|
|
|
Exercise - Osteoarthritis Connection
March 25, 2010 |
You see them everywhere – bikers, runners, even walkers taking advantage of the
south Florida scenery and the weather. But new research suggests hitting the pavement
too hard could lead to knee damage, increasing your risk of osteoarthritis.
“What happens with the osteoarthritis is that cartiledge becomes eroded and thinned
out and eventually severe osteoarthritis results in patches of exposed bone, where
you get bone-on-bone,” explains Dr. Charles Springer, an orthopedic surgeon on the
medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Researchers have found that middle aged men and women who engage in high levels
of physical activity may be more susceptible to knee and hip pain.
“Typically a patient’s workup begins at home. Most patients, if they are having
some joint pain are going to give it some time on their own and try some anti-inflammatories.”
says Dr. Springer. But if the problem persists, an appointment with your physician
may be in order.
“If that doesn’t work, typically, they will go to their primary
care physician who will get some radiographic studies, maybe an MRI and then, if
nothing is working or not getting better, they typically come into our office.”
This is usually the last resort. “Typically, xrays are our first evaluation of a
joint, where we can see whether or not the joint, space, and cartiledge are preserved
or whether it’s completely gone bone-on-bone. And if we aren’t sure, and MRI is
useful,” he says.
From there, the physician can assess whether the injury requires physical therapy
or surgery. A change in the exercise routine may be in order.
|
|
|
|
|
|
