Is there any link between having osteoporosis and knee osteoarthritis?

May 9th — admin

Is there any link between having osteoporosis and knee osteoarthritis? I’ve just been told I have osteoporosis. My mother had knee arthritis pretty bad. I don’t know if she had osteoporosis. I was wondering if there’s some kind of genetic connection.

Genetics may very well be a part of developing either osteoporosis (brittle bones) or osteoarthritis (OA). And there may be a link between osteoporosis and OA. It isn’t clear yet if there is a genetic link here.

The relationship between OA and osteoporosis may surprise you. Some studies show that women with low bone mass from osteoporosis may be less likely to have OA. But once OA is found, a higher bone mass density (no osteoporosis) means a milder case of OA. Just what all this means and what the actual connections are between OA and osteoporosis remains unclear.

One important risk factor for knee OA (such as your mother had) is a previous knee injury. Men and women are both more likely to develop knee OA after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. And women are twice as likely to develop an ACL injury compared with men.

All in all, it looks like osteoporosis may have a protective effect. It may actually prevent OA from developing. Scientists are studying this phenomenon carefully. It’s possible they may discover something that could help prevent either or both of these conditions.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. 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 a 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.

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Does having osteoarthritis in one knee mean the other knee will get it?

April 15th — admin

My father was just diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his left knee. Our family doctor says it’s likely his other knee will develop symptoms at some point, too. Should we take Dad to see a specialist for this problem?

Only a small number of patients with knee OA need to see a specialist. Most often it’s to see an orthopedic surgeon for a joint replacement. In the early stages of osteoarthritis (OA), a management program is advised. Your family doctor or primary care physician is best for this.

A management program will include patient education, exercise, and sometimes, over-the-counter drugs. Prescription drugs may be needed for severe pain or major disease flare-ups. Patient education starts with giving the patient information about the condition, what to expect, and what to do.

Weight loss and exercise are the two most important steps in treating and managing OA. A physical therapist can help your father match his interests with the right kind of exercise for OA. A program of low-impact exercise combined with moderate resistance training is best.

Your family doctor will continue to follow his progress and make adjustments as needed. If a specialist is needed, he or she will direct you to the right one at the right time. Don’t hesitate to ask if and when this might be needed.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. 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 a 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.

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Will taking Fosamax interfere with my new hip?

April 10th — admin

I’m going to have a new hip joint put in. I have both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. I’m taking Fosamax for the osteoporosis. Will this interfere with my new hip?

It shouldn’t. Many studies on animals and humans have confirmed that Fosamax, a bisphosphonate drug, helps build up bone. It’s used most often for patients with osteoporosis. But it may have some good uses for patients getting joint replacements.

Early studies on animals show that bisphosphonates used before and after joint surgery can build up and sustain bone growth. Improving bone mineral density helps stabilize the joint and prevent implant loosening.

It’s not clear yet just how this works or how much of the drug is needed. More studies are needed to gauge how long the effects will last. For right now it looks like there’s a good chance that bisphosphonates will extend the life of joint replacements.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. 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 a 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.

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How can I know if I have arthritis?

March 14th — admin

I think I might have arthritis in both my knees. How can I know for sure?

A physician will be able to diagnose your problem. Using a series of questions, X-rays, and clinical tests, the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is fairly straightforward.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has a classification system used by most doctors to make the diagnosis. Knee pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms. Stiffness is more pronounced in the morning but the pain is less. Once you get up and moving, the stiffness usually goes away. As the day goes on, pain may increase.

X-rays show bone spurs, loss of joint space, and poor knee joint alignment. All of these are common findings in patients with OA. X-rays are not relied upon by themselves. Many people have positive X-ray findings but no pain and no limitations.

The ACR supports the diagnosis of OA if these three conditions are met:

  • Patient is 50 years old or older
  • X-rays show bone spurs
  • Stiffness and creaking or crackling of the joints called crepitus is present; the stiffness lasts for less than 30 minutes in the morningEarly diagnosis and treatment can prevent many long-term problems. Don’t put off a medical exam. Find out now what might be causing your symptoms and address the problem right away.

    For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. 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 a 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.

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    Why does our 16 year old daughter’s knee painfully snap?

    March 12th — admin

    Our 16-year old daughter is a gymnast and a ballerina. Last year she started developing a painful snapping along the outside of her right knee. Everyone thought she would outgrow it, but it’s still there. Now it’s starting to affect her performance. What could be causing this?

    Painful snapping along the outside of the knee is not uncommon. Finding out what is causing it may be difficult. Some possible things to consider include iliotibial band syndrome, lateral meniscus tear, or snapping biceps femoris tendon. Other causes also include osteoarthritis (unlikely in a 16-year-old), joint instability, and snapping popliteus tendon.

    The diagnosis requires a careful history and physical exam. X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging studies may be done but don’t always show anything to help diagnose the problem. There are a few hands-on clinical tests the orthopedic surgeon can perform.

    But many times, the diagnosis is made by trying different treatment techniques and seeing what works. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are often the first line of treatment. Likewise, the physical therapist can try a variety of interventions. These may include ultrasound, manual therapy, taping, icing, and immobilization with a splint.

    If nothing helps and long-term pain relief isn’t possible, then exploratory surgery may be the next step. The surgeon can use an arthroscope to look inside the joint first. This may help avoid an invasive, open-incision operation. But if everything looks normal (as it often does in a young child), then a more complete surgical procedure may be needed.

    Once the surgeon identifies the abnormal structure, steps can be taken to alter the cause of the problem. This could be to shave off a bump on the bone or to remove and reattach a tendon that may be snapping over the bone.

    Many athletes are helped by conservative (nonoperative) care. Before waiting much longer, have your daughter evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon. She may be only a few weeks away from a successful solution.

    For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. 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 a 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.

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    Isn’t 46 too young for a hip replacement?

    February 21st — admin

    My brother is only 46, but his doctor is telling him that he should think about having a hip replacement. Isn’t he kind of young for that?

    Hip replacements are associated with older people, most of the time. It only stands to reason because their hips are wearing out because of osteoarthritis, injury, or other reasons. However, some younger people also have osteoarthritis or a problem that causes their hips to degenerate faster than they should.

    While in most types of surgeries, being young would be an advantage, when it comes to weight-bearing joint replacements, it actually works against you. Artificial joints have a limited life span and when they are placed in people who are in their 60s, 70s, and older, doctors believe that the chance of outliving the replacements is smaller than the other way around. But, if you are only 46 when you need a replacement, doctors are looking at replacing it again when you are in your 60s. While it may seem that if a patient needs a hip or a knee replacement, he or she should get it, the doctors have to weigh other issues as well, such as the seriousness and risk of such surgeries.

    Newer treatments are being tried for younger patients. One such treatment doesn’t replace the whole hip but just a part of it. This procedure, called metal-on-metal resurfacing, is showing good results so far.

    For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. 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 a 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.

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    Will arthritis put me in a wheelchair like my grandma?

    January 4th — admin

    My Grandma had arthritis in both her knees so bad, she finally ended up in a wheelchair. At age 45, I’m starting to see myself going the same route. Is it inevitable that I’ll end up like her? Can you bypass your own genetics?

    For a very long time, our understanding of the knee joint cartilage was limited. Scientists knew that the knee cartilage doesn’t heal well or at all. The lack of a direct blood supply to this area left us with the feeling that nothing could be done.

    Today, this is far from the truth. Studies in the 1970s and 1980s opened up new avenues of research for improved treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The mechanical properties of articular cartilage were better defined. For the first time, we saw how the dynamics of friction and fluid affected the cartilage.

    At the same time, risk factors for OA were more clearly identified. The influence of age, obesity, joint injury, and mechanical stress was recognized. Weight loss and activity became important elements of knee OA prevention and treatment.

    And now, thanks to improved technology, we have ways to surgically repair defects in the cartilage. It’s possible to stimulate the cartilage to fill in damaged areas.

    When selected carefully and followed up with an appropriate rehab program, many patients like you are remaining active much longer than previous generations of arthritis sufferers. Don’t wait to seek medical help. The sooner an accurate diagnosis is made, the sooner the right treatment and prevention measures can be applied.

    For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. 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 a 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.

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    Is there anything I can do myself for painful osteoarthritis?

    January 1st — admin

    I am part of a group of older adults who walk in the mall three or four times a week. I have one painful knee from osteoarthritis. I’d like to walk faster to keep up with the group but the pain is too much. Is there anything I can do about this for myself?

    You may want to discuss this with your primary care physician. Pain relieving medications and antiinflammatory drugs used correctly can be helpful.

    An exercise program targeted at muscle strength in the legs may be helpful, too. A physical therapist (PT) can help you with this. The PT will test your muscle strength and find areas of imbalance or weakness. Specific exercises can be used to help correct this problem.

    Proprioception should also be addressed. This is the sense you have of where your joints are at any one time. As you move, special receptors in the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments relay information to the brain about joint position.

    Damage to the joint and soft tissues from osteoarthritis can reduce your proprioception. The joint becomes unstable. Painful symptoms may increase, making it difficult to keep up.

    A combination of these various techniques may be needed at first. After six to eight weeks, you should see a difference in your walking speed, distance, and quality of gait (walking pattern). With less pain and improved proprioception, you will likely be able to keep up with the best of them. Good luck!

    For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. 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 a 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.

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    Are Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and a hip labral tear related?

    December 7th — admin

    As a child I was diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Now at age 33, I have a hip labral tear. Are these two conditions related?

    Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease affects the hip in young children. For some unknown reason, the blood supply to the growth center of the hip (the capital femoral epiphysis) is disturbed. The bone in this area starts to die. The blood supply eventually returns, and the bone heals.

    Patients with Perthes disease are at risk of having osteoarthritis of the hip later in life. Damage to the labrum, a rim of cartilage around the hip socket is common. Many patients with Perthes disease will need a hip replacement.

    The more damage there is with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, the more problems occur later. As researchers find out more about these hip conditions, earlier and better treatment may make a difference.

    If conservative care doesn’t improve your symptoms in two months’ time, then experts suggest surgery as the next step. The torn or damaged labrum is shaved and smoothed down. More advanced techniques may be required depending on the condition of the hip.

    For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. 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 a 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.

    Posted in Hips. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »

    Will my osteoporosis and osteoarthritis affect my new hip replacement?

    November 19th — admin

    I’m going to have a new hip joint put in. I have both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. I’m taking Fosamax for the osteoporosis. Will this interfere with my new hip?

    It shouldn’t. Many studies on animals and humans have confirmed that Fosamax, a bisphosphonate drug, helps build up bone. It’s used most often for patients with osteoporosis. But it may have some good uses for patients getting joint replacements.

    Early studies on animals show that bisphosphonates used before and after joint surgery can build up and sustain bone growth. Improving bone mineral density helps stabilize the joint and prevent implant loosening.

    It’s not clear yet just how this works or how much of the drug is needed. More studies are needed to gauge how long the effects will last. For right now it looks like there’s a good chance that bisphosphonates will extend the life of joint replacements.

    For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. 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 a 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.

    Posted in Hips. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »
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