Have you noticed in recent years that your knees seem to be getting bigger? Is this correlated with more popping, grinding or even pain when you bend, squat or kneel? This can be a sign of advancing stages of arthritis. The knees have two main fat pads, which reside just above and below the kneecap. These help to cushion the knee and assist with lubricating fluid flow around the joint. With arthritis, inflammation in the joint causes the fat pads to gradually thicken, choking the joint fluid flow. This leads to a vicious cycle of decreased lubrication, more wear, pain, and swelling.
The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body Health & Fitness
Have you noticed in recent years that your knees seem to be getting bigger? Is this correlated with more popping, grinding or even pain when you bend, squat or kneel? This can be a sign of advancing stages of arthritis. The knees have two main fat pads, which reside just above and below the kneecap. These help to cushion the knee and assist with lubricating fluid flow around the joint. With arthritis, inflammation in the joint causes the fat pads to gradually thicken, choking the joint fluid flow. This leads to a vicious cycle of decreased lubrication, more wear, pain, and swelling. WILL I NEED SURGERY FORMY KNEES? The good news is that recent studies show 60-70% of knee osteoarthritis patients can avoid surgery by getting PT first (1). In fact, surgery should always be considered as a last resort after conservative measures have been tried. Furthermore, physical therapy is actually 40 times less expensive than a total joint replacement! (2) “ARE YOU EXPERIENCING GRINDING IN THE KNEES?” A TELLTALE SYMPTOMOF ARTHRITIS
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IMPROVE YOUR JOINT LUBRICATION
A physical therapist can actually help the lubrication in your joints through improved joint motion, strength, balance and coordination. The better lubricated your knee joints, the less friction and wear occur, reducing inflammation and pain. During knee treatments, our therapists work to improve your patella (kneecap) and joint mobility. This improves the mobility of the tissue around the joint, especially the fat pads. This in turn, leads to improved blood flow, joint lubrication and decreased
swelling. The result is fast pain relief, improved motion, strength, and abilities to do physical activities. Walking, bending, jumping and squatting can then be done without pain. Put your knees on the right path to health with a visit to your physical therapist. If your knees are feeling tight, stiff, weak, or are just starting to bother you, come see us, before it becomes a REAL problem. Call us today and talk to your physical therapist about your knees. (1). Katz JN, Brophy RH, Chaisson CE, et al. Surgery versus physical therapy for a meniscal tear and osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med. 2013 (2). http://www.healthline.com/health/total-knee-replacement-surgery/understanding-costs#1
6 Simple Steps ToMake Your Knees Feel Great!
I amnow ridingmy bike, swimming, walking, and playing in the yard PAIN FREE. “After 6 years of injections and two surgeries, it was a task to tie my own shoes. Frustrated and in pain with the inability to ride a bike, swim, walk in my neighborhood or engage in physical play with my daughter I called my doctor for advice. Having been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease I could be injured just sleeping. Skeptically, I was given authorization to try therapy. For those of you out there with the same or similar very painful disease, DO NOT GIVE UP. I was very fortunate to have been referred to Rehab Access. My therapist immediately put me at ease with clear, concise communication and consistency with my therapy. I was never pushed beyond what my body could not tolerate and in the first few weeks often spent my entire session with my therapist gently getting my muscles to respond. After three months I am now riding my bike, swimming, walking, and playing in the yard PAIN FREE. I would like to thank the crew at Rehab Access for givingme a part of my life back that I was missing dearly. Your professionalism and courteousness made all the difference!” - R.B.
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Knee pain doesn’t have to slow you down. There are many ways to naturally relieve knee pain, and get your joints moving the way they should. Here are some tips to help your knees feel great:
1. Stretch your inner thighs 2. Get your kneecap moving 3. Strengthen your hip and quadricep muscles
4. Go for a walk 5. Ice and heat 6. Get a regular physical therapy checkup
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HELPING THE COMMUNITY
In October we took part in a Health Fair at Estelle Senior Center. Meagan Navarre, PT, DPT who specializes in vestibular & balance rehabilitation performed balance and fall screenings to the center’s members. We enjoyed our time at the center, getting to know their members and educating them on how Physical Therapy can help with risk reduction and fall prevention. If you or anyone you know might be at risk of a fall or having balance problems, we can help. Contact our Belle Chasse clinic for a complimentary screening.
Why Choose Rehab Access? Expertly trained therapists Focused on achieving fast results We take the time to listen to you We spend time educating you on your problem and how to solve it Friendly, courteous staff
On time appointments Doctor recommended
Belle Chasse Location 8397 Highway 23 #101 Belle Chasse, LA 70037 (504) 398-2004 (504) 398-2006 - fax
Gretna Location 1 712 Stumpf Blvd. Gretna, LA 70056 (504) 365-1020 (504) 365-1080 - fax
www.rehabaccess.com
Exercise Essential Try this simple exercise to keep you healthy...
STRENGTHENS KNEE
QUAD SET While lying or sitting with a small towel rolled under your ankle, tighten your top thigh muscle to press the back of your knee downward towards the ground. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 20 times.
STRENGTHENS LEGS
Single Leg Raise Sit on the ground with your legs stretched out in front of you. Support yourself by placing your hands on the ground as shown. Bend your uninvolved knee to 90 degrees, your foot flat on the ground. Keeping your knee straight, lift your foot about 10 inches off the ground. Gently lower your foot back to the ground. Repeat 20 times on each leg
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