Saturday, January 25, 2014

Knee Joint Pain - Tips and Advice on How to Manage


People who have experienced a bad knee can tell you the difficulties that it can cause. Because your knee is used in most of your daily activities, a knee injury will have a significant impact on your life. It is important that you understand the cause of your knee joint pain before you start a treatment program. If you don't know what diagnosis you have for your knee, you should seek medical advice to help you find out what your problem is before seeking treatment.

If you have a chronic condition that has affected your knee you should look into doing a treatment program. The one thing that you can do to immediately help eliminate some of the pain from your knee is to strengthen your quadriceps. By strengthening your quads, you can help stabilize your knee joints. A good exercise that you can do which will build up your quad muscles without hurting your knees is cycling. Using a stationary bike, you can have resistance to build up the strength in your legs.

Another great treatment that is used for people who have knee joint pain is heat application. By applying heat to your knee your can help the circulation of the blood. This will loosen up your knee to reduce some of the stress that you experience. It is also a good way to alleviate some of the pain in your knee joint. Finding a treatment and consistently using it will ensure that you can eliminate some of the pain in your knee.

Heal Your Most Frustrating Knee Pain in A Natural Way


Your well being depends upon how healthy you are both physically and mentally. If any part of your body is not functioning well, it can definitely create a great impact on your quality of living. Most often it is found that people are having severe knee pain while bending, or a massive pain in and around the region of knee causing great discomfort. The pain in the knee can simply bump up other health problems. Hence upholding a system that helps to keep your bones strong is necessary. There are millions of people worldwide who are living with the bone conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis without knowing the natural way out for such condition. Many think that intake of calcium can be sufficient, but this is not the end of the matter. For that you need to have proper diet so that your body gets adequate vitamins and other nutrients that are essential. Aside from following a balanced diet you need to undergo regular exercises which are indispensable for healthy bones.

Often the knee gets damaged due to injuries and people are found moaning with pain. The solutions to heal knee pain successfully are many like surgery, drugs, meditation and injections but these natural remedies are not necessarily best options when there are natural remedies to solve. There are several natural remedies aside from having a balanced diet and exercise like you can raise your leg and place a cushion beneath your knees to sustain and allay your body weight. This is one method of getting quick relief from colossal pain. In case you are overweight you need to reduce your weight because increased weight can worsen your pain. The lesser weight your knees have to tolerate, the lesser the pain will be. The best exercise that can help you to edge strain in your knees is swimming. Oil massage is another best option that does a lot to assuage your knee problem.

The knee is considered as the most intricate and major joint in a human body. Usually a knee is used for every activity like bending, sitting, standing and walking etc. Hence a knee ache is evident which needs to be cured. To get relief from immense pain rest is of course important. There are millions of people who have gone for knee surgery in order to get a solution for their pain but even after operation the situation still remains unchanged. There are even some pain killers that you might have taken from time to time to anesthetized it but all was vain. It is here natural treatments has proven to be really effectual than others. The natural solutions will help to ease your pain by maintaining a balanced body immune system that would prevent pain in the knee. Are you frustrated with your pain in your knee joints? Then you should look for the natural treatments something very significant for you to look at soon. There are many people who are getting relief from these natural solutions, so it's high time for you to try and get best possible results by an orthopaedic.

Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery - Patient Review Of Meniscus Knee Surgery


Arthroscopic meniscus surgery has become one of the most common knee operations that orthopedic surgeons are performing. Often referred to as a cartilage tear, a meniscus injury can be a result from high impact sports or degeneration changes in the knees as we get older. Since meniscus tears are so common, orthopedic surgeons have had a lot of of practice repairing this injury and success rates are high.

Meniscus tears in athletes can occur from body movements where the upper body twists or pivots while the foot is firmly planted. This forceful twisting or pivoting movement that athletes make during direction changes or line cutting can cause the meniscus to tear. Even everyday activities like jogging or squat movements can initiate the knee injury. Older patients experience degenerative tears of the meniscus as the knee cartilage ages and becomes weaker.

Upon the initial meniscus injury a "popping" sensation is common followed by pain along the joint line of the tear. Depending on the severity of the injury and if other ligaments were damaged, people may be able to continue walking on the injured knee. Other classic meniscus tear symptoms include swelling, locking or catching of the knee, quadricep weakness, clicking in the knee, sharp pain felt from a twisting or squat position, and knee instability.

Menisci are pieces of cartilage between the thigh bone (femur) and tibia and is responsible for load transmission across the knee joint, cushion between the joints, and is a primary knee stabilizer next to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Meniscus and ACL tears often accompany each other and knee doctors typically repair both at the same time during surgery. The menisci is also a secondary stabilizer of the knee when the ACL is compromised. Without the C-shaped pieces of cartilage in the knee, the impact between the knee joint is essentially bone on bone with no shock absorption.

Arthroscopic meniscus surgery will follow a series of diagnostic testing like X-rays and MRI's so the doctor can get a visual on the damage. X-rays done at the emergency room or knee surgeons office are used to assess the overall knee damage. Only the MRI can be used to verify the repairablility of the cartilage. Doctors also use a McMurray Test for this injury which involves bending and rotating the knee in an attempt to entrap the tear within the knee joint. If the meniscus tear is present, this movement will cause discomfort and clicking.

Types of meniscus tears include Parrot-Beak, Flap, Radial, Bucket Handle, Peripheral, Complex degenerative, and Horizontal cleavage. Knee surgeons also classify tears by the location to the blood supply. Damaged cartilage in the knee that isn't getting access to blood being pumped by the vascular system cannot repair itself. In this situation, surgeons do a meniscectomy which is the removal of damaged cartilage. Other factors that determine repairability are activity level of the patient, age, tear pattern, healing potential, and the presence of other associated ligament damage.

Knee doctors refer to arthroscopic meniscus surgery as being minimally invasive. Arthroscopes (small surgical tool with a camera) allow doctors to view and repair the damaged cartilage by only making a couple small incisions. The main benefit of this procedure is quicker recovery time and less trauma to the patient. Meniscus repairs are done at an outpatient facility and patients can return home the same day. Following surgery, you'll have prescription pain medication, knee brace, crutches, and a lot of ice for swelling. Lower impact activities begin around three months and full sports release around six months. Recovery depends a lot on how aggressive the physical therapy sessions are, athleticism of the patient, and quality of the orthopedic surgeon doing the meniscus knee surgery.

What Other Diseases Masquerade as Rheumatoid Arthritis? Part 1 - The Non-Infectious Group


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and affects more than 2 million Americans. The diagnosis is not easy to make in many instances. There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis. Most of them involve inflammation. When a patient goes to a rheumatologist to get a diagnosis, there is a process of elimination in order to arrive at the proper diagnosis. This process of elimination is called "differential diagnosis."

Differential diagnosis can be a difficult undertaking because so many forms of arthritis, particularly inflammatory forms of arthritis look alike. Generally it is helpful to divide the differential diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis into two groups. The first group are the non-infectious diseases to consider and the second group are the infection-related conditions.

Since the discussion is rather long I have chosen to divide the article into two parts.

The following is a partial list of forms of inflammatory arthritis that can be seen and must be considered when evaluating a patient with inflammatory symptoms of arthritis and are not infection related.

RA is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the peripheral joints (hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet). It can also affect non joint structures such as the lung, eye, skin, and cardiovascular system.

RA may start slowly with nonspecific symptoms, including fatigue, malaise (feeling "blah"), appetite loss, low-grade fever, weight loss, and vague joint pains, or it may have an explosive onset with inflammation involving multiple joints. The joint symptoms usually occur bilaterally- both sides of the body equally involved- and symmetric. Erosions- damage to the joint- can be seen with x-ray. In about 80% of cases, elevated levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-cyclic citrullinated antibodies (anti-CCP) are present in the blood. There appears to be a correlation between the presence of anti-CCP antibodies and erosions.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) occurs in children under the age of 16. Three forms of JRA exist, including oligoarticular (1-4 joints), polyarticular (more than 4 joints), and systemic-onset or Still's disease. The latter condition is associated with systemic symptoms -- including fever and rash in addition to joint disease.

Polyarticular JRA has similar characteristics to adult RA. It causes about 30% of cases of JRA. Most children with polyarticular JRA are negative for RF and their prognosis is usually good.

Approximately 20% of polyarticular JRA patients have elevated RF, and these patients are at risk for chronic, progressive joint damage.

Eye involvement in the form of inflammation- called uveitis- is a common finding in oligoarticular JRA, especially in patients who are positive for anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), a blood test that is often used to screen for autoimmune disease. Uveitis may not cause symptoms so careful screening should be performed in these patients.

SLE is an inflammatory, chronic, autoimmune disorder that can involve the skin, joints, kidneys, central nervous system, and blood vessel walls. Patients may present with 1 or more of the following: butterfly-shaped rash on the face, affecting the cheeks; rash on other parts of the body; sensitivity to sunlight; mouth sores; joint inflammation; fluid around the lungs, heart, or other organs; kidney abnormalities; low white blood cell count, low red blood cell count, or low platelet count; nerve or brain inflammation; positive results of a blood test for ANA; positive results of a blood test for antibodies to double-stranded DNA or other antibodies.

Patients with lupus can have significant inflammatory arthritis. As a result, lupus can be difficult to distinguish from RA, especially if other features of lupus are not present. Clues that favor a diagnosis of RA over lupus in a patient presenting with arthritis affecting multiple joints include lack of lupus features, erosions (joint damage) seen on x-rays, and elevations of RF and anti-CCP antibodies.

Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are types of inflammatory muscle disease. These conditions typically present with bilateral (both sides involved) large muscle weakness. In the case of DM, rash is present. Diagnosis consists of finding the following: elevation of muscle enzyme levels in the blood [the two enzymes that are measured are creatine kinase (CPK) and aldolase], signs and symptoms, electromyograph (EMG)- an electrical test- alteration, and a positive muscle biopsy.

In addition, in many cases abnormal antibodies specific for inflammatory muscle disease can be elevated.

In both PM and DM, inflammatory arthritis can be present and can look like RA. Both inflammatory muscle disease and RA can affect the lungs. In RA, muscle function will usually be normal. Also, in PM and DM, erosive joint disease is unlikely. RF and anti-CCP antibodies are typically elevated in RA but not PM or DM.

SAs -- psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and enteropathic arthritis -- are a category of diseases that cause systemic inflammation, and preferentially attack parts of the spine and other joints where tendons attach to bones. They also can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, upper and lower back, tendonitis, bursitis, heel pain, and fatigue. They are termed "seronegative" types of arthritis. The term 'seronegative' means that testing for rheumatoid factor is negative. Symptoms of adult SAs include:

o Back and/or joint pain;

o Morning stiffness;

o Tenderness near bones;

o Sores on the skin;

o Inflammation of the joints on both sides of the body;

o Skin or mouth ulcers;

o Rash on the bottom of the feet; and

o Eye inflammation.

Occasionally, arthritis similar to that seen in RA can be present. Careful history and physical examination can often distinguish between these conditions, especially if an obvious disease that is promoting inflammation is present (psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.). In addition, RA rarely affects the DIP joints- the last row of finger joints. If these joints are involved with inflammatory arthritis, the diagnosis of an SA is possible. (Note of caution: a condition known as inflammatory erosive nodal osteoarthritis can also affect the DIP joints). RF and anti-CCP antibodies are negative in SAs, although, rarely, in cases of psoriatic arthritis there may be elevations of RF and anti-CCP antibodies.

Gout is caused by deposits of monosodium urate (uric acid) crystals into a joint. Gouty arthritis is acute in onset, very painful, with signs of significant inflammation on exam (red, warm, swollen joints). Gout can affect almost any joint in the body, but typically affects cooler areas including the toes, feet, ankles, knees, and hands. Diagnosis is made by drawing fluid from an inflamed joint and analyzing the fluid. Demonstrating monosodium urate crystals in the joint fluid is diagnostic, although finding elevated serum levels of uric acid can also be helpful.

In most cases, gout is an acute single joint disease that is easy to distinguish from RA. However, in some cases, chronic erosive joint inflammation where multiple joints are involved can develop. And, in cases where tophi (deposits of uric acid) are present, it can be difficult to distinguish from erosive RA. However, crystal analysis of joints or tophi and blood tests should be helpful in distinguishing gout from RA.

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), also known as pseudogout, is a disease is caused by deposits of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in a joint. The presence of these crystals in the joints leads to significant inflammation. Establishing the diagnosis includes using:

o Detailed medical history;

o Withdrawing fluid from a joint to check for crystals;

o Joint x-rays to show crystals deposition in the cartilage (chondrocalcinosis); and

o Blood tests to rule out other diseases (e.g., RA or osteoarthritis).

In most cases, CPPD arthritis presents with single joint inflammation. In some cases, CPPD disease can present with chronic symmetric multiple joint erosive arthritis similar to RA. RA and CPPD disease can usually be told apart by joint aspiration demonstrating calcium pyrophosphate crystals, and by blood tests, including RF and anti-CCP antibodies, which are usually negative in CCPD arthritis. A complicating feature is that RA and CPPD can coexist!

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory joint disorder. The majority of patients with this disease have lung disease, with eye and skin disease being the next most frequent signs of disease. Although the diagnosis of sarcoidosis can be made on clinical and x-ray presentation alone, sometimes the use of tissue biopsy with the demonstration of "noncaseating granulomas" is necessary for diagnosis.

Arthritis is present in 15% of patients with sarcoidosis, and in rare cases can be the only sign of disease. In acute sarcoid arthritis, joint disease is usually of rapid onset. It is symmetric involving the ankles, although knees, wrists, and hands can be involved. In most cases of acute disease, lung and skin disease are also present. Chronic sarcoid arthritis can be difficult to distinguish from RA. Although RA-specific blood tests, such as RF and anti-CCP antibodies, can be helpful in distinguishing RA from sarcoidosis, in some cases a biopsy of joint tissue may be required for diagnosis.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a disease that leads to inflammation of tendons, muscles, ligaments, and tissues around the joints. It presents with large muscle pain, aching, morning stiffness, fatigue, and in some cases, fever. It can be associated with temporal arteritis (TA), also known as giant-cell arteritis, which is a related but more serious condition in which inflammation of large blood vessels can lead to blindness and aneurysms. Also, a peculiar syndrome where use of the arms and legs leads to cramping because of insufficient blood flow (limb claudication) can occur. PMR is diagnosed when the clinical picture is present along with elevated markers of inflammation (ESR and/or CRP). If temporal arteritis is suspected (headache, vision changes, limb claudication), biopsy of a temporal artery may be necessary to demonstrate inflammation of blood vessels.

PMR and TA can present with symmetric inflammatory arthritis similar to RA. These diseases can usually be distinguished by blood testing. In addition, headaches, vision changes, and large muscle pain are uncommon in RA, and if these are present, PMR and/or TA should be considered.

In part 2 of this article, I will discuss infectious diseases that need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. When RA is suspected, it is critical to consult with an expert rheumatologist.

Overpronation and Your Best Treatment Option


What is Overpronation?

The term overpronation is used to describe an excess amount of pronation and is usually treated with arch supports. Pronation is the movement of the foot that includes an inward rolling motion that causes flattening of the arch of the foot. Pronation is a normal part of the gait cycle found in walking and provides shock absorption to the foot, however, if you pronate too far, overpronation occurs. During overpronation, the arch remains flat and the ankle rolls too far inward as you begin to push off your toes. This places extra pressure on the muscles and ligaments of the foot and can eventually cause a lot of pain. Flat feet and plantar fasciitis are associated with overpronation.

The opposite of overpronation is oversupination. Supination is again a normal part of the walking cycle, however, oversupination occurs when the foot rolls outward too far, or does not pronate enough and can also have some painful side effects. Supination is associated with high arches.

What Happens if You Have Overpronation?

When overpronation occurs on a regular basis, numerous injuries or symptoms can occur. These may include:

- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Heel Spurs
- Metatarsalgia
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Anterior compartment syndrome
- Patello-femoral pain syndrome
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Bunions

When overpronation causes the foot to roll inward it also causes the lower leg to turn inward. This puts the hip and the knee out of proper alignment and can even cause an altered rotation of the back.

How Can Overpronation Be Treated?

In most cases, someone who has a lot of overpronation will be prescribed custom made or off-the-shelf foot orthotics (arch supports). Foot orthotics (arch supports) use a variety of strategies to control the position of the foot and work towards correcting the overpronation issue. Orthotic insoles designed for overpronation include appropriate arch support and often include medial rearfoot posting that can tip the foot away from the pronated position.

If you are looking for arch supports that control overpronation, make sure you get something made from rigid or firm enough material that it can actually help control the position of your foot. Most off the shelf foot orthotics are too soft, but there are a few foot orthotic companies that are making over the counter devices that are rigid enough to control overpronation. It is also important to choose the correct footwear. When deciding upon a shoe, make sure you choose a shoe with good stability shoe with good stability and a firm heel counter.

Am I An Overpronator?

To determine if you are prone to overpronation look at your feet in a standing position. Do you have a clear arch or are the soles of your feet touching the floor? If you have no defined arch you most likely are a 'pronator'. If you get someone to look at your heels from behind, overpronators will also have ankles that turn in, and may stand in a 'knock-kneed' position.

Your shoes can also tell you how you've been walking. If they are worn on the inside of the sole, overpronation may be a problem for you. For a true diagnosis, see your doctor or podiatrist.

Foot orthotics (arch Supports) can be used to support the arch, control the overpronation, and keep your feet in a better anatomical position, which keeps the legs in a better position as well. There are no better options than the use of foot orthotic insoles to control overpronation.

Joint Support Through Nutritional Assistance


The human body is unique, the most cfomplex organism in the world and every aspect of the body down to the tiniest microscopic cell reveals that the human body is fearfully and wonderfully made.

The human body has 206 bones and there are 230 moveable and semi-moveable joints in the body. Joints are structures where two bones meet. When joints are healthy they hold the bones together and allow the rigid skeleton to move easily.

Joints may be synovial (with a cavity) or fibrous.

Fibrous Joints Fibrous joints lack synovium and synovial fluid. Bones in the joints are covered by cartilage which is an open spongy network of calcified collagen in a tough outer shell. The bone can withstand thrust forces as long as it is covered in cartilage, which distributes load evenly. Without cartilage, the spongy bone collapses easily. Bone is constantly remodeling in response to stresses

Synovial Joints Synovial fluid is effectively a liquid connective tissue. Normal synovial fluid is clear, colorless and noticeably thick and stringy, like eggwhite. Hence the name syn ovium ('with egg'). Its viscous and elastic properties are due to hyaluronan, a long chain glycosaminoglycan carbohydrate Healthy joints are amazing parts of the human body and when joints are healthy they provide easy, smooth and painless body movements. They need to be taken care of to remain healthy lifelong. Overuse of joints can cause excessive wear and tear. Underuse of joints because of a sedentary lifestyle may cause stiffness and joint pains

Common Causes of Joint Pain Joint pain can generally be attributed to following causes:

oInjury Injury to the joint, due to a fall, twist or overloading may cause damage to the joint and may result in temporary inflammation and pain in the joint.

oDegenerative Arthritis or Osteoarthritis(OA) Wear and tear of the joints can lead to joint pains. The exact cause of OA is not known but it is generally believed that OA can be due to obesity, sedentary life style and/or lack of exercise, unhealthy eating habits leading to nutritional deficiencies like low calcium and other essential minerals needed for healthy bones and joints. Smoking and alcohol may also contribute to osteoporosis of the bone

oInflammatory joint disorders When the joint capsule holding synovial fluid becomes inflamed, the lubrication of the joint is affected. This type of pain can be due to rheumatoid arthritis, or arthritis due to gout and Lyme's disease.

