Archive for January, 2011
Flat Feet May Play a Role in Chronic Knee Pain, Cartilage Loss in Adults
A recent study published online in Arthritis Care & Research suggests that older adults with flat feet have a higher incidence of knee pain and cartilage loss on the inside of the knee joint then those with higher arches.
The study conducted on 1,900 adults over the age of 50 found that participants with the flattest feet were 31% more likely to complain of knee pain then the participants with normal arches. Moreover, the participants with flat feet were 43% more likely to suffer with osteoarthritis on the inside of the knee (cartilage loss).
Osteoarthritis in the knee is typically caused from years of excessive pressure on the knee joint. Knee osteoarthritis usually deteriorates the cartilage on one side of the knee joint, most commonly, the inside of the joint- the area where the knees touch.
In the case of flat feet or overly pronated feet the individuals posture is thrown off which creates an imbalance in the individuals movement and gait. As a result this uneven pressure wears down the cartilage on inside of the knee joint.
Individuals with flat feet may want to consider wearing orthotics or arch supports in their shoes as an option to help relieve pressure on the knee joint.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Treatment Doctor for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Chronic Knee Pain and Cartilage Loss Due To Flat Feet | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Schnee, D.C. discusses flat feet and how they could play a role in cartilage loss in your knees and other more serious chronic knee pain problems Dallas-Fort Worth.
Knee Injury Doesn’t Stop Skier from Winning A Race, But It Should Stop You!
Lindsey Vonn, the US women’s ski champion, won the World Cup Super G Race in Cortina d’ Ampezzo, Italy on Sunday. This is her 6th victory of the season. Vonn injured her left knee when she tried to keep herself from crashing while she was skiing downhill on Saturday. She told reporters that her knee was badly swollen and it hurt, but the injury obviously didn’t stop her from winning the race on Sunday.
Obviously, Vonn is a professional athlete, so immediately after her knee injury she began to have therapy on her knee. Moreover, she took a handful of pain-relievers right before the race so that she could get through it.
For those of you who are not professional athletes, and do not rely on participating in a sport for a paycheck it’s NEVER advised to continue exercising or doing any type of activity that causes knee pain immediately after a knee injury. Exercising with an injured knee in the acute phase only prolongs the healing process and worsens the injury.
About 1.3 million people every year in the U.S are seen in the emergency rooms for acute knee injuries. If you happen to be one of these people then give your knee a chance to heal…that is if you want your knee to return back to normal.
Immediately after a knee injury follow the RICE principle:
- Rest
- Ice- Use an ice pack for 20 minutes every 2 hours.
- Compression- Apply pressure over the area.
- Elevate- Elevate your leg.
Other options:
- Cold laser therapy can help accelerate the healing process of injured tissue. By using specific wavelengths of light to ‘jumpstart’ the healing process damaged tissue can repair itself, swelling and knee pain can be eliminated; therefore, function can be restored. There are no side effects to getting cold laser treatments. The treatments are performed by a qualified cold laser doctor.
- A Cortisone Injection may help reduce swelling, inflammation and reduce pain. Cortisone is helpful if you have acute knee pain and want immediate relief. However, cortisone doesn’t FIX the damaged tissue it just puts a ‘band aid’ on the problem. Since cortisone is a steroid there is a limit of three injections each year. Injections are performed by your doctor.
- Over the counter or prescription pain medication to temporarily help relieve knee pain and swelling. However, this is only a short term solution to help relieve knee pain.
If you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
The Seriousness of Knee Injuries and How to Relieve Knee Pain | Dallas-Fort Worth
Cold Laser Knee Doctor Schnee, D.C. shares a story of a skier who won with a knee injury, but why you should take precautions if you get hurt, Dallas-Fort Worth.
MRI’s Cannot Predict if Knee Cartilage Can Be Fixed With Knee Surgery
It was once believed that doctors could predict the reparability of a torn meniscus from an MRI. However, according to a new study released in Decembers issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine this is not the case. In fact, when two senior ‘renowned’ radiologists were given a series of preoperative MRI’s of 119 tears to review and determine which tears would need to be repaired versus being removed only one radiologist was correct 63% of the time and the other only 58% of the time. Both agreed on only 38.1% of the cases. The study concluded that even though MRI’s have a 99% accuracy determining if there is a meniscus tear in the knee joint they cannot predict if the knee cartilage can be fixed with knee surgery.
Bernthal the head researcher in the study stated, “Patients having surgery for a meniscal tear will have to wait until the procedure itself to know just what to expect afterward…My assumption is that somewhere down the line we’ll get to the point of being able to predict (reparability). But we’re just not there yet.”
