster cast on a broken leg. Of course, the cast is necessary, but if you think it might be too tight, don't hesitate to speak up and let your doctor know.

All possible measures should be taken to avoid damage to all the nerves in your body. Each one has a vital role to play. But sometimes "life happens" and we have to deal with the deck we are dealt.

If you suspect peroneal nerve damage, by all means stay in close contact with your doctor.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Anterior Knee Pain - Also Known As Runner's Knee


Pain at the front of the knee is known as anterior knee pain. It is also called runner's knee. This kind of pain stems from a softening of the knee's cartilage, or a patellofemoral joint (which links the kneecap to the thigh bone) misalignment.

Considerations for Anterior Knee Pain

The doctor will undertake a thorough physical examination of the affected area to assess the condition of the knee. Other tests may also be ordered to determine other disorders like structural or connective tissue deterioration:


  • Joint X-Ray

  • Joint CT Scan

  • MRI scan of the knee


Causes of Anterior Knee Pain

A pronation and lateral (away from the centre) pulling of the patella is the most common cause of anterior knee pain. This results in a misalignment of the muscles and connective tissues that move with the knee.

This ailment is also a result of a softening of the cartilage underneath the patella (chondromalacia patellae), arthritis, or a constriction of the knee's inner lining during motion (synovial impingement).

Symptoms of Anterior Knee Pain

The first symptoms of anterior knee pain are exhibited in the form of pain underneath the patella (kneecap) and along the both sides of the kneecap, especially when bending or sitting for long periods of time.

Runner's knee symptoms can also result in pain from running down an incline. It worsens during all running motions, and finally becomes persistent pain despite ceasing to run.

First Aid in the Treatment of Anterior Knee Pain Includes:


  • rest

  • refraining from running until pain abates

  • stretching exercises (hamstrings and quadriceps)

  • strengthening exercises (may be prescribed by a sports medicine specialist for the muscle that impels kneecap movement to the front and centre)

  • cycling or similar exercises (if they can be performed without pain)

  • special shoe inserts and support devices, or orthotics (to inhibit further injury after rehabilitation)

After healing from the disorder, it is advisable not to do deep knee bends or use the knee excessively until all symptoms disappear.

Calling Your Doctor

If pain symptoms persist despite rest and rehabilitation, consult your primary health care provider.

Prevention of Anterior Knee Pain

It is also recommended to perform proper warm-up and cool-down stretching before or after exercising for the prevention of sports-related injuries.

Runners Knee - Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome


Aetiology of Overuse Injury

The most common injury for a runner is that of runners' knee which can also be known as iliotibial band friction syndrome. The knee is a complex joint and involves the tibia, femur and patella to work in unison. For many years the cause of runners' knee was thought to be caused by chondromalacia of the patella which is a softening of the cartilage of the knee cap; however it is also widely thought to be from the richly innervated subchondral bone, infrapatellar fat pad, or the medial and lateral retinaculum of the joint. However there is still confusion defining anterior knee pain with Witvrouw et al (2005) stating "there seems to be no clear consensus in the literature regarding the terminology for pain in the anterior aspect of the knee".

Mcginnis (1999) argued that ankle pronation and supination as well as knee flexion and extension should occur simultaneously to avoid placing the tibia in torsion and stressing the knee joint. Furthermore if overpronation occurs the unison of the ankle and knee may be disrupted and thus the coordination of the joint action is disrupted and abnormal stresses are imposed and muscle activity patterns will be altered. This in turn will cause a different line of pull on the patella tendon by misalignment of the femur and tibia altering the tracking of the patella within the femoral groove. This results in an abnormal stress pattern on the sides and the back of the patella causing injury to the patella or the femur, which is referred to as patellofemoral pain syndrome.

