Hip replacement is an operation in which degenerating parts of the hip joint are replaced with prosthetic ones made from metal and plastic. The following are several important things you need to know about this operation:Read More >
3 Easy Knee Exercises To Relieve Pain
Believe it or not there are a lot of exercises you can to do relieve pain. Don’t let bad knees keep you from d
oing all the things you love to do. In 10 studies focusing on relieving knee pain, the most effective exercises were ones that focused on your quadriceps and hips. Below are three of the most effective physical therapy exercises you can do to relieve knee pain. If you’re in too much pain to stand up, you can do the chair version!Read More >
When To See A Doctor For Knee Pain
When is it time to see a doctor for knee pain? Sometimes it’s hard to gauge on your own pain. What is normal joint pain and what is something more serious? The best plan of action is to leave it up to the professional. Make an appointment with your physician and see what’s really going on. Because, believe it or not, there is actually a lot you can do. Here are some clues that you should see a doctor for knee pain.Read More >
April is Youth Sports Safety Month!
April is Youth Sports Safety month. So for the month of April we will do our best to educate you about the importance of youth sports safety. We hope the articles we provide will help prevent injuries in kids.
As children’s sports continue to grow, so do the number of injuries. Our first article is about common knee injuries in children. Read More >
How To Tell It’s Time For Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a major procedure that requires significant thought and consideration. Known to be one of the most common joint replacement procedures, each year over 500,000 people make the decision, and undergo knee replacement surgery. Now you’ve made the commitment for major surgery, so what’s next? You should feel good knowing that you’re in the right direction to a quality of life. Knowing the signs and symptoms when considering total knee replacement is helpful for potential candidates.Read More >
Tips For a Successful Total Knee Replacement
For many people, total knee replacement surgery is a welcome alternative to what may have been years of knee pain, limited mobility, and an all-around decrease in quality of life. But knee replacement is a major surgery, only to be used as a remedy after all other non-surgical options have been exhausted, and may involve a good amount of post-surgery rehabilitation. And ultimately, a great deal of the success of the surgery is in our hands.
So what are some things we can do to make sure we do everything we can to support the process? Here are some pre-surgery tips from WebMd:
(for the complete list see the article “Knee and Hip Replacement for OA: The Facts” on www.WebMD.com)
Ask questions
Learn as much about the procedure and rehabilitation as possible. Be specific.
Get in shape
Upper body strength is extremely important if crutches or a walker will be used after the surgery. Allina Health has a list of suggested exercises, complete with diagrams. (http://www.allinahealth.org/ac/patiented.nsf/page/knee_exercises)
Quit smoking
Smoking can slow down wound healing and recovery time.
Rehab exercises
Find out about the rehab exercises, and if possible start doing them before the surgery.
Prepare your home and arrange for post-op help
If your bedroom’s on the second floor, a first floor sleeping arrangement might be a good idea. Make sure all trip hazards such as throw rugs are put away, and hallways are clear and able to accommodate crutches or a walker. Ask a neighbor for help walking the dog, or better yet, find someone who could stay with you for a while after the surgery.
Healthline offers the following post-operative advice for a successful recovery & rehab:
- Follow the doctor’s and physical therapist’s orders; take medicine as prescribed, go to all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions, do the recommended exercises.
- Avoid unnecessary stress on the knee.
- If compression stockings are recommended, wear them as directed and for as long as directed. They can help prevent blood clots.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking. The alcohol can interact badly with certain medicines, and smoking, as mentioned earlier, can slow down the healing process.
- Stay positive. The recovery process may be stressful and even painful at times. According to Healthline, some experts believe that as much as 50% of a successful knee replacement is due to the patient’s attitude and willingness to do what’s required during rehab.
To read the entire Healthline article, go to http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/total-knee-replacement-surgery-success#12.
Written by: Tricia Doane, Rust Built, Marketing Services
The Importance of Hip Strength For Women
According to the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, weak hip muscles contribute to poor hip motion which can cause back, hip and knee pain. Repetitive strain injuries of the hip, knee and ankle joints can also develop as a result of weak hip joint muscles.
Weak hips have also been implicated as the causes of sciatica, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) and patellofemoral joint pain (runner’s knee). A study reported in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine found that runners who had injuries had weaker hip abductors and flexors on their injured side.
Another study by Ireland et al that evaluated 15 women with runner’s knee found that injured runners had weaker muscles that abduct and externally rotate their hip joints when compared to those who were not injured.
Strong hips are therefore important for women since they reduce the risk of developing numerous injuries. For those who have already sustained these injuries, strengthening the hip muscles can relieve the pain, since the Journal of Athletic Training reports that increasing the strength of the hip abductor muscles reduces patellofemoral joint pain.
SINGLE LEG BRIDGE
One of the easiest hip exercises is the single leg bridge, which strengthens the gluteal muscles that extend and abduct the hip. To do this exercise, lie facing upward and bend your knees while ensuring that your feet are flat on the floor. Straighten the right leg and lift it about 15 inches from the floor. Tighten your abdominals and lift your hips until you make a bridge with your trunk. Hold the position for 3 seconds and then slowly lower your body. Do 10 repetitions of this exercise on each side.
BALL BRIDGE
Another simple exercise that strengthens the extensors and abductors of the hip joints is the ball bridge. To do this exercise, lie supine and rest your straight legs on a therapy ball. Tighten your abdominals and lift your backside from the floor until it forms a straight line with your legs. Hold this position for 3 seconds and then slowly lower your body. Do 10 repetitions on each side.
CLAM EXERCISE
The Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy also reports that the clam exercise can be used to strengthen the hip. To do this exercise, lie on your right side with your knees bent and rotate the top leg upwards. Change sides and repeat with the other leg.
Since not all hip, knee and back pain is caused by weak hip muscles, always consult your doctor before embarking on any new exercise program.
Written by: Marian Kim, Rust Built, Marketing Services
Benefits of Total Knee Replacement Surgery
If joint pain is robbing you of life’s pleasures – taking a walk, playing with children or grandchildren, working in the yard – don’t lose hope! With total knee replacement surgery, you can lead an active life.
Medical technology and techniques have made total knee replacement surgery is one of the most routine and successful surgeries. Learn how your life could benefit from total knee replacement surgery: