Welcome to a new year! This is a perfect time to evaluate your physical activity and resolve to make some changes in your workout plan. Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining strength, balance and flexibility in older age and can help you remain independent.

Get Your Body Moving Every Day

Exercise is not just for the young. In fact, you may experience more benefits by staying active in later life. Physical activity can help delay or prevent chronic conditions like stroke, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Most experts recommend that older adults do various exercises that incorporate strength, balance, endurance and flexibility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should have 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity per week and two days of muscle strengthening.

Adults With Arthritis Need Joint-friendly Activities

No one wants to do exercises that cause pain. If you have arthritis, you need to find low-impact activities that will be gentle on your joints. Try to do exercises that do not cause pain higher than a five on a scale of 1 to 10. Some exercises will get easier as you become more accustomed to them, but you should stop if they cause inflammation or joint pain.

Here are some examples of low-impact activities that will help you stay fit and maintain independence:

• Swimming — Known as the “no impact” workout, swimming is ideal for all age groups. Adults with arthritis and back pain can swim without straining their muscles and joints.
• Walking — Experts agree that walking may be the best activity for older adults. Daily walking can help prevent chronic conditions and help people lose weight. Walking can also improve mental health, so get outside and walk daily.
• Yoga — Combining balance, flexibility and strength, yoga focuses on coordination and stabilizing the core. Improving stability can prevent falls and fractures in older age.
• Strength training — Whether you use dumbbells, resistance bands or just your body weight, strength training is essential for maintaining and building muscle mass.

Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Hip Fractures

Hip fractures can be a disabling or even fatal injury for older adults. More than 300,000 Americans over 65 are hospitalized for hip fractures every year. More than 95 percent of hip fractures occur when people fall, and women are three times more likely to fracture a hip than men.

Hip fracture risk increases with age, but you can lower your risk by exercising regularly. For example, one study found that active adults can reduce their risk of hip fracture by 20-60 percent compared to inactive adults.

Make an Appointment With Your Orthopedist

One of the keys to overall health is to move more and sit less. You know your body better than anyone else. If you have chronic joint pain, it may be time to visit an orthopedist.

Your orthopedist can help you select activities that are safe and enjoyable for you. If you have a variety of fun exercises, you are more likely to do them regularly. An active lifestyle will help you remain independent and self-sufficient for years to come.

To maintain your health and mobility, it is important for individuals to sustain a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise.

According to a recent study, weight gain of 11 pounds may increase some patients’ need for total joint replacement surgery.

Researchers reported the odds of knee surgery increases by 35 percent for women and 25 percent for men.

Weight Affects Osteoarthritis

Researchers from Melbourne, Australia, reviewed 20 prior studies that examined the relationship between weight gain and osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 32.5 million US adults. With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. Symptoms of arthritis can include swelling, pain and stiffness most frequently in the hands, hips and knees.

OA was more likely to develop with an 11-pound weight gain, which had significant negative effects on knee joints. Knee pain and stiffness increased while range of motion decreased, the study revealed.

“We know that people tend to put on nearly 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) a year as they get older, but the good news is that there is evidence from previous studies that it is possible to prevent weight gain,” lead researcher Anita Wluka, PhD, told Medical Xpress. Dr. Wluka works with the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

Review Your Options

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends following a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, getting optimal sleep and reducing stress.

Doctors may treat osteoarthritis of the knee with muscle strengthening exercises, medications and supportive devices, such as crutches or canes. Surgery may be recommended if other treatment options have not been effective. (CDC)

By implementing these treatments and losing 10 percent or more of total body weight, knee arthritis may improve for some patients. Other patients, however, might need a new artificial joint if the pain continues or worsens.

Total knee replacement surgery can offer relief if you are suffering from chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis or other joint problems. An orthopedic surgeon performs this procedure, which offers long-term relief from chronic joint pain.

It’s important not to delay your diagnosis and treatment for any knee problems. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Across America, pickleball is gaining popularity as a fast-paced, competitive sport for all ages and skill levels.

In fact, pickleball is the new major league sport of choice for many professional athletes. NFL Super Bowl champs Drew Brees and Tom Brady, NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Love and other high-profile stars now own or partner with Major League Pickleball teams.

Invented in 1965, this popular indoor-outdoor sport combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The game can be played as singles or doubles, with two or four players.

