Knee X-ray

A new study conducted by Tufts University School of Medicine has determined that patients 65 years of age and over who’ve been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and who practice Tai Chi, enhanced their physical capability and encountered less pain. Osteoarthritis is a prevalent form of arthritis that causes a wearing away of joint cartilage. Chiropractors provide therapy for many men and women suffering from OA in a number of places in the body, including the knee joints. Second only to spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most prevalent afflictions of the musculoskeletal system. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are an astounding 4.3 million people in this country over age 60 diagnosed with knee OA, and the CDC predicts that half of the people in America may suffer from symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85. Knee osteoarthritis results in pain, mobility limitations, dysfunction and disability, and a reduced quality of life.

Why do so many people develop OA? As with nearly all of the musculoskeletal dysfunctions that we develop as we age, undue stress to a joint over the years is a major element. That is why as people get older they are more susceptible to developing OA in their joints, including the knees. Incorrect function of the knee, poor gait, compensatory foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, and repetitive use of the knee joint all produce undue stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint occur. Most chiropractors suggest such natural, drug-free practices as Tai Chi, in combination with their chiropractic care. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that generate mental relaxation, as well as increased balance, an augmentation of strength, and improved flexibility.

Though in good health otherwise, the 40 adults with confirmed OA that were selected for the Tufts study were, on average, 65 years of age and overweight. Patients were randomly picked to participate in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.

Tai Chi practice involves the kind of range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout that is consistent with contemporary exercise recommendations for osteoarthritis. As an added benefit, researchers observed that the “mental feature” of Tai Chi promoted a sense of well-being, life satisfaction, and impressions of health that helped the participants to deal differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi exhibited a substantial decrease in knee pain.

Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, knee OA, knee pain, osteoarthritis, Tai Chi, Tufts University School of Medicine

Knee X-ray

Research done by Tufts University School of Medicine had concluded that men and women 65 years and older who’ve been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and who practice Tai Chi, enhanced their physical function and encountered less pain. Osteoarthritis is a prevalent form of arthritis that produces an erosion of joint cartilage. Chiropractors help quite a few individuals suffering from OA in a number of areas of the body, including the knee joints. knee pain and disability is one of the most commonplace conditions of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal abnormalities. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are an astounding 4.3 million people in this country over 60 years of ag diagnosed with knee OA, and the CDC predicts that by age 85, half of men and women in America may incur symptoms of OA.  The consequences of knee osteoarthritis are pain, mobility limitations, dysfunction and disability, and a reduced quality of life.

You may be wondering why so many people develop OA. Inordinate stress over a period of time is a major element in the majority of musculoskeletal conditions that develop as we get older. Therefore, as people get older they are more likely to develop OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Abnormal function of the knee, poor gait, compensatory foot mechanics as a consequence of foot pain, and overload of the knee joint all create inordinate stress on the knees. Over time arthritic changes in the knee joint occur. Most chiropractors suggest such natural, drug-free practices as Tai Chi, in addition to their chiropractic treatment.  Tai Chi (Chuan) is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts that features slow, rhythmic movements that create mental relaxation, as well as increased balance, an increase in strength, and improved flexibility.

In otherwise good health, the 40 men and women with confirmed OA that were picked for the Tufts study were, on average, 65 years of age and overweight. Participants were picked at random to take part in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.

Tai Chi includes many of the prevailing exercise suggestions for OA, such as range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout. As an added benefit, researchers noted that the “mental feature” of Tai Chi promoted a sense of well-being, life contentment, and perceptions of health that helped the participants to deal differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi experienced a considerable decrease in knee pain.

Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

Technorati Tags: arthritis, chiropractic, chiropractor, knee pain, Tai Chi, Tufts University School of Medicine

knee pain and disability is commonplace, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as reduced foot mechanics due to foot pain frequently cause painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, ailments due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: Insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the associated stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain. Generally, the part of the knee involved is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move fluidly or does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee generating abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This dysfunction is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, particularly in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the main reasons for imbalances in the muscles having to do with knee movement, and ensuing knee problems. Pain and dysfunction can also be produced by imbalances in the muscle groups that attach to the knee. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stretched and tight.   Faulty foot mechanics that create gait deviations such as pronation, are another cause of mechanical knee pain.

The associated pain from overuse is most generally felt during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and subsequent getting up from prolonged sitting. A number of women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, however such conditions are often caused by wearing high heels on a regular basis.

It is important to re-establish proper muscle balance, restore appropriate motion to the patella and other knee joints, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In certain cases, a brace is adopted to help with the alignment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are highly experienced in providing knowledgeable analysis and care of these conditions.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries frequently happen during sports that involve running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is extended or twisted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can take place creating a sprain. The muscles that give motion to the knee can also be torn during injury causing a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that requires little attention to a severe injury needing surgery. Furthermore the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which provide for frictionless motion and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury commonly requires surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can produce intense pain and swelling and need urgent diagnosis and care. In the majority of cases a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can treat these types of injuries, but there are some injuries that do need the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Whatever the case, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to put ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be examined.

If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not eliminated at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, expressly the cartilage, will begin to wear out sooner or later. In that event the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can take place. This painful problem, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is often progressive with age. Usual treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are highly effectual such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely helpful in alleviating the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is very knowledgeable about anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can frequently help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, knee injury, knee pain

Your San Jose Chiropractor is highly knowledgeable when it comes to the causes of knee pain. Besides spinal conditions, knee pain and disability is one of the most common ailments of the musculoskeletal system. Problems with the knee can be classified into three categories: 1) poor mechanics or overuse of the knee joint, 2) traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls, and 3) problems due to arthritic changes in the joint. 4) faulty foot mechanics due to foot pain.

Patella Femoral Syndrome ( Knee Cap Pain )

Poor mechanics of the knee joint and the associated stress upon the soft tissues of the knee is by far the most common cause of non-traumatic pain. The most common part of the knee affected by this is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move smoothly or does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee causing abnormal stresses upon the tendons cartilage and ligaments. This condition is often called chondromalacia patella or CMP though a better term is patella femoral syndrome. The problem usually originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh which attach to and move the patella.

The associated pain is experienced during activity, especially stair climbing, running, jumping and after getting up from prolonged sitting. Women are more predisposed to this problem for anatomical reasons and also the use of high heels.

Repetitive Knee Strain – Overuse Injury

Imbalances in other muscle groups that attach to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. As an example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh when strained and tight can cause pain on the medial or inside side of the knee.

Lower back problems especially in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the main reasons for imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement and subsequent knee problems. Foot problems that cause gait abnormalities such as pronation, are another cause of mechanical knee pain.

The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and foot problems. In certain cases, a brace is used to help with the alignment of the patella or to stabilise the joint. Chiropractors are ideally trained to provide the proper diagnosis and management of these problems.

Trauma

Traumatic injuries often occur during sports that involve running and jumping, such as football and basketball, and with activities such as skiing. When the knee is stretched or twisted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur causing a sprain. The muscles that move the knee can also be torn during injury causing a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a minor injury that requires little care to a severe injury requiring surgery. The knee also contains two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that provide for smooth movement and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma and often require surgical repair or removal if damaged severely. Traumatic knee injuries can cause severe pain and swelling and require immediate evaluation and attention. In most cases a qualified chiropractor can manage these conditions, though there are some injuries that do need the expertise of an orthopaedic surgeon. In any case, it is important to stabilise the injured joint and ice if possible until you can get the injury evaluated. Please see the section on sports injuries for additional information regarding this topic.

Treatment

If poor mechanics or traumatic injuries are not corrected at an early age, the tissues of the knee joint especially the cartilage will eventually begin to wear out. As a result the bones rub upon one another and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful condition is known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis and is often progressive with age. Common treatment often involves medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) though conservative treatment such as chiropractic can be helpful in alleviating some of the pain. There is some evidence that nutritional substances such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin can be helpful in the long term management. People can often help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises especially in the pool, and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

Technorati Tags: knee pain, patellofemoral syndrome, San Jose Chiropractor