However, it is widely thought that another disorder called iliotibial band friction syndrome is more common within runners and is more appropriate to be called runners knee. Fredericson and Wolf (2005) state iliotibial band friction syndrome is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners, with 12% of all runners suffering from it at any time. Iliotibial band friction syndrome is a disorder commonly found in long distance and recreational runners. Fredericson and Wolf (2005) state "Iliotibial band syndrome is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners. It is an overuse injury that results from repetitive friction of the iliotibial band over the lateral femoral epicondyle" with pain occurring at around an angle of 30 degrees from straight and providing a snapping sensation as the inflamed part of the tract jumps over femoral epicondyle.

Iliotibial band friction syndrome can also be commonly found in other types of athletes such as cyclists, weight lifters and volleyball players as well as long distance and recreational runners'. Training related to this injury are thought to be such activities as running in same direction on a track, greater than normal weekly mileage, downhill running as well as running on a uneven surface. Fredericson and Wolf (2005) further argue that recent studies have demonstrated that weakness or inhibition of the lateral gluteal muscles is a causative factor in this injury. Fredericson and Wolf (2005) state when the gluteal muscles do not fire properly throughout the support phase of the running cycle, there is a decreased ability to stabilize the pelvis and eccentrically control femur abduction resulting in other muscles having to compensate leading to excessive soft tissue damage or tightness and myofascial restrictions contributing to iliotibial band friction syndrome.

The iliotibial tract is a strong band, extending down the outer side of the thigh to the top of the outer edge of the shin bone. Fredericson and Wolf (2005) state the iliotibial band is considered a continuation of the tendinous portion of the tensor fascia lata muscle, with some contribution from the gluteal muscle. It is connected to the linea aspera via the intramuscular septum until just proximal to the lateral epicondyle of the femur. The iliotibial band spans out and inserts on the lateral border of the patella, the lateral retinaculum, and Gerdy's tubercle of the tibia. However; Fairclough et al (2006) state "Iliotibial band syndrome overuse injuries may be more likely to be associated with fat compression beneath the tract, rather than with repetitive friction as the knee flexes and extends". A symptom related to iliotibial band friction syndrome is pain occurring to the lateral side of the knee which affects range of movement in the knee.

The pain may begin after the athlete has been running for a certain time or distance and increased to a point where running becomes impossible. Grisogono (1984) states that the pain usually occurs gradually with a slight ache being noticed at first, occurring at a particular moment within your activity such as 10 minutes running, and thus happens every time. The area will become inflamed and feel tender to touch and may radiate proximally or distally to the lateral side of the knee. An angle of 30 degrees is stated as a position where the athlete will become aware of the pain in the lateral side of the knee, with a snapping sensation as the inflamed part of the tract jumps over the prominent part of the edge of the thigh bone. Treatment for iliotibial band friction syndrome consists of such actions as modifying activities to avoid causing pain to the knee,these include not running down hill or running on uneven road surfaces.

When resuming a normal training regime applying heat to the area may be helpful as well as applying ice post activity to reduce swelling of the knee. Other methods maybe anti inflammatory medication to help prevent swelling to the area as well as complete rest, lateral wedge orthosis to correct any postural imbalance and finally a administered local steroid injection as a alternative option could be used. Hintermann and Nigg (1998) state 70% of runners with lower extremity injuries treated with orthotic devices will improve. Specific stretching techniques can be used as well to provide pain relief and help prevent future lateral knee problems. The use of knee strengthening exercises can also be used to strengthen the knee and prevent lateral knee pain.

If the lower limbs of the runner is not absorbing the shock correctly or efficiently as possible, it is likely that the runner's structure will become overloaded and thus the athlete will become tired and injury will occur. The most common biomechanical factor is pronation and this can lead to increased tension in the planter fascia and tibiallis posterior tendon, or possibly lead to posterolateral impingement of the peroneii tendons. Higher up the leg, excessive pronation will cause medial rotation of the tibia as previously stated and can effect patella tracking and can also increase tension in the iliotibial band thus causing iliotibial band friction syndrome. Hintermann and Nigg (1998) state that excessive pronation can be potentially harmful with compensatory pronation occurring due to anatomical reasons, however, not just the level of foot eversion but also the way the foot eversion is transferred into tibial rotation may be crucial to the overloading stress on the knee.

