Eight Ways To Look After Your Knees

Knee pain can start from an injury to even the smallest  part of your knee and can arise from overuse in childhood or adulthood.

One of the most common reasons for severe pain in this joint is inflammation due to advanced wear of the cartilage on the moving surfaces of the knee joint.

The inflammation from the worn particles of cartilage, if ignored, cause persistent swelling, stiffness, loss of range of movement and the deformity of osteoarthritis.

Knee pain can also come from outside the knee such as bursitis which is caused by inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac, in front of the knee. It is usually intermittent and mild at first but can become persistent, severe and difficult to alleviate so prevention is key.

Here is my advice to help you keep your knees in good condition and to ease pain when it first occurs.

1 Get support: If you don’t want to suffer with knee pain it is really important to wear sports shoes that offer the correct support.

Some knee braces are specifically designed to provide support in the right place. The choice of the correct knee support should be discussed with your sports specialist as there are a variety of supports and braces for different conditions.

Tip: You should invest in a good pair of trainers or sport specific shoes and boots that fit properly. Consider changing these every six months.

If you are serious about your sport you should have the footwear professionally assessed to match your running style before you buy them.

2 Lose weight: It’s not surprising that carrying extra weight means you are putting undue stress on your joints, particularly your knees.

Experts calculate that one pound of body weight is equal to between three and seven pounds of extra weight on your knees. So even losing a few pounds can make a difference to easing knee pain and preventing it in the first place.

Many of the problems of impingement in the knee joint that lead to later issues come from pinching of a fold of fat in the knee joint. Shrink the fat and you might not get the pinch.

Tip: As well as a low-calorie diet, choose a gentle exercise such as swimming or cycling which doesn't place any strain on joints.

3 Ice it: If you do suffer with knee pain, particularly after working out, an ice pack on the affected area can really help to ease discomfort.

This is part of the old mnemonic RICE which stands for: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Ice is thought to help by reducing blood flow and thereby dampening down inflammation around the joint.

Tip: Keep several ice packs in the freezer so they are ready when you need them. For a more professional approach there are cold therapy systems that deliver continuous cold to the joint such as the CryoCuff by Aircast (£59.99/ physioroom.com).

4 Try manipulation: Many people notice a sudden knee pain without any particular injury. I have come up with something I call the “Hardy shuffle test” which I use as both a diagnostic tool and in some patients it cures the pain of impingement.

Tip: To perform the “Hardy shuffle test” at home, kick flick your knee to see if you can shift the pain.

If the pain is coming from under the kneecap sit on the edge of a chair. Relax your thigh muscle and flick your kneecap from side to side to flick out the small fold of fat that is being pinched.

5 Don’t ignore pain: Many people brush off knee pain when they first start to experience it and believe it will eventually go away.

Early diagnosis is key to preventing more severe and irreversible damage. If you have a sharp, intermittent, localised pain you should get checked out sooner rather than later in order to stop some conditions getting worse.

Tip: If you have a pain you can point to on your knee and it is tender to touch, make an appointment with your GP to check whether you have an unstable meniscus tear.

This is the most common cause of osteoarthritis if left untreated. Most GPs will take a history, examine your knee for tenderness and arrange an MRI scan.

6 Supplement your diet: Vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D support healthy bones, and greens such as spinach, kale and cabbage contain vitamin K, another nutrient that supports bone health.

Tip: Stop smoking. The carbon monoxide from smoking displaces 20 per cent of the oxygen from your hemoglobin. Tissues need this oxygen when trying to heal an injury.

7 Keep moving: But also get a good night’s sleep. Cycling is a proven way to encourage cartilage to grow and heal. Sleep can also do wonders for joint discomfort. So get some early nights to ensure you get your full eight hours. You will feel better for it.

Tip: Look for ways to incorporate gentle activity into your daily routine such as cycling to work or to the shops. You can even get a cycling machine that sits under your desk.

8 Change the way you exercise: High-impact activities such as running and racket sports don’t do your knees any favours.

If your knees hurt it would be a good idea to take up a gentler exercise such as swimming or yoga, at least for a while to let the inflammation go down. Continuing with high-impact exercise could just make things worse.

