Last year an article in Skeletal Radiology received significant attention for disproving “current wisdom” about running and knee arthritis. Researchers from Austria used MRI imaging to examine the knees of participants before the 1997 Vienna Marathon. Ten years later, runners received an MRI before the 2007 race. Scans of those participating in both races were compared for changes. The results were very surprising.
Last week I attempted to answer an email from Don Loftus, a teacher a Scranton Prep and former athlete who suffers from arthritis in his knees. This week will discuss the treatment options available to former athletes and others for the management of knee arthritis.
All joints suffer from wear and tear over time. Weight-bearing joints such as the hip, knee and ankle, tend to wear out faster than others. Moreover, trauma, from sports, overuse, occupation, or accidents, will expedite this process. This form of arthritis is called, osteoarthritis.
Total ankle replacement (TAR) is recommended for severe ankle pain which has not responded to conservative treatment: weight loss, activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone injections.
I have been advising my patients to exercise, keep active, and walk as long as they can in order to stay mobile and healthy. However, seniors often tell me activities that require prolonged walking is limited by ankle pain from arthritis. They often ask, “What is arthritis of the ankle?” How does it happen? What can I do about it?
Patrick McKenna, Editor for The Times-Tribune recently sent me copy of a press release regarding a warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the prevalence of arthritis will increase significantly by 2030.
Most doctors recommend some form of exercise with arthritis. Pain and fatigue are the most limiting factors for the person with arthritis. Pool exercise may be the answer.
Soft drink consumption has increased rapidly in the general population in recent years. Intake of carbonated beverages was associated with reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk both later in life and in children and adolescents. Colas were more strongly associated than other carbonated beverages.
Osteoporosis is a very common problem. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 55% of people over 50 years of age have osteoporosis. It accounts for 1.5 million fractures per year at an annual cost of more than 18 billion dollars.
A bad marriage, an unhealthy relationship, a cruel boss, and a troubled economy are all potential causes of stress because they can produce feelings of anger and depression. There are physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral signs associated with stress.
