“Of all the people I see for knee problems, probably only 1 in 10 needs a total joint replacement,” says Orthopedic Surgeon Patrick Denton, MD. “The other 9 can be treated with a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedurel or some advice and recommendations on how to treat their knee arthritis.”

TIPS TO SAVE YOUR KNEES

Here are some 2 simple tips from Dr. Denton on to take ownership of your health to avoid or delay a total knee joint replacement:

1. “I think watching your weight is number one. We have an obesity epidemic in America and it’s obvious.

• “Every pound of weight in your body puts about 6 pounds of force on your knee. When you go up and down stairs, you are putting six times your body weight on your knee with each step.
• “If you lose 10 pounds, that’s taking 60 pounds off your knees.
• “I’ve had some patients lose 30 or 40 pounds. Then they say, ‘My knee doesn’t hurt anymore.’”

2. “Number two is just developing a knee-friendly exercise routine. For example, playing football when you’re 40 is not knee friendly.

• “Exercise bikes, elliptical trainers, and swimming are all good.
• “Treadmill is also good — but in moderation. If you have mild to moderate arthritis in your knee, the pounding from real jogging or a treadmill is not knee friendly.
• “I’d also recommend some cross training. One day workout on the elliptical machine; the next day, biking; the third day, swimming. And so on.”

THOUGHTS ABOUT CHILDHOOD ATHLETICS

“Knee problems that develop later in life are often the result of childhood athletic injuries or excessive participation,” says Dr. Denton. “I think you can take youth athletics to an extreme. For instance, don’t let your child play 12 months of baseball. Every athlete needs an off-season.”

“Nearly every day, someone will ask me about using a knee brace to prevent knee injuries in young football players,” says Dr. Denton. “”A knee brace for football will prevent some minor tweaks to the knee, but it will not prevent the big ones. The big one is going to happen with or without the brace.”

OTHER HELPFUL ARTICLES

Obesity and Total Joint Replacement

Eating the Ache Away: Food to Help Delay Total Joint Replacement

Nine Things to Know About Total Joint Replacement

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