Based on this research study patients diagnosed with a meniscus tear will have to find out AFTER the surgery whether the surgeon was able to repair the tear or remove the tissue altogether. This is a scary thought for patients trying to weigh their options. Especially, since removing the meniscus tissue will likely create a ‘bone on bone’ situation in the knee. (Unfortunately, once removed, the meniscal tissue doesn’t grow back.)
The unpredictability of arthroscopic knee surgery is yet another reason to try conservative therapies FIRST!! Having a doctor treat your knee,who specializes in Cold laser therapy for knee pain is a good place to start with treatments.
If you are suffering from knee pain due to a meniscus tear and you live in the Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding areas then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program may be able to help you! Call the DFW Spine & Joint Center at 214-596-1051 to find out if you are a candidate for conservative care.
Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Treatment Doctor for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Knee Surgery for Torn Cartilage Cannot Be Predicted with an MRI | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Schnee,D.C., discusses research study which states MRI’s cannot predict if knee surgery for torn cartilage will be successful, Dallas-Fort Worth.
Exercises Prevent Knee Injuries and Reduce Soldier Drop Out Rate in UK
Soldiers are expected to endure a strict exercise regime over the course of their training. In the UK over 25% of British soldiers drop out of the army because of severe knee pain. As a result, a new stretching and exercise routine was studied to discover whether it would lower the risk of knee injuries therefore reduce the dropout rate. The study which was conducted over a 3.5 month period, with 1,500 soldiers found that certain exercises which included stretches and strengthening exercises for the major leg muscles reduced knee injuries by 75%.
Researchers concluded that targeted exercises for the leg muscles have helped reduce the risk of knee injuries; therefore, the dropout rates specifically due to knee pain complaints have drastically decreased.
Since 2001, I have been touting the benefits of stretching and strengthening exercises to help reduce knee injuries; therefore, help reduce the likelihood of knee pain.
Do your knees a favor if you are currently not incorporating stretches in your daily routine then-START DOING THEM! The simplest stretch you can begin doing TODAY is to sit in bed and have your legs stretched out in front of you. Then bend over from the waist as if you’re going to touch your toes. Now most of you with knee pain will not be able to touch your toes. DON’T WORRY ABOUT THAT!! The most important thing is that you feel a pull or stretch down the back of both legs or in your hamstring muscles. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds and repeat it 5 times. If you do this simple stretch every day, without fail you will notice that the knee pain and cramping in your legs will subside.
Also if you live in the Dallas, Fort Worth, or surrounding areas and are suffering with severe knee pain then call the DFW Spine & Joint Center at 214-596-1051 to find out if cold laser therapy and Dr. Alexandra Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program can help you get knee pain relief.
Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Doctor for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Exercises Prevent Knee Injuries Reduce Soldier Drop Outs| Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Schnee, D.C. shares information with us, on how the UK army, does simple knee exercises to avoid knee pain and knee injuries, Dallas-Fort Worth.
Bone on Bone Knee Pain Takes a Toll on Young Athletes
Bone on Bone knee pain isn’t only reserved for seniors with years of wear and tear. In fact, most professional athletes will suffer from bone on bone knee pain, or other joint problems early on in their careers.
Recently, Kobe Bryant the thirty two year old star basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers stopped practicing with his team because of severe knee pain. Bryant is now only playing in actual games in order to prevent further wear and tear on his knee joint. He announced to Peter Vecsey from The New York Post “… I have very little cartilage under my right knee cap, it’s almost bone on bone.” Kobe Bryant not only wore down the cartilage in his knee because of years of wear and tear from playing basketball, but he had three prior knee surgeries which have also contributed to the cartilage loss and arthritis in his knee joint.
In addition, Portland’s Brandon Roy who plays basketball for the Trail Blazers has had to stop playing altogether because he was experiencing severe knee pain on the court. He just announced that he was going to get another arthroscopic knee surgery even though doctors told him that he no longer had meniscus/cartilage in his knee, and that he was bone on bone. Obviously, Roy is desperate to keep playing because arthroscopic knee surgery is never recommended for bone on bone because the surgery actually exacerbates the problem.
Both Bryant and Roy probably need total knee replacements but that would be unrealistic since it would force them into retirement. If these athletes want to keep playing they should consider getting a trained health care professional to use Cold Laser Therapy on their knee for pain management. If performed correctly cold laser therapy might make a huge difference in allowing both basketball players to practice and play with their team again.
If you are an athlete and live in the Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding areas and are searching for an answer to your knee pain then Dr. Alexandra Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program at the DFW Spine & Joint Center may be able to help you! Call 214-596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for her program.
Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Texas Knee Pain can Be Result of Bone on Bone Knee Pain from Athletics | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas Cold Laser Doctor Schnee D.C., discusses how more and more young athletes are experiencing bone on bone knee pain and how cold laser therapy helps Dallas-Fort Worth.
Dallas Cold Laser Doctor Helps Patient Experience Knee Pain Relief without Knee Surgery
Arlington, Texas resident Mary G. visited Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C. at the DFW Spine & Joint Center because she was suffering from severe knee pain. Mrs. G already had arthroscopic knee surgery, but even after the surgery the constant pain in her knee persisted. The pain in her knee prevented her from doing any type of activity. After knee surgery the orthopedic knee doctor told her that her knee was headed for a total knee replacement but since she already had a knee replacement on the other knee she wanted to avoid it. This is Mrs. G’s story and her experience with Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program:
“I had arthroscopic knee surgery on my right knee (and four weeks of therapy) but afterwards my right knee was still hurting me. I was miserable and had constant pain in my right knee. I walked with a cane when my knee pain was unbearable, and I became completely inactive and gained 50 pounds. I couldn’t walk or sit for more than one hour or dance like before my knee started hurting me. I could not kneel; I could not run or climb a ladder. I could not play with my grand children like before. I tried Alleve, cortisone injections, crèmes, Morphine, and other pain medications but nothing worked.
To make matters worse after the arthroscopic knee surgery the surgeon told me that I would need a total knee replacement in 2-5 years. I didn’t want to have a total knee replacement because I already had my right knee replaced after having 2 arthroscopies and it was still hurting me.
So instead I decided to start Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Treatment Knee Program. I am very pleased with my experience and with the results. My overall improvement in my knee has been about 70%. I now can sleep better and I can also walk with less pain for longer distances.”
Mary G., 56 years young, Arlington Texas, Retired school teacher
If live in the Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding areas and you’ve had knee surgery but are still experiencing knee pain then you may benefit from Dr. Alexandra Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program. Please call the DFW Spine & Joint Center at 214-596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for care. If you would like more information mailed to you please fill out the form on the right hand side of the screen and a 16 page report will be mailed to you at NO CHARGE to you.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Doctor for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Knee Pain Relief Without Knee Surgery | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas Cold Laser Knee Doctor Schnee, D.C., helps Arlington, TX resident get knee pain relief without knee surgery with cold laser treatment knee program-Fort Worth.
The Top 4 Things Seniors Can Do To Improve Joint Health
Choose the right exercises and stretch daily: Don’t choose exercises that put your joints at high risk for injury. Exercises that include constant pounding, start-stopping motions, shuffling, and twisting will eventually wear down the joints and possibly cause injury. Instead choose exercises that are low-impact on the joints such as cycling, walking and swimming. In addition to daily exercise you should stretch every day. Improving your flexibility will help you avoid injuries to the joints.
Don’t allow your weight to become a BIG issue: An average person takes 2,000-5,000 steps daily. Every 5 pound gain increases the force on your knees by 100,000 pounds per day. Over the years your knees will wear down faster if you weigh more. In addition, the extra weight will put more strain on your lower back and on the discs in your spine.
Vitamins and Supplements: Taking vitamins and supplements on a daily basis is a simple thing you can do to help support and maintain joint health. Consider taking a high quality supplement that has glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM in it. Include Vitamin D3 and Omega-3 fish oil supplements as these have also shown to help lubricate, support and protect the cartilage in your joints.
Get regular chiropractic care: Chiropractors are specialists in spine and joint problems so visiting your chiropractor regularly keeps your spine moving properly. If you don’t have a chiropractor, select one who is trained in multiple techniques. For instance, the Activator technique is a gentle type of chiropractic treatment that is a good option for seniors. With this technique there is none of the usual ‘popping’ or ‘cracking’ that one might associate with a chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors can also utilize non-invasive spinal decompression, cold laser therapy and other forms of physiotherapy to help patients who suffer with more severe arthritis, disc problems, or pinched nerves.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C. has been helping people with chronic knee pain with non-surgical knee treatments in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001 at the DFW Spine & Joint Center. She developed a Cold Laser Treatment Knee Program for those wanting knee pain relief and want to avoid knee surgery, knee injections..For more information about how to prevent knee pain visit her website at www.helpmykneepain.com
Cold Laser Treatment Knee Doctor | Tips for Improving Joint Health | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Schnee D.C., Irving Cold Laser Treatment Doctor,discusses the top 4 things seniors can do to help them improve their overall joint health. Dallas-Fort Worth.