The overloading of the knee occurs within the running cycle with internal rotation of the tibia counteracting with the external rotation of the pelvis thus creating external rotation of the femur. Overuse injuries are more often caused by excessive loading rates to the specific area. Hintermann and Nigg (1998) argued that excessive pronation has been typically associated with the development of overuse injuries in locomotion, and that the transfer of foot eversion into the rotation of the tibia has most commonly been associated with the incidence of knee pain. McGinnis (1999) supports this and states pronation and supination also affect the magnitude of the stress imposed on the knee joint.

If the muscle group is stretched slowly then the loading rate is of a level which is comfortable, however if the muscle group is stretched quickly with a great amount of force then the risk of an overuse injury will be increased. A quick loading rate on a cold muscle group will produce a brittle response causing torn fibres and inflammation to the specific area thus causing iliotibial band friction syndrome. McGinnis (1999) states that the iliotibial band tendon consists of 70% water, 25% collagen and 5% elastin. Fredericson and Wolf (2005) further state that the fibres are tightly bound in a parallel arrangement along the functional axis of the tendon, this provides high tensile strength thought to be similar to soft steel.

An overuse injury to a runner's knee is caused by a constant repetitive loading to the knee joint. Tendons behave viscoelastically and exhibit adaptive responses to conditions of increased loading and disuse. Maganaris et al (2004) states most studies report that long term physical activity improves the tensile mechanical properties of tendons, yielding results opposite to those of disuse. It is further stated by Maganaris et al (2004) that hypertrophy may be partly accountable for these effects; however changes in young's modulus also indicate training induced changes in the tendon intrinsic material properties McGinnis (1999) states that running speed directly influences the size of the ground reaction force components with faster speeds being associated with higher loading rates.

The maximum vertical ground reaction force, for example increasing from approx two times body weight at a slow jog to six times body weight at a fast run. The higher forces associated with faster running speeds cause greater torques at the joints. Iliotibial band friction syndrome is a non traumatic overuse injury which is common in long distance runners. Hintermann and Nigg (1998) state that the factors most associated with running injuries such as iliotibial band friction syndrome include anatomical or biomechanical abnormalities. Further more Hintermann and Nigg (1988) state that poor alignment in the lower extremities and/or over pronation have frequently been associated with stress fractures of the lower limbs.

Hintermann and Nigg (1998) argue that excessive pronation determines the amount of compensatory internal tibia rotation, thus the greater it is the greater the potential of iliotibial band friction syndrome will have of occurring in the athlete. To lower the risk of iliotibial band friction syndrome the athlete should incorporate high levels of lower limb flexibility, strength training regime specific to the lower limb area as well as wearing the correct footwear and using orthotics if needed to correct any postural problems. Alternative methods of exercise such as swimming may be used to minimise risk of aggravating the tendon and thus not causing iliotibial band friction syndrome.

References

Bahr. R, Maehlum. S, Bolic. T. (2004).Clinical guide to sports injuries. Gazette Bok. 348-349.

Fredericson. M, Wolf. C. (2005). Iliotibial band syndrome in runners innovations in treatment. Journal of Sports Medicine. 35 (5). 451-459.

Grisogono, V. (1984). Sports Injuries - A self help guide. John Murray publishers ltd. 104-106.

Hintermann. B, Nigg. B.M. (1998). A Review: Pronation in runners implications for injury. Journal of Sports Medicine. 26 (3). 169-176.

Maganaris. C.N, Narici. M.V, Almekinders. L.C, Maffulli. N. (2004). A Review: Biomechanics and pathophysiology of overuse tendon injuries: ideas on insertional tendinopathy. Journal of Sports Medicine. 34 (14). 1005-1017.

McGinnis. P.M. (1999). Biomechanics of sport and exercise. Human Kinetics. 358-362.