Symptoms of Joint Pain May Include

oJoint pain that is exacerbated by exercise and relieved by rest. In advanced stages pain can be experienced during times of rest and at night. Knee pain due to OA is usually bilateral and felt in and around the knee. Hip pain due to OA is felt in the groin and anterior or lateral thigh.
oJoint stiffness in the morning or after rest.
oReduced function and mobility of joint.

Signs of OA Local examination of the joint affected by OA will show:

oReduced range of joint movement
oPain on movement of joint or at extremes of joint movement
oJoint swelling/synovitis (warmth, effusion, synovial thickening)
oJoint instability
oMuscle weakness/wasting around the affected joint.

Arthritis continues to be a large and growing public health problem. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, recent arthritis prevalence studies show that 46 million American adults suffer from arthritis which comes to nearly 1 in 5 adults. Around 27 million people suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis accounts for most of the hip and knee replacement surgeries performed in the United States. It is estimated that 67 million people in America will be affected by arthritis by the year 2030.

Even though osteoarthritis does not leave patients totally disabled, it affects the quality of life because of pain on movement and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis affecting the elbow and shoulder joints may inhibit simple day to day activities like brushing the hair. Normal activities like dressing up, and other household chores tend to become painful and may ultimately lead to depression in many patients. It may restrict a person's social life in some cases as moving around becomes painfully difficult.

Nutritional Support for Joints Research shows that nutritional support can help to relieve joint pain and may help restore healthy cartilage to the joints. These nutrients support proper joint function, mobility, and healthy ligaments and tendons. GoFlex contains:

Interhealth Collagen Type 2 Works with the immune system to promote healthy joints, while improving joint mobility and flexibility.

Hyal Joint A natural substance known to lubricate joint cartilage surfaces to reduce friction and keep them gliding smoothly.

White Willow Bark Extract Ancient Egyptians used white willow for inflammation problems.

Yucca Root Powder Contains natural steroidal-like saponins that have been used to reduce inflammation, spasms and pain associated with arthritis.

Green Lipped Mussel Extract Contains Omega-3 and a rich blend of natural proteins, minerals and mucopolysaccharides that support healthy joint mobility and cartilage maintenance.

Boswellin A natural herb that has traditionally been used for optimum joint health.

Curcumin C3 Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antioxidant and immune system stimulating properties.

DL-Phenylalanine A combination of the well-tolerated essential amino acids that promotes optimal joint health.

Natto Kinase One of the most promising new nutrients used to help support a healthy circulatory system.

Bioperine Generates energy and increases the bioavailability of other nutritional compounds.

Grape Seed Extract A potent antioxidant that that nutritionally supports reduced swelling, improved blood circulation and healthy collagen.

MSM A vital building block of joints and cartilage.

Glucosamine Sulfate1 May nutritionally help to stimulate your body's ability to repair its worn joints, and may help to provide joint pain relief, reduced tenderness and improved mobility.

An insufficiency in any of these essential nutrients that support joint health may be a significant factor leading to the deterioration of the joints and causing stiffness, loss of mobility and pain. GoFlex contains natural proteins, minerals and other nutrients to effectively provide nutritional health support for joint health.

References: 1. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet. 2001 Jan 27;357(9252):251-6. PMID: 11214126

Friday, January 24, 2014

What Dog Arthritis Means For Your Pooch


No one ever said that arthritis was just for humans - arthritis is quite common throughout all dog breeds as they get older. About 1 of every 5 dogs over the age of seven suffers from this disease or between 20-25% of the dog population.

Veterinarians treat dog arthritis, easily defined as inflammation of the joints, more than just about any other ailment. The arthritis can be caused due to aging, excessive exercise, or injury. As a dog jumps, walks, and runs, their bones rub together and if the joints become inflamed, the result is arthritis.

Joints commonly affected with arthritis include the knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow, and most commonly, the hips.

Which Dogs Get Arthritis

The most common form of arthritis in dogs is degenerative joint disease (synonymous with osteoarthritis). Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressing disease that occurs due to the breakdown and destruction of the dog's cartilage. As it gets worse, the bones begin to grind against one another causing pain, reduced flexibility, inflammation, and a reduction in mobility.

Arthritis is almost inevitable with age but dogs that are overweight and put undue stress on their joints can suffer more than others. Pure bred dogs are generally more susceptible to arthritis as well as larger dogs whose size puts weight on their joints such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers and Mastiffs. Some small dogs like Dachshunds or Beagles are also more likely to have joint problems due to their oddly shaped bodies which put stress on their joints.

Symptoms

Signs that your dog is experiencing arthritis include favoring a limb, having difficulty sitting or standing, acting like his joints are sore or stiff, hesitating to jump or climb stairs, or evidence that his range of motion is decreasing. As arthritis pain affects your dog, his behavior or attitude may start to change; he may sleep more and show less interest in playing with you. Because of their lack of activity, they may also experience some weight gain and may not be as alert as they were previously.

If any of the symptoms persist for two weeks or longer, you should make an appointment with the veterinarian. Your vet will do a full physical exam and possibly run some X-rays to see if there is any other damage that is causing your dog to lose full limb capabilities.

As soon as your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, the vet can recommend the best course of treatment. He may prescribe some anti-inflammatory drugs as well as over the counter treatments that contain Omega fatty acids and glucosamine. Changes in diet may also be recommended.

Treatment

There are a number of choices for treating pets with arthritis. Every pet and every owner presents a unique situation so there is no "one treatment fits all" approach. Some people do not want their pets taking medications so they look for more natural or holistic therapies. Other owners are comfortable with their pet taking corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

A number of medications are available to reduce pain and to improve range of motion, especially helpful if your dog needs a certain activity level to maintain his optimum weight.

How You Can Help

Weight loss to correct obesity, dietary changes, and carefully managed exercise levels can have huge benefits for pets suffering from arthritis. In fact, the single most important factor in controlling pain associated with arthritis is for your dog to be at his optimum weight.

You may need to change your dog's exercise routine - instead of going with you on your morning jog, he may have to settle for an evening walk. Make sure that he's not trying to be a "weekend warrior" - active during the weekend when your family is home from work and school - but showing obvious signs of pain and stiffness come Monday morning. A good exercise routine of regular, short to medium length walks and/or swimming will help to strengthen his muscles and reduce the effects of arthritis.

Make sure that he has a comfortable bed to sleep on which will keep him from lying on a hard floor surface. If he's older, he may need a soft mattress and blankets. Raise his food and water bowls to relieve pressure on his spine.

Pet stairs can help him get to places he can no longer jump to easily. If he has a dog ramp to get in and out of your car or truck, he won't have to jump from the car onto the concrete driveway which puts a lot of strain on his joints.

Pilates Workout and Your Body


Pilates happens to be an excellent way to undertake exercises to strengthen the right muscles and improve body awareness and posture improvement. One of the best reasons for this is that a Pilates workout generally begins with non-weight bearing exercises and body positions that make it easier to support finding better alignment.

If you have forward head posture, knock-knees, bow-legs, or other postural alignment issues, the on-your-back starting position for both matwork and Pilates equipment exercises allow gravity to assist in postural correction. While you're stretching and strengthening the muscles needed for posture improvement during your Pilates training session you're also coordinating breathing with body awareness so that everything you've learned with your Pilates exercises can be applied to every-day life activities, thus reinforcing good health and optimal improvements in body posture.

The long term goal from using Pilates is that the posture improvement habits you are developing shift from conscious exercises and action to unconscious lifestyle habits and become the way that you naturally move, sit, and stand. It is a fairly simple concept that to improve the body's posture and reduce current pain, it is important to practice quality posture principles for your health. This is the secret, hidden benefit for anyone who undertakes Pilates training as a method of exercise. The great benefit of this is that you can contribute to maintaining the healthy lifestyle of your youth by improving posture.

It is a clear easy common-sense approach that a Pilates training program teaches to create and keep efficient movement habits for maintaining health to the whole body. You won't miss out as every Pilates exercise in a training program will combine strength and flexibility including aspects of improved breathing and to induce total body awareness. It is very important to learn the means of listening and understanding what you body is doing and how it moves in order to gain the most benefit from Pilates training.

Pilates training, which was developed as a physical system or movement regime provides the student with a range of choices in bith execises and specialised equipment to assist in the reinforcement of good body movement habits. With over five hundred exercises in the Pilates system, there are lots of exercises to choose from to keep you focused, motivated, and progressing towards your wellness goals. Done correctly, the Pilates exercises help teach you how your body is put together and how to find and use all the right parts for safe, efficient, injury-free movement.

The use of Pilates is not just restricted to the actual training sessions but can be practiced during other sports and fitness activities, resulting in these new habits improving overall fitness and health and a better quality of life.

Synvisc Therapy - Benefits and Side Effects


The process of injecting Synvisc into the part of the body (i.e. the knee) affected by osteoarthritis is known as Synvisc therapy. Synvisc is basically a vicious, elastic substance that is injected into the affected area to lubricate and protect the patient's joints. This type of therapy is recommended only to patients who already went through more conservative treatment (e.g. physical therapy, painkillers, etc.).

