Is Osteoarthritis Part of Metabolic Syndrome?

Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage, a spongy protein that covers the ends of the bones within a joint. Normal cartilage helps with shock absorption by serving as a cushion at the ends of the bones. The cartilage as the fluid within the joint allows for smooth joint movement. As osteoarthritis progresses, the space between the bones narrows, the cartilage wears down and the underlying bone is exposed. This results in painful movement of the joint as well as limited motion. Bone spurs can develop around the joint, limiting motion further and contributing to more pain. Inflammation plays only a minor role in osteoarthritis.

There are many causes of osteoarthritis, the most well known is the aging process. As we age, the water content of cartilage increases and the protein content decreases. As the water content increases, the cartilage becomes softer, more permeable and loses it's mechanical properties. The protein content decreases which contributes to slow degeneration of the cartilage, resulting in flaking and erosions.

Other causes of osteoarthritis include abnormal bone alignment. In the foot, the most common cause is faulty foot mechanics. When the foot is not in alignment and not functioning properly, this causes abnormal stress on joints in the foot, ankle, knee, hip and back. Trauma is a well known cause of arthritis. Direct trauma can disturb the joint structures, cause mal-alignment of the joint or cause weakness of the surrounding structures, resulting in instability of the joint and eventual osteoarthritis. Other causes, such as infection, medications (such as steroids) and genetics contribute to the development of arthritis.

Obesity is a common cause of arthritis. The exact mechanism of how excess weight influences osteoarthritis is unclear. Although the excess load placed on joint surfaces will accelerated the breakdown of cartilage, obesity is also correlated with osteoarthritis of the hand, indicating a more systemic cause. Obesity increases the chances of having metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by a set of risk factors which are linked to coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. The risk factors include high blood pressure, abdominal obesity (fat around the waist), abnormal cholesterol levels (such as high triglyceride levels & low HDL levels) and insulin resistance (which corresponds with high blood sugar). The underlying theories of metabolic syndrome are tied to the body's metabolism, most likely insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the cells inability to efficiently use insulin, a hormone which transports sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. The result is high blood sugar. Insulin resistance is correlated to weight gain and inactivity.

In a recent study in the journal Skeletal Radiology, popliteal artery wall thickness was evaluated in individuals with osteoarthritis. Forty-two patients who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis at multiple joints were compared to 27 patients without osteoarthritis (the control group). An MRI of the knee was used to evaluate vessel wall thickness of the popliteal artery. The osteoarthritis group had thicker vessel walls than the control group, even when the researchers made adjustments for gender, weight and age. Because vessel wall thickness is directly related to high blood pressure and peripheral and coronary artery disease, the authors suggest that osteoarthritis might be another facet of metabolic syndrome.

One theory to explain the link between osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome is based on white blood cells, immune fighting cells, increasing in areas where fat accumulates, especially around the abdomen (abdominal obesity). As the white blood cells increase, they contribute to widespread inflammation in the body, causing a pro-inflammatory state (as indicated by high blood levels of C- reactive protein) and the production of immune chemicals (specifically cytokines) which cause a chain reaction resulting in damage to the cartilage. The combination of insulin resistance and the pro-inflammatory state may also affect the normal cartilage repair process.

It is possible that osteoarthritis might be an inevitable outcome for those with metabolic syndrome.

Kornaat PR et al. Positive association between increased popliteal artery vessel wall thickness and generalized osteoarthritis: is OA also part of the metabolic syndrome? Skeletal Radiol. 2009 Jul 3.
Rojas-Rodríguez J, et al. The relationship between the metabolic syndrome and energy-utilization deficit in the pathogenesis of obesity-induced osteoarthritis. Med Hypotheses. 2007;69(4):860-8.
Cicuttini FM, Baker JR, Spector TD: The association of obesity with osteoarthritis of the hand and knee in women: a twin study. J.Rheumatol. 1996; 23:1221-1226.
Felson DT: Weight and osteoarthritis. J.Rheumatol. 1995;43:7-9.
Armstrong CG, Mow VC. Variations in the Intrinsic Mechanical Properities of Human Articular Cartilage with Age, Degeneration, and Water Content. JBJS. 1982; 64:88-94.

