Wear And Tear Of Knee

How Can I Treat Joint Wear And Tear With My Diet

In addition to following the above recommendations, its important to eat a healthy diet in order to treat joint wear. To do so:

• Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated and maintain healthy amounts of liquid in your joints.
• Make sure to get enough vitamins. For example, vitamin C helps you form collagen, bone tissue and cartilage, vitamin A helps to strengthen and regenerate your bones, and vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, two elements that can help you avoid osteoporosis and other bone problems.
• Choose foods that have mucopolysaccharides, such as pork or ox meat, in order to strengthen and help your joints recover. Be careful not to eat them in excess, because these foods also contain a lot of fat and cholesterol.

• Kurz, B., Jost, B., & Schünke, M. . Dietary vitamins and selenium diminish the development of mechanically induced osteoarthritis and increase the expression of antioxidative enzymes in the knee joint of STR/1N mice. Osteoarthritis and cartilage, 10, 119-126.
• Dexter, P. A. . Joint exercises in elderly persons with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Performance patterns, medical support patterns, and the relationship between exercising and medical care. Arthritis & Rheumatism: Official Journal of the American College of Rheumatology, 5, 36-41.

17 May, 2022

For Fast And Effective Diagnosis And Treatment Of Knee Cartilage Damage In London Contact The Capital Orthopaedics Team Here

Your knee is the largest joint in your body, and it takes a massive force every step you take. 346% of your body weight goes through your knee when youre walking downstairs. Running can put 11 times your body weight through your knee joint. And the heavier you are, the greater the force.

Our knees have to be pretty extraordinary structures to be able to cope with this enormous strain.

As in all joints, the bones are coated in a layer of slippery cartilage which enables smooth, friction-free movement. In the middle of your knee are two rubbery, semi-circular pieces of cartilage called menisci, which provide additional shock absorption.

Small fluid-filled sacs called bursa also help with cushioning as you pound away at your knee joints.

Just as in any mechanical structure, repeated force or a sudden impact will cause the parts of your knee joint to get worn, torn or damaged.

The result is a pain in your knees. It may be a dull ache, or sharp, debilitating pain. It may be accompanied by swelling and a feeling of instability. It may change your life

No matter what the best thing you can do is get a diagnosis, and the sooner the better. Joints that take that much force on a daily basis rarely get better on their own. Many knee conditions can be resolved with physiotherapy if they are caught soon enough. Even if you need surgery, the sooner you can get treated, the less likely you are to have ongoing repercussions such as osteoarthritis.

What Causes Knee Osteoarthritis

The most common cause of osteoarthritis of the knee is age. Almost everyone will eventually develop some degree of osteoarthritis. However, several factors increase the risk of developing significant arthritis at an earlier age.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee may include:

• pain that increases when you are active, but gets a little better with rest
• feeling of warmth in the joint
• stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning or when you have been sitting for a while
• creaking, crackly sound that is heard when the knee moves

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How Are Knee Problems Diagnosed

In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, other tests for knee problems may include:

• X-ray. This test uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

• Magnetic resonance imaging . This test uses large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body can often determine damage or disease in a surrounding ligament or muscle.

• Computed tomography scan . This test uses X-rays and computer technology to make horizontal, or axial, images of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.

• Arthroscopy. A minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used for conditions of a joint. This procedure uses a small, lighted, optic tube , which is inserted into the joint through a small incision in the joint. Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen used to evaluate any degenerative or arthritic changes in the joint to detect bone diseases and tumors to determine the cause of bone pain and inflammation.

• Radionuclide bone scan. A nuclear imaging technique that uses a very small amount of radioactive material, which is injected into the patient’s bloodstream to be detected by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity within the bone.

Preventing Knee Injuries At Work

Although some injuries are unavoidable, there are certain precautions that you can take to prevent injuries at work. It may seem obvious, but always be aware of your surroundings and watch where you are walking. If a job task requires you to maneuver in an unsafe or strained manner repeatedly, you should speak with your supervisor.

It is also essential to stretch periodically gently. Sitting, kneeling, or standing in one position for long periods can cause strain on your knees. Regular stretching can help prevent new injuries and aggravation of existing ones.

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The Causes Of Osteoarthritis

Only a small proportion of the population under 45 years suffers with osteoarthritis, and it is often related to specific activities. However, it is considered that 65 % of people aged over 65 years suffer with osteoarthritis, and this proportion increases proportionally with age. It is the primary cause of disability in the elderly.