What is Synvisc?

Synvisc is not considered a medical drug, and is essentially a device. It is derived from hyaluronan, a natural chemical found in all living tissues in the human body. It appears in particularly high doses in the fluid that occupies knee joints as well as the general joint tissue.

Hyaluronan, which serves as a powerful shock absorber and lubricant, is necessary for the healthy mobility of the knees. Synvisc therapy is effective in treating arthritis because arthritic patients have a decreased level of hyaluronan in the body.

Synvisc Knee Injections

Currently, the only form of synvisc therapy available is synvisc knee injections. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has only approved the use of Synvisc in the knee and specifically for osteoarthritis cases. According to the FDA, this is because the efficacy and safety of Synvisc for other locations and for other conditions have yet to be established. So, in general, this type of treatment is offered only for knee arthritis patients, not for shoulder arthritis cases.

Synvisc is basically injected in 3 sessions, each at 1 week intervals. Studies have revealed that the total of 3 injections, each a week apart, is most effective in pain relief. Patients are recommended to take all 3 injections to maximize the benefits of this treatment method.

Synvisc Side Effects

A number of safety tests were conducted on Synvisc therapy prior to using it on humans during clinical trials. Results of the studies indicate that synvisc is noninflamatory, nonantigenic, and non-toxic. To date, it has been administered on millions of arthritis patients.

In general, synvisc therapy has no known side effects. However, since synvisc is injected directly into the patient's joint, there are some rare cases where patients experience some discomfort, swelling, or pain in or around the knee. Nonetheless, this occurred only in very rare cases and the risk of this happening to you is very little.

Exercise or any strenuous activity is also prohibited in the first 48 hours following the injection. Running, heavy lifting, playing tennis, or any exercise that might stress the knee is strictly not advised.

Benefits of Synvisc

Bear in mind that synvisc therapy is not considered a cure for arthritis. In fact, to date, there is no known cure for arthritis. However, synvisc is successful in alleviating joint pain, and its positive effects can last for at least half a year. Further, synvisc will work in conjunction with other medications or other forms of treatment, and you won't need a doctor's prescription to use it.

If you have tried more traditional or conservative modes of treatment for your knee arthritis, and yet you continue to experience serious discomfort or severe pain in your knee, then synvisc therapy may be a good idea for you. Weigh your options, consult your doctor, and seek expert advice regarding synvisc injections.

How To Wish Your Knee Pain Away In 6 Easy Steps


When I was growing up, my father frequently passed along nuggets of wisdom in the form of short phrases that still stick with me to this day. One of those sayings was in regards to me wishing I would get a good grade on a math test. His response was, "Wish in one hand, sh*t in the other and see which one fills up faster." Now before you get all offended and decide to stop reading, take for a moment to see the genius in the statement.

It may have been a little rough at the time while I was in elementary school however, the phrase did teach me a life long lesson that I applied to my own healing after ligament (ACL) reconstruction back in 1999. No matter how much I wished my knee pain would go away, the fact of the matter was, I needed to do the things necessary to make sure I was setting up the conditions for my knee to heal.

No one else could make me do it or do it for me.

It is important to understand having a good solid game plan is key to resolving the pain other wise you will still be wishing the pain goes away after you pick up your prescription at the pharmacy, after you go to the doctor's to get the cortisone shot, or after you wake up from the anesthesia in the recovery room.

Please do not misunderstand me. If something it broken or torn. Get it fixed! However, if nothing is showing up on an X-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI then the solution for your painful knees is not at the doctor's office. Like I had mentioned earlier I needed to setup the conditions in my knee would go away which meant everything that I was doing at that time was creating the conditions for my knee to hurt. This point is huge!

You get this one and the path to resolving your situation will light right up and become apparently clear. So here are some condition that need to be looked at in order to resolve your specific situation.

Sleep - How much sleep do you get per night? Sleep is what your body needs in order to heal itself. If you are getting less than 9 hours of sleep per night then your body is not getting the recovery it needs in order to heal damaged tissue.

Water - Are you drinking any? Anything that's not water doesn't count! Your body is made up of 80% water (at least it's supposed to be). When your body doesn't get enough water it needs to rob it from your bones and joints to make sure there is enough to keep your brain and your blood functioning properly. Yes, your body is that smart and knows how to re-allocate its water resources. The proper amount of water is key for your body to be able to heal the damaged cells causing your knee pain.

Nutrition - What kind of food do you eat? In general the better fuel you put in the gas tank of your car, the better the performance you get. The same thing goes for the speed at which your body heals damaged tissue. The better the food the faster the healing that can take place and the faster the pain in your knee can disappear.

Exercise - What kind of leg exercises are you doing? Hint: Are you trying to strengthen the muscles in your legs or the ligaments in the joint? Because these two types of exercises are extremely different. One makes your the pain go away, the other tends to make the pain worse. Only someone who has gotten to the other side of severe knee pain is really going to know.

Stretching - Do you stretch? If you do, how long? Are you stretching the key muscles that contribute to chronic knee pain? Proper stretching helps to balance the tension in the body so the pressure doesn't all end up in you knees causing you more pain. This also ties into exercise and if you don't stretch you are just strengthening an already dysfunctional tension pattern. Proper stretching will help your knees get better, improper stretching at best will probably do nothing at all.

Breathing - So you may ask, "What the heck does breathing have to do with my knees?" I would answer, "Everything!" First of all, if you don't breathe, you die. If you hold your breath your body begins to immediately to tense up. Think of the very last time you felt a twinge of pain in your knee, the first thing you did was hold your breath. The more tension you have in your body the less space there is in your joints. When your joints have less space they rub on the nerves sending a signal to your brain that you are experiencing pain. The more you breathe properly the more relaxed your body gets the more space your joints have and the less pain you feel.

All of these conditions and the proper amount of each are crucial to eliminating your chronic knee pain. If your knee pain elimination strategy does not include all of these components you are leaving so much out of the equation and odds are your situation either will not go away or if it does for a time, will return.

Wishing isn't going to work, take it from my dad. You are the one that needs to take these 6 steps. No one else can.

What to Eat When You Have Arthritis


Here at Bill and Sheila's Cookbook, we both suffer from osteoarthritis. I have severe problems with my knees. Sheila suffers badly from arthritis in the fingers, wrist and shoulder joints. Medication helps, but there are always unpleasant side effects. What we both needed was a diet, which would help reduce the inflammation in our joints and consequently, reduce the pain associated with it.

First however, we just need to recap what arthritis is. It comes in many forms. The commonest being osteoarthritis. A more severe condition is rheumatoid arthritis which actually destroys ligaments and joints. Gout is another form of arthritis which is common. There are dozens of related conditions which are classified as 'arthritis'.

Arthritis is simply a condition in which inflammation in and around the joints produces acute pain. In my particular case, the cartilage that covers and cushions my knee joints are worn out. This causes the bones to rub together and cause acute pain and swelling. When I stand up after sitting for some time working at the computer, a distinct series of cracks can be heard - and felt. I am sure many readers of this article will have experienced this problem. I love gardening, but now find myself limited to short periods of work followed by long periods of resting my joints.

We decided to write this article to pass on the information we obtained from our research. From the research notes, we listed all the foods, vitamins and minerals that helped to reduce the inflammation and helped the body to recover, or in some cases start to repair damaged joints and bones. We also listed all the foods that you should not eat, but that is the subject of a follow-up article.

Vitamins and Minerals that help to reduce inflammation

- Calcium and Vitamin D: calcium is needed to prevent bone loss and fractures linked to osteoporosis. Scientists recommend an intake of 1500mg of calcium every day for people between the ages of 55 and 70. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb the calcium. Studies have proved that you need 400iu's a day.

- Vitamin E: there are considerable benefits obtained from a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C. Studies suggest a slowdown in the effects of Alzheimer's.

- Vitamin C: people with damaged or painful joints have a particular need for extra vitamin C. It is needed for the production of collagen, found in bone, tendons and skin. The combination of vitamin C and vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant. Scientific studies have proven a link to reduced cardiovascular disease and certain cancers and is also thought to enhance the body's response to viral and bacterial infection. The body needs between 1500 and 2000mg of vitamin C daily.

There are many other nutrients that the body requires to help prevent or repair the damage caused by arthritis, but these cannot be covered in this short article. The list of foods that we should eat contain useful amounts of all these additional vitamins and minerals.

The foods that we need to eat. (100g portions)

Calcium

- Cheese: is an excellent source of calcium. Parmesan contains 1.275 mg, emmental 1.080mg and cheddar 752mg. - Sardines in oil provide 400mg and anchovies 273mg. - Yogurt: provides 140-150mg depending on the type. - Milk: gives you 120mg but can be more if you use calcium enriched milk. - Sunflower seeds provide a useful 110mg of calcium

Vitamin D (100g portions)

- Eels: are rich in vitamin D at 4.400iu's - Tuna: provides a useful 1.000iu's - Mackerel: 640iu's - Anchovies: 472iu's - Sardines: 320iu's - Casual exposure to sunlight can provide 200iu's per day.

Other foods that you should eat that are rich in the nutrients you need to help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints are:

- Liver & kidney, which are rich in B vitamins, folic acid, selenium and copper. - Milk and dairy products contain calcium and zinc - Molasses contains useful amounts of magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron. - Brewer's yeast is a great collection of nutrients in one box. It contains vitamins B1, B5, B12, folic acid, biotin, copper, magnesium and zinc. - All oily fish contain Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin A. - Vegetable oils, nuts and seeds contain vitamin E omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, magnesium and copper - Fresh fruit and vegetables contain vitamin C and manganese.