Tip: Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, or you are sensitive to them, try a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablet the night before exercise.

Source: http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/505891/Eight-ways-to-keep-your-knees-healthy

Rebuilding Together Provides Relief For Kearney Woman With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Jeanette Santucci of Kearney was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2001. Rebuilding Together Clay County has helped her over the past year and made her disease more manageable.

Rebuilding Clay County recently installed a walk-in bathtub for Santucci. The tub not only makes it easier to bathe, but it has jets that Santucci said relieve the pain in her joints caused by her arthritis.

“It brings the swelling down in the joints because when the swelling is up, it hurts really bad on top of the pain that’s already there,” Santucci said. “It gets the swelling down in the joints so I can tolerate walking and tolerate being awake.”

Santucci has had numerous surgeries to replace her joints and has many more to come. She said her rheumatoid arthritis has been so unbearable that she can’t even get out of bed. Santucci received help from Rebuilding Clay County after her physical therapist suggested she contact the nonprofit to help with home repairs since Santucci’s condition prevents her from doing many things.

“I let them know what needs I needed in order to make myself livable on my own again,” Santucci said.

Several Kearney businesses and organizations helped with the installation and materials of the walk-in tub, including Kearney Rotary Club, Kearney Masonic Lodge No. 311, Kearney Lions, KCB Bank, Kearney Trust Co., Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Porter’s Lumber and West Kearney Winnelson Plumbing.

Santucci is thankful for all of the volunteers and groups that helped her.

“I kind of felt like the town was wrapping their arms around me and saying, ‘OK, we love you, you’re here. We’re going to take care of you,’” Santucci said.

The tub isn’t the first helping hand Rebuilding Clay County has given Santucci. Her rheumatoid arthritis prevents her from opening certain door knobs and repairing some basic items around her house. Rebuilding Clay County installed a new door handle and lock in addition to fixing her garage door.

Clay McQuerry, executive director of Rebuilding Clay County, said he was surprised at the number of Kearney businesses and organizations that stepped up to help Santucci.

“We’re always looking for organizations to partner with us, but this is really the first time that we had several organizations respond like that,” McQuerry said. “It was a welcome surprise.”

McQuerry said Rebuilding Clay County’s mission statement is to have safe and healthy homes for residents of Clay County.

“Thankfully, we have a lot of great volunteers and contractors to make that possible,” McQuerry said.

Source: http://www.kearneycourier.com/news/article_efb3e2d2-e36b-5b5e-a3b5-76f0328e84bf.html#user-comment-area

Dealing with joint pain? Try swimming

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – You’ve pounded your legs on the pavement for years and just can’t seem to put in the miles you used to. Try hanging up the running shoes; don a swimsuit and goggles for the workout that gives you the highest cardio-respiratory fitness compared to any other sport: swimming.

Kris Simpson, an ACSM certified personal trainer, a basketball coach and triathlete admits the swimming portion of the “swim, bike, run” was very challenging.

“Lats and back were sore, your shoulders are tired, my core got stronger, my triceps – [I have] nice swimming arms now,” says Simpson.

The challenge of swimming is in the resistance. Water offers between 12 to 14 percent more resistance than air, which forces you to build and tone muscles faster. In a study of men who completed an eight-week swimming program, they saw a 23.8 percent increase in the triceps muscle in the back of the arm.

“The fact that you’re using your arms and your legs and you’re trying to move through the water makes it a bit of work, makes it a great workout,” says Simpson.

Researchers at IU’s Counsilman Center for the Science of Swimming found that swimmers of all ages had more lean muscle and trimmer waists and hips than non-swimmers. In a separate study, they found regular swimming substantially delayed signs of aging in terms of blood pressure, muscle mass and pulmonary function.

“Swimming is a great cardiovascular sport, it definitely helps with helping your heart rate and your endurance,” says clinical exercise physiologist Regina Gallerani.

Water-based exercise can help people with chronic diseases, based on research compiled by the Centers for Disease Control. For people with arthritis and osteoarthritis, it improves use of affected joints without worsening symptoms. Swimming has also been shown to improve mood in both men and women.