Before taking the ready position on the court, players need to protect their bodies from injury.

Stretching May Prevent Rotator Cuff Problems

Like other paddle or racket sports, pickleball requires repetitive movement and motion of your arms and legs. During a game, players use a paddle to hit a plastic ball with holes over a slightly modified tennis net on a badminton-size court.

When making an overhead shot or slam, the force generated by the rotator cuff tendon can cause, aggravate or worsen rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff is the group of four muscles and four tendons around the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons work together to provide the range of motion in the shoulder.

Additionally, playing racket sports could lead to other injuries, like meniscus tears, tendon ruptures and aggravation of arthritic knees (MedicalXpress).

To help prevent these repetitive motion injuries, experts say stretching and exercising before playing sports helps to maintain the body’s flexibility and strengthen the muscles.

Doctors in sports medicine advise players to warm up before and ice down after every game. Drinking plenty of water and wearing proper shoes are some additional safety tips to reduce injury.

Pay Attention to Pain Warnings

“Consider seeing a physician if you have pain that gets progressively worse in the shoulder or pain that persists for a long time after your activity,” Bruce Moseley, MD, of the Baylor College of Medicine, told MedicalXpress. “These may be warning signs of a torn rotator cuff tendon, so make sure to get it checked.”

The severity of the pain or injury may determine the treatment needed for a full recovery. Doctor recommendations for a torn rotator cuff tendon may include physical therapy, altering activity, rest, pain medication or injections to reduce inflammation.

If the pain does not respond to nonsurgical methods or the injury worsens, shoulder arthroscopy or other surgery options may be advised.

“The success rate of surgery to permanently fix the problem goes down as the size of the tear goes up …,” Moseley told MedicalXpress. “If we can get to the tear and fix it while it is small, the success rate is much higher.”

Do not let shoulder problems, knee pain or injuries keep you from playing pickleball or other sports you enjoy. Take a minute to request an appointment with your orthopedist for an evaluation.

Many people who suffer from chronic joint pain often give up sports or activities they enjoy with friends and family.

Severe long-term pain and physical disability may result from bone and joint conditions, according to the U.S. Bone & Joint Initiative.

Conditions like arthritis, back pain, fractures, osteoporosis, sports trauma and other ailments may limit a person’s mobility and dexterity.

Having limited mobility often leads to early work retirement, lower levels of well-being and reduced participation in society, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Bone and Joint Action Week is observed Oct. 12-20. This week raises awareness worldwide about prevention, disease management and treatment for several conditions.

Musculoskeletal conditions are predicted to increase unless new treatments and preventive measures are found, according to the U.S. Bone & Joint Initiative. Reasons for the rise in cases include increasing life expectancy and risk factor changes.

With the right care and treatment, many people can return to an active lifestyle without suffering in pain.

Billions Suffer With Pain, Lack of Mobility

Musculoskeletal conditions affect more than 1.7 billion people worldwide, according to WHO.

Bone and Joint Action Week brings attention to some of these conditions, including osteoarthritis and childhood injuries and disorders.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease that causes pain, disability and loss of function. The disease occurs most frequently in the hands, hips and knees.

World Arthritis Day is Oct. 12. About 58.5 million U.S. adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some forms of arthritis affect only one joint, whereas many affect more than one. Without treatment, arthritis may cause long-term damage to joints.

Another observance is Oct. 19 — World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day. Every year, about 19 million children receive medical treatment for a musculoskeletal-related condition. These conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, bone fractures, tendinitis, developmental dysplasia of the hip, muscular dystrophy and osteoporosis.

Contributing factors of musculoskeletal disorders in children include car accidents, playground accidents, sports injuries, obesity, poor posture and vitamin D deficiency.

People who experienced a childhood bone or joint injury often suffer from chronic pain, stiffness or limited mobility as adults. People often experience chronic pain in their back, hips, knees or shoulders.

Treatment Options Available

Several options are available to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain.

The Arthritis Foundation suggests several tips to manage pain and maintain your mobility at home. The first tip is to take any prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs recommended by your doctor.

Managing your weight also is key because excess weight can cause more pressure on the weight-bearing joints and increase pain.

Weight management may be easier if you stay active with activities like walking, water aerobics at your local gym or yoga. These low-impact activities can help reduce joint pain and improve flexibility, balance and strength, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Cardiovascular exercise, like biking on a stationary bike, also helps keep your heart in shape.