Peterson. L, Renstrom. P. (2001). Sports injuries: their prevention and treatment. Taylor and Francis. 327-329.

Avascular Necrosis - Loss of Blood Supply


Avascular necrosis is also called as Osteonecrosis. Avascular necrosis is a disease resulting from the temporary or permanent loss of the blood supply to the bones. Without blood, the bone tissue dies and causes the bone to collapse. If the process involves the bones near a joint, it often leads to collapse of the joint surface.

Conditions commonly associated with osteonecrosis are serious trauma which interrupts the bone's blood supply, extended and/or high doses of corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone and Solu-Medrol or methylprednisolone), and excessive alcohol consumption.

Patients may present with hip pain or (referred) knee pain. Physical examination will disclose that internal rotation of the hip - not movement of the knee - is painful.

Initially, plain X-rays are often normal. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Tomography) scan, and bone scan are all more sensitive techniques.

o Treatment starts with pain medications and limiting weight-bearing on affected areas. This type of conservative therapy may work well for patients with early osteonecrosis in small areas of bone. However, it does not work for those with hip or knee osteonecrosis who are facing progressive bone collapse.

o A procedure called core decompression may be used to remove a piece (core) of bone from the affected area in an attempt to improve blood flow.

o Bone grafting: During this procedure, your surgeon takes healthy bone from another part of your body and implants it into the area affected by a vascular necrosis.

o Joint replacement surgery replaces your joint with an artificial one.

o Bone reshaping: This procedure reshapes the bone to reduce the amount of stressed placed on the area affected by a vascular necrosis.

Avascular necrosis usually affects people between 30 and 50 years of age; about 10,000 to 20,000 people develop avascular necrosis each year.

4 Quick Tips to Reduce Arthritis Knee Pain


The treatments to mitigate the severity of the symptoms of arthritis knee pain have become more effective and the outlook is much better than even ten years ago. Lost mobility in the knee joint can be restored by doing flexibility and strengthening exercises. The symptoms of this condition vary greatly from one person to another. So, modern treatment protocols need to be customized for each individual.

Avoid standing for prolonged periods as it may exacerbate the knee pain arthritis to a great extent. Taking adequate rest and keeping the knee joint protected from unwanted stress is the first step that you need to take.

Regular exercise will help you to remain active and will strengthen the bones in the knees. Most of us make the mistake of thinking that exercises cannot help once we start experiencing knee pain. You can also apply a soothing cream over the affected knee joint to enable an increased blood flow to the connective tissues in the knee joint.

Complementary therapies like food supplements with glucosamine sulfate and fish oil have been successfully proven to be effective in treating arthritis knee pain. The major advantage of undergoing treatment with these complementary therapies is that they benefit the overall structure of connective tissues in the knee joints and help you avoid further degeneration.

A heat pad held to the painful joint may relieve the pain and stiffness in the joints. You can also use a walking stick or frame to take off the weight from the painful knees. It is very important that you try to remove the stress from your knees and leg by finding time to relax while undergoing long stretches of strenuous activity. An occupational therapist can prove to be of great assistance as they would be able to analyze your daily routine and suggest simple ways by which you can reduce the stress on the knee joints. This advice could help you avoid future problems with arthritis knee pain

Knee Liposuction Information


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

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

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

Chest Arthritis in Women - Treating Inflamed Cartilage Attached to Breast Bone


Unlike the common symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis where it occurs in the knee, hip, feet, hands and fingers - these two types of the disease can also flare up in the chest.

Both women and men can develop chest arthritis but for women it can be particularly uncomfortable.

When it spreads to the breast bone, simple functions like breathing, coughing, sneezing and laughing cause the lungs to press against this bone which creates pressure against the inflamed region.

Some women describe the feeling as similar to being given a bear hug, while lying down on ones side may provoke the same lung restricting pain.

However, if this restrictive feeling is just starting to affect you and you haven't been diagnosed as of yet, you could well be experiencing Costochondritis.

