Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition which undeniably we will all face in our life time. It is due to aging process and the best tactic to manage OA is going back to basics. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend self-management techniques, such as exercise and trimming down if you're overweight. Here are some suggested guidelines:
1. Weight loss - If you body mass index (BMI) is more than 25, loosing 5% of your body weight can help reduce OA.
2. Exercise - Make an impact using aerobic exercise such as walking apart of your day to day schedule. Incorporate flexibility and stretching, then strengthening exercises focusing on the quads and hamstrings.
3. Pain reducing medication - Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are a good choice as long as it does not upset your stomach.
4. Injections - There are two types of injection, cortisone and hyaluronic acid. Seek your physician to see which one will be right for you.
5 Taping - Supporting the knee cap or the "patella" can offer short term relief to avoid popping sensations. This option can progress to wearing a semi-custom knee brace which can help provide relief.
6. Custom orthotics - However the correction of foot abnormalities to correct OA is still being discussed, proper alignment and decreased shock while walking on concrete will help reduce knee pain.
* See your therapist for more information regarding how you can get "back to basics" to reduce knee pain.
Health Monitor Vol.2 No.3