“People who are having trouble moving, in general, who maybe wouldn’t want to start off running, but want to get into some kind of activity, swimming is definitely a great activity to start with,” says Gallerani.

Because 90 percent of the body is buoyant, swimming provides a low-impact exercise with great cardiovascular benefits.

“It was easier on my back and easier on my body,” says Simpson. “I’ve had some knee problems — just from pounding and running on concrete and that kind of stuff, and this just makes it a nice break, easy on my body.”

If you don’t already swim, it appears Indianapolis may be a great city to take up the sport. USA Swimming recently named Indianapolis and Carmel as 10th on list for Top Swim Cities in America. The study looked at the number of USA Swimming members, swimming facilities and swimming clubs, as well as how many swimmers qualified for high level competitions — like national championships and Olympic trials.

Source: http://wishtv.com/2014/07/22/dealing-with-joint-pain-try-swimming/

Absence of Specific Hormone May Contribute to Arthritis Development

A Duke University study reveals that the absence of the appetite hormone leptin can determine whether obese mice experience arthritis, no matter how heavy they are. As such, the link between osteoarthritis and obesity may be more than the wear and tear caused by extra weight. The research team from Duke University conducted the study to learn whether or not the increased body fat of obesity causes an inflammatory response in joints, an imbalance of the immune system that signals chemicals in osteoarthritis. The researchers studied mice that were leptin-deficient or deficient in leptin receptors, and both types of mice overate and gained weight.

The study mice were then compared with normal mice to document knee osteoarthritis. The measurements included pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines present in arthritis, and several tests to assess bone changes in the knees of the mice. The results of the study showed that the knee bones of the leptin-free, obese mice did change, but without forming osteoarthritis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, which correlate with arthritis, were largely unchanged in this group. The results suggested that leptin might have a dual role in the development of osteoarthritis by regulating both the skeletal and immune systems, according to a Duke Medicine news release.

Farshid Guilak, PhD, of Duke University, says, “We were completely surprised to find that mice that became extremely obese had no arthritis if their bodies didn’t have leptin. Although there was some earlier evidence that leptin might be involved in the arthritis disease process, we didn’t think that there would be no arthritis at all.” Guilak adds, “However, in another study, we found that mice that gained half as much weight on a high-fat diet but processed leptin normally showed significant knee osteoarthritis.”

In regards to what this means for obesity, Guilak says, “Obesity is still the number one preventable risk factor of osteoarthritis, but now it seems body fat by itself is not what is causing it.” Guilak explains, “With obesity and osteoarthritis, there are good similarities between humans and mice. If we can find a pathway that links a high-fat diet with arthritis, then we can try to identify and block the inflammatory mediators that are linked with the dietary fat.”

Source: http://www.ptproductsonline.com/2014/08/absence-specific-hormone-may-contribute-arthritis-development/

Jimmy Johnson's LEADING EDGE to Feature Hip Reconstruction Segment

Hip reconstruction offers a viable alternative to total hip replacement for patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis or other medical conditions that result in wearing away of cartilage or bone. Hip reconstruction involves reshaping Bones or providing support for or replacing a portion of the hip.

While not a cure, hip reconstruction can provide a great deal of relief from pain and loss of friction, along with restoration of function in the hip. There are different surgical procedures involved in hip reconstruction, which has come a long way over the years. It is the preferred option in younger patients. Newer methods and materials used in hip reconstruction surgery offer patients more individualized return to natural function in the hip than in the past, and gives patients overall improvement in their independence and quality of life.

"Leading Edge," with host Jimmy Johnson, has created an upcoming educational segment that explains the effect of disease and other conditions that contribute to the need for hip reconstruction and the benefits that it offers to patients suffering from painful, disabling conditions of the hip. Jimmy Johnson and "Leading Edge" will create awareness of hip reconstruction surgery and will educate the audience on potential options and benefits to patients.

Leading Edge is developed for Public Television stations throughout the United States, and has no relation to PBS. Visit leadingedgeseries.com to learn more.