This is not incurable and may go away after a few weeks or months, but the symptoms are very similar, but this time it's just a temporary inflammation of the cartilage of the breast and ribs that are causing the chest pain.

If unfortunately this isn't the case and the cartilage attached to the breast bone continues to flare up then there are a combination of treatments that may work for you:

Treating Arthritis in the Chest:

1. Minocycline

This is in fact used to treat severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, but sometimes when breathing can become so restricted that it becomes life threatening, then Minocycline may be prescribed to treat osteoarthritis in the chest.

Some patients may go on using this indefinitely, so bear in mind it is an NSAID and there will be risks involved if used long-term, but for short term-term it may provide the relief you need.

2. Cortisone injection

A steroid injection into the swollen cartilage to reduce the inflammation may provide the relief you need if it's flared up.

You may only need this once or not, impossible to tell with this disease.

3. Tylenol Extra Strength

Supposedly, this is one of the few NSAID's that work well for chest arthritis.

Celebrex was also once touted as an effective NSAID, but this has now been taken off the shelf due to the inherent health risks patients experienced, so be careful using any NSAID long-term.

4. FDA homeopathic pain relievers

If the pain isn't too unbearable then FDA homeopathic natural supplements are as good if not better than most NSAIDs, plus they're completely safe and are used long-term.

The common ingredients now most people are familiar with are Glucosamine Complex, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM.

They work on three fronts.

They alleviate the swelling, reduce the pain and help re-build bone density.

Burning Knee Cap Pain - Steps You Can Take to Help Reduce the Pain


Burning knee pain can be a real downer!

The knee discomfort comes on suddenly, as if it does not care about you! It comes on when it wants to... After exercise, in the morning, when sitting for long periods of time. It does not need to feel invited, it just shows up when it wants to.

The burning knee pain can quickly intensify until all you can think about is getting relief. - Can you relate?

What can cause such an aggravating knee pain problem?

Maybe, more importantly, what can you do about it?

The knee is an intricate mechanism that takes a lot of daily abuse. Nearly all of the activities that we do somehow involves the use of our knee, in some way or another. Whether we realize it or not...

Like any mechanism, over time, the integral parts can start to wear out. - One part of the knee that often experiences wear and tear is the patella, otherwise known as the kneecap. The kneecap can be affected by trauma (i.e. remember hitting your patella on the furniture in your home about a month back?) or by overuse (i.e. that new jogging routine of yours is great for the waist but may not be so good for the knees). But even if you have not injured your knee or participated in rigorous sports, time itself and daily wear take can their toll on your patella, which can result in your burning kneecap pain.

Sometimes, the kneecap itself can get "off track" and become dislocated. Again, this can result in discomfort. Sometimes, due to a number of reasons, inflammation can occur under the kneecap, interfering with the movement of the joint and causing burning kneecap pain.

If you experience this kind of discomfort that is persistent, recurs, or worsens over time, it is best to have your knee evaluated by a medical professional. Only a qualified specialist can diagnose the cause of your intense knee discomfort and recommend the most effective course of treatment.

But, in the meantime, there are things you can do to help add stability and help reduce your knee pain problem. Aside from conventional at-home treatments, such as rest (which can have limited benefits), ibuprofen and/or ice packs, one of the most successful ways to help alleviate your knee pain is the use of a knee brace. - These supports should never be overlooked.

Knee braces can be useful in helping stabilize the patella, and knee joint itself. Specialized supports can help to keep the kneecap on its proper "track" over the femur. Further, a knee brace can help reduce the stress on the knee joint itself, helping to slow the wear and tear on the meniscus, and helping to relieve inflammation occurring within the knee. As a result, the knee brace can help significantly reduce the sensation of burning kneecap pain. - The great things about a knee support is that they do not have to be really big and bulky either.

