Can You Prevent Knee Problems
Not all knee problems are avoidable, but you can lessen your chance of problems by participating in regular strength training. To protect your knees, it’s important to have a very strong core and strong legs, says Dr. Rebecca Breslow, an instructor in orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School. Make an effort to perform strength training at least twice a week. In addition, work on increasing joint flexibility, which can also help you head off an injury.
What Causes A Stiff Knee After Tka And How Can It Be Prevented
Dr. Jesse Otero answers ICJRs questions about the most common causes of knee stiffness after total knee arthroplasty, what to do if a patient presents with stiffness, and when to consider a revision procedure.
ICJR: What is the definition of a stiff knee after total knee arthroplasty ?
Jesse E. Otero, MD, PhD: The goals of TKA are to relieve pain and restore function in patients with moderate to advanced osteoarthritis who have exhausted conservative treatments but still have knee pain that interferes with their activities of daily living. In most patients minds, the ideal result of TKA would be a knee that moves and feels the way it did in a more youthful time.
Before discussing stiffness after TKA, it is essential to first review normal native knee motion in relation to the activities patients routinely perform. Laubenthal et al presented a quantitative analysis of knee motion required to achieve normal activities of daily living. In this classic article, the authors used an electro-goniometer to show that on average:
- 83° of flexion is required for climbing stairs
- 93° of flexion is required for sitting
- 106° of flexion is required for tying a shoe
- 117° of flexion is required for squatting to lift an object
The widely accepted target after TKA, based on this study, is 120° of knee flexion. In objective terms, therefore, knees that fail to achieve 120° of flexion after surgery are commonly considered to be stiff.
ICJR: What are the most common causes of knee stiffness?
Are There Benefits Of Walking With Knee Pain
It may seem counterintuitive to increase your activity level when you have chronic knee pain or arthritis, but walking can actually provide a number of benefits, including:
- Lubricating the joints
- Increasing blood flow to the tissues
- Building muscle strength to support the knee
Before beginning or resuming any fitness routine, it is essential that you obtain clearance from your physician to ensure the health and safety of your joints. Walking is a fantastic option for many patients with knee arthritis because it is a low-impact activity that does not put undue stress on the joints. Furthermore, walking can increase the knees range of motion and keep it from becoming overly stiff.
You May Like: Can I Regrow Cartilage In My Knee
Here Are A Few Signs Which You Might Experience Due To Knee Osteoarthritis:
- Continuously increasing pain in the knee joint while sitting, standing up or doing any other activity.
- Warm joints,
- Stiff knees with swelling and light bruising.
If you are experiencing sudden sharp pain in the knee while sitting or standing up, consult with the experts at Germanten Hospital.
What Are The Frequent Causes Of Knee Pain After Getting Up From Sitting?
Knee pain can be treated with the help of various therapies and treatments, but they all depend upon the symptoms and, more importantly, the causes. Extreme knee pain after sitting is most probably due to a prior wound or injury. However, here are a few other causes that can result in knee pain due to sitting:
Consult with the experts at Germanten Hospital if your knee hurts while sitting down or getting up.
Why Choose Us?
The German spirit of Precision and Perfection is followed to the core at Germanten Hospital. Dr Mir Jawad holds expertise with advanced German multi-speciality orthopaedic technology, and partnering up with the experts from Germany ensures the best possible care for our patients.
Our experienced professionals have treated and provided orthopaedic patients with outstanding and cost-effective healthcare for more than 45 years.
Here Are A Few Accreditations Obtained By Germanten Hospital:
Along with the accreditations, Germanten Hospitals have been conferred with various recognitions for our service to society:
Another Type Of Arthritis
OA and RA are the most well-known, but other types also affect your immune system and result in stiff joints:
- Ankylosing spondylitis: This type mostly affects your spine, but it can make your hips, hands, or feet feel stiff.
- Gout: The first sign of this build-up of uric acid in your body is often a searing pain in your big toe.
- Infectious arthritis: It often starts with an infection somewhere else in your body that travels to one big joint, like your hip. Your doctor might call it septic arthritis.
Recommended Reading: Regrow Cartilage Naturally
Rehab Access Can Help You Improve Knee Mobility
Using a combination of therapeutic exercises and hands-on techniques, physical therapy can help strengthen the knee and improve range of motion. At Rehab Access, our highly skilled team has extensive experience helping patients regain mobility and function in the knee so they can return to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Give knee pain and stiffness the attention it requires. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and to schedule your initial appointment.
Best Exercises For Stiff Knee
As stiff knee mainly occurs due to limited movement of knee, performing therapeutic exercises that allow free movement of the knee joint is necessary. These not only help to improve range of motion but also help strengthen the muscles and tissues, increase flexibility, increase blood supply and reduce chances of injuries.
Exercises should be performed on both legs and body should be allowed to relax after exercising. It is advisable to seek medical opinion about capability to perform these exercises.
