Knee X-ray

Men and Women that are at least 65 years of age or older who’ve been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), that practice Tai Chi, increase their physical capability and encounter decreased pain, according to a new Tufts University School of Medicine study. Osteoarthritis is a prevalent form of arthritis that causes a breakdown of joint cartilage. Chiropractors provide therapy for a large number people who suffer with OA in a number of regions of the body, including the knee joints. knee pain and disability is one of the most prevalent dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal dysfunctions. In fact, an astonishing 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 men and women in America may develop symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85. The consequences of knee osteoarthritis are pain, mobility limitations, dysfunction and disability, and a diminished quality of life.

Are you wondering why so many people develop OA? Undue stress over time is a major element in the majority of musculoskeletal conditions that develop as we get older. Therefore, as people get older they are more likely to develop OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Incorrect function of the knee, poor gait, compensatory foot mechanics as a consequence of foot pain, and overload of the knee joint all produce undue stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint take place. In combination with chiropractic therapies, chiropractors wholeheartedly support natural, drug-free practices, such as Tai Chi (Chuan), that can mitigate knee pain. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that produce mental relaxation, as well as improved balance, an increase in strength, and improved flexibility.

The 40 participants in the Tufts study were, on average, 65 years of age, overweight, and with confirmed OA, but in otherwise good health. Patients were chosen at random to engage 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 variety of range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout that is consistent with contemporary exercise advice for osteoarthritis. As an added benefit, researchers observed that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi encouraged 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 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.

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Non-trauma knee problems: The most widespread cause of non-traumatic pain is insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because frequently the patella does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee producing undue stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The problem generally starts when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement frequently start from lower back dysfunction, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that connect to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stretched and tight.   Faulty foot mechanics that create gait deviations such as pronation, are an additional cause of mechanical knee pain.

The associated pain from overuse is most frequently experienced during activity, in particular stair climbing, running, jumping, and after rising after prolonged sitting. A number of women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, but such problems are frequently related to wearing high heels on a regular basis.

The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In certain cases, a brace is used to aid with the alignment of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors, such as your chiropractor, are highly experienced in providing the proper diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often occur during activities that involve running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. Sprains happen when tissue is torn by virtue of the knee being pulled or bent beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint together. Strains to muscles that give motion to the knee can take place when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a mild injury that requires little treatment to a extreme injury necessitating surgery. The knee also has two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that facilitate frictionless mobility and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and commonly need surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can cause serious pain and swelling and necessitate urgent examination and care. Almost always an experienced chiropractor, such as your chiropractor, can manage these problems, but there are some injuries that do need the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint right away and to ice the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be evaluated.

Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be fixed at an early stage. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, expressly the cartilage, will eventually erode. As a result the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can eventuate. This painful condition, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is commonly progressive with age. Usual 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 beneficial in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can often aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

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