Healthy Living

Posts Tagged ‘joints’

Being well into the year, there are many people that have discarded their New Year’s resolutions. If you have lost sight of your resolution to be healthier, it may be time to revisit and revive your goal.

This is to be commended. Both practices, if honored, will lead the individual to an overall healthier physical state and, if studies on the subject are accurate, an overall healthier mental state as well.

One physical training machine that is popular among persons returning to the gym or for those who want an effective cardio workout without the harsh impact of running is the elliptical trainer machine. The elliptical trainer machine, or simply the elliptical, is the ideal cardio training machine for those persons who are otherwise unable to perform cardio workouts due to failing or hurt joints and knees as the elliptical is a low impact machine that will not further damage the knees.

If you do not want to make a visit to a knee replacement surgeon, an elliptical can be a great exercise option. Running consistently may warrant that visit to a knee replacement surgeon, but by starting yourself off on the elliptical, you can avoid a lot of joint problems.

For whatever reasons this rumor of gluteus shaping elliptical misuse has grown in popularity and subsequent practice but is nonetheless erroneous. In fact, pedaling the elliptical backwards can be harder on the knees of a person than pedaling forward and for this reason pedaling backwards should be limited if not avoided completely.

Instead of misusing or improperly using the elliptical to gain a harder or more effective workout, simply use the machine’s built in versatilities. Almost every elliptical will have the ability to increase the workout work load by upping the resistance, changing the speed, or raising the incline of the pedaling.

These three modes of variation when used in combination should provide the user with enough of a challenge to keep their cardio workouts effective and fresh. One safety tip that a person should try to remember while exercising is to not lock your knees while on the elliptical.

Doing so will affect the circulation in the body and can lead to fainting or dizziness. Instead, a person should remember to keep their knees slightly bent during the entire workout.

This practice will also enable the exerciser to keep up an effective fluid motion while working out on the machine. In addition to keeping the knees slightly bent at all times to enable the machine to work best for its user, it is also important to remember that while an elliptical is designed to maintain the proper posture of the user during an exercise, slouching or slumping while exercising on this machine is still detrimental.

Two common mistakes that persons make in posture while using an elliptical is by leaning too far forward or hanging on to and hugging the console of the machine. Both missuses of the machine will result in a less effective workout and will develop poor training habits in the exerciser.

With this basic knowledge of how to start using an elliptical, a New Year’s resolution may finally be accomplished.

Although the relationship between physical activity and sport is not straightforward, there is consensus that the movement of the affected joints is mandatory for arthritis. Physical activity, consistent with the disease is an important addition to drug therapy. It can be initiated in the form of physical therapy at a specialized medical facility and continued at home.

The therapeutic role of appropriate physical activity consists in the activation of metabolic processes in the cartilage that regenerate lost proteins and proteoglycans, ie Increase in the synthesis of substances that make up cartilage and replace lost cartilage.

Balanced exercise restores joint mobility and strengthen muscles that support it in the future and preserve the functional capacity of the joints.

There are three sets of exercises that should be practiced in osteoarthritis. The first aims to increase the range of motion in affected joints, the second – increasing the resilience of the adjacent muscles, and the third – increasing their strength. Each contributes to maintaining and improving mobility.

Increasing the range of motion by careful stretching and movement of joints. Movements must pass along the natural and residual (potential) joint mobility. Regular, preferably daily repetition of these exercises increases the flexibility of cartilage and ligaments, which as an end result improves joint mobility.

Increasing muscle endurance is achieved with aerobic exercise. These are exercises that are performed for tens of minutes, without involving intense physical exertion. These are intensive walking, jogging, aerobics and more. Aerobic exercises are very useful for people in later life in general, not just those with arthritis. Besides muscles, they strengthen the heart and make breathing more efficient. Aerobic physical activity increases energy expenditure of the body and promotes weight loss, improves endurance of the body and reduces the feeling of chronic fatigue. Improves sleep.

Muscle strength is increased by strength training, where in the short term effort to develop maximum muscular tension. They burn less energy than aerobic, thus contributing to a lesser degree of weight loss. Should be only a small part of the overall physical activity of people suffering from osteoarthritis, which should focus on light aerobic and stretching exercises.

Best exercise to be part of a comprehensive treatment including drug treatment, changing eating habits and correct  weight, if any exist. Obesity is a risk factor for the onset and accelerated progression of osteoarthritis. Every excess pound of body weight increases pressure on the hip and knee joints, and joints in the foot. Overweight for years, causing accelerated wear of the articular cartilage. Reduce it reduces pressure on joints and reduces the feeling of pain and stiffness in arthritic changes.

In no case, however, should not be too much physical exertion, even with healing. It should always be followed by a moderate and prolonged rest. Making appropriate arrangements should be left to a qualified professional – an orthopedic surgeon, physiotherapist, physiotherapists and others.

Bone and Joint Specialists are helping Michigan area residents overcome their joint pain and get back to a healthier lifestyle. Our experienced physicians treat a wide range of orthopedic problems, whether treating a painful fracture, or repairing damage to a shoulder, hip or knee. Bone and Joint Specialists are dedicated to providing individual attention, developing personalized plans to fit each patient and ensuring patient satisfaction.

Over 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis or severe joint pain and over 700,000 hip & knee replacements are performed each year. There are many causes of joint pain. Early Evaluation and treatment can provide pain relief even without surgery. Bone and Joint Specialists board-certified orthopedic surgeons, expert staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive diagnostic and treatment techniques offer patients the most complete orthopedic care available in Oakland County, Michigan and the surrounding areas.

We offer comprehensive on-site services to get you back to your active lifestyle. Bone and Joint Specialists physicians and physical therapists are dedicated to injury prevention, physical therapy & rehabilitation and orthopedic treatments.

Our Board Certified Orthopedic Doctors focus on returning each patient to his or her previous normal activity level, whether that be in a sporting activity, work situation, or just activities of daily living. We employ the latest surgical advances, non-operative treatment modalities, and minimally invasive techniques for the knee hip and shoulder which are accompanied by earlier more aggressive rehabilitation programs. This makes it possible for each patient to return to their fullest potential faster. To learn more about different procedures and the staff visit: www.bone-joint.net

Bone and Joint Specialists Orthopedic Surgeons, Bartholomew and Kohen are excited to offer the minimally invasive signature custom knee replacement. hey were among the first orthopedic surgeons in Michigan to perform this procedure.

Dr. Richard Bartholomew is an expert on shoulder and knee reconstruction, including minimally invasive procedures, arthroscopic surgery, and joint replacement of the shoulder and knee.

Dr. Kohen has special expertise in reconstructive surgery of the hip, knee, and shoulder; including minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopy, and joint replacement of the knee, hip, and shoulder.

Dr. Bartholomew now offers the latest arthroscopic procedure to treat chronic shoulder instability. Developed by Dr. Laurent Lafosse, one of the world’s leading arthroscopic shoulder surgeons, this technique can now be done via an all arthroscopic approach. This means less pain, and quicker recovery time. Dr Bartholomew has recently traveled to Anncey, France to spend exclusive time with Dr. Lafosse to learn this new technique.

Patients who are good candidates for this procedure are those with significant glenoid bone loss (>25%), failed soft tissue instability repair, generalized ligamentous laxity, certain types of capsular avulsions (i.e. Hagl lesions).

The Bristow-Latarjet procedure involves osteotimizing the coracoid process and transferring it to the anterior/inferior aspect of the glenoid through a split in the subscapularis muscle. This extra osseous surface area, in conjunction with the ‘sling’ effect of the conjoined tendon, provide excellent stability of the glenohumeral joint.

Dr. Richard Bartholomew treats painful shoulder conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis, calcium deposition, advanced arthritis, rotator cuff tears and frozen shoulder.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an exciting new technology emerging in orthopedics and sports medicine. Injection of PRP is currently gaining widespread use in treatment of muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries. There is promising data showing quicker recovery times and stronger healing at the repair site in areas; such as lateral epicondylitis, patellar tendinopathy, ligament tears, and achilles tendinopathy to name a few. As well, there are encouraging studies and ongoing investigations into using PRP for stronger and quicker healing of the rotator cuff after arthroscopic repair.

PRP is defined as a sample of autologous blood with concentrations of platelets above baseline values. Platelets play an instrumental role in the normal healing response via local secretion of growth factors and recruitment of reparative cells. PRP is obtained from approximately 15-30cc of the patient’s blood and using a centrifuge to separate RBC’s, leukocytes, and platelets. With further concentration, plasma is divided into platelet-poor and platelet-rich portions. After isolation, PRP is usually administered with an activating agent such as calcium chloride and/or thrombin immediately before injection. This initiates platelet activation, clot formation, and growth factor release at the injection site. Platelets contain seven key growth factors: TGF-B, VEGF, IGF I&II, ECGF, PDFG-A&B, FGF and EGF. Several studies have demonstrated increased collagen gene expression and increased production of vascular endothelial growth factor.

This exciting technology is showing promising results with rotator cuff healing and return to activities more quickly by creating a more favorable biological environment for tendon to bone healing. Used in conjunction with minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, we may see even better results for the more challenging large and massive rotator cuff tears as well as revision repairs.

Again, I thank you for your continued support. I look forward to continuing to provide our patients with the most technological advances in minimally invasive shoulder and knee surgery.

No wonder that our life is accompanied by pain joints and spine, morning stiffness and reduced mobility. The reason is that the human body has more than 180 bones connected by joints. So timely prevention and care for joints is critical.

Osteoarthrosis

The main cause of joint pain is osteoarthritis. It is a type of disease in which damage to the joint. Early problems occur only in movement, and later appear at rest. The most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are bearing joints, ie hip, knee and those of the spine. Typical is the increased sensitivity to cold and changing weather conditions.

The most common joint disease
Began to develop between 20 and 30 years without showing symptoms. Particularly at risk are actively Athletes and those who are overweight or perform heavy physical work
Ranks second among the causes leading to disability in men over 50 years (after cardiovascular diseases)

What happens in the joints?

In healthy joints there is a balance between the stress on the joint surface and resilience of cartilage and bone. With age or due to strenuous exercise, the cartilage covering the joint gradually wears. It thins and loses its elasticity. These changes lead to a restriction in movement, stiffness, crunching of movement and pain.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that requires prevention and early treatment.

Causes of osteoarthritis

Not yet clarified the etiology of osteoarthritis. Known only risk factors that trigger the disease.

Aging
Increased stress on joints (overweight, heavy physical work)
Trauma (micro trauma job, repetitive sports injuries)
Inflammatory joint disease
Heredity
Immune dysregulation
Congenital abnormalities of the joints