Excess weight and obesity

This factor is implicated notably with regard to weight-bearing joints such as the knees or hips. The functional mechanism is clear: the joints are subjected to greater body mass, the cartilage is subjected to greater pressure and rubbing, and is thus more susceptible to damage caused by wear. However, some studies tend to highlight metabolic mechanisms, which could have an impact on cartilage degeneration. Indeed, overweight or obese subjects also suffer more with hand osteoarthritis, for example.

Sedentary lifestyle

The absence of physical activity frequently contributes to the onset of osteoarthritis. Indeed, sports activities, even gentle, improve muscle tone, which helps relieve the strain exerted on the joints and therefore the cartilage.

Joint overuse

Significant stimulation of the joints or carrying heavy loads, whether associated with a professional occupation or intense sports activities, accelerate the onset of osteoarthritis by accentuating the pressure and rubbing exerted on the cartilage. This is more particularly observed with osteoarthritis of the lower limbs.

Joint disorders

How Do I Know If I Have Knee Wear And Tear

The symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis vary significantly from person to person, but may include:

• Pain that increases with use and improves with rest.

• Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after a period of prolonged sitting.

• The knee may feel hot or tender to the touch or appear swollen.

• Difficulty getting in and out or the car or a seat, using the stairs or even walking.

When experiencing these symptoms, it can be tempting to rely on X-rays or MRIs to find the source of your knee pain. Although they can provide a snapshot of the inside of the joint, they cannot reliably pinpoint what is causing the pain. In fact, a recent study showed that features of osteoarthritis were found in MRI images of up to 43% of people over the age of 40 with no knee pain at all! Physical examination alongside a thorough case history of signs and symptoms is often the most effective way of establishing potential causes for your knee pain. Speak to your doctor or Physiotherapist to make sure your diagnosis is accurate. The sooner relevant lifestyle modifications are made the better the prognosis, so dont wait!

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How Can I Treat A Torn Meniscus At Home

Depending on the size and location of your meniscus tear, it may heal without surgery. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine to relieve pain and reduce swelling. In the days following your injury, you should also follow the RICE protocol. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.

• Rest: Keep your weight off the injured knee as much as possible.
• Ice: Place an ice pack on your knee for about 20 minutes, several times a day.
• Compression: Wrap your knee with a compression bandage to help reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Rest with your leg raised higher than your heart to decrease swelling.

Treating A Meniscus Tear

Initially, you should treat the knee injury with conservative techniques that include rest, ice, compression, and elevation, or the RICE method:

• Rest your knee. Use crutches to avoid any weight bearing on the joint. Avoid any activities that worsen your knee pain.
• Ice your knee every three to four hours for 30 minutes.
• Compress or wrap the knee in an elastic bandage to reduce inflammation.
• Elevate your knee to reduce swelling.

You can also take medication such as ibuprofen , aspirin , or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling around your knee.

You shouldnt put your full weight on your injured knee if its painful. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding your knee.

Physical therapy can help reduce pain and increase your knee mobility and stability. Your physical therapist may also use massage techniques to reduce swelling and stiffness.

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Typical Jobs And Tasks That Cause Wear And Tear Knee Injuries

Many career paths are more likely to lead to knee wear and tear injuries. Some of these apparent job positions include:

• Carpet/floor installer,
• Fitness instructors.

Less obvious careers that can still lead to knee wear and tear pain include any job that may require a prolonged standing or sitting period or frequent shifting between the two.

This list is not comprehensive, wear and tear knee injuries can occur in almost any profession. If you believe you are suffering from a knee injury related to your employment, we urge you to speak with an experienced workers compensation attorney immediately. An attorney at Petro Cohen, P.C. can guide you through the process of reporting a claim, seeking medical attention, and asking for work accommodations, as necessary.

What Causes A Meniscus Tear

Most often, the meniscus tears during a sudden motion in which your knee twists while your foot stays planted on the ground. The tear frequently occurs while playing sports. People whose cartilage wears down can tear a meniscus from a motion as simple as stepping on an uneven surface. Sometimes, degeneration from arthritis causes a tear, even without a knee injury.

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What Is Cartilage Damage

The slippery articular cartilage that coats your bones helps with smooth movement.

If its torn or worn, it can leave the rough bone surfaces exposed resulting in friction in the joint. Damaged cartilage can potentially lead to knee arthritis, with long-term effects on your knee function.

Damaged cartilage almost always has some sort of effect on your knees whether its pain, swelling or stiffness.

Exercises For Pain At The Front Of My Knee Pain

This it the first blog in our Knee Pain Blog Series. We will be sharing lots of hints/tips and self help exercises for those suffering with knee pain every week.