Get Ready For the Joys of Being a Grandparent

Any way you look at it, being a grandparent is an experience that you will never understand until it happens to you. I have heard it compared to the feeling you have the first time you fall in love and to seeing your first child. Grandparents tell me that it just isn't the same. Being a grandparent is God's way of rewarding parents for not strangling his or her children when they are young. Being a grandparent is a parent's revenge on his or her child for late night telephone calls to pull them out of ditches or drive them home because they've been drinking. Being a grandparent and grandparenting can't really be described. A friend told me once that you don't know what unconditional love really is until you become a grandparent. A grandparent looks at this new little life for the first time and it's like God has just handed him or her a piece of his/her heart. The child of your child brings to a grandparent a feeling that can never be duplicated and a bond that can never be broken.

Before you become a grandparent, you can't imagine what it is going to be like. You might think that your friends who have grand children are a little crazy because they seem to think that grandchildren are the most wonderful things in the world. So, what do you do when you find out you are going to be a grandparent?

First of all, as soon as you find out you are going to be a grandparent prepare for your life to change. Next, find out what your resources are. Did you know that there is actually a Grandparents magazine? Online it is called Grandparenting.com. Be thinking about all the things you will be able to teach this little being. You will be surprised at how much they can absorb from the very first day they are a part of the family.

Remember that you are the GRANDPARENT and not the parent. Therefore, you do not have to worry about discipline. The "fill 'em with sugar and then send 'em on home" can be your motto. I would also suggest the motto "discipline as a last resort".

There are laws you need to commit to memory. A deck of cards do not always number 52; you can just as well play with 49. Never, under any circumstance, win a game at the expense of your grandchild. Grandchildren ALWAYS win (even when they don't). There will come a day when your grandchild will become too heavy for you to pick up. Grandparents know everything; you will find this out during your grandchild's first dispute with his/her parents. Get a local cell phone number with unlimited minutes so your grandchild can call and talk to you at anytime.

You should also remember that "the look" that used to knock your child to his knees does not work on grandchildren. They won't even see it.

If you are not going to be living close to your grandchild you will need to be able to create and keep the bond between you. One way is to get a free website online and post messages and photos to your grandchild for you. We have already talked about the unlimited minutes on your cell phone. Visit your grandchild as often as possible and spend as much time with him or her as possible. Send your grandchild mail each week. It doesn't have to be costly; children love getting mail. Little packages addressed only to him or her will be a special treat but a post card of your town will still be special and find a place on the refrigerator.

Always have a special treat for your grandchild when you visit. There should be something special that you always do together. Going to a movie, having a sleep over, or going to see Santa or to the haunted house can be your own ritual that continues till adulthood.

How To Treat Sprains, Dislocations and Fractures

Sprains, dislocations and fractures are the type of injuries that involve a lot of pain and swelling. Also, walking becomes very difficult, so it's even harder to get help if you don't have your phone around. And if it happens during a disaster, when there's nothing but chaos all over the place, you're in for the time of your life!

Now, I don't mean to get all apocalyptic about this, but I do believe it's very important that you know basic measures when you're dealing with bone and joint injuries.

So let's take them one by one and go through the whole process together:

Sprains

Most people get a sprain at least once in their lives, so you're probably familiar with the symptoms: pain and swelling mostly, but also discoloration (when the sprained area turns black and blue).

Now, even if it hurts, do not call 911 for a sprain. Those guys take on more severe cases. However, according to firstaid.about.com, you should go see a doctor if there's one close to you, especially if you're experiencing:

• severe pain


• inability to put any weight on it victim unable to put any weight on it


• inability to move it


• inability to walk


• numbness


• redness or red streaks spread out from the injury


• pain, swelling, or redness over a bony part of your foot

When it comes to treating sprains, you should think RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate):
REST the sprained joint. Don't try to walk if you're feeling severe pain whenever you take a step or two. But if you have to walk, use a cane to take most of your body weight.

ICE the sprained area with an ice pack.

COMPRESS it with an elastic bandage. Like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTAJ2qbYxNw

ELEVATE the sprain above the level of the heart during the first 48 hours. Just place your foot on top of some pillows or a rolled blanket and keep it that way as much as possible.

Dislocations and Fractures

According to eMedicalHealth.com, these are the guidelines to treat a fracture or dislocation if medical help is not available:

• Apply a cold pack to the area of fracture or dislocation to decrease swelling and to relieve pain.