Source: http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Jimmy-Johnsons-LEADING-EDGE-to-Feature-Hip-Reconstruction-Segment-20140804#.U-IPfVeP9X8

How Omega-3 Supplements Lessen Severity of Osteoarthritis?

Omega-3 fatty acids may improve joint health and reduce the risk and severity of arthritis, according to a study conducted by researchers from Duke University and published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases on July 11.

The findings suggest that, contrary to prior belief, the types of fats that make up a person’s diet may have more influence on their arthritis risk than their weight does.

“Our results suggest that dietary factors play a more significant role than mechanical factors in the link between obesity and osteoarthritis,” senior author Farshid Guilak, PhD, said.
What You Eat, Not What You Weigh

Prior studies have established that obesity is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis, a disorder characterized by degradation of the joints and more commonly known simply as “arthritis.” Until now, scientists have assumed that a higher body weight causes increased wear-and-tear on the joints, but this hypothesis never explained why arthritis is so common in non-weight-bearing parts of the body such as the hands.

In a previous study, the Duke University researchers found that abnormally low levels of the appetite-regulating hormone leptin in obese mice were an accurate predictor of arthritis. This suggested that metabolic, rather than physical, symptoms of obesity might actually be behind arthritis.

“This made us think that maybe it’s not how much weight you gain, but what you eat,” Guilak said.

To further explore the connection between diet and arthritis, the researchers induced osteoarthritis in mice by deliberately injuring their knees. Trauma or injury is responsible for approximately 10 to 15 percent of all osteoarthritis cases. The arthritic mice were then fed either a diet high in saturated fat, a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids or a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids with a small amount of added omega-3s.

“A healthy diet would include roughly equal ratios of these fats, but we’re way off the scale in the Western diet,” Guilak said.

Health researchers now believe that the typical Western diet contains too much saturated and omega-6 fat, and not enough of omega-3 fat.
Omega-3s Slow Disease Progression, Speed Wound Healing

The researchers found no connection between body weight and arthritis. They did find that, while mice on both the saturated fat and omega-6 diets experienced a worsening of their arthritis symptoms over time, mice in the omega-6 plus omega-3 group did not.

“While omega 3 fatty acids aren’t reversing the injury, they appear to slow the progression of arthritis in this group of mice,” Guilak said. “In fact, omega 3 fatty acids eliminated the detrimental effects of obesity in obese mice.”

The researchers also noticed that mice in the omega-3 group healed faster from an injury that the researchers had inflicted on their ears (a way to differentiate between the mice) than the mice in the other two groups.

“We found that independent of body weight, dietary fatty acids regulate ear wound healing and severity of osteoarthritis following joint injury in obese mice,” lead author Chia-Lung Wu said.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Arthritis Foundation, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and a Taiwan GSSA graduate fellowship. It is only the latest in a glut of recent research illuminating the many health benefits of a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids.

A strong body of clinical research now shows that omega-3s are potent anti-inflammatories that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and arthritis. They are also important for brain health and particularly important for the brain development of babies and children. They may also play a role in regulating mood and cognitive function.

Research has also linked omega-3s to a reduced risk of cancer and improved bone, bowel and menstrual health.

Source: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/807921-omega-3-supplements-lessen-severity-of-osteoarthritis/

Antidepressants: May Offer An Alternative Treatment For Menopause Symptoms

STUART — Hot flashes, night sweats, tiredness, irritability, loss of libido. These are just a few of the symptoms experienced by women during menopause. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers a successful treatment for many of these ailments, it also comes with some risks. And while its benefits may be promising, some women are unwilling -- or unable because of pre-existing medical conditions -- to take HRT. Antidepressants offer an increasingly popular, non-hormonal menopause treatment method.

About menopause and HRT

A normal part of aging, menopause comprises the period just before and after a woman stops menstruating. While not all women experience symptoms during menopause, many do. Until recently, HRT -- the prevalent method of treatment, which involves supplementing the body with estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone -- was heralded for both its effect on menopause and its symptoms, as well as in the prevention of osteoporosis.

However, researchers have recently started to question the benefits of HRT against the risks, which may include increased risk of endometrial cancer, breast cancer, blood clots and stroke. Furthermore, research from the Women's Health Initiative has even linked estrogen-progestin combination therapy to higher risk of heart disease.