Alot of our knee pain patients have been told it is wear and tear and nothing can be done! This is wrong most of the time as during our detailed physiotherapy assessments we find alot of these patients have not got wear and tear they have pain at the front of their knee due to certain muscles being weak and certain muscles being tight. These patients do get better with physiotherapy and exercises.

In this article we have some advice, exercises and stretches which are good for those suffering with Patellofemoral pain syndrome . Runners, cyclists, sailors, ramblers, gardeners and people taking up new sports and activities plus many more suffer from this problem. Most people with this problem have some pain when walking up and/or down stairs.

Knee pain can have many root causes, such as cartilage tears, osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament sprains. Below are some exercises which will help with knee pain due to muscle imbalance which then leads pain at the front of your knee around your knee cap .

Here is a testimonial from one of our patients who had knee pain:

I would like to thank Physio-logical for the excellent treatment I received on my knee. I had trouble even getting up stairs but after a few weeks it was on the mend. I would definitely recommend Physio-logical. Mr P

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When To Get Medical Advice

If you’ve injured your joint, it’s a good idea to try self care measures first. Sprains and minor cartilage damage may get better on their own within a few days or weeks.

More severe cartilage damage probably will not improve on its own. If left untreated, it can eventually wear down the joint.

Visit your GP or a minor injuries unit if:

• you cannot move the joint properly
• you cannot control the pain with ordinary painkillers
• you cannot put any weight on the injured limb or it gives way when you try to use it
• the injured area looks crooked or has unusual lumps or bumps
• you have numbness, discolouration, or coldness in any part of the injured area
• your symptoms have not started to improve within a few days of self-treatment

Your GP may need to refer you for tests such as an X-ray, MRI scan, or arthroscopy to find out if your cartilage is damaged.

What Does A Meniscus Tear Feel Like

Symptoms of a meniscus tear include:

• Pain in the knee
• A popping sensation during the injury
• Difficulty bending and straightening the leg
• A tendency for your knee to get “stuck” or lock up

At first, the pain may not be bad. You might even play through the injury. But once the inflammation sets in, your knee will probably hurt quite a bit.

To diagnose a meniscus tear, your doctor will give you a thorough exam. They will want to hear details about how you got your injury. X-rays may be necessary, to rule out broken bones and other problems. You may also need an MRI scan, which allows a more detailed evaluation of knee cartilage.

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Is Surgery Used To Treat Knee Osteoarthritis

If your doctor wants to treat the osteoarthritis in the knee with surgery, the options are arthroscopy, osteotomy, and arthroplasty.

• Arthroscopy uses a small telescope and other small instruments. The surgery is performed through small incisions. The surgeon uses the arthroscope to see into the joint space. Once there, the surgeon can remove damaged cartilage or loose particles, clean the bone surface, and repair other types of tissue if those damages are discovered. The procedure is often used on younger patients in order to delay more serious surgery.
• An osteotomy is a procedure that aims to make the knee alignment better by changing the shape of the bones. This type of surgery may be recommended if you have damage primarily in one area of the knee. It might also be recommended if you have broken your knee and it has not healed well. An osteotomy is not permanent, and further surgery may be necessary later on.
• Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which joints are replaced with artificial parts made from metals or plastic. The replacement could involve one side of the knee or the entire knee. Joint replacement surgery is usually reserved for people over age 50 with severe osteoarthritis. The surgery may need to be repeated later if the prosthetic joint wears out after several years. But with today’s modern advancements, most new joints will last over 20 years. The surgery has risks, but the results are generally very good.

What Causes Joint Wear And Tear

There are multiple reasons why someone might start to suffer from problems in their joints. The most common are:

• Age: As years go by, the joints can start to wear down, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to treat this problem, because joint wear is a chronic condition.
• Genetics: According to several studies, women who suffer from osteoarthritis in their hands have a hereditary gene that causes this problem. About 10% of people who have osteoarthritis also have a family history of osteoarthritis.
• Weight: Obesity can cause stress in certain joints, such as the knees and hips, since all of the weight of the body rests on the extremities when standing up.
• Physical activity: Carrying heavy loads for a prolonged period of time, or always carrying a heavy bag on the same side of your body, will overwork your joints, often more on the side where you carry your things.

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The Wear And Tear Of Life

Osteoarthritis is the clinical name for a condition that affects approximately 27 million Americans. You may know it as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic condition of the joints, occurring most often in the knees, hips, lower back, and neck.

At TruWell Health, osteoarthritis is the reason most of our patients walk through our door. They want Dr. Brown to help them get past the pain their degenerating joints are causing. And they want to get back to the things they like to do. The goal for our TruWell treatments is to relieve the chronic pain and decreasing mobility that osteoarthritis can cause.