All of these vitamins and minerals are essential for normal function of the human body, but for arthritis sufferer, foods containing the following are essential for the treatment of inflammation and pain relief:

- Vitamin A for the control of inflammation. - B Vitamins for a healthy nervous system - Vitamin C for the production of collegen required for health joints, tendons and tissues. - Vitamin E to help with the oxidation of essential fatty acids, reducing the symptoms of inflammation. - Vitamin D for the formation of bone - Copper acts an an anti-inflammatory agent - Zinc for a health immune system - Magnesium for the normal formation of tissues in joints and bone - Folic acid is needed to aid in the absorption of other nutrients - Omega-3 fatty acids for the control of inflammation, swelling and joint pain.

Using the information above, we have put together a collection of interesting recipes that use the vitamins and minerals that help to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation of the joints. We have selected food items that the whole family can eat, without realising that they are actually eating a carefully constructed meal designed for the purpose of relieving and controlling arthritis. You can of course, construct your own recipes using the information outline in this article - but why re-invent the wheel? We have done the work for you and you are quite welcome to the results of our research. You can get the recipes from our website, Bill & Sheila's Cookbook, under the Arthritis heading.

Bill Robinson 2011

Osteoarthritis of the Knee - How to Treat It


If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, you should get treatment as soon as possible before it becomes severe. The treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms. There are some options available that you can use.

This condition can be best described as the wearing out of the cartilage - the soft layer in the joints between your bones. Another way of describing the problem is as a degeneration of the joints. Not only the knee can be affected by this condition, it may also occur in the fingers and hips. Osteoarthritis affects mostly elderly people, but it becomes more and more common in obese people of all ages.

This medical condition should be diagnosed by a doctor so that the most adequate type of treatment is prescribed. Sufferers who do not experience severe symptoms, but are feeling the common pain and experiencing swelling of the knee can be treated at home.

If you have osteoarthritis of the knee you will be prescribed medications that will relief the pain and inflammation. You can also apply ice to the affected areas for twenty to thirty minutes twice or three times a day.

An important part of the treatment is for the sufferer to rest their knee optimally. This does not mean to start leading a sedentary life, but simply not to do any physical activity that can make the condition worse. There are even specific exercises that you can do in order to strengthen the muscle around this joint. This type of exercising is essential for continuing your normal life.

If you are suffering from a severe case of osteoarthritis of the knee, there are other treatment options available. An injection shot of hyaluronic acid can effectively relief the pain for six months or even for a whole year, but this approach is expensive.

There are also three types of surgical interventions available for osteoarthritis of the knee. Through arthroscopy, the damaged parts of the bone are removed. While with osteotomy, the bone is reshaped or repositioned in order not to cause pain. The last one is called the arthroplasty that is the replacement of the joint with an artificial one.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Conditions That A Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Treats


Pediatric orthopedic surgeons are mainly specialized in all aspects of musculoskeletal care for infants, children and adolescents. These surgeons are specialized in both the surgical and nonsurgical aspects for various conditions such as musculoskeletal diseases, skeletal deformities and other traumatic injuries.

List of diseases treated by pediatric orthopedics include:

• Metabolic disorders
• Spina bifida
• Scoliosis
• Spinal deformity
• Cerebral palsy
• Congenital foot and hip deformities
• Traumatic injuries
• Common hip problems in the older adults
• Metachromatic leukodystrophy
• Intoeing, outtoeing, bowlegs, knock-knees and leg-length discrepancy

Here are the conditions that can be treated by a orthopedic surgeon in detail:

Most of the times, children are at risk for falls and sometimes for injuries caused by chemicals, fire, animal bites and unfortunately sometimes by violence. Sometimes, young children also suffer from injuries and lead to bodily injury, traumatic brain injury, and also death of adolescents. These conditions can be effectively treated by an orthopedic surgeon.

Cerebral palsy is a condition that can affect infants, children and adolescents. Pediatric orthopedics use comprehensive, pro-active and individualized approach to treat this condition in children. Finding a good orthopedic surgeon can help children with cerebral palsy to achieve maximum physical, intellectual and emotional development. Also, these surgeons educate the affected individuals and parents about this condition.

Spina bifida is a condition in which there is an abnormal development of the back bones, spinal cord, surrounding nerves and also the fluid filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon can effectively perform pediatric spina bifida surgery to help manage the problems. But the surgery may or may not restore muscle function or sensation to the normal state.

Scoliosis is termed as a lateral curvature of the spine. In many cases the cause is not known, which means why the curvature occurs. Most of the scoliosis can be seen between the ages of 10 and 14. Though it occurs equally in boys and girls, girls are more likely to get the condition. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon can better address your child's condition.

Healthy Lifestyle As a Natural Gout Cure - Avoiding Purine-Rich Food As a Cure For Gout


Perhaps the most painful of all rheumatic conditions, gout is a condition that affects the joints in the body. Finding the best natural form of gout cure is a combination of proper medication and lifestyle changes which includes avoiding purine-rich food. Healthy lifestyle is, thus, a must.

Gout afflicts more or less 840 out of 100,000 persons and it accounts for 5 percent of all arthritis cases. Because of the sizeable number experiencing the pain, many have tried searching for ways to avoid having a gout attack.

Gout is a condition that happens when the uric acid accumulates in the joint's fluids due to an excess of purine. When this happens, merely moving the joint is extremely painful. Purines are vital proteins to the body. In fact, it is within every tissue and this compound is even present in most of our daily diet. However, in the case of gout prevention, purine should be kept at the minimum and must be avoided in all cases to rid of gout attacks. It is therefore very advisable to know which foods are rich in purine.

The American Medical Association identified the following food to be rich in purine: yeast, organ meat like kidneys, liver, and sweetbreads, beer and other alcoholic drinks, anchovies, sardines in oil, fish roes, herring, legumes like dried beans and peas, meat extracts, consomme, gravies, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, and cauliflower.

With the trigger of the gout attack, the pain usually tends to start in the big toe and proceed to the other joints. This will likely affect the heel, knees, elbows, and ankles. This pain from gout is due to the uric acid crystal accumulation in the joints.

These crystals are normally within the fluid in the joints and cause swelling and extreme pain. The one suffering this condition may not be able to walk during the gout attack. Hence, it is so important for a gout sufferer to fully recognize the foods to avoid for one to prevent these painful attacks.

Foods rich in purine must be avoided as much as possible. Recommended to include in the gout patient's diet are the following: dark berries to reduce inflammation, tofu from soybeans as meat alternative, and certain fatty acids in olive oils, salmon, nuts, and flax for anti-inflammatory benefits.

It is equally important, nonetheless, to take prescribed medications by your physician. As a reminder, those enjoying very rich daily diet with mostly red meat are exposing themselves to high risk for gout in the near future.

What is Antler Arthritis?


Antler arthritis causes soreness, aches, and discomfort in one's joints. Antler here refers to the horns on a male deer that is distorted or out of order. Similarly, when antler arthritis is suffered, the joints of the body create joint distention and deformity.

Like any other forms of arthritis, this form has the same causes and origins. It may either be caused by age, weight, bone injuries, infections, illness and many more. The causes mentioned may either directly bring about the arthritis, or just contribute to the worsening of an injury that transpired.

The symptoms of this form are likewise the same as the other forms. It includes stiffness of the knee, swelling of the joint, the feeling that the joint will separate the bones, agonizing pain, and tenderness along the joint. However, the most notable effect of antler arthritis is the deformity of the joints. The classic examples are knock-knees and bow-legs.

When the symptoms stated are already seen, the person suffering must immediately consult a doctor or a health care professional. It is better to assume that one has arthritis at its early stage rather than to suffer the agonizing effects after it becomes worst. The unbearable pain is just one thing, when the condition becomes worst, it may lead to surgery and the taking of expensive medicines.

An example of arthritis surgery is the cartilage replacement surgery. In this surgery, the cartilage is removed or detached from the bones and thereafter, a metal and plastic cartilage will replace the one removed. Surgery is very dangerous, as such, some doctors resort only to this kind of remedy when there are no longer options to fix the ailment. Other available remedy includes physical therapy, joints supplements or Glucosamine, Cortisone injections, and exercise.

Other patients take so many medicines in their desperate hope to alleviate the pain, discomfort and swelling caused. The most common medicine used in case of arthritis is a pain reliever. This medicine obviously does not repair the broken or deteriorated cartilage but only removes the pain temporarily. Also, it does not prevent the ailment from becoming worse.

Antler arthritis may be generally the same as the other forms of arthritis but there is a specific effective remedy when one is suffering from this ailment. The relief based its pattern in the male deer's antler. It is scientifically proven that even if the antler is removed from the male deer, it will be rebuilt and a new antler is created. As such, the main aim of this relief is to let the cartilage heal itself through the use of devices and medications that will imitate the process of the rebuilding of the male deer's antler. This relief is now widely used in Asian countries in order to remedy not only antler arthritis, but also other kinds.

No matter what kind of arthritis a person suffers from, the best way to prevent, minimize or cure arthritis is through regular exercise, water therapy, food supplements, and a balanced diet.

Operation Games Online and Offline


If you are interested in finding games with a medical theme you can look into some exciting online games and some hilarious board games. There are also games for PC and console games to consider.

All of the games discussed on this page revolve around operations and surgery. Many are genuinely educational. Some are just for fun. Anyone of them could start a child on the route to being a fully fledged health professional.