You do not have to have a prescription to get a knee support. In fact, there are many different knee brace options for you to choose from.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Genital Psoriasis - The Hidden Secret of the Underpants


Exposing a psoriatic elbow, or a pair of red knees, can be pretty uncomfortable, but imagine how difficult it can be when the psoriasis is hidden beneath your underwear! It's the most private part, the part that is not normally shown to the world for fear of indecent exposure. How do you deal with psoriasis in this area?

Genital psoriasis affects the most intimate of your body parts, and it can be hard to deal with when the people that see them are the people who matter most - your partners, girlfriends, boyfriends, lovers... Sometimes you just have to take a deep breathe and allow one more person to see it - your skin specialist / dermatologist.

It can lead to a negative knock-on effect on your sex life, the level of intimacy you share with your partner and your body-image... But there are ways of dealing with it!

When it comes to sex and genital psoriasis, the best option is to be open about it. Sit your partner down on the bed and explain what it is, stressing that it's not contagious, it's not an STD (or Sexually Transmitted Infection STI) and they don't have to worry about anything.

Once you turn the lights down, you can't see it any more and the biggest obstacle is the uncomfortable feeling you get during intercourse. So don't forget to moisturise beforehand and use sensitive soaps and body wash in the shower so as not to irritate the skin unnecessarily.

By following these simple steps, you can minimize the impact that genital psoriasis can have on your life (including your sex life) and build an even stronger relationship. Psoriasis doesn't need to be a secret. By concealing it and hiding it from everyone, it can increase your stress levels and actually deteriorate the skin even further.

All The Dirty Details Of Genital Psoriasis

The type of psoriasis normally found around the groin area is called "Inverse Psoriasis". It doesn't sound very nice, but this type of psoriasis usually breaks out in those moist areas hidden by underwear, where there's a lot of sweat, heat and where the skin is already sensitive and thin.

For a man, it can appear on the penis, including the tip/head, the scrotum (yes, this means itchy balls guys) and around the bum (be careful when wiping!), and for the woman, around the vulva on the outside of the skin, and very rarely - inside it. The skin here is very thin and vulnerable, which makes the whole affair much more uncomfortable.

On the statistical side, genital psoriasis is quite common and usually affects one out of three patients with psoriasis. Whilst 33% might sound like a lot, I think that the number is actually higher, maybe even much, much higher.

Many people develop genital psoriasis, and are too afraid to seek professional assessment because they think it might be a sexually transmitted disease! It doesn't blister like herpes, or cause ulcers like syphilis, but people don't know that. They think that somehow they caught something - even if they don't sleep around!

Other people just feel embarrassed about going to their family doctor, unzipping and saying "look - it's redder than a tomato!" Furthermore, some people go to their doctor, but then their psoriasis is misdiagnosed as a fungal infection instead! It's this combination of different reasons that means that genital psoriasis is most probably the most hidden type of psoriasis on the whole body.

All in all, genital psoriasis might be more prevalent than we think. If you have it, remember to consult a qualified professional, because it is treatable and you don't have to suffer in silence!

The Importance Of Knee Pain Remedy and Relief


For any individual who is afflicted with knee pain, obtaining relief is essential. Long lasting knee pain can for sure have an impact on your daily life. This type of pain which is more often than not taken for granted makes it tough for individuals to conduct activities. Including the simple and easy act of standing up and moving can be distressing; making the problem worse considering that the joint and surrounding tissue become weak from lack of use thus causing more pain.

It is important to have efficient remedy or treatment options that will provide sufficient relief and make it possible for normal movement. With the exception of some certain cases that the physician says to keep the knee immobile caused by a particular medical condition.

Knee pain relief is very essential and it comes in numerous diverse forms, a few of which tend not to require pills or prescriptions. The application of ice and heat packs work successfully in getting rid of pain and keep the swelling down. There are also creams and ointments for muscles that are used topically on the area to relax the muscles and other support structures tendons and ligaments. Knee pain relief could be acquired by resting the area; on the other hand these creams and ointments usually do not work well to take care of bone pain. Elastic bandages or what we call "ace bandages" and other support wraps might take some pressure off the knee joint. Braces are helpful to keep the knee from moving in the event that the medical professional instructs to keep the knee immobilized. Taking Aspirin, Tylenol together with Ibuprofen, along with these other mentioned methods will provide extensive relief.