Exercises that promote knee strengthening, stretching and knee straightening are of great help. Some of the best exercises for stiff knee include:
You May Like: Can You Rebuild Cartilage In Your Knee
Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament
You hear a pop and can’t move after you suddenly change direction — often while playing soccer, football, or basketball. You may have torn your ACL, which connects the femur and the tibia and prevents the tibia from moving too far forward. Your knee will hurt and swell and feel unstable.
You can tear or strain any of the tissues that hold your knee together: Ligaments connect bones to each other tendons connect muscle to bone. Irritated tendons from using them too much? That’s tendinitis.
Stiff Knee Recovery Period
Recovering from knee stiffness depends on the cause of stiff knee and may take few weeks to months. But early physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises help to relieve stiffness and pain, improve range of motion and regain strength and flexibility. Activities should be resumed gradually according to the medical advice.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Cellulite Above My Knees
Causes Of Knee Stiffness After Sitting & Its Treatment
Knee stiffness after sitting and especially prolonged sitting is getting to be a more and more common problem these days.1 Its not an unusual situation for you these days to find it difficult to get up from your comfy sofa after the movie has ended in a couple of hours or getting up after sitting and working for many hours in front of the desk and if you are frequently suffering from knee stiffness after sitting and when you are trying to get up, then read on this article to understand the causes and treatment for Knee Stiffness After Sitting.
What Causes Stiffness Of The Knee
A stiff knee is a common problem among older people and those who are not physically fit. It can be caused by muscular or poor flexibility in a persons legs. Arthritis and injuries are also common causes of the stiffness of the knee.
Cause of knee stiffness
Menisci injury
Menisci comprise of two C-shaped cartilages that sit on the knee joint. The role of the two pieces of cartilage is to act as a shock absorber between several bones that make up the knee joint.
You can damage or injure a meniscus by suddenly twisting or moving your knee. This commonly happens during athletics or any other form of sport. Sportsmen and women often wear knee protective gear in order to avoid such injuries.
Menisci also become more vulnerable as you grow older because of degeneration. As they degrade, the chances of tearing increases.
When your menisci tears or get damaged, you are likely to experience a pop. This is the point when the stiffness of the knee problem sets in as per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Although you will still be able to walk normally, you will experience the following signs:
Swelling Loosing of full range motion Locking knee
Arthrofibrosis
Arthrofibrosis is another major cause of knee stiffness. It happens when more than enough scar tissue is formed within the knee joint. This condition is common especially after knee surgery such as a cruciate ligament surgery or knee replacement.
Some common signs of arthrofibrosis include:
Injury to ligaments
Also Check: How To Whiten Knees And Elbows
How Should I Sit To Reduce Or Prevent Hip Pain
“First thing to prevent the pain coming on good ergonomic setup,” Zambon said. Sitting with your feet properly aligned, pelvis aligned and spine straight may often make a difference in your back health.
When sitting, avoid crossing your legs or sitting “crooked” or leaning to one side, said Susan L. Helton-Groce, MS, CSP, OHST, ergonomic specialist at Franciscan Health WorkingWell in Greenwood.
For some employees, a standing desk may be an option.
When To See Your Doctor
If you are concerned that your particular cause of knee stiffness may be due to a more serious complication, speak to your doctor if you experience any of the following conditions
- You cannot bear weight on your knee at all.
- You have severe pain even when youre not putting weight on it, such as during sleep at night.
- Your knee locks or produces a painful click .
- Your knees keep giving way.
- Youre unable to fully bend or straighten your knee.
- Your knee looks deformed.
- You are experiencing a fever, redness, or tingling of the calf beneath your affected knee.
- The pain doesnt start to improve within a few weeks or you have pain thats still severe after a few days of caring for your knee at home.
When in doubt, seeing your doctor to get expert medical advice is always a good idea. Your doctor has access to advanced medical tests and procedures that, once done, can put your mind at ease.
A stiff knee isnt a life sentence, and with proper exercise and other remedies, you can work passed your stiff knee to regain mobility.
Don’t Miss: Can I Regrow Cartilage In My Knee
Treatment Methods For Stiff Joints
Treatment for stiff joints depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. If you experience stiff joints and it lasts longer than 30 minutes after you wake up or you find that over time your symptoms seem to get worse, you need to see a doctor to help you determine the best way to address the discomfort.The following are stiff joints treatment that are commonly recommended by doctors:
When To Call Your Doctor
If your pain and swelling are gettingworse and you can no longer put weight on your knee, see your doctor. A simpleX-ray can show if there is osteoarthritis and, if needed, an MRI scan can checkfor meniscal tears or loose chips of cartilage.
Arthroscopic surgery can sometimes remove loose cartilage. Partial or total knee replacements are other surgical options, especially for those who can no longer stay as active as theyd like. Sometimes computer assistance is used for some complicated knee replacements.