For some women, HRT is not even an option; it is not recommended for women who have had breast cancer, endometrial cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood clots, history of stroke or liver disease. For these women, antidepressants offer an alternate form of relief.

An alternative to HRT

Whether or not you suffer from depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may reduce or completely stop hot flashes during menopause. First observed as a side effect and since backed up by research trials, antidepressants including fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram and escitalopram have each offered relief from hot flashes to some menopausal women. Additionally, a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) called venlafaxine has demonstrated similar effects.

Not only do SSRIs and SNRIs offer non-hormonal relief for hot flashes, it happens almost immediately -- within one to two weeks of beginning treatment. While research hasn’t yet determine how these medicines relieve hot flashes, for many women the promise of HRT-free relief is enough. Of course, antidepressants come with their own range of side effects, including nausea and decreased sex drive.

While both HRT and antidepressant therapies methods are effective, each offers different advantages. Your family physician can help you understand your options in order to determine your optimal treatment method. Spread this helpful message with friends, family and members of your community to promote awareness about alternatives to HRT.

Source: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2014/jun/24/family-health-matters-antidepressants-may-offer-an/

Navigating through Pre-Menopause

Are you having difficulty sleeping due to night sweats or insomnia? Has your lack of sleep affected your moods, health and ability to function? If so, you may be like millions of females across the country that are experiencing pre-menopausal symptoms. To help understand the causes and treatments of pre-menopause, Silver Cross Hospital is offering a free program in June.

Girl Talk: The Pre-Menopausal Woman
Join Dr. Priya Shastri, family practice physician, for a discussion on hyperactive bladder, mood changes and menstrual irregularities. Find out what symptoms to look for and discover new self-care tips to help you live healthy. This free program will be held Wednesday, June 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, Pavilion A, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. Call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

Menopause is the end of a woman's menstrual cycle and fertility. It happens when the ovaries no longer make estrogen and progesterone, two hormones needed for a woman's fertility, and periods have stopped for 1 year. Menopause happens naturally with age, it tends to happen on average at the age of 51. But for some women it can happen before age 40. This is called premature menopause. The age when women enter menopause is thought to be mostly determined by their genes. But it can also happen as a result of surgery or treatment of a disease. In these cases it is called induced menopause.

What is Pre-menopause?
Pre-menopause is the time before the actual menopause, when cycles may change and symptoms first start to appear. Pre-menopause can last only a few months or up to several years, and is different for every woman. Some women go through early menopause with no symptoms except changes in their monthly cycles, while others experience hot flashes, mood swings, erratic bleeding, and other discomforts.

"For women who may be suffering from pre-menopausal symptoms such as a hyperactive bladder, mood changes and menstrual irregularities, it is important to seek treatment in order to get relief," said Dr. Priya Shastri, family practice physician, at Silver Cross Hospital. "During this program, you will learn a lot of beneficial information and tools when it comes to understanding and treating pre-menopause."

About Priya Shastri, M.D.
Priya Shastri, M.D., board certified family practice physician, has over 18 years of experience caring for patients of all ages in the south and western suburbs of Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Having worked in several urgent care clinics, she has a special interest in occupational health care, emergency medicine, preventative screenings, and treatment of elderly patients. Dr. Shastri has received additional training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Pediatric Life Support Programs. Dr. Shastri now sees patients on the Silver Cross Hospital campus at Pavilion A, 1900 Silver Cross Blvd., Suite 370, New Lenox. To schedule an appointment, call 815-300-1450. New and walk-in patients welcome. Evening and Saturday appointments are available. Medicare and most insurances are accepted.
 
About Silver Cross Hospital
Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for seven consecutive years and as a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. With over 3,000 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a 289-bed acute care hospital and 5 satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices. Silver Cross opened a state-of-the-art replacement hospital on February 26, 2012 at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox. In 2013, Silver Cross provided over $48 million in charity care and other community benefits. To learn more about Silver Cross Hospital or a referral to a physician on staff, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325). Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital's Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care. These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.