Operation Board Games

Operation Game (with Cavity Sam)

The board game 'Operation' with Cavity Sam is a game that has been around since the mid-sixties.

It has delighted generations of kids (and many adults too) with its recreation of a trip to the operating theater that rarely goes according to plan.

The principle of the game is very simple. The player needs to use tweezers to remove various objects from the patient's body without triggering a negative response. The kinds of thing the player needs to remove range from water on the knee to a frog in the throat. Responses usually involve shrieks of pain, grumbles and pleas for mercy that are hilarious for kids, along with flashing lights.

It is essentially a dexterity game that is very similar to those electrical loop games that were once so popular. You might not remember electrical loop games but they involved the player working their way along a wire with a metal hoop. If the hoop touched the wire an alarm sounded and the player lost the game.

Since the objects that need to be removed from the patients body in 'Operation' are small and the cavities they are housed in are only a little larger, it takes a very skillful person to win the game.

Nowadays, versions of the game with Homer Simpson as the hapless victim of fumbled surgery can also be found. There is even a Spongebob version where you can operate on Spongebob's Barnacle Brain, Clammy Hands or Patty Pleasure Center. These games are recommended for children of 8 and older.

Operation Brain Surgery

In this game, it is the ability to recognize objects by touch alone that is developed. Instead of a flat board with the figure of a patient, the player is confronted by a large electronic, talking head. Inside the head are various shapes. The players are dealt cards with a shape on each. They need to reach into the head and fish out the shapes that match their cards.If the player is too slow or too rough the head's nose lights up, a buzzer sounds and the operation is declared a failure.

A lot of work has gone into making this simple game fun. The shapes have names like 'block head' and 'train of thought'.

A recent variation on the game is a Shrek version with a grinning, green head. Children as young as five will enjoy this game.

Operation Games for PC

Many PC games offer simulations of aspects of the medical world. '911 Paramedic' deals with the kind of emergency situations that an everyday event in a busy hospital. ER The Game takes you into the world of ER, the TV show, 'Sarah's Emergency Room' is about first responses to patients entering a hospital.

Console Games

The most successful operation games for Wii and Nintendo are from the 'Trauma Center' series and include titles like 'New Blood', 'Second Opinion' and 'Under the Knife'. The player must perform many different operations to proceed through the games.

An older game-but one that can still be found- is 'Lifesigns Surgical Unit' for Wii.

Operation Games Online

There are many games online that feature the kinds of skills required during an operation. Some are for younger children and are designed to develop manual skills, others are sophisticated introductions to real surgical techniques.

'Operation Mania', for example, is actually an online version of the classic 'Operation' board game featuring Cavity Sam. Children can remove things like butterflies in the stomach of their patient with a large net. If they catch the butterflies without touching the stomach walls they win that part of the game.

'Let's Operate' is a simple game where a player tries to follow a wandering line with a scalpel. Just as Cavity Sam screeches in anguish if you are clumsy, the patient in this game cries out if you stray from the line. There is a also a time element to add to the pressure. In this case, the passing of time is represented by the draining of a blood bag which adds a nice ghoulish touch.

Much more sophisticated games that give older children (13+) the chance to learn about operations involve such things as knee replacement surgery or heart transplants. These games often come with a strong educational element. Some are made especially for teachers to use in the classroom and have supporting notes and suggested activities. The educational tag hasn't stopped these games being popular with teenagers who seek them out to play with or without the classroom experience.

For children showing an interest in a career in medicine, any of the games mentioned here could help cement their ambition. For those children who just want to have fun, they can still offer a rich experience.

Cutting Body Fat Quickly With 1 Lift!


Cutting body fat quickly is completely relevant to what you intend doing in order to make it happen. You see in order to cut body fat as quickly as possible you have got to be consistent in your approach with both your diet and training. Now having said this I have included a single lift to help you along in the process to take your workouts to the next level. To speed up your progress read and apply the following lift I have included below.

Dual Kettlebell Thrusters For Time!

For this body fat cutting drill you will need the availability of a pair of kettlebells of moderate intensity. You will also want to have a partner with a timer to help you out. Begin this lift by placing the kettlebells on the ground between your feet. Stand with your feet shoulder width or slightly wider apart. Next, properly clean and rack the bells to your chest. From here you are going to perform a front squat while maintaining the balance and positioning of the bells in front of your body. As you squat try to go deep enough so that your elbows touch the insides of your knees. As you come out of the squat simply press and lock the bells out overhead.

Now this lift is challenging enough, but lets not forget about the timer and your workout partner. As you start the lift you will want to have your partner time your sets and keep count of your reps. For this particular body fat burning workout you will want to see how many thrusters you can execute in a 30 second time limit. Have your partner count the reps and keep track of the time. The idea is to perform 3 rounds of this drill and to see how many total reps you can knock out in series. When you are finished simply trades places with your partner and count for him or her. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone!

If you haven't already started to include the timed kettlebell thrusters into your fat cutting drills then you are missing out. Take time to learn more about this kettlebell lift and others by accessing the rest of my articles on the issue for free. Remember that most anyone can train hard, but only the best train smart my friend!

Understanding DePuy Knee Replacements


When you make the decision to have knee replacement surgery, you will need to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about what you want to achieve by having this type of procedure. Not all artificial knees are created equal. Manufacturers design different implants to address a variety of issues. Your doctor will likely have a preference for certain types of artificial knees to use in both partial and total knee replacement surgeries. You should know what brand of knee implant your physician will be using. DePuy is a leader in manufacturing artificial knees that are used by many experienced surgeons.

There are two different options for DePuy knee replacements. One is a fixed bearing platform and the other is a rotating platform. If your surgeon will be using one of these artificial knees, be sure you understand how it will work and why it is the best choice for your situation. DePuy also maintains an excellent website with plenty of helpful information about what you can expect before, during, and after your knee replacement procedure.

If you have surgery to implant DePuy knee replacements, be sure you are properly prepared for the recovery period after your surgery. You will not be able to jump right out of bed following the procedure and get back to your normal routine. You will come home from the hospital with a swollen, painful knee. Medications will be available to help you effectively manage your pain, but you can expect to still have a degree of discomfort. As your knee heals and you follow the exercise plan as prescribed by your physical therapist, you will feel better. Your goal should be to work your way back to a pain free joint.

Before you go into the hospital to have your knee replacement surgery, have a plan in place to speed your rehabilitation. Your surgeon should be able to advise you as to what range of mobility you can expect to achieve with your particular type of DePuy knee replacements. If you want to take on an additional exercise program to enhance your mobility and improve the function of your new knee, there are options available. Always make sure your doctor approves any type of rehabilitation plan before you begin. You don't want to risk damaging your new joint. You may want to explore Pain Free Knees at http://www.knee-replacement-video.com for one excellent choice of an exercise plan to implement following your surgery.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

How To Choose A Hip Replacement Surgeon


If you are committed to undergoing hip replacement surgery, more than likely you want the best surgeon available. No one wants a mediocre surgeon when it comes to their own health. You would want a physician who has ample experience and feel comfortable with talking to about your body. A hip replacement surgeon is a different surgeon than the surgeon who will remove your wisdom teeth. You will have a long relationship with your hip surgeon while giving him updates on the condition of your health. There are many options for you to consider when choosing a surgeon including location, a referral, price, experience and credentials.

Location Of Hip Replacement Surgeon

If you are located in urban area, it should be easy to locate a hip replacement surgeon. If you are located in a more rural setting, going to the nearest surgeon without looking at their history is asking for trouble. Make sure you choose a hip doctor that is within reasonable distance to your home as you may need to travel back and forth to the surgeon's office a few times. Hip replacement surgeons aren't on every corner, nor are they scarce. Be sure to find an expert that is located within reasonable distance and fits your needs.

A Hip Replacement Referral

Depending upon the origin of a referral for a hip surgeon is everything. Do not choose the surgeon who has the biggest phone book ad or billboard advertisement. This just states that the hip replacement surgeon is willing to promote himself by spending big money. Clever patients will look deeper into a doctors history and experience. If there is someone that you know of who received remedy of back pain from an orthopedic surgeon, that same doctor may not be the best at hip surgery. If someone does give you a referral, still check their background and speak with the physician before making any decisions.

Price Of Hip Surgery

Depending upon if you have insurance or not, will decide the fate of your hip. If you do have insurance, the coverage will usually cover the cost of the surgery. However, if you are similar to the ever growing population who do not have health insurance, then your options become limited. The average price for a total hip replacement is around $40,000. Not many people have that kind of money laying around. Although, there are other options available these days. Medical tourism is becoming more popular with the ever demanding global economy. The United States has the highest total health expenditures as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the world. If you are uninsured and a hip replacement in without question, then taking a look at medical tourism may give you a financial advantage.

The Surgeons Experience And Credentials

Experience and credentials should be considered a major factor when searching for a hip surgeon specialist. If the M.D. is "Board Certified", it cannot be a negative attribute. For a surgeon to become board certified, they must study rigorously to pass a written and oral examination given by an accredited American program. This has nothing to do with hands on experience. A doctor with years of experience and a good track record is what you will want to search for. A general orthopedist is not the top pick either. Make sure to investigate the history and be sure the surgeon specializes in joint replacement.

In general, you will have to do your homework when looking for the best hip replacement surgeon. Many specialists will advertise their way to the top which is the easiest way to promote their skills. Be certain to find a surgeon within reasonable distance. A specialist who will listen to your concerns and easy to contact is also a high priority. If you are concerned about price, there may be other options for your concern. Having an experienced doctor will give reassurance to your choice. The best way to choose a hip replacement surgeon is to use their history and status, but only you can choose who fits you best.

Arthritis Medicines


For those suffering from osteoarthritis, arthritis medicines are an essential part of getting through the day.

Osteoarthritis, or arthritis as most people refer to it as is joint cartilage degeneration. It normally appears when a person reaches their 40's or 50's and can be the result of a previous injury.

For example, if a person injured their knee when they were 20, they are more likely to develop arthritis in the injured knee as they approach middle age. It is also genetic, so if you have family members that have it, you are more likely to develop problems. Symptoms normally include stiffness, pain, and swelling.

Treatment options include an array of arthritis medicines including:

- Pain medication that is often prescribed such as hyrocodone, which is a narcotic
- Over the counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, naproxine, aspirin
- Prescription anti-inflammatories are also prescribed when over the counter does not seem to help
- Corticosteroids are injections of steroids given in the affected joint to bring down the swelling, which often is the root of the pain

The unfortunate truth is all of these medications can have some serious side effects. For instance, anti-inflammatory medications when taken daily can cause bleeding in the stomach, while steroid injections can raise the blood sugar level.

If the affected joint is damaged enough by the arthritis, such as a hip or knee joint, surgeons can replace these joints, which normally resolves the pain shortly after recovering from the surgery itself. Those that have mild to medium amount of joint damage are not candidates for joint replacement surgery, which means the vast majority of those who suffer from arthritis have daily pain, stiffness, and swelling.

The most common joints affected are the hips and knees though arthritis can be in the hands, ankles, and spine as well. Obviously, a surgeon cannot replace the spine, so this becomes a chronic condition for those unfortunate enough to have the disease. The Center for Disease Control reported that as many as 27 million Americans alone suffer from osteoarthritis compared to 1.3 million Americans that suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammatory arthritis that can be crippling.

Alternative Treatments

Many people turn to alternative treatments for their osteoarthritis simply because of the side effects they may have experienced with traditional medications. When treating the condition naturally or with herbs, this naturally reduces the inflammation and helps lubricate the joints. These include:

- Tart cherries. It has been discovered that taking tart cherries in the extract form has anti-inflammatory properties
- Ginger extract. Taking ginger extract is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help reduce the swelling, which in turn reduces the pain
- Boswellia. This herb is very powerful and in fact has been used for years in treating inflammation quite effectively
- Hyaluronic Acid. Taking this orally and applying it topically can help lubricate the joints
- Omega 3 fatty acids. This are another wonderful anti-inflammatory and also good for the heart
- Glucosamine. This is what many people have heard of as being great for slowing down the process of the disease

Final Thoughts

Arthritis impacts many people and while prescription drugs can be useful for short-term treatment, they can cause some side effects that many people cannot tolerate. Many turn to natural treatment options because there have less side effects and taking them daily does help with symptoms such as inflammation. Additionally, keeping the joints moving via some form of exercise greatly increases mobility.

Arthritis Treatment: Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis With Corticosteroid Injections


Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 20 million Americans. It is a condition that adversely affects hyaline articular cartilage, the tough gristle that caps the ends of long bones.

Hyaline cartilage is made up of a matrix consisting of a combination of proteoglycans (complexes of proteins and sugars) and chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells that manufacture matrix under normal healthy circumstances. They are responsible for nourishing the matrix as well.

However, when OA develops, a distinct change in the joint environment occurs. Chondrocytes begin to elaborate destructive enzymes causing cracks in the cartilage. These are called "fibrillations."

One of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis is the knee. This is not a surprise since OA preferentially attacks weight-bearing joints.

The treatment of OA of the knee is primarily symptomatic. Weight loss, exercise, physical therapy, assistive devices (such as canes and walkers), analgesics (pain-relieving medicines), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which also reduce inflammation and pain, as well as thermal modalities such as heat and ice can all be employed.

But what happens when the patient doesn't respond to these?

The next step is injection therapy. There are two main forms of injection therapy used for OA of the knee. The first are corticosteroid injections. The other major type, hyaluronic acid injections will be discussed in another article.

Corticosteroid (another term used is glucocorticoid - I will use these terms interchangeably) or glucocorticoid injections are used to provide rapid short term relief from the pain and inflammation caused by OA of the knee. Corticosteroids - also known as "cortisone" reduce inflammation and theoretically reduce potential damage to the joint. They are administered in combination with a local anesthetic to help provide immediate relief of pain until the corticosteroid has a chance to "kick in." These injections are administered using sterile technique with a local anesthetic. It's critical that ultrasound guidance be used in order to ensure accuracy. If the corticosteroid isn't placed properly in the joint space, it will not provide optimal relief. They should not be administered more often than three times per year since there is evidence that corticosteroids given more often can damage cartilage.

While generally safe, corticosteroid injections can cause some minor side effects such as flushing of the face, elevation of blood sugar in patients with diabetes, skin atrophy at the site of injection, a flare of pain the evening of the steroid injection, and sometimes some local swelling. Infections are rare if proper technique is used.

Caution should be exercised when giving these injections to patients on anticoagulants such as warfarin. Corticosteroid injections provide short term benefit. The length of effectiveness can range anywhere from weeks to several months. On occasion, they will help for a longer period of time.

Studies on the Efficacy of Glucosamine For Arthritis


A lot of people, especially those aged 45 and up, are or will be afflicted with arthritis, a condition involving degenerating joints. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease. In this condition, the cartilage found within the joints has broken down and worn away, leaving bones with little or no cushion whatsoever to rub against each other. This results in pain (sometimes very severe and debilitating) every time the person moves. Over the years, a lot of treatments and remedies have been used for arthritis. However, the most effective substance found to alleviate the pain and stop cartilage degeneration is glucosamine.

The action of glucosamine on affected joints is found to be different compared to other types of medications prescribed for arthritis, such as COX-2 inhibitors and several types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly referred to as NSAIDS. There are numerous studies on the effects of glucosamine on arthritis sufferers as well the extent of its efficacy in treating this condition. The latest study done in the United States in 2006, reported some interesting findings. Bolstering glucosamine claims were the statistics showing glucosamine when taken in conjunction with chondroitin provided a higher percentage of pain relief (compared to Celebrex) to those suffering moderate to severe arthritis pain.

Even though both medications are effective in reducing arthritic pain, glucosamine has little or no side effects. Patients do not experience nausea and upset stomach, conditions which are commonly reported as adverse reactions to NSAIDS (Celebrex). With better tolerance, more and more people stick to their medication regimen using glucosamine. Furthermore, people who use glucosamine for arthritis found that its effects last longer compared to other medications, reducing dosing requirements. A high quality liquid glucosamine requires only a single dose a day.

Apart from its anti-inflammatory actions, several studies have also demonstrated its efficacy on different kinds of arthritis experienced in different parts of the body. Those who experience pain on their knees report longer period of pain relief as well as increased mobility. Glucosamine is also found to be safe for osteoarthritis of the spine and on other joints of the body, such as in fingers and hips. There are also reports on the delayed progression of the disease, since glucosamine is considered a building block for cartilage growth. This is particular pronounced on those suffering from knee osteoarthritis and have been taking this substance for more than a year.

In addition, glucosamine has been found to have protective properties in preventing further degeneration of cartilage and joints. Several studies have also been done to demonstrate this unique property and its benefits for those who have just been diagnosed with one type of arthritis. This means that patients will not expect their condition to worsen to the point of being debilitating, hampering their movements and reducing their overall quality of life.

Affordable ACL Surgery in Mexico


Affordable ACL surgery in Mexico is becoming very popular, thanks to the ever-increasing costs of medical care in US.

Why go for Anterior Cruciate Ligament repair in Mexico?

Huge savings: The cost of ACL repair in Mexico is no greater than $9,000 and no lesser than $4,000. Compare this to the exorbitant figure of $30,000 - $40,000 that is charged in the US for the same procedure.

Top quality medical care in Mexico: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery in Mexico is not only affordable, but also of a very high quality. The standards of medical care in Mexico leave no doubt about why it is such a popular medical tourism center these days.

Orthopedic surgeons in Mexico are very experienced in Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction. You will find that a majority of them have been trained in the US and have also worked in the US for a significant period of time. Plus, they all speak fluent English.

The standards and methods of cheap knee surgery in Mexico are the same as in the US: ACL reconstruction is an arthroscopic procedure, but quite a few orthopedic surgeons prefer to do it as an open surgery. (An arthroscope is a narrow telescope-like instrument at the end of which a miniature camera is attached. It is inserted into the joint through small incisions, making the inside of the joint clearly visible. It has the capacity to magnify images up to 25 to 30 times. Images are taken from the camera attached to the end of the arthroscope and displayed on a video screen, which the surgeon sees and performs the surgery.)

When can the patient return to routine activities after knee surgery in Mexico?

For about three weeks after ACL reconstruction, you will have to use crutches to avoid pressure on the operated knee. Rehabilitation will consist of not only some physical therapy but also reduction in swelling, increasing the flexibility of the joint, and regaining strength. Your surgeon will tell you when you can start swimming and cycling - both very good means of building the strength of the muscles around the knee. This is very important to rebuild the muscle mass that has been lost through surgery and to improve stability of the joint. But it can take anywhere between 2-4 months for you to return to strenuous activities like running. If you are an athlete, it might take longer - about 6 months - before you can make a comeback.

A Simple Introduction of the Incentive Spirometer


An incentive spirometer is a kind of useful medical device which can help patients to improve their lungs' function. If someone has had surgery, this might do harm to their respiratory function, especially the lungs. This device can help them to minimize the chance of fluid build-up in the lungs. Besides, this device can also be used to assist patients to recover from cardiac or other surgery. In the following, I will give an introduction of this device.


  • Purpose

Using an incentive spirometer to do deep breathing exercises can help you to gain the oxygen. It may also reduce some disease in your lung.


  • Steps

There are several steps you should follow when using this device.

1. Sit or lie upright in a comfortable position. You can sit on the edge of your bed or chair if possible. In this way you can take a breath smoothly.

2. Hold the incentive spirometer upright. This device will show the exact result by using it in this way.

3. Take a normal breath. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and inhale slowly through your mouth. This will raise the piston in the chamber of spirometer. The incentive spirometer may indicate you if you are breathing in too fast.

4. Continue to breathe in, and you should try to raise the piston to the highest position. Read the maximum volume you have achieved. This step may make you cough, but it can help you to open up your lungs.

5. If you feel that you cannot breathe in any more, take the mouthpiece out of your mouth

6. Breathe out slowly before holding your breath for 3-5 seconds. Breathe normally to let the piston return to the bottom of the chamber.

7. Repeat the slow, deep breath in and slow breath out again for 10 times.

8. After you have taken 10 deep breaths, you should try to cough to remove secretions which build up in your lungs.

9. Repeat the steps above every 2 hours or following your doctor's advice.


  • Some helpful hints

1. Pain killers are usually needed. Do not be afraid of asking your nurse about it.

2. Have pain medicine, because you may fell painful in you lung when you do the exercises with the spirometer.

3. Use your spirometer frequently if you are recovering at home or other places. It will help you keep your lungs clear.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Shake it Off - How to Cancel a Gym Membership That You Don't Need


One fine Saturday afternoon you were minding your own business when you receive a knock on your door. You halt your usual potato chip munching session to see who in the world would have the gall to disturb you when you are so busy piling on the calories. You look at the envelope that was slid under your door and you discover the horrific truth: your mother just enrolled you in a year-long gym membership. You reel, you cry, you drop down on your knees because of the insult-you're a perfectly fit, 290 pound individual that needs no stupid gym to give you unreasonable fitness expectations!

Now seriously, your relatives are probably just worried about you. But if you really don't want to spend those countless hours pumping iron or sweating away at the treadmill while your money flows out like water from all the energy bars and isotonic drinks that you're buying. So if you really don't want that membership to continue, here are a few ways to cut loose:

- Have It Canceled: This is probably the most obvious way to end any kind of ties you have to that gym, and probably the best way to normally go about this business. The worst thing about this though is that you are sometimes required to pay a cancellation fee as well as your monthly dues. You may need to sign waivers and other documents before you're full steam ahead. So if you don't mind the momentary hassle, this is the best way to go.
- Wait It Out: A lot of gym memberships have this clause that if you keep you account inactive, they will cancel your membership altogether. In this case, just waiting it out will prove to be the best thing. You get to concentrate on other things you like while the gym admin does all the hard work for you.
- Buy Exercise Equipment: If you want to cancel your gym membership but still want to keep up the health-conscious lifestyle, you can consider buying your own gym equipment. You don't have to make a veritable gym out of your living space but knowing that you can still be healthy after you cancel your expensive membership is a very motivating thought.

Common Snowboarding Knee Injuries


Common snowboarding knee injuries occur when the ligaments around the joint are torn. There are ways, however, to help prevent those injuries and continue enjoying the sport while recuperating.

Tearing of the ACL or anterior cruciate ligament is a typical snowboarding knee injury. The ACL forms part of four major knee ligaments. The ACL can tear when a snowboarder lands on a bent knee then twisting it or landing on an overextended knee. A popping sound can be heard and the knee will give out.

The PCL or posterior cruciate ligament crosses the ACL and together are responsible for the stability in the knee. Spraining the PCL happens when the front of the knee suffers an important impact.

Another snowboarding injury is a sprain of the MCL or medial collateral ligament, another of the four important knee ligaments. The MCL is on the inside of the knee and when twisted during a bad fall from a jump, can be overstretched and result in a sprain.

All injuries stated above can cause instability in the knee joint and, depending on the severity of the injury, the duration of which is determined by the severity of the injury.

To avoid snowboarding pain or to recover from an ACL rupture or a MCL or PCL sprain, wearing a knee brace can be efficient in both protecting the knees while snowboarding and stabilizing them once injured.

The DonJoy FullForce ligament knee brace can help prevent ligament injuries by stabilizing the knee and significantly reduce the strain on the ACL. DonJoy's Fource-Point hinge dampens knee joint extensions to increase bending angles.

The DonJoy FullForce is designed for snowboarders suffering from hyperextension of the ligaments around the knee, to help ease snowboarding knee pain and cushion the strain on the ligaments.

The FullForce knee brace eases moderate and/or severe PCL or ACL instabilities caused by sprains or ruptures, to let the snowboarder heal to continue enjoying the sport without further injuries.

It can happen that CI or combined instabilities ACL/PCL may prevent the snowboarder from regular activities for a while after injury or during rehabilitation. Wearing a DonJoy FullForce ligament knee brace will help the rehabilitation evolve more quickly by supporting the knee joint and spreading the amount of pressure from the knee joint to other leg muscles for quicker healing. The snowboarder who is then ready to climb back on the board should also consider wearing a DonJoy Sport Knee Pad, which, combined with the FullForce knee brace, will protect the front of the knee from further injury, help the PCL sprain from reoccurring and allow the joint to stand jumps while protecting the ACL.

The DonJoy FullForce ligament knee brace will also help instabilities derived from MCL sprains or ACL or PCL reconstructions.

Help For Arthritic Knees - The DonJoy OA Adjuster Unloader Knee Brace


If you are an active individual, but suffer from knees that are 20 years older than you are, there is some potential help in a type of brace referred to as an "unloader" knee brace.

An "unloader" knee brace does exactly what it describes. The brace "unloads" or "off-loads" the knee in patients suffering from unicompartmental osteoarthritis. This is the wear and tear type of arthritis which comes with age, excessive activity over your life time, and hereditary predisposition to develop arthritis.

There are two compartments in the knee. They are referred to as the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) compartments. In the majority of cases, the medial compartment of the knee bears the brunt of physical trauma over time. The joint actually begins to collapse, losing both joint fluid and cartilage causing an angular deviation in the knee. An x-ray may show a bowing in the knee and leg because of this collapse. When the collapse is in the medial compartment, it is referred to as a varus deformity (bowing). When the collapse is in the lateral compartment, it is referred to as a valgus deformity (knock knee). This causes "bone on bone" contact between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (leg bone) resulting in pain, swelling and reduced range of motion.

An "unloader" knee brace bends the knee back into a more neutral or straighter position, and reduces the compressive load on that side. This results in less bone on bone contact and less pain and swelling.

The DonJoy OA Adjuster has been used for years as an alternative to knee replacement surgery by off-loading the medial or lateral compartments of the knee.

Commended by the Arthritis Foundation and rated clinically effective in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, The DonJoy OA Adjuster offers immediate pain relief without surgery or pharmaceuticals.

The OA Adjuster has many benefits over tradition arthritis braces that make it the choice of athletes and physicians.

The OA Adjuster offers easy patient-controlled load adjustment to meet daily needs. Its lightweight (23 oz.), aircraft grade aluminum frame provides a low profile, rigid brace that is comfortable to wear for long term use.

The brace is ideally suited for active, adult patients with moderate to severe unicompartmental osteoarthritis, moderate to severe ligament instabilities, and for post-operative rehabilitation.

Unlike many single hinged arthritis braces, the OA Adjuster provides added knee stability to protect the ACL, meniscus and collateral ligaments.

So if you suffer from arthritis pain in the knee, and want to delay or prevent knee replacement surgery, the DonJoy OA Adjuster may be the alternative you need.

It is important that you consult with your physician before deciding on an arthritis knee brace.

Dealing With A Swollen Knee


When a knee becomes swollen it causes proper movement to become difficult. It is likely that it also causes stiffness and tightness in the joint. Doctors see more patients with swollen knees than any other type of knee problem. It is especially important to see a doctor if you have been experiencing swelling for more than 48 hours or having a lot of pain with it.

Arthritis is the most common cause of knee swelling. There are also a number of other things that can cause it including: infection, cruciate ligament tear, injury, meniscal tear, strain during exercise, collateral ligament tear, softening of the cartilage, fluid build up due to infection, tendinitis, bursitis and gout.

A visit to the doctor is likely to result in a prescription anti-inflammatory and possibly a pain killer. Make sure that you look closely at the side effects because they are often worse than the knee pain, itself.

Today, many people are using natural and homeopathic remedies to deal with joint discomfort. There are a wide variety of options to choose from. Magnesium phosphoricum and Matricaria recutita will both help you with inflammation and also ease the pain in your knees. Bryonia and Berberis are also known for their pain relief qualities.

Arnica can be taken to give you a head start on the healing process. It benefits the connective tissue, bones and cartilage. Dulcamara should be used if you are experiencing inflammation and is especially useful when arthritis is involved.

It is really important to try and not put too much weight on your knee until the swelling has gone down. If you do, then you are likely prolonging the healing process or causing it to be injured further.

Cold can be really useful when inflammation is concerned. Wrap some ice inside a cloth and apply it to your knee for twenty minutes. Make sure that you elevate your knee above your chest while the compress is being used. Continue doing this every two to four hours, as needed.

If you have arthritis in your knee then make sure that you spend a few minutes each day doing light exercises that encourage a wider range of knee movement. Exercising will keep your knee warm and the muscles stretched. Doing this is even more useful after long periods of rest.

Obesity is a major cause of knee problems because of the added stress they put on the joints. If you have a weight problem then it is important to get on a diet right away not only for the health of your knees but the health of the rest of your body, too!