Sometimes home remedies are not efficient in the event that the pain bad enough and they don't provide ample relief. In such instances, the physician may recommend stronger pain killers, and also other medications for example antibiotics, steroids, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and or other prescription drugs that address the pain and the prime source of the problem too.

These above mentioned methods should offer some relief. However in extreme cases, surgery is needed to tackle the problem that is producing pain. Yet this more often than not occurs if the knee acquired considerable damage that it cannot heal. Just in case this occurs, surgery is carried out to repair the damage or to replace the entire knee joint. The medical professional will perform the type of surgery relying on the damage of the knee.

Knee pain remedy together with pain relief play an essential role because they enable individuals to function effectively each day.

Dogs Blow Out Their Knees Too


You have heard about football or soccer players threatened with "career-ending" knee injuries. Did you know the problem may be even worse for dogs?
 
Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), the canine equivalent of the anterior cruciate ligament in humans, is the most common orthopedic problem seen in veterinary practices around the world. A Wall Street Journal article reports the number of dog knees undergoing cruciate-ligament repair each year in America at more than 1.2 million - approximately five times the number of human procedures.  This is true even though humans outnumber dogs in the U.S. by nearly five to one.
 
The cost is high. In 2003, American dog owners spent over 1.3 billion dollars for surgical repair of ruptured ligaments according to a 2005 article by Dr. Vicki Wilke and colleagues in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association.
 
Surgery, however, is not the only option. Another option is a custom-made orthopedic brace or orthosis for the injured dog. Dr. Sherman Canapp, JR., DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, is one of the world's foremost experts on the canine knee (technically called the "stifle"). Dr Canapp states that long-term success has been obtained with the use of a custom knee brace created by a certified orthotist.  Especially for older dogs, for dogs with concurrent medical conditions, or for dog owner's with financial constraints, orthotic treatment should be strongly considered.
 
In terms of the kinds of orthotic treatment available, Dr. Canapp recommends using the Tamarack Flexure Joint for a custom canine knee brace.  "Tamarack joints can be used to offload the stifle by mimicking the action of a healthy joint." Canapp et al. 2008.
 
In general, Canapp states that dogs adapt to orthotic devices within days to weeks with appropriate owner supervision and compliance. As Canapp states, "the development of these devices has helped treat and maintain many orthopedic conditions and injuries with great success, with and without surgical intervention. They often provide an alternative to surgery when combined with proper introduction, maintenance and rehabilitation." Canapp et al. 2008.

Get Relief From Unbearable Pain With the Right Knee Brace Support - 4 Types of Knee Braces


Extra knee support can go a long way for you.

Knee braces do not need to be costly, overweight, or hard to manage either. Over the long haul, the support they provide to you can help reduce your pain, and save you money on pain killers and also on surgical procedures. We will explain why in this article...

Knee braces can offer crucial support to unstable joints and help prevent debilitating injuries. Many physicians agree that braces are essential not only after you have incurred an injury but are also a crucial preventative measure. A well designed knee brace can help you avoid surgery and the associated costs of this kind of a procedure.

While many people are aware of the benefits of wearing these device, it is equally important to know that there are different levels of knee brace support and to get the support you need, it is important that you choose the right brace.

There are essentially four types of knee braces, which are designed for different purposes and provide different levels of knee brace support:

1. Prophylactic braces are designed to offer the knees protection from injuries during contact sports. Some sites will say that they are meant to protect from MCL injuries, but knee braces can protect other knee ligaments as well including your: ACL, PCL, and LCL. Currently, you will find braces advertised as "combined instability" supports that can do more than support one kind of ligament injury.