• Flush open wounds associated with compound fractures with clean, fresh water and cover them with a dry dressing.


• Splint the injured area to keep it from moving. Support a broken limb by using the best material available for a splint, such as sticks, part of a backpack frame, or other stabilizing device. Wrap tape around the splint and the extremity affected. For example, if a forearm is broken, the splint should run from the wrist to the upper arm and support the arm without repositioning it.


• Monitor the extremity near the fracture or dislocation, assessing any loss of sensation, decreased temperature, and pulse.

However, the first thing to do is call 911. ALWAYS.

Pain can get pretty nasty in case of dislocations or fractures, so take 1-2 tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours or 1-2 tablets of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) every 6-8 hours.

I really hope you'll never have to take these measures, not for yourself or for anyone else. But if you do, I hope they help you treat your injury and relieve your pain. Make sure you stay safe, alright?

Knee Replacement Surgery - Your Last Option to Get Rid of Arthritic Knee

People that have generative joint disease or arthritis of their knees, often suffer from chronic pain for quiet a long period of time. Conservative treatments such as steroid injections, pain management and therapy are sometimes not enough to get rid of the pain and stiffness. Knee replacement maybe right for you, if you have a great decline in your daily living activities, that is related to pain with decrease in knee mobility and function.

The knee is the largest joint in the body. A person needs a healthy knee to be able to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing and running. More people ages 60-80 years old, that have some type of chronic arthritis such as Osteoarthritis, often choose to have a knee replacement. It is also performed on younger adults, depending on the severity of pain and damage to the knee. Your Orthopaedic surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate to undergo a knee replacement. You will be expected to stay in the hospital for several days after surgery.

Knee replacements are one of the most painful joint surgeries and dealing with post operative pain is one of the most important aspects of your care. Your therapy usually starts right after the surgery and it is important that you take pain medication prior to your therapy sessions to be able to participate fully with therapy. Your pain usually subsides in a few days, to a week and it may differ from person to person.

Most common complications after surgery are blood clots in the leg veins and you will be given a blood thinning agent to prevent this complication. You will also be taking iron supplements, depending on your laboratory result after surgery, since post operative anemia is also common to patients that undergo a knee replacement. Wound infection although rare will also occur so it is very important that you check your incision daily for signs and symptoms of infection.

Your therapy will usually focus on your balance, strength and mobility. You will be expected to use assistive devices during ambulation, such as a walker to prevent accidental falls for a few weeks. You will notice a marked improvement of your knee function, usually within 2-6 weeks of continued physical and occupational therapy, with a safe and fast recovery as a main goal.

The Benefits Of Going To An Orthopaedic Clinic

An average orthopaedic health facility brings surgical and medical expertise to patients. Such a clinic usually offers an all-in-one solution for anyone's orthopaedic-related problems. Other than providing diagnostic and radiology services, these clinics similarly offer acupuncture and physiotherapy complementary services. They also supply surgical and medical solutions for those suffering from arthritis in the hips, knees and joints.

A good orthopaedic clinic is more than ready to offer 24-hour emergency assistance. Patients with any orthopaedic-related injury could go to such a clinic and have access to specialists. Take note that health screening is extremely important in the early detection of diseases and conditions which could cause death or disability. Also, do be aware of the fact that stress and a lifestyle associated with modern unhealthy living could have a negative impact on health.

The best orthopaedic facilities offer personalised treatment. Their goal is to enhance your well-being as well as improve your own knowledge on your personal health. Screening services are ideal for corporate organisations and individuals. Remember that you have to be responsible for how you take care of your well-being. Do have yourself evaluated in order to halt any possible health risks. Expect an individualised detailed medical report from an orthopaedic clinic. This will then be reviewed while you are in a private consultation with your preferred doctor.

Pain management is also addressed by such clinics. A few of these ailments include neck/shoulder/arm pain, musculoskeletal pain, back/leg pain. whiplash injuries, work-related injuries, sports injuries, chronic post-surgical pain, arthritic pain, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injury, phantom limb pain, peripheral nerve pain, spasticity complex regional pain syndrome and HIV-related pain.

However, though these clinics are more than willing to provide extensive services for patients experiencing these physical discomfort, there are cases where severe problems are evident which not even the most intensive therapies might not be able to fully relieve. This could similarly apply in cases where there is neglect or when a physical condition has been left to degenerate to a serious state. When this happens, it is a must for patients to consider procedures which are invasive.