The Arthritis Foundation also advises that maintaining a positive attitude may significantly boost your ability to cope with pain. To keep your spirits high, consider engaging in a hobby or a stress-free activity with your loved ones.

While helpful in the short term, medications, exercises and activities may not relieve your chronic joint pain or maintain your mobility as you get older.

An orthopedic procedure, like arthroscopy, or even total joint replacement surgery may be your long-term solution. Orthopedic expertise is available by contacting our group of nationwide doctors.

Schedule Procedure Before Deductible Resets

If you are experiencing severe joint pain, don’t delay your care. Our procedures and treatments are performed on an outpatient basis. This means no prolonged hospital stay and more time at home to recover.

Have you already met your insurance deductible? To take full advantage of your health plan benefits, schedule your procedure before the end of the calendar year. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status. Then, call to schedule an appointment for an exam.

Undergoing an orthopedic procedure will help to relieve or eliminate your pain and restore your range of motion. Then, you can return to your active lifestyle and enjoy spending time with your friends and family.

Exercising is essential to healthy living, but intense exercise without adequate rest can cause joint pain and lead to long-term injury.

Can Exercise Worsen Joint Pain?

When managing arthritis, one of the best decisions you can make is maintaining a healthy weight. Added body weight puts excessive strain on the joints, especially your knees. For example, being only 10 pounds overweight places 30 to 60 additional pounds of force on the knee with every step.

If your doctor has suggested increasing your exercise to lose weight and decrease joint strain, it’s important to begin slowly with moderate physical activity. The same workouts that burn calories can wear down your joints, destroy cartilage and cause joint injury.

Signs of Overexercising

“Too much of a good thing” can definitely apply to exercise. However, overexercising can be just as detrimental as not exercising because overtraining can lead to permanent joint damage.

Here are several signs that you are pushing too hard in your exercise regimen:

• Increased heart rate
• Not feeling as strong
• Exercise stops being invigorating
• Lacking physical performance
• Difficulty reaching fitness goals
• Changes in metabolic function
• Poor sleep
• Mood swings
• Feeling more tired than you normally do

Low-impact Exercises That Prevent Joint Pain

Effective exercise does not have to result in profuse sweating and breathlessness. Adults between 18 and 65 should engage in moderate exercise for 30 minutes five times per week or vigorous exercise for 20 minutes three times per week. It is also important to do strength training twice per week.

To be healthy, you don’t need to run long distances or attend boot camp fitness classes. Why not consider some of these low-impact activities? All these exercises will increase your heart rate and help you burn fat, but they are gentle on your joints:

• Swimming
• Water aerobics
• Indoor or outdoor biking
• Pilates
• Yoga
• Dancing
• Gardening and yard work

The Importance of Rest Days Between Workouts

Rest days are just as important as workout days. Rest days help relieve muscle pain and soreness and repair and build muscle tissue. Resting also replenishes the body’s energy and allows the mind to rest. On rest days, make sure you drink as much water as you do on training days and get eight hours of sleep at night to give your body the maximum benefit of the recovery (Medical Xpress).

Schedule a Consultation With an Orthopedist

Take some time to create some health and fitness goals this month. National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is Sept. 28. This is an important day for all adults to remember the importance of health and fitness in our lives.

Are you having joint pain in your knees, hips, shoulders or other joints? You don’t have to accept joint pain as a part of everyday life. Instead, make an appointment with your orthopedist to discuss managing your joint pain. This could include an exercise plan, nutrition modification or even a procedure to alleviate joint discomfort.

An active lifestyle is key for physical and mental health. Ways to stay active may include participating in sports and recreational activities.

As the fall season kicks off, athletes should take precautions to prevent injuries to their muscles, bones and joints.

Athletes between the ages of 5 and 24 sustain more than half of the seven million sports and recreational injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Common injuries include the following:

• Acute injuries where players are hit by something (like a ball), fall or run into another player. These can be minor (like a scratch or bruise) or more serious (like an eye injury or broken bone).
• Overuse injuries (also called repetitive stress injuries) that happen from doing the same action over and over. They can cause problems with bone growth. Overuse injuries often happen in the feet, knees, elbows and shoulders.
• Reinjuries that happen when an athlete returns to the sport before an earlier injury fully heals.

Proper Warm-up, Workout Prevents Injuries

Football and volleyball players are at risk for elbow and shoulder injuries as well as knee, hip, ankle, hand and lower back pain problems.

Hip and hamstring injuries, tendinitis, knee problems or foot strains can be an issue for cross-country runners.

Golfers may experience golfer’s elbow, tendinitis, lower back pain or rotator cuff conditions.

Pain and swelling can occur in many types of joints and muscles during practices or games, so knowing risks and preventive measures may reduce further injury.

Physical therapist Marcus Knox, DPT, told Medical Xpress proper warm-up and recovery are important in preventing spring sports injuries. These tips also apply year round.

Athletes also should follow an “off-season program to work on mobility and stability limitations or impairments,” said Dr. Knox, who works at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

“If you’re in a sport that requires you to have a lot of overhead motions like throwing, make sure that you have the right stability and mobility of the shoulder and shoulder blade, and you want to make sure the spine is moving correctly,” he said.

“There are lots of little things that you’d want to find out about your form before the season starts so you can work on that in the off-season,” Dr. Knox added.

The CDC offers a few tips for players to protect their muscles, bones and joints:

• Use protective gear, such as helmets, wrist guards and knee and elbow pads — in addition to any other sports gear appropriate to your activity or player position.
• Be sure that sports protective equipment is maintained correctly and is in good condition — without missing or broken buckles or compressed or worn padding.
• Have players learn and practice skill sets relevant to their chosen activity. Be sure to safely and slowly increase activities to improve physical fitness; being in good condition can protect participants from injury.
• Allow time for athletes to gradually adjust to hot or humid environments to prevent heat-related injuries or illness. Parents and coaches should pay close attention to make sure that players are hydrated and appropriately dressed.
• Communicate positive messages about safety and serve as role models for safe behavior, including wearing a helmet and following the rules.

Don’t Delay Treatment

If you suffer a sports or recreational injury, do not overdo your training routine for recovery. Follow a doctor’s instructions on when to go back to playing after an injury.

“There has to be the perfect combination of rest and stress in order to recover from an injury quickly and safely,” Dr. Knox said.

Sometimes rest and stress are not enough for a full recovery. If you suffer from chronic pain in the knee, hip, shoulder or back, do not ignore these symptoms, or your condition may worsen.

Do not delay your diagnosis or treatment. Our orthopedists can develop a treatment plan to manage your joint pain. In many cases, surgery is not necessary, but your doctor may recommend it if you would benefit from a procedure. Schedule an appointment for an exam today.

Is chronic pain and mobility loss causing you to consider a knee or hip replacement? You can take active steps to improve the success of your total joint replacement if you make specific lifestyle changes before the procedure.

When to Consider Total Joint Replacement

Chronic pain can result when the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones becomes worn or damaged from arthritis or fracture. Your orthopedist may recommend total joint replacement if nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, medication and modified activities fail to relieve your pain and disability.

Knee and hip replacements are the most common joint replacements. However, replacement surgery can be performed on other joints like the wrist, shoulder, elbow and ankle.

Having a Successful Total Joint Replacement Procedure

Matthew Abdel, MD, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacement, said patients can take an active role in having a successful surgery. Dr. Abdel suggests following these tips to improve the success of a knee or hip replacement:

1. Find safe ways to lose weight. Even losing 20 pounds can make a significant difference in the outcome of surgery. Talk to your doctor about your body mass index. Your target body mass index is less than 40 kilograms per square meter (kg/m²).
2. Make sure chronic conditions like diabetes are under control. Ask your primary care physician about glycemic control. Your HgA1C should be less than 7.5 before you have hip or knee replacement surgery.
3. Do not use nicotine products. Your hip or knee procedure will be more successful if you stop smoking cigarettes and cigars and do not use chewing tobacco at least six weeks before surgery.
4. Stop taking narcotics. Cease taking all narcotic pain medication at least 14 days before surgery.
5. Reduce or stop using alcohol. Heavy alcohol use can alter the effects of anesthesia.
6. Call your doctor about illness. Patients who become ill with a cold, fever or influenza in the days before surgery should contact their doctor.

