Staff Spotlight
Osteoarthritis of the Knee Strength Training & The Importance of Braces
Knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) is a progressive disease causedby inflammationanddegeneration of the knee joint that worsens over time. It affects the entire joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. Muscle strengthening. Strengthening the muscles around your knee will be an essential part of your rehabilitation program. Individuals with knee OA who adhere to strengthening programs have been shown to have less pain and an improved overall quality of life. There are several factors that influence the health of a joint: the quality of the cartilage that lines the bones, the tissue within and around the joints, and the associated muscles. Due to the wear and tear on cartilage associated with knee OA, maintaining strength in themuscles near the joint
is crucial to preserve joint health. For example, as the muscles along the front and back of your thigh (quadriceps and hamstrings) cross the knee joint, they help control themotion and forces that are applied to the bones. Bracing. Compressive sleeves placed around the kneemay help reduce pain and swelling. Devices such as realignment and off-loading braces are used to modify the forces placed on the knee. These braces can help “unload” certain areas of your knee and move contact to less painful areas of the joint during weight-bearing activities. Depending on your symptoms and impairments, your physical therapist will help determine which bracemay be best for you. Give us a call today to see howwe can assist you in living a heathier life!
Best of luck to Amado who worked with us for a year and started a new job at the end of September. Amado, we miss your smile, friendliness, and caring nature. Thanks for all your hard work.
Exercise Essentials
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Side Lunge Start in an upright position. Step out to side with knees slightly bent. Sink into leg as though sitting into a chair (butt back!). Reach arms out forward slightly to keep chest upright. Do not let knee go over toe. This exercise helps strengthen the quadriceps, lower legs, and abdominals.
Increasing the speed at which you lunge can help with cardio endurance and coordination!
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