The content on or accessible through Medpedia.com is for informational purposes only. Medpedia is not a substitute for professional advice or expert medical services from a qualified health professional.
Read more
Medpedia Answers
(Sports Medicine)Medpedia Answers is a platform for asking and answering questions about health and medicine. Read more.
Is there a treatment for bad knees other than surgery or replacement?
asked Nov 15, 2009 at 06:16PM in Sports Medicine
-
0Votes
answered Dec 07, 2009 at 05:45PMIt depends on how you define "bad knees." If you have constant knee pain, or constant stiffness, mobility problems, or flexibility problems, it can help determine what kind of treatment you may need. Remember that surgery and/or knee replacement is a last resort. The worst thing you can do for your bad knees is to sit and do nothing all day because that promotes atrophy of your thigh muscles, which is important for your everyday mobility. The exception to this is that if you have an overuse problem like knee tendonitis, then resting would be a good idea. Talk to your doctor so you can isolate the real problem with your knees so you can get an appropriate treatment.
Hope this helps! -
0Votes
answered Dec 08, 2009 at 04:17AMHarold, at age 82 many people have bad knees. The most common reason is osteoarthritis (OA). If you are being followed by a doctor, and you probably should be, discuss your options with him/her. As suggested by Mr. Chun above, strength is important as strong muscles serve as shock absorbers for the joints. But if OA is bad enough strengthening can be difficult. People who are experiencing pain that limits their ability to function independently at home and in their community often benefit form a knee replacement. Knee replacement is one of the most safe and common surgical procedures and the improvement in pain and function can be life changing. However deconditioning from lack of activity can delay and affect recovery from knee surgery. People who really need a replacement could delay too long. After surgery a physical therapist would help with rehabilitation.
I hope you are able to continue with your independent lifestyle.
Good luck.
Sign-in
to post an answer to this question.
Related Questions
- What is an Exoskeletal fixation
- What is an Exoskeletal fixation
- I recently was given a blood test for life insurance. My liver enzyme levels spiked from 14 (in Dec 2011) to 171. The only change in my life was the new workout regimen, I had severe muscle strain in my thighs at time of test. Could this be related?
- Why does my knee hurt when it rains?
- Torn/Pulled Hamstring: it's too painful to run on. What is the treatment for this injury? If I have to stay off of it, how long do I have to let it rest? I'm eager to run again, but thus far running through the pain has only made it worse.
- What are the roles of carbohydrates and lipids as a fuel source for muscles???
- Muscle trembles
- Does running help control ADD / ADHD?
- If I have sore quads from doing squats should I rest for a day or so or is it ok to play soccer?
- Will a torn rotator cuff, detached deltoid and torn labrum get worse over time, or heal themselves?
- »» See All
The content on or accessible through Medpedia.com is for informational purposes only. Medpedia is not a substitute for professional advice or expert medical services from a qualified health professional.
Read more