Obesity, Bariatric Surgery and Joint Replacement

Obesity is one of the highest risks of joint replacement surgery because it increases the likelihood of post-surgical complications like instability and infection. Dr. Abdel and his colleagues conducted a study showing patients who had bariatric surgery to help them lose weight still had significant complications after the joint replacement procedure.

“We think it may have something to do with the bariatric patients’ underlying system, such as their gut microbiome and underlying genetic host variation,” Dr. Abdel said. “Even though they lost the weight, the soft tissues and underlying collagen status were still of their original nature.”

What May or May Not Help Knee or Hip Replacement

Certain changes will not improve the outcome of total joint replacement, like using wound creams, taking vitamins and supplements or using electrical stimulation. Other changes like pre- or post-operative physical therapy may or may not be effective in improving knee or hip replacement outcomes.

Call a Local Orthopedist for Consultation

If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, call your orthopedist. At your appointment, you can discuss options for physical therapy, medication or surgery if necessary.

 

Do your knees ache when you climb stairs, walk or even lie down? You may have already tried exercise, injections, medications and non-surgical procedures. Your doctor is the best resource for recommending knee replacement, but certain factors may hasten your need for surgery.

Knee replacement, known as knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. More than one in 10 Americans will need to have a total knee replacement before turning 80. In the procedure, a surgeon uses metal and plastic to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint.

What Affects the Timing of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Experts from Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California say several factors influence the need for knee replacement surgery:

1. Age. Most people who get a knee replacement are over 60. Younger people can get a knee replacement, but an active lifestyle may shorten the life of the artificial knee. A second replacement surgery is not as successful as the first in many cases.
2. Arthritis. Three types of arthritis can affect the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults, makes the cartilage in the knees break down. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the synovial membrane and leads to stiffness and pain. Arthritis due to injury is known as traumatic arthritis. All three types of arthritis deteriorate knee cartilage, resulting in knee pain and loss of motion.
3. Swelling or severe knee pain. Sometimes, knee pain gets so intense that it interferes with daily activities and even sleep.
4. Knee deformity. Advanced arthritis or injury can cause the knee to be deformed and inhibit walking.
5. Ineffective non-surgical treatments. Over time, treatments like steroid injections, physical therapy and medication are not as effective, and knee replacement surgery is the best option.

Purpose of Knee Replacement

The purpose of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the knee joint that are damaged and to alleviate knee pain that other non-surgical methods cannot control. Arthritis or injury can wear away cartilage, and the surface of the knee becomes uneven, eroded and pitted. After the surgeon resurfaces the knee, the patient should experience relief from stiffness, pain and instability. It also should help the body feel more aligned.

How Long Will a Total Knee Replacement Last?

The lifespan of an artificial knee will vary, but an artificial knee joint can last between 15 and 25 years.

In nine out of 10 patients, the artificial knee is functional 20 years post-surgery. Age and physical activity level will affect how well the artificial knee works. Artificial joints tend to last longer in older, less active individuals. However, total knee replacement has a high success rate in younger patients. Your doctor can advise you on the timing that is best for you.

Make an Appointment With Your Orthopedist

If your knee hurts, even when you’re not using it, it’s time to see an orthopedist. You don’t have to live with consistent knee pain. Your orthopedist can meet with you to discuss the pros and cons of knee replacement and suggest a timeline for your treatment.

About 58.5 million U.S. adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By 2040, the CDC reports that the number is expected to increase to 78 million.

During May, which is National Arthritis Awareness Month, the focus is on this chronic joint disease that causes pain, disability and loss of function.

Osteoarthritis occurs most frequently in the hands, hips and knees. Without treatment, this disease may restrict your participation in sports and daily activities with friends and family and cause long-term damage to your joints.

Data Reveal Osteoarthritis Is Higher in Females

A new analysis reveals that in recent decades, osteoarthritis has remained a major public health concern worldwide.

Based on global data from 1990 to 2019, this analysis was published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

The analysis data were collected as part of the Global Burden of Disease study by a consortium of more than 7,000 researchers in more than 156 countries and territories.

“Investigators found that globally, prevalent cases (of osteoarthritis) increased by 113.25 percent from 247.51 million in 1990 to 527.81 million in 2019,” according to the analysis.

“The disease burden of osteoarthritis is formidable,” co–senior author Jianhao Lin, MD, of Peking University People’s Hospital, in China, told Medical Xpress. “Due to population expansion, aging, and the epidemic of obesity, one would expect such a burden would increase in the near future.”

