By Norman D. Ford, Health Reporter
Staying physically active throughout life is the ultimate key to staying young and living longer. But regardless of good intentions, a cartilage tear in the knee or hip, or osteo-arthritis, can make exercise difficult in the later years.
Yet you don't have to stop exercising because of a stiff or painful joint. Nor is knee or hip surgery the only alternative. For many people, it's quite possible to postpone surgery indefinitely through a combination of lifestyle modification and physical therapy. . . much of which we can do for ourselves at zero cost.
Here, to get you started, are links to several of the world's best orthopedic websites. As you'll find, they cover almost everything you need to know to prevent arthritis or joint injury in the first place, then go on to cover every kind of treatment from simple home care to arthroscopy, and full or partial joint replacements. Every aspect is covered including the pros and cons of supplements and lotions, plus OTC and prescription drugs, and every form of surgery and joint replacement.
There are also full tutorials supplying everything you need to know about the bio- mechanics of the knee and other joints. This site is currently under construction but meanwhile the links below should answer just about everything you need to know to keep your joints active, flexible and pain-free throughout life.
CLICK ON THESE LINKS
The websites of the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org and the Pfizer drug company's arthritis website at www.arthritis.com are both packed with sound info on all aspects of arthritis, including animated graphics.
Your Orthopedic Connection by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Click on knee or other icon on home page. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/ Tip: This superb website also has links to excellent reports on pain or problems in the neck, shoulder, arm, hand, hip, and leg/foot plus Arthritis, Exercise and Osteoporosis and many types of natural therapy from Biofeedback to Nutrition.. All are listed on the home page.
The Australian Knee Clinic tells how older people stay active Down Under. www.kneeclinic.com.au/
New York Online Access to Health offers a treasure trove of invaluable guidance to joint health. On home page, click on "Page of the Month" then type in "knee" in Word Search field and press Search button. www.noah-health.org/
The Knee Guru is Britain's resource for knee health and treatment. www.kneeguru.co.uk/
CAUTION: Though these reports are based on documented studies in professional journals or on advisories from leading university medical schools and research institutes, they are intended for information only and should not be regarded as medical advice or instruction. For diagnosis and treatment of specific symptoms and diseases, disorders or dysfunctions, consult your physician. If you smoke or are over 35 or have symptoms of--or are at risk for--any chronic or degenerative disease, you should check with your doctor before beginning to exercise or making any changes in lifestyle or diet. However, fitness organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine invariably believe that the risk of NOT exercising far exceeds any risk in beginning a gradually increasing program of daily exercise. Thus if you experience any pain or problem while exercising, or making any other lifestyle change, stop and see your doctor at once.