Knee X-ray

People 65 years and older with knee osteoarthritis (OA), that practice Tai Chi, enhance their physical capability and experience less pain, according to a new Tufts University School of Medicine study. Osteoarthritis is a prevalent form of arthritis that produces an erosion of joint cartilage. Chiropractors provide therapy for quite a few people who have developed 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, an astounding 4.3 million individuals in the U.S. over age 60 have been diagnosed with knee OA, according to the CDC, and it conjectures that by age 85, half of the people in America may incur symptoms of OA. Knee OA causes pain, immobility, functional disabilities, and a decreased quality of life.

Are you wondering why so many men and women develop OA? As with the majority of the musculoskeletal problems that we develop as we get older, undue stress to a joint day after day is a major factor. That is why as people get older they are more likely to develop OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Improper function of the knee, improper gait, compensatory foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, and overuse of the knee joint all create excessive stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint take place. In addition to chiropractic treatment, chiropractors wholeheartedly support natural, drug-free practices, such as Tai Chi (Chuan), that can decrease knee pain. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that produce peace of mind, as well as improved balance, an increase in strength, and improved flexibility.

Though in good health otherwise, the 40 men and women with confirmed OA that were selected for the Tufts study were on an average 65 years of age and overweight. Participants were randomly chosen 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 involves many of the current exercise suggestions for OA, such as range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout. As an added benefit, researchers found that the “mental component” of Tai Chi stimulated a sense of well-being, life enjoyments, and personal concepts of health that helped the participants to deal differently with chronic pain. Significantly, the group practicing Tai Chi experienced a considerable decrease in knee pain compared with those in the control group.

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

New research coming out of Tufts University School of Medicine had concluded that patients 65 years of age and over who suffer from knee osteoarthritis (OA), and who practice Tai Chi, increased their physical capability and experienced less pain. Osteoarthritis is a general form of arthritis that causes a wearing away of joint cartilage. Chiropractors help a large number men and women who have developed OA in a number of regions of the body, including the knee joints. Knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread conditions of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal abnormalities. In fact, an astounding 4.3 million US adults over 60 years of age have been diagnosed with knee OA, according to the CDC, and it conjectures that half of the people in America may suffer from symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85. Knee OA causes pain, immobility, functional disabilities, and a diminished quality of life.

Are you wondering why so many adults develop OA? As with nearly all of the musculoskeletal conditions that we develop as we get older, undue stress to a joint over the years is a major determinant. Therefore, as people age they are more at risk for developing OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Improper function of the knee, improper 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 develop. Most chiropractors advocate such natural, drug-free practices as Tai Chi, in addition to their chiropractic management. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that produce mental relaxation, as well as an enhancement of balance, an augmentation of strength, and enhanced flexibility.

Though in good health otherwise, the 40 men and women with confirmed OA that were chosen for the Tufts study were, on average, 65 years of age and overweight. Participants were selected at random 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 incorporates the kind of range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout that is consistent with contemporary exercise protocols for osteoarthritis. Furthermore, researchers found that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi encouraged a sense of well-being, life satisfaction, and perceptions of health that assisted the participants in dealing 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: chiropractic, chiropractor, knee OA, knee pain, osteoarthritis, Tai Chi, Tufts University School of Medicine

Non-trauma knee problems: Poor 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. The patella or knee-cap is generally the area affected because many times the patella does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee generating undue stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This specific condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The condition most often originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back problems, expressly in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the main reasons for imbalances in the muscles having to do with knee movement, and subsequent knee problems. Imbalances in muscle groups that join to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can produce pain on the medial or inside of the knee.   Faulty foot mechanics that produce gait irregularities such as pronation, are one more cause of mechanical knee pain.

The associated pain from overuse is most frequently felt during activity, especially stair climbing, running, jumping, and subsequent standing after prolonged sitting. Some women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse ailments for anatomical reasons, but such ailments are many times due to 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 some cases, a brace is used to assist with the adjustment of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors are fully trained to administer knowledgeable assessment and care of these ailments.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries commonly take place during sports that involve running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. Sprains happen when tissue is torn due to the knee being pulled or twisted beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint together. The muscles that move the knee can also be torn during injury creating a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a minor injury that needs little attention to a severe injury requiring surgery. Moreover the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which provide for frictionless movement and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury frequently necessitates surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can cause serious pain and swelling and necessitate prompt evaluation and attention. Almost always an experienced chiropractor can manage these types of injuries, however there are some injuries that may necessitate the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. In any event, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint immediately and to use ice on the damaged area, if possible, until the injury can be examined.

If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not corrected at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, especially the cartilage, will begin to wear out eventually. If tissue and cartilage erode, the bones will rub together unprotected and changes such as bone spurs can take place. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is frequently progressive with age. General treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are very effective such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in alleviating the pain. Your chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can usually 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