A few of the surgeries include Slipped Disc Replacement, Knee Replacement, Nucleoplasty, Bunion Corrections, Hip Replacement, Shoulder Operation. Also, there are numerous orthopaedic surgeons all of whom differ in experience, skill and sub-specialty. It is a fact that it might be difficult and confusing to select the proper orthopaedic surgeon for your case. Also, do not forget that cost could similarly be a contributing factor specially when you select private specialists. If you want to find the doctor that is suitable for your specific condition, do research and locate those which are experts in their field.

Severe Elbow Joint Pain - Possible Causes And Ways To Deal With It Effectively And Safely

When it comes to joint pain, arthritis is undeniably one of the biggest culprits, but we should not let that cloud our judgment. Yes, arthritis can cause severe elbow joint pain, but surprisingly enough, this is less frequent than what many people believe.

One common cause of elbow pain is a condition known as tennis elbow, and no, it does not only affect tennis players. Approximately 50% of people who participate regularly in a racquet sport will get tennis elbow at some point, but even so, the vast majority of cases involve people who do not play any type of racquet sport. Anyone with a job that is demanding on their forearm muscles is particularly at risk. Plumbers, electricians, painters, and even butchers are prime candidates.

Conventional treatment usually involves physiotherapy and pain relief medication, and sufferers are instructed to avoid using their elbow or elbows excessively. In more severe cases, patients may receive corticosteroid injections which are administered into the immediate area. Having said all that, many people are reluctant to have these injections, and many also can not afford to pay for physiotherapy. Instead, they tend to opt for natural remedies such as fish oil supplements and supplements containing New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel extract.

Nerve entrapment is another very common cause of elbow pain, but fortunately it is relatively easy to determine whether or not this is the cause of your elbow pain. In most cases of nerve entrapment, a person will also experience a tingling sensation in their little finger and their ring finger. If there is enough pressure being applied to the nerve which is trapped, the tingling can be replaced with near total numbness.

Nerve entrapment is usually self-correcting. In other words, with enough rest, the pain should eventually go away, although there are cases where surgical intervention is required so that the ulnar nerve can be repositioned.

Bone tumors can also cause a significant amount of pain in one's elbow, but in truth, this is actually very rare. As with bone tumors, septic arthritis is yet another disease which can certainly cause severe elbow joint pain, but it too is very uncommon. Additionally, it is more often than not easily treated with antibiotics, although surgery may be necessary in very severe cases.

While joint pain is often caused by medical conditions such as some of those I have discussed above, it can also quite often be caused by nothing more than a nutrient deficiency. Joints are generally high maintenance body parts, and as such, they are dependent on a healthy diet. If you know your diet is not providing you with all the vitamins and minerals your body needs, you really should try to make a few changes, or alternatively, you should consider supplementing your diet.

Total Knee Replacement - Why You Shouldn't Wait

Undergoing surgery is not something that anyone looks forward to. Sometimes people will learn to live with pain rather than going under the knife to repair any damage but when it comes to your mobility it's never a good idea to wait. Total knee replacement becomes necessary when the patient's mobility is hampered and typically more damaged is caused when arthritic conditions are ignored. This is especially true for female patients. It is thought that women can bear more pain than men so they wait longer to consider surgery.

What is a total knee replacement?

A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the ends of the damaged femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone) and creates a smooth knee joint. The prosthetic components are made from metal or plastic and are secured to the bone with cement. Depending on the extent of the damage, a partial knee replacement or uni-compartmental replacement can be done in which only a portion of the joint is replaced. (The knee is comprised of three compartments).

What causes degeneration in the knee joint?

When bones become degenerative it is most commonly associated to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, also referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis is common in older patients and is caused by aging joints, obesity and prior injuries. Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis are joint pain and stiffness and decreased mobility. Weight loss can improve osteoarthritis and has been shown to decrease symptoms.

What to expect after Surgery

After undergoing a total knee replacement, patients are instructed by their physician to under go physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Depending on the amount of trauma, rehabilitation time will vary in patients. Rehabilitation is extensive but is necessary in the process. It is very important to manage weight gain because one of the contributing factors to osteoarthritis is obesity. Throughout the recovery process it is vital to maintain constant communication with your doctor.