2. Functional braces offer support to knees people with ligament deficiencies during sports activities. Some physicians believe that functional knee supports help reduce rotation and translation following an ACL injury or surgery. Stating that they also help support mild to moderate MCL or PCL instability. This information has been distributed in the year 2000, and can be perceived as being somewhat outdated currently due to the various improvements in technology. Current brace designs are not as limited as the ones in the past, when these studies of knee braces were first conducted.

3. Rehabilitative braces help hasten healing by restricting unnecessary movement while you are returning from a knee surgery or while you are in therapy. Many times these kinds of braces can easily be locked in total knee extension, or allow varying degrees of movement. - Different stages of a healing knee may only be allowed to have certain ranges of motion.

4. Another separate class of knee braces has been sited as "Unloader/Offloader or Patellofemoral braces". These are designed to help avoid patellar subluxation and/or dislocation. These braces are often times very simple in design and light weight. They can be great for people with Chondromalacia patella, or those who suffer from kneecap dislocations for other reasons.

Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk? A Look at Symptoms and Treatment


The knee is a vulnerable joint that bears a great deal of stress from everyday activities such as walking, jumping, lifting, kneeling, and climbing, and from high-impact activities such as running and aerobics. Many people suffer from knee pain brought about by the regular wear and tear in their daily lives.

Determining the Cause of Pain If by any chance you experience severe knee pain from just walking, chances are the pain is not caused by it. There could be an underlying reason why your knee hurts. If you are suffering from knee pain, see your doctor and or an orthopedic surgeon who can determine the cause and prescribe an appropriate treatment and pain management plan. Your doctor can also help determine the direct cause of your knee pain and these include:

- Age
- Checking if the knee by chance had suffered an injury at some point
- Exact location of the pain
- Was the pain sudden or was it gradual

Symptoms of Knee Pain Following are the symptoms of knee pain.

1) Locking - A "locked knee" is a term used to describe a patient's inability to either bend or straighten their knee. There are two general types of locked knees: it can either be caused by a mechanical block to the knee motion, or by pain that is too severe to allow knee motion.

2) Popping or snapping sensation - This symptom can be a sign of various medical problems. One of the key distinguishing factors is whether or not the popping or snapping causes or is associated with pain. Popping or snapping not associated with painful symptoms is often not a sign of a significant problem.

3) Giving way or knee instability - If it feels as if your knee is going to give out from under you, you should seek medical help for further evaluation.

4) Inability to put weight on the knee

5) Grinding feeling

6) A swollen knee is a common problem. Many people call this "water on the knee." Swelling may be acute or chronic. It may be associated with a recent injury or may have a gradual onset. The swelling can be within the knee or around the knee.

7) Chronic and worsening knee pain

Causes of Knee Pain When Walking There are several possible causes of knee pain when one is walking. The following are some of them.

1) Tendonitis - Tendons become inflamed for a variety of reasons, and the action of pulling the muscle becomes irritating. If the normal smooth gliding motion of your tendon is impaired, the tendon will become inflamed and movement will become painful.

2) Meniscus injuries - A meniscus tear occurs when these cartilage tear and get injured usually during movements that forcefully rotate the knee while bearing weight.

3) Bursitis - The most common bursa affected around the joint is just above the kneecap. This is most common in people who kneel for work, such as gardeners or carpet layers.

4) Knee arthritis - Arthritis is among the most common causes of knee pain, and there are many treatments available.

5) Gout - Gout is an uncommon cause of knee pain. It is due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals within the fluid of your knee. Uric acid is a substance produced as part of digestion. However, in patients who have a diagnosis of gout, it must be considered as a cause for new onset knee pain.

Treatment for Severe Knee Pain When Walking Treatment depends on the cause and level of pain. You may be treated with surgery or by taking anti-inflammatory medicines.

Wearing knee braces is one of the most effective ways to help protect the knee from further injury while recuperating. It helps stabilize the joint, helps to reduce pain, and promote healing of the injured area.

It is important to seek for professional help if you experience severe pain and stiffness when walking. This article is for health information and should not be seen as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional.