Osteoarthritis Affects Eight Out of Ten Over 50s

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting eight out of ten people aged over 50. It cannot be cured but osteoarthritis careis available to help slow its progression and ease the symptoms.

Osteoarthritis develops gradually over a period of many years and can occur in several different joints. Knee pain or pain in the hips are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis, as it tends to affect the large joints that are used as part of everyday life. The pain, if left untreated, can affect mobility and restrict the ability to live a normal life.

Several factors play into the development of osteoarthritis, the majority of which cannot be prevented. Age and gender are important as those most likely to suffer from the condition tend to be women over the age of 50. Obesity can also cause osteoarthritis, as carrying extra weight puts extra pressure on joints, leading to knee pain and even pain in the spine.

So what osteoarthritis care is available to those who suffer? Well along with the usual medications and surgery that doctors will discuss, there is much that you can do - for free - to relieve the pain and reduce the stain on your joints.

Most importantly, is to maintain an ideal weight. This can be done through a mixture of healthy eating and exercise. The exercise doesn't need to be high impact, but it does need to be regular - walking every day, swimming or low impact sports like tennis are all good ways to keep fit without putting extra pressure on those joints.

Massaging the muscles around your joints can also help relieve hip and knee pain; use some deep heat or relaxing oils to really relax the muscles and keep you flexible. Other ways to reduce the stress and pressure on the joints and keep the muscles supple include wearing thick-soled shoes, which will absorb the impact of your walk and reduce jarring on the joints. Walking sticks are also beneficial as they reduce the weight your joints have to carry.

Osteoarthritis - Is There Any Modern Day Cure To This Disease?

One of the most feared and extremely debilitating diseases that are a major cause for partial and permanent disability in the world is osteoarthritis. The joints in the body, especially the limbs, are the most affected. There are extremely painful conditions leading to decreased movement, tenderness, inability to walk or make a fist formation and a host of other pseudo psychiatric effects.

Osteoarthritis has its origins in degenerative hereditary conditions and it goes down through the genes into the progenies. It is feasible that any joint in the body can be affected but the most common areas are the knees, hands, hips, spine and feet.

In extreme cases, there is permanent disfigurement too. Swelling in these areas is marked leading to a gradual limp in the gait and virtual inability to climb stairs. Pain gradually increases during the daytime and bedtime becomes unbearable or, at the very least, very uncomfortable. With the complete wearing off taking place in the cartilages, the bone joints rub against each other increasing the pain many fold. Even the slightest touching of one bonehead with the other in the missing cartilage area causes enormous pain.

Since the disease is degenerative in nature, osteoarthritis does not have a permanent cure. There may be medication for pain relief but that is purely temporary in nature. Steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to prevent worsening of the pain. Surgical treatments such as complete replacement and resurfacing procedures have been able to address the issue with some success but again, the costs involved in these procedures are astronomical. There are also continuous post-surgical medications that may become necessary depending upon the progress made.

Total Knee Replacement, How to Know When the Exercise is Too Much

During the rehabilitation process after surgery, one of the best pieces of advice you can receive from your rehab professional is, to listen to your body. Your body will tell you if you are rehabilitating in the proper manner or, you are over doing the exercise program.

Most people get confused because for every neighbor, nurse, physical therapist or, orthopedic surgeon you talk too, you will get a different response when it comes to exercise do's and dont's. There is no cut and dried sure fire way to rehabilitate your knee. Your job as a patient is to find what works for you then proceed with it full steam ahead. Your rehabilitation professional if they are on top of their game will understand that as well. Exercise frequency for instance shoved down your throat will work for some and not for others.

There are many ways to determine if you are working to hard. A big increase in swelling, chronic pain that will not subside with pain medication or ice, or sleepless nights one after another. To avoid this dilemma, monitor your exercise frequency and duration set forth by the surgeon or physical therapist. If you experience these symptoms on a frequent basis then, changes can and should be made in the program.

You will always improve if you cut back as needed. In some cases I will recommend that the patient take an entire day off. It can be done and you will see great results as well.

Knee surgery rehabilitation was not designed to be totally painless. There will be some difficult days from time to time make no mistake about it. Taking care of your overall physical body with rest, and keeping tabs on what is working or not working when it comes to exercise frequency will be the major factor in your comfort levels and overall success.

How to Strengthen Arthritic Knees

Our knees take a considerable amount of punishment during our lifetimes. The knee is involved in every step we take and the constant pounding can take its toll. Arthritic knees are not uncommon, In fact, if you have been active over the years in sports or just day to day living, there will be some internal micro damage resulting in arthritis which is commonly called osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis of course is a major problem in the 21 st century due to the fact that we as individuals are heavier. In turn the heavier you are the more force that is driven through the knee with every step you take. To help keep your knees as mobile and as pain free as possible, there are a number of different exercises you can do to help strengthen the knee. The stronger the muscles are that surround the arthritic knee, the longer you can use them and stay active with less pain. Stronger muscles surrounding the knee act like a buffer preventing the knee joint itself from absorbing more punishment then is required.

The following exercises are considered appropriate to help strengthen your arthritic knees,

1. Stationary biking. Biking is a wonderful exercise that not only promotes blood flow around the knee capsule itself but, promotes more range of motion that will help with overall mobility and stamina. Biking whether it is stationary or mobile, is also a great exercise to keep your quadriceps and hamstrings strong. Biking may be considered the best exercise for your knees that you can do.

2. Water Therapy. Water or pool therapy is good at reducing the impact of our bodyweight while completing exercise. Your bodyweight decreases the deeper you are in water therefore, exercise in a pool is more comfortable for many individuals that have arthritis that has progressed to the point that, walking on land has become so painful that their mobility has declined. In water, you have complete control over the amount of resistance you provide your knees by the speed of movement in which you complete the exercises.

3. Weight Training. There are three main exercises that are effective in strengthening the arthritic knee without driving extreme forces through the knee joint itself. Seated leg extensions whether you do them at home with several pounds or, go to a gym in use more sophisticated equipment, this exercise builds strength in the quadriceps which help absorb the shock of your bodyweight each time you take a step.

Hamstring Curls are another exercise that helps build muscle strength and balance within the knee joint also. Weak hamstrings and strong quadriceps will add additional discomfort to the arthritic knee by having unequal forces working against each other applying more stress in the knee. The quadriceps generally are always stronger than the hamstring group as a whole so, having weaker than normal hamstrings does not help the knee joint.

Calve Raises. This is another exercise that can be done effectively in your home or in the gym. This exercise helps build and strengthen the calf muscles which also play a part in protecting the arthritic knee. This exercise can be done without driving excessive force through the knee causing more pain. Strong calves help absorb impact each time we step as well, therefore stronger calves act like a buffer between the surface and the knee joint from below.

This is a sample of the main exercises that are available to a knee where arthritis has advanced to the point that care has to be taken in prolonging the knee and, reducing pain. Your choice of exercises of course will depend on your age, how far advanced the osteoarthritis is and, your overall medical condition. when it comes to an arthritic knee, exercise is highly recommended by both orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists.

Maintaining an exercise program for your knees will help maintain strength and mobility which arthritis is always trying to take away if allowed to go unchecked.

Educational Computer Games With Medical Themes

There are a huge number of educational computer games for kids. Some are online, some are designed for PC or consoles. This page focuses on some of the games with a science or medical element.

Kids love doctor, nurse and hospital games. As they get older, some will become interested in the science of health care and medicine. Treating sick animals in veterinary simulation games will engage children from a very young age and is another way to encourage an interest in science based learning.

Veterinary Games

Vet games are one of the most popular genres of simulation games on the net with an ever growing number of titles. Some vet games are highly realistic and follow the kinds of procedures a real vet adopts. Other games are aimed at younger children and foster a concern for the welfare of animals.

Legacy Games

Legacy have produced some of the most successful vet games and achieved wide popularity with Zoo Vet and Farm Vet. These games appeal most to young teens. In each game there are a wide range of animals to treat. Emphasis is on patient diagnosis followed by the correct selection and application of treatments.

In Zoo Vet, for example, there are several ways to examine each animal ranging from an ophthalmoscope to an x-ray machine. The animal can be monitored with a blood oxygen meter, a stethoscope and a thermometer. There are blood, urine and bacterial tests to administer. Diagnosis is made in a question and answer format with children entering the results of tests and eventually being led to a diagnosis. After this, treatment can begin. This might be the administration of medication or even surgery. For each successful treatment the player receives rewards like an office upgrade or an accolade.

Farm Vet follows a similar pattern of game play but also includes a large 3D world for the player to explore. There is also more emphasis on playing with the animal between treatments.

Paws and Claws

There are several titles available in the Paws and Claws series from Valusoft (for PC). They involve running a veterinary clinic in a variety of setting. Some settings are town based, some countryside based. Each has a large virtual world. There is less emphasis on strictly scientific investigation of animal illnesses and more on creating and running a clinic. Even so, there are many animals in need of simple treatments. Paws and Claws is suitable for younger children than the Legacy Games but has hooked many parents as well!

Petz Vet

This game is part of the popular Petz series and offers the chance to care for sick animals with problems like a broken leg, sunburn or asthma

Online Vet Games

There is range of games for online players. These are suitable for all ages with the emphasis much more on care, grooming and organizational skills (in a busy clinic, for example). There is a link below for online vet games.

Operation Games

Moving to the world of human medicine, there are many excellent online games available. Some of the best come from the Edheads team and have titles like' Virtual Knee Surgery' and 'Deep brain Stimulation'. These offer realistic operations in a cartoon-like format which are fact packed and engaging. The games come with teacher's notes and supporting material for use in an academic environment but teenagers find the games engrossing and will play them without any encouragement from educators!

There are also a number of heart surgery games from various charities and educational organizations.

A link for operation games can be found at the foot of this article.

PC Games with a Medical Theme

Medical simulation games have titles like 911 Paramedic. Hospital Tycoon, Sarahs's Emergency Room and Theme Hospital. Each has a particular focus. The Paramedic game is from Legacy games and has a diagnose, monitor and treat format. Hospital Tycoon and Theme Hospital are more comic than serious as you try to manage a large hospital and deal with (often difficult) patients and staff. Sarah's Emergency Room follows a nurse as she progresses through her first year in her job.

'The Sims' also offer a hospital game- but only in Sims 2. In 'The Sims 3 Lifetime Wishes' game, you can pursue the life and career (amongst many options) of World Renowned Surgeon!

Will these games encourage Children to be Vets, Doctors or Scientists?

They can certainly help you identify kids who have scientific interests. There is also plenty for kids to learn about important areas of life.

Joint Pain Relief Through Natural Remedies and Herbal Treatments

Every individual is in the risk of having joint pains, be it due to aging or some other factors. Whatever may be the cause; it is very often unbearable and demand emergency treatment. Age related joint pains like arthritis must be controlled through proper medication and remedies to prevent crippling and disability of the body. Free movement is greatly impaired in acute cases of arthritis related joint pains with frustrations creeping in gradually. Women experience problem after menopause due to the drastic drop in the estrogen levels.

Knee, shoulders, back and hip joints are mostly affected due to aging whereas some may experience pains in the wrists, fingers, ankles and heels.

Symptoms

1. Swelling and inflammation followed by acute pain.
2. Redness and tenderness of the joints.

Causes

1. Due to wear and tear of the cartilage due to aging.
2. Autoimmune disease
3. Gout
4. Physical injuries
5. Infection at joints
6. Low hormonal levels in women after menopause.

Treatment

Apart from the usage of over the counter NSAID's and steroids, following treatments are of great help in providing relief from the this problem and that too without any serious side effects.

1. Exercises play a great role in reducing various types of pains, especially swimming. Swimming in a heated pool gives the best results.

2. Bathing with Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate. This particular compound has good anti-inflammatory properties which are well absorbed by the skin. About 40 minutes of bathing gives good results.

3. Massaging with a mixture of camphor oil, menthol and eucalyptus oil on the affected areas alleviates the pains.

4. Joint pains due to arthritis can be reduced by drinking few cups of green tea regularly. Green tea has special constituents that protect the cartilage from wearing out.

5. Elimination of certain foods like meat, beef which are high in protein helps in reducing this problem. The protein can be substituted by vegetables and fish.

6. Dairy products should be avoided excluding the low fat yoghurt.

7. Alcohol consumption must be stopped totally.

8. The herb Boswelia Serrata has high anti-inflammatory properties and enhances the blood circulation to the joints that helps in reducing the pains.

9. The roots of Ashwagandha are beneficial in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis.

10. Ginger roots are also used for this treatment, which prevents the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are responsible for this problem.

11. Women need sufficient dietary calcium supplements like low fat milk, yoghurt to prevent the weakening of bones and joint pains after menopause.

12. Application of turmeric and lime paste or drinking milk adding turmeric is a good remedy to alleviate joint pains.

13. Massage with Rumatone Gold oil give good relief.

Collateral Ligament Tears and Sprains - Knee Braces That Help Provide Support and Knee Pain Relief

1.) Collateral Ligaments

The collateral ligaments stabilize your knee when you are making a side to side movement. When they have suffered a tear, it is usually because you have been struck from the side. For instance, football players, who get tackled from the side, are at a high risk of suffering from collateral ligament damage. The pain usually originates from the side of your knee, and will be tender to the touch. Swelling, pain and a weakness in the knee joint are common symptoms of collateral ligament damage.

There are three grades of collateral ligament damage. They are:

Grade 1

Grade 1 is a minor stretching of the ligament, and can be classified as a sprain.

Grade 2

The ligament is partially torn

Grade 3

The ligament has been completely torn

2.) Mechanism of Injury

Stepping in a hole, being hit while your foot is firmly planted on the ground or twisting your foot sharply to the side can all lead to collateral ligament damage. There are a number of things you can do to treat collateral ligament damage, and in some cases, you can help treat it yourself (speak with your physician about definitive treatment methods).

The first thing you must do is rest the knee. Do not engage in any activity that aggravates or strains your knee. Elevate it when possible, and apply ice to the area frequently. Ice will hasten the healing process, and bring down the swelling and inflammation that are the root of the problem.

3.) Knee Braces For Support

Bracing is also an effective means of helping to treat collateral ligament damage. A knee brace helps provide stability to the knee, which will help promote healing. It also can provide gentle compression to the area, and this has been know to stimulate nerve fibres, which makes the area feel better. It is similar to when you stub your finger. When you stub your finger, your first reaction is to grab hold of it, which makes you feel better. A knee brace will do this for your knee.

Often times people will refer to these knee braces as a football knee brace, basketball knee brace, or a running knee brace. Yes, you can use a knee brace for these sports, but it is wise to help concentrate on the injury level first and then the sport.

You can prevent collateral ligament damage by warming up before you do anything strenuous. You should also stretch properly. If the pain persists, you should consult a physician to make sure that there is not something else wrong with your knee.