North Scottsdale AZ chiropractor knows that we use our knees in North Scottsdale AZ for so many things. We take them for granted in our daily activities until something goes wrong, and when they hurt. It can be life-changing and everything stops. Your daily activities are painful, exercise stops, and even getting in and out of the car hurts. This causes so many people to reduce their errands and socializing, due to the pain their knees cause on a daily basis. This is also a major cause of weight gain and health issues as a result. Knee pain can be as a result of an injury, or from arthritis due to aging. The most common form of arthritis is Osteoarthritis OA, or degenerative arthritis. This happens as we age. The Arthritis Foundation reports that over 27 million Americans suffer from OA. They also report that the knee is one of the most common areas affected. Some causes of OA include:

• Age - most common factor
• Weight - each pound of body weight can add up to 4 pounds of pressure on your knees
• Hereditary - abnormal shape of the bones, genetic factors
• Gender - more women develop osteoarthritis than men
• Repetitive Stress Injuries - occupations and hobbies that involve repeated kneeling, squatting or heavy lifting (55 lbs or more) put a person at higher risk
• Athletics - some sports such as soccer, tennis and running may contribute to the condition, although regular, moderate exercise may help prevent OA
• Other illnesses - other conditions such as metabolic disorders, iron overload, excess growth hormone or rheumatoid arthritis (2nd most common type of arthritis)

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Now, Here's What You Can Do to Relieve Your Knee Pain in North Scottsdale AZ…

Drugs for arthritis can be very toxic. Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) has guidelines for the management of knee OA. They are concerned over the use of the drugs, especially for those who have other conditions as well. They say that experts are now recommending non-drug treatments as a result. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)  are putting "heavy emphasis" on weight control and exercise to relieve knee pain.  According to a large trial at the University of Iowa, a 5% body weight reduction was enough to reduce pain and improve mobility.  A 10% loss could actually slow the disease process.

The problem is, the pain of knee OA often leads to inactivity and weight gain. which leads to weakened muscles…which leads to a progression of OA…which causes more pain and less mobility…which leads to further reduction in activity…which leads to additional weight gain…and the downward spiral continues.

So here are your options rather than drugs or surgery….

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Educate Yourself

Learn about the disease. You're reading this article, so you're already on the right track. Learn what can hurt, and what can help. Many people, for example, think exercise is going to hurt their joints, when in fact, when done right, it will improve their condition and their pain.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture has also been shown to have beneficial effects for many knee OA patients.  This therapy may be especially beneficial for those who have other health problems which limit their treatment options. A Cochrane Database review of trials showed 8 weeks of acupuncture treatment improved pain by 4 points and improved function by 11 points on a 20-point scale.

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Biomechanical Devices and Braces

There are many types of braces, supports,  and other devices available by prescription, that may help OA pain.  Enough data has been gathered to cause both the OARSI and ACR to include them in their list of options for people with knee OA. They suggest patients seek a biomechanical evaluation from a chiropractic physician to determine what, if any, products would be a benefit. I offer prescriptions for knee braces in my office. Please call me to be evaluated.

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Chiropractic

This is a major option for reducing OA pain in the knees. Many studies reveal that spinal manipulations for misalignments in the spinal column can be done. I can also determine if other misalignments in the extremities may be contributing to your OA pain.

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I help patients every day with knee pain. My drug-free, surgery-free protocol which involves chiropractic, acupuncture, and proper prescription bracing help my patients get their life back. Please contact my office for a complimentary consultation to see if I can help you.