Knee Osteoarthritis Treatments
North Brisbane Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment
Knee Osteoarthritis is a common form of Arthritis, it is a degenerative “Wear-and Tear” Arthritis and most common as we age.
The Cartilage in the Knee Joint wears leaving very little cushioning between the Knee Joint.
Knee Osteoarthritis occurs when there is Inflammation of the Knee Joint. It may manifest as Pain, Swelling and Stiffness thereby resulting in making everyday activities difficult, painful and restrictive.
The Thin Lining surrounding the Knee Joint is called SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE, and its function is to release fluid to lubricate the Cartilage reducing Friction.
In Osteoarthritis of the Knee the Cartilage wears away becoming Thin and Rough offering no Cushioning or Protection between the Bones, Bone rubs on bone causing pain and spurs. This may increase in Severity as we Age.
In Osteoarthritis of the Knee the Joint becomes: –
Stiff and swollen, Difficult to move.
Activity and or sitting and resting can cause pain and Swelling.
Cartilage wear can prevent ease of motion resulting in Locking, Sticking with Grinding Noises (Crepitus).
Certain weather patterns or seasons may cause pain and stiffness in some patients.
ACUPUNCTURE AND KNEE PAIN
Knee pain is a common complaint with patients visiting physicians each year because of knee pain or knee related problems.
The knee is the largest joint in the body. Made up of the lower end of the Femur (thighbone) that rotates on the upper end of the Tibia (shinbone) and the Patella (kneecap) that slides in a groove on the end of the Femur. There are a number of muscles that straighten the leg at the knee and Tendons that attach the muscles to the above-mentioned bones; ligaments help control motion by connecting bones; and cartilage that cushion the knee and absorb shock during motion.
Because of its size and complex structure, it is one of the most frequently injured joints. Knee pain and injuries can be caused by trauma such as a torn or ruptured ligament; broken or fractured kneecap; torn cartilage; or any trauma that cause damage to the knee or strains the knee beyond its normal range of motion. Other causes of knee pain are arthritis; infections; cysts. Being overweight can result in knee problems from the excessive strain on ligaments and cartilage.
Acupuncture and be used most efficiently in the treatment of Knee pain and knee related problems.
Many Athletes experience Knee Injuries, often affecting the Knee Ligaments, Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears. Damage to the Knee may occur due to rapidly twisting or changing directions, landing from a jump, running or from Physical Trauma.
ACUPUNCTURE KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AND KNEE PAIN
Studies done in 1999 comparing electroacupuncture, ice massage, and Tens Stimulation for patients with osteoarthritis found acupuncture decreased pain and stiffness levels and increased muscle strength and knee flexion. Studies show Acupuncture to be most effective for relieving types of knee pain especially arthritis of the knee and knee joint.
Another study done in 1999 suggested that patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (Pain in the Knee Cap) may benefit from acupuncture treatments given weekly. Other studies have shown that Acupuncture reduces Knee Pain, Stiffness and Physical Disability in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis, Knee Pain and Knee related problems. Easing pain and discomfort patients feel while waiting for Knee Surgery and for some patients Acupuncture may prove to be an alternative to surgery.
