Naples Orthopedic Surgeon - Dr. Robert J. Zehr » orthopedics

Medial, lateral, anterior, posterior – Where does your knee really hurt?

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:38:50 +0000

This booklet on knee anatomy should help you answer that question.

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com

How does my hip function compare with other guys'?

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:24:49 +0000

I’m a 46-year old man with severe hip osteoarthritis. I’ve always been active, but now the pain gets in the way. I can’t help but wonder how my hip function compares to other guys my age without arthritis. Is there any way to find out?

Maybe not directly, but we may have some information to offer. A recent study from Finland compared 27 men with hip osteoarthritis (OA) to 30 men of similar ages without OA. Hip motion and function were measured and compared.

Everyone was tested twice (on two separate days) with two to six weeks time in between the first test and the retest. Subjects stood on one leg to test standing balance. Marching in place with the knee lifting up to the hip level was another test. Stair climbing, knee bending and hip range of motion were also included.

It turned out that the men without OA were much more flexible than the men with OA. They had more hip motion, especially moving the legs out and rotating the hip in or out. Men with more hip deterioration had less motion. Men without OA also had better function when walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, or moving the hip.

Walking hurts – is it aging or is it osteoarthritis?

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:09:26 +0000

I am only 54 years old, but already I’m noticing changes in the way I walk. I can’t seem to put my full weight into my left hip without twinges of pain. Is there anything I can do about this? I don’t want to lose any more ground.

The natural aging process does cause increased stiffness throughout the body, but usually this is equal on both sides. When you have pain or symptoms in one joint, you may be experiencing more than just natural aging.

Early degenerative arthritis of the hip, called osteoarthritis, can bring about changes in the way a person walks. The body compensates in order to take pressure off the problem joint. The stride gets shorter, so the person takes shorter steps at a slower speed. Sometimes the number of steps taken per minute decreases, too.

It may be wise to bring these changes to your doctor’s attention. He or she will evaluate you and determine if anything more serious is going on. If you have early arthritis, it is important to keep up exercise and physical activity. Your doctor may recommend a physical therapist who can help you find just the right program for your condition.

Can glucosamine and chondroitin really ease the pain in my knees?

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:24:40 +0000

My doctor said that X-rays of my knee show that the cartilage is gone in my knee joint. Now that I’ve been taking glucosamine and chondroitin, my pain is better, and I feel I can do more during the day. Could the benefits I feel be coming from these supplements?

If no other treatments are being done at the same time, you are most likely getting results from the supplements. The benefits you report are similar to what others are saying, and there’s evidence that these supplements can help with osteoarthritis of the knee. However, since they are relatively new, there hasn’t been a lot of research done on them yet. Also, most of the studies that have been done tested them over a short time period, about four to six weeks. Some of the methods used to test them give exaggerated estimates of how beneficial these supplements really are. And because manufacturers have sponsored most of the scientific studies on these products, it’s possible that some of the reported benefits might be inflated. There is enough evidence, however, to show that these supplements are safe, offer some benefits, and certainly have a role in treating knee osteoarthritis.

Can hyaluronin injection help my knee osteoarthritis?

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:05:11 +0000

My doctor explained that the aching and swelling in my knee is from osteoarthritis. She told me about an injection that can lessen my pain and help me get around easier. What kind of medicine is in the shot, and does it work?

Healthy joints are lubricated and cushioned by fluid inside the joint. Osteoarthritis causes the joints to become sore and stiff because the joint fluid loses its ability to lubricate and cushion.

Doctors have observed good results with a material called hyaluronin, a substance that imitates the fluid in your knee joint. The fluid is injected directly into the sore joint up to three times over a period of several weeks. Some people find that the benefits begin to wear off. When this happens, additional injections can be given every six months.

Many patients who have had these shots report less pain and find it easier to do their activities. However, people with more advanced knee osteoarthritis don’t always benefit from the shots.

Getting Active After Hip Surgery

admin — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:31:22 +0000

I am going in to have hip replacement surgery. How soon can I get back to the things I enjoy?

The answer usually is “as soon as you are ready.” However, this depends on the activities you have in mind. Some activities, like high-impact sports and recreation, are not recommended after hip replacement surgery. Other activities, like walking, swimming, and cycling, can usually be started once your pain is controlled and your strength improves. It is generally just a matter of getting warmed up and used to doing those kinds of activities again. You should begin these activities in a gradual, guided manner to avoid injury and complications. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have questions about the activities you’d like to do.