Breakthrough In Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

There has been a promising outcome based on a study using
home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to enhance
quadriceps fitness in older people suffering from Osteoarthritis of the
knee.

Symptoms of this "wear-and-tear" arthritis can be alleviated by
strengthening the muscle around the affected joint or joints. Exercise is
known to lessen the symptoms, severity and impairment resulting from
this disease. In some cases where sufferers are normally sedentary,
exercise may result in muscle damage, particularly in women.

The NMES Study

Laura Talbot of The Johns Hopkins University engineered the study using
neuromuscular electrical stimulation as another method of treatment for
Osteoarthritis of the knee.

This process is undertaken by spurring small electrical currents through
the skin, allowing them to travel to the nerves and muscles to enable
involuntary muscle contraction. A total of 34 adults diagnosed
radiographically (through x-rays) to have Osteoarthritis of the knee
participated in the study.

The 34 participants were randomly chosen to undergo a 12-week
Arthritis Self-Management Course on standard arthritis education, with
or without NMES. The group subjected to NMES was provided with
portable electrical muscle stimulators to be used 3 days a week to train
and strengthen their quadriceps. Over a 12-week period, the isometric
contractions were amplified by increments of 30 to 40% of the maximum.

The main outcome was isometric quadriceps femoris (QF) torque.

Secondary outcomes included:

->daily step counts

->total activity vector magnitude

->100-foot walk-turn-walk

->timed stair climb

->chair rise

->pain level

The results point towards:

->An increase of 9.1% in 120 degree QF peak torque with the use of the
stimulated-knee extensor contrasting with a 7% loss in the education
only group.

->Timed chair rise was cut by 11% in the NMES group, while the
education only group showed a mere 7% decrease.

->Both groups exhibited a 7% faster walk time

->Pain levels in both groups remained the same despite intervention.

Researchers of this study came to the conclusion that applying the
home-based NMES treatment method may hold some promise in
enhancing quadriceps strength among adult sufferers of Osteoarthritis of
the knee, without worsening arthritic symptoms.

Arthritis Treatment: What Are the Options For Treating Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) is one of the most common maladies seen in a rheumatologist's office.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on figures from 2007 to 2009, there are more than 50 million Americans with arthritis. Of these, more than half are limited in their activity because of their condition. (Hall MJ, DeFrances CJ. 2001 National Hospital Discharge Survey. Adv Data. 2003; 332: 1-18. Published April 9, 2003; Hall MJ, DeFrances CJ, et al. National Hospital Discharge Survey: 2007 summary. Natl Health Stat Report. 2010; 29: 1-20, 24).

One striking finding in these surveys is the increasing frequency of knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty. In 2007, 543,000 knee replacements were performed. The demand for this procedure is increasing most in the 45 to 64 year age group (Bozic KJ, Masselli J, et al. JBJS Am. 2010; 92: 2643-2652; Jain R. Am J Ortho. 2011; 40 (suppl): 1-4).

It has been predicted that the demand for knee replacement surgery will increase by 673% between 2005 and 2030. And, revisions- meaning replacements of the replacements are also expected to soar by 601% by the year 2030.

Orthopedic surgeons are licking their chops and already planning for this deluge by planning to train more joint replacement surgeons, button-holing politicians to increase reimbursement for the procedure, increase access to operating rooms, and even starting high volume efficient centers just devoted to joint replacement.

In all fairness to orthopedic surgeons, they are dealing with the problem of osteoarthritis of the knee in the only way they know how... and that is to replace the joint.

However, there are other methods of dealing with OAK. Early on, the judicious use of anti-inflammatory medicines, both oral as well as topical may help. Weight control, physical therapy and injections of either glucocorticoid or viscosupplements (lubricants) can also be of benefit. Knee bracing is another option as is the injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The latter has been shown to help with symptoms. There may also be a disease modifying effect.

Biotech and pharmaceuticasl companies are looking into the possibility of developing disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADS). However, the course to FDA approval is arduous.

Finally, progress in the use of autologous stem cells has proven to be a real boon for many osteoarthritis of the knee sufferers. At our center, we are seeing very promising results. As techniques for this procedure improve, the need for total knee arthroplasty, hopefully, will decline.

Dealing With Arthritis Knee Pain

A person who suffers from arthritis in their knee, may be unable to walk or stand at times. The pain associated with arthritis can come on at any time. Sometimes it may be due to over use of the knee joint, and there are those who claim the damp weather brings on the pain. A person who is overweight may be more susceptible to knee joint pain. The most common form of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis, and typically occurs in middle aged to older people.

There are a couple of different types of arthritis that can affect the knee joint. The more serious rheumatoid arthritis can start to affect people earlier in life than other types of arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis but there are several different remedies that are used to treat the symptoms. A person can choose to have surgery to try and repair torn ligaments or muscles that may be causing arthritic symptoms. In some cases, arthritis may cause swelling that produces a cyst. This cyst can be surgically removed and will alleviate some of the pain.

Unfortunately, most arthritic symptoms are just a fact of life for most people. Some of the symptoms include swelling, stiffness that may prevent the knee from being straightened or bent, and redness. Some over the counter medicines can be very useful in treating mild pain. Using heating pads can relieve some of the stiffness. Ice packs can help reduce swelling, which may interfere with mobility. Anti-inflammatory medications may also help in reducing the swelling. Over the counter pain relievers can be taken to alleviate some of the pain. A doctor may prescribe a more powerful pain reliever for the more severe cases. There are a number of topical ointments that can be used for immediate relief. These ointments can be used throughout the day or before activity to help with mobility.

A regular exercise regimen is recommended for anybody who suffers arthritis in the knee. The regular use of the joint can prevent stiffness. Physical therapy may be used for those who experience chronic knee pain. Wearing a special brace can help support the knee joint, and alleviate some of the pressure.

Arthritis - Types Of Arthritis

Arthritis is, sadly, a very common and very painful condition. It can make working and even basic living extremely difficult. In order for treatment to prove effective in combating the symptoms and to allow the sufferer to live as normal a life as possible, it is essential to correctly diagnose which type of arthritis the patient has. The two most common types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, are very different in character and require completely different methods of diagnosis, as well as very different methods of treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects as many as one in every hundred people. It is caused by a malfunction in the body's defence systems and nobody has yet been able to discover why this happens. The genes that are responsible for the problem, have been identified - but the exact means by which the trouble occurs remains unknown. The disease is not hereditary, no increased risk has been found if you have a sufferer in your immediate family. In rheumatoid arthritis extra blood flow causes joints to become swollen and painful and in extreme cases can even permanently damage the joint. It is essential to seek medical help to reduce inflammation, as the damage to joints is permanent and irreversible.

Osteoarthritis is a completely different condition, which affects the bones. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, there appears to be no genetic factor involved with osteoarthritis, although there are several factors that increase the risk of the condition developing. Osteoarthritis is rare in young people, suggesting that in certain cases it is wear on the bones that causes the disease to develop. Overweight people are far more susceptible to the condition, especially with the knee joints, which suggests that excess strain put on a moving joint area will be a major factor in bringing on the condition. Stiff joints are the main symptom of osteoarthritis.

Although these two forms of arthritis account for the vast majority of sufferers, there are in fact over two hundred distinct types, These types affect all sections of the population, young and old alike. Some forms of the condition, such as ankylosing spondylitis, affect more men than women - which is in direct contrast to the two major types, where far more women are affected. Systemic lupus erythematosus, another very uncommon form of arthritis, is found in nine times the number of women than it is in men. One of the most common forms of arthritis, which is usually thought of as a completely different condition, is gout. This extremely painful problem is caused by uric acid and is at least controllable with correct treatment. Sometimes arthritis can be a purely reactive condition brought on by another kind of medical condition. In this case, the symptoms will usually disappear of their own accord, always provided that no permanent damage has occurred.

As arthritis comes in so many diverse forms, it is essential to get a correct diagnosis before attempting to treat the condition. The first port of call is usually the general practitioner, who will often be able to do some basic tests immediately. Usually, however, the patient will need to be sent to a local hospital for blood testing and X rays. In larger medical centres more advanced tests may be available and specialists in the condition may be on hand to advise. Once a correct diagnosis has been completed, there is much that modern medicine can do to relieve the pain of the condition and allow the sufferer to live a normal life, even if the arthritis cannot actually be cured permanently.

Improve That Leg Line by Knee Liposuction

While liposuction can be performed on almost any body area below the neck, little mention is ever made of fat removal from the knee. Yet, in my practice, I regularly perform knee liposuction particularly when the inner thighs are being treated. Most female patients can benefit from knee liposuction if it is done judiciously and in consideration of the line and flow of the inner thigh down into the calf area. Knee liposuction can produce very rewarding results that can make patients more comfortable in shorts and above the knee dresses and skirts.

The knee sits at an important aesthetic juncture between the thigh and the calves. The most important aesthetic line is in the inner aspect in which a straight or mildly curving line should run from the inner thighs down to the top of the calf before it bows out again. If the inner knee fat bulges outward, it disrupts this aesthetic line giving one the appearance of knobby or chunky knees.While the top and outer aspect of the knee also makes up the knee unit, little can be successfully done with those areas compared to the inside of the knee.

Liposuction of the knee is very straightforward to do. But the technique is critical if too much fat is not to be removed or irregularities and indentation of the overlying skin is not the result. A very small cannula is used with a small stab incision just behind the inner aspect of the knee in the popliteal crease. While the knee must be bent to do the procedure, it is important to regularly check the progress of fat removal by re-straightening the leg and checking how the inner aesthetic line is progressing. When done as a stand alone procedure, it is important to make a gradual transition up into the inner thigh so there is not a demarcation line between the inner knee and the inner thigh. I find it esthetically important to also make sure that the liposuction is carried down into the upper calf area so I slight inward curve is placed before it bows back out again into the upper calf area.

I have found that knee liposuction can make a dramatic difference in the knee area and can get rid of the handful of fat in the inner knee that many women have. Even some women with thin thighs and shapely calves can still have a slight inner knee bulge. This area is clearly not metabolically active no no amount of diet and exercise can remove it. I usually have my patients wear a knee wrap or knee brace for a week or so until they feel comfortable without wearing it. The biggest issue with knee liposuction is that, because it is a flexion area, stiffness in the knee can be expected for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery when bending. Normal physical activities, including running, can be resumed three weeks after surgery

Ice Jewelry Store Review

I recently stumbled across an online jewelry store called Ice, and was amazed at all the beautiful pieces of jewelry they were offering for such affordable prices! Being the research-a-holic that I am, I decided to read up on all the reviews I could find about this store before making my purchase, and am definitely glad that I did! Many of the reviews seemed contradictory at first glance, but upon further research, a pattern emerged. I'm writing this article to share with you all the good, bad, and ugly details I found out from doing my research on Ice.com

The Good:
Ice.com really does offer unique, beautiful jewelry for a fraction of the price you might expect to pay. (However, read "the ugly" section of this article for a warning about that!) They offer free shipping for orders over $150, and almost every review I've read said delivery was quick and painless. (And many orders came even sooner than expected!) The jewelry always seemed to arrive promptly and in great condition, and in beautiful packaging. Ice.com also offers many flexible payment options, which is nice for those people that can't afford to pay a lump sum all at once!

The Bad:
One thing that kept coming up during my research on Ice.com reviews was trouble with their customer service. In fact, this almost dissuaded me from even purchasing from Ice.com, as we all know how important good customer service is. However, upon further review, it looks like most of the complaints were from people that were trying to return items after the 30-day grace period, or people who didn't read the "fine print" before purchasing. It seems as though Ice.com customer service may not "technically" be in the wrong, they never seemed to go above and beyond with satisfying their customers or ever consider bending their rules either. So my suggestion if you decide to buy from Ice.com is to read the fine print of their terms carefully before purchasing, and if you are not happy with your item, to call within their 30-day return policy.

The Ugly:
Finally, it seems that while everyone raved about the quality of their gold, silver, and gemstone products, their diamond pieces were not as gushed over. In fact, based on the reviews, it looks like most of the diamond pieces they offer are of the i1-i2 types, with some even in the i3 classification. For those of you that don't know much about diamonds, these are the lower class of diamonds. While on the one hand, offering these lower-class diamonds allows Ice.com to offer their jewelry at a fraction of the price of other jewelers, buyers should be aware the their items may not be as sparkly or shiny as diamonds from a higher class.

Overall, I would recommend Ice.com for anyone looking for unique, affordable jewelry, but not for those who are looking for "higher-class" diamonds or jewelry of that nature. A good analogy might be that Ice.com is similar to shopping at Target versus Prada or Gucci. It's all a matter of quality versus price or designer versus selection and convenience. It just depends what you are looking for! But if jewelry stores like Tiffany's or Bluenile are out of your budget, Ice.com could be a great alternative and is worth checking out!

Top 3 Reasons For Knee Surgery

Making the right decision concerning knee surgery is very crucial. You may be hesitant or scared to opt for this solution but one needs to understand that your doctor will only consider it if there is no other way out or medication is of no aid. However you need to make an informed decision and it is advisable to take suggestions from other medical experts and study the pros and cons before opting for it.

Here are top three reasons to for saying a yes to the knee surgery -

One needs to know the rationale behind knee surgery which is often not essential after a knee injury. Knee surgery is performed to prevent the bones from rubbing against each other as this causes pain. Replacing a painful knee joint with an artificial joint provides a new surface, which moves easily and devoid of pain. The main objective is to assist people to lead their life normally and actively. With proper care and rest, individuals who have had surgery can expect several years of good function of the replaced knee. However in most cases knee injuries can be treated with proper medications and a knee operation is not essential.

Looking at the past records, one will be pleased to know that the success rate of the knee surgery has been more than 90 percent. Many people have opted for it and got satisfactory results. Knee surgery changes your life and makes it pain free, thus allowing you to do your daily chores with much ease and comfort. Post operation, you will no longer have to stop yourself from going out and doing things that you had deprived yourself from due to the knee pain.

Longevity of the replaced knee joint is one of the reasons that give you confidence going for knee surgery. The surgery is a process where disease prone, worn and damaged surfaces of a knee joint are removed and changed with an artificial knee joint. The materials used in the replaced knee joint are durable and produce minimum friction thus facilitating smooth leg movement. With the advancement in technology and medical science, there are new kinds of knee replacement parts that are very flexible, thus permitting the knee to bend or curve up to 155 degrees. On the whole, the artificial knee components are crafted to fit perfectly and precisely and hence augment the function of the replaced knee coming as closely as possible to an original joint.