Surgery is a last resort, though,says Dr. Nickodem. Its something to consider when nonoperative treatmentsarent helping.
Also Check: Inversion Table After Hip Replacement
Knee Pain From Sitting: Why And What You Can Do
Just because you wouldn’t get up at 5 a.m. every day to go for a jog or commit time on the weekends to training for your next marathon doesn’t mean that knee discomfort won’t even bother you. Since your knees bear much more of your body’s weight and are used so regularly, even people who live entirely sedentary lives must take care of their knees. While merely sitting in the wrong stance for an extended amount of time might cause knee soreness, remaining in the wrong position for a prolonged period can cause knee pain and stiffness.
Office surroundings can be taxing on the knees. While you may not realize it, sitting all day may be an extremely demanding position to retain, especially on your joints such as your back and knees.
When To See A Doctor For Stiff Joints
Under some circumstances, stiff joints are simply the result of the way youre sitting or due to overexertion. You should see a doctor if a joint becomes stiff and painful and you cant pinpoint the reason, or if the stiffness and pain goes on for several days.
You should also seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, rapid swelling, joint deformity, are unable to move the joint, or have intense redness. While joint stiffness is common, especially as we age, it can also be the sign of an underlying condition.
In the majority of cases, a quick physical examination can determine what is causing the joint stiffness. However, the other tests involved in making a proper diagnosis are quick and painless. They can tell the doctor a lot about what might be happening with your joints and surrounding tissues. Once a diagnosis is established, you can begin a treatment plan to ease symptoms and reduce the risk of recurring stiffness and pain.
Also read:
Don’t Miss: Is Nano Knee Covered By Medicare
Use Your Knee Brace And Crutches
If youve been fitted for a knee brace or had one recommended to you, make sure it fits properly. You should be able to insert two fingers under the strap. If its difficult to fit two fingers or if you can fit a third finger, youll need to adjust the tightness. Usually youll wear the brace for two to six weeks.
Use crutches if theyve been given and avoid putting any pressure on your knee until your doctor says its okay. Wait at least two weeks or until your doctor gives you the go-ahead before you bathe, swim, or use a hot tub. Follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Eat high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure you have regular bowel movements. This will help while you may not have the benefit of moving around as much as usual.
Treatment Tips For Knee Stiffness
Depending on the cause of your knee stiffness, your treatment will vary. The following will all most likely be implemented in some way.
PRICE: For early symptoms of knee stiffness, the PRICE principals can help speed up recovery.
- Protect the joint from further damage with the use of a brace or padding.
- Rest from aggravating activities that may worsen the .
- Ice on the affected joint can reduce swelling and knee stiffness.
- Compression bandages may help support the injured or damaged knee.
- Elevation of the leg helps excess fluid in the joint drain away.
Avoid prolonged postures: Stiffness as result of sitting for long stretches of time should be avoided by periodically doing some joint movements. Gently bending the knee backward and forwards or getting up to move around helps lubricate the knee and can prevent knee stiffness from settling in.
Supplements: Many supplements claims to reduce the symptoms of knee stiffness. It is important to do your research on these products to see if they are right for you. Speaking to your doctor may also shed more light on the topic.
You May Like: How To Whiten Knees And Elbows
What Is The Treatment For Knee Stiffness After Sitting
Treatment for knee stiffness after sitting depends on its underlying cause. Once the cause is addressed, there is relief from knee stiffness after sitting. Depending on the cause, some of the common treatments done for Knee Stiffness After Sitting are:
Medications: For immediate relief from pain and stiffness of the knee joint, pain medications such as NSAIDs or paracetamol can be prescribed.
Ice Pack and Warm Compresses: Application of ice pack and warm compresses to the knee joint gives relief from knee stiffness after sitting.
Supplements: Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine supplements benefit if the knee stiffness after sitting is due to osteoarthritis. These supplements help in growth and regeneration of the cartilage. Omega-3 supplements also help with knee joint health.
Fluid Drainage: If the knee stiffness after sitting is caused by excessive fluid, then treatment consists of draining the fluid after which the patient needs to rest and take the prescribed medications for the problem.
Surgery: If the knee stiffness after sitting does not improve with conservative treatment and there is worsening of the knee stiffness which impairs daily activities, then surgery is done for a total knee replacement or for realigning the knee cap to resolve the problem.
Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk
For countless men and women across the country, knee pain is a daily struggle. In fact, knee pain can be so severe that some patients are unable to continue working. There are several possible causes and risk factors for chronic knee pain, including:
- Obesity
- Overuse
- Arthritis
Without a doubt, one of the most common causes of knee pain is arthritis. Patients suffering from arthritis in the knee may have either rheumatoid arthritis a condition developing in the joints lining or osteoarthritis, which is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage. While RA may occur at any point in a persons life, osteoarthritis is much more common and affects the vast majority of patients suffering from knee arthritis.
Read Also: Can Knee Cartilage Be Rebuilt