The team also assessed the rates that the population would have if it had a standard age structure or age-standardized prevalence rates (ASRs).

The study showed the ASRs of osteoarthritis increased for knee, hip and other joints but decreased for hands.

The data revealed a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis was found in countries with higher development status. Osteoarthritis was higher in females than in males and increased with age, according to the study.

The analysis also showed osteoarthritis of the hip had the highest estimated annual percentage increases in most regions. And according to the study, osteoarthritis of the knee contributed the most to the overall burden.

“Primary and secondary prevention, including refraining from overweight or obesity, preventing knee injury and avoiding heavy repeated joint-loading activities are effective measures in alleviating the burden,” Lin told Medical Xpress. “In addition, exercise therapy could delay functional loss and should be recommended as core treatment for knee osteoarthritis.”

Don’t Delay Your Joint Care

For individuals with osteoarthritis, the CDC recommends the following activities and exercises to help maintain range of motion:

• Low-impact aerobic activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, group exercise classes and dancing.
• Muscle-strengthening exercises like lifting weights, working with resistance bands and yoga.
• Flexibility exercises like stretching and yoga.
• Balance exercises like walking backward, standing on one foot and tai chi.

Although exercises and activities can help relieve pain and stiffness, they may not be enough to help with your osteoarthritis. If you are experiencing joint pain, don’t delay your care. Call your orthopedist and make an appointment to help you manage your pain by creating a customized treatment plan.

Many young athletes who undergo ACL reconstruction can develop knee arthritis, which puts them at risk of early knee replacement and a less-active lifestyle.

How Does an ACL Injury Occur?

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a tear in one of the knee ligaments that joins the bottom of the thighbone (femur) to the top of the shinbone (tibia). A ligament is a tough, flexible band of tissue that holds bones and cartilage together, and the ACL keeps the knee stable.

An ACL tear often happens when the foot is firmly placed on the ground and a force suddenly hits the knee while the leg is slightly bent or straight. For example, it can occur when landing from a jump, changing direction rapidly or slowing down when running. An ACL tear can accelerate arthritis development because the injury damages the knee’s cartilage and surrounding tissues.

Exercises that Build Knee Strength Can Prevent Arthritis

An ACL tear can accelerate arthritis development because the injury damages the knee’s cartilage and surrounding tissues. However, with good therapy, patients with ACL injuries can delay or even prevent knee arthritis.

A study at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, found that long-term physical therapy focused on strength and functional goals produced more favorable outcomes than therapy that adhered to a set timeline. Researchers discovered most patients stopped physical therapy about six months to one year after knee surgery, but this is too soon.

During therapy, building knee strength through jumping, heavy leg weights and agility training is essential. Utilizing exercises that support previous injuries and strengthen joints, the knee can continue to function well without the onset of arthritis.

“Exercise therapy and education is how we treat older people with arthritis, but researchers had never asked whether similar interventions could work for young people,” said Brooke Patterson, PhD, who led the study. “Almost every person who completed our new program said they had less pain and better quality of life” (Medical Xpress).

ACL Injuries Are Steadily Increasing

The incidence of ACL injury is on the rise as teen sports participation increases, and a new study by UCLA Health shows that girls are “more than twice as likely” to experience an ACL injury than boys.

There are many possible reasons that more young athletes are tearing their ACLs:

1. Skeletal immaturity and reduced knee strength. Young athletes feel pressure to focus on one sport and play all year round. Because their bodies are not fully developed, the knees are not strong enough to withstand the impact.
2. Improper stretching and preparation. Athletes must take time to prepare for high-intensity activity long before taking the field properly.
3. Inadequate healing time after injury. An ACL tear is the most common knee injury, and many injuries happen because athletes return too quickly.
4. Insufficient rest. Without enough rest, proper hydration and nutrition, young athletes increase their risk of injury or re-injury.

Call Your Orthopedist to Manage Joint Pain

April is National Youth Sports Safety Month. Are you or a family member experiencing chronic knee pain? It may be time to schedule an appointment with an orthopedist. Your orthopedist can create a customized treatment plan to strengthen your knee and prevent further injury. If your injury requires a surgical procedure, your doctor will thoroughly explain the details at your appointment.