Knee X-ray

Men and Women 65 years and older who suffer from knee osteoarthritis (OA), that practice Tai Chi, improve their physical capability and experience decreased pain, according to a new Tufts University School of Medicine study. Osteoarthritis is a prevalent form of arthritis that brings about a breakdown of joint cartilage. Chiropractors provide therapy for a large number men and women suffering from OA in a number of areas of the body, including the joints of the knee. Knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal complaints. In fact, an extraordinary 4.3 million US adults over 60 years of age have been diagnosed with knee OA, according to the CDC, and it predicts that half of the men and women in America may develop symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85. Knee osteoarthritis results in pain, mobility limitations, functional disabilities, and a diminished quality of life.

Are you wondering why so many men and women develop OA? As with nearly all of the musculoskeletal dysfunctions that we develop as we age, undue stress to a joint day after day is a major determinant. It follows that as people age they are more susceptible to developing OA in their joints, including the knees. Abnormal function of the knee, poor gait, compensatory foot mechanics as an offset of foot pain, and repetitive use of the knee joint all create excessive stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint develop. As an adjunct to chiropractic treatment, chiropractors fully advocate natural, drug-free practices, such as Tai Chi (Chuan), that can mitigate knee pain. Tai Chi (Chuan) is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts that features slow, rhythmic movements that create peace of mind, as well as increased balance, an augmentation of strength, and improved flexibility.

In otherwise good health, the 40 adults with confirmed OA that were chosen 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 practice involves the kind of range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout that is compatible with current exercise recommendations for osteoarthritis. As an added benefit, researchers observed that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi promoted a sense of well-being, life contentment, 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 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

Your Seattle Chiropractor has helped hundreds of people suffering from knee pain. Knee pain and its resulting disability are commonplace, second only to spinal problems within the musculoskeletal system. Problems with the knee can be separated into several categories including poor mechanics of the knee and reduced foot mechanics that compensate for foot pain, general overuse of the knee joint,  inflammation due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain is poor mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee. Normally, the part of the knee affected is the patella or knee-cap. Frequently the patella does not move fluidly or does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee generating undue stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This condition is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back ailments, expressly in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the foremost 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 cause pain on the medial or inside of the knee.   Deficient foot mechanics that cause gait abnormalities such as pronation, are one more cause of mechanical knee pain.

The associated pain from overuse is most generally experienced during activity, especially stair climbing, running, jumping, and subsequent standing after prolonged sitting. A number of women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, although such conditions 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 certain cases, a brace is adopted to aid with the positioning of the patella or to secure the joint. Chiropractors are highly experienced in providing knowledgeable diagnosis and care of these ailments.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often occur during sports that involve running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. When the knee is extended or twisted beyond the capability of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can take place causing 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 range from a slight injury that necessitates little care to a serious injury necessitating surgery. In addition the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which allow for fluid movement and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury commonly needs surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can cause serious pain and swelling and need immediate examination and attention. In most instances an experienced chiropractor, such as your Seattle Chiropractor, can take excellent care of these types of injuries, although there are some injuries that require the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Whatever the case, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint right away and to use ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be assessed.

Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be eliminated at an early stage. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will begin to erode. In that event the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can take place. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is frequently progressive with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Fortunately, 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 helpful in alleviating the pain. Your Seattle Chiropractor will be happy to recommend anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, people can frequently assist 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