Coping With the Aging Knee, From Marin Movement Center

    It is estimated that baby boomers account for 28% of the population. People in their early 50's represent the age group with the biggest growth.

This marks an increase in osteoarthritis, which is one of the most prevalent disorders worldwide, affecting 4.3 million adults in the U.S.

   Degenerative changes in the knee affect many adults, sometimes as early as in their 30's. Depending on life style and activity level as well as knee injury history, the knee can degenerate earlier and present problems at some point in our life. For many people, knee misalignment such as "knock-kneed" (valgus position) or "bow-legged" (varus position) contributes to the problem of arthritis and may speed it up. 

   Correcting these misalignments is the key to an active life style. Surgery is not a desired option for many, especially when not in retirement age yet.  Of  course, depending on severity of symptoms, surgery may be a necessity for some, no matter what age. High tibia osteotomy is one surgery that is designed to resume an active life style and possibly delay knee replacement. The latter is indicated when severe cartilage damage as well as misalignment cause significant stiffness and pain. Both surgeries require lengthy recovery time and rehabilitation.

   If surgery is not needed (yet), most doctors prescribe physical therapy for strength training and pain management. The goal is always to resume the highest level of activity possible. Strengthening the key supporting muscles of the knee is essential, as well as an overall strength and conditioning training. Aquatic therapy is an additional option. The unloading effect of the water combined with strengthening exercises reduces swelling and pain.

   Besides the active exercise approach, unloader braces have been shown to be very valuable. They are designed to decrease the load on the degenerative compartment of the knee, such as medial or lateral side misalignment.  Studies confirm that patients with unloader braces show improvement in pain, stiffness and function. At this point there are no studies showing how long surgery can be avoided by using such braces.

   Exercise is most important in improving arthritis, both on land and in the water. It’s good to know that most seniors are not retiring to the recliner, but staying involved with a variety of sports. Keep it up!

   Please call Marion Kregeloh, PT, CFP for further information at Ext. 36