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Knee knowledge: Preventing pain and injury
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How-to prevent osteoarthritis and other knee joint injuries.
Among millions of Americans, the most massive joint of the human body, the knee is synonymous with “joint pain.” Last year, Tom Brady (two-time Super Bowl MVP), and Tiger Woods endured knee surgery. This year, Chicago Blackhawk’s Left Wing, Patrick Sharp experienced a knee joint injury that kept him benched for three weeks. However, professional athletes are not the only people susceptible to knee and joint or bone-related injuries.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that more than 13.5 million Americans suffered from knee joint pain in 2001. In addition, almost half of the afflicted are over the age of 65. Osteoarthritis, another contributor to knee joint pain, has a partiality for women, who are in their mid-50s. [Source: Arthritis Foundation]. Although men are afflicted with various types of knee and hip complications, symptoms are more apparent as they approach their 70s.
Knee joint pain, osteoarthritis and torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are the most commonly diagnosed conditions of the knee. As each are caused for various reasons, such as aging, extra weight, an accident or injury, there are several ways to keep one’s knees healthy and pain free:
Maintain a healthy weight. The Arthritis Foundation says that people with just a few extra pounds are three times more vulnerable to osteoarthritis.
Stretch it. Stretching prior and subsequent to any physical activity warms up the joints, preventing injury.
Work it. Exercise is the ultimate injury prevention medicine. [Source: Chicago Medfinds]. Since, movement keeps the legs in motion, the mobility serves as a a natural lubricant. A workout regimen, exerting the hamstrings (back muscles) and quadriceps (front muscles)—is ideal. Walking and strength training are not one in the same. Incorporating both activities assures a slender body and sufficient thigh strength to maintain flexibility and balance.
Seek medical care. Medical attention is recommended for any injury or pain that lasts longer than seven to 10 days. Ignoring the pain may lead to nerve damage. Given today’s magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, obtaining a diagnosis and therapy is a matter of making an immediate doctor’s appointment.
Learn about it. Over the next several months, various organizations offer classes for Chicagoans, who would like to learn more about osteoarthritis. Pre-registration is required for the following classes:
- Take Control in Managing Osteoarthritis
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Friday April, 10 11 a.m. to noon
312.926.5736
- Joint Revision Surgery - When do I need it?
Weiss Memorial Hospital
Thursday, April 30 11:00 am to noon
800.735.0096
111 W. Grand, Chicago
Saturday, May 2, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
800.735.0096
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