Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 34)

The Knee What it is: The knee joint is the largest joint in your body and is where four major ligaments and three main bones come together: the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap). The fibula (outer shinbone) plays a key supporting role. What it does: Your knee joint is one of the main players in your body. It helps you walk, run, bend, jump—you name it and the knee is involved. Common injuries: Most knee injuries involve a tear in the cartilage (meniscus) or a ligament, and overuse conditions, such as arthritis. “As we age, our cartilage loses the ability to hold as much water, which works as a shock absorber,” says orthopedic surgeon James Barber, M.D., a spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “As a result, the cartilage can become damaged.” Precautions: Sports are a frequent cause of injury, Barber says, especially for those who take up an activity later in life and aren’t prepared. In other words, make sure you are in shape before signing up for that marathon. Treatment: For minor injuries, remember RICE—rest, ice, compression and elevation. “This works for flareups of arthritis, sprains and strains,” Barber says. More severe injuries may require steroid injections or surgery. “In a severe injury, a knee may become locked, where you can no longer flex or extend it. Then it’s straight to surgery, generally,” he adds. hip JoinT What it is: The hip joint is a ball and socket where the head of your femur meets the lower region of your pelvis. What it does: This joint helps support the weight of your body and retain your balance and posture. Common injuries: Arthritis is the main culprit, Barber says. Broken or dislocated hips are also the common result of falls, especially by people who have the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. Precautions: “Exercise, especially strength training, decreases the chances of falling and increases your chances of staying independent,” Barber says. Also, know your family history of osteoporosis and arthritis so you can take preventive measures early. Treatment: If you have a family history of osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about getting a bone density test, Barber says. “The treatment for people at risk for low bone density is vitamin D and calcium. Every patient needs to think about the possibility of osteoporosis long before they are diagnosed with it. Build up your bone strength early.” A hip replacement may be an option in severe cases of joint degeneration. Troubleshooting for Joints your knee is swelling up like a water balloon after that run. you thought you were in shape to go five miles, but maybe four should have been your max. now what? When one of your joints protests in pain, the ricE method—rest, ice, compression and elevation—is usually the first step. but if you run into any of the situations below, it’s time to head to your doctor. • you are unable to walk or put weight on the joint. • you feel numbness, severe tingling or a radiating pain from the injury. • your symptoms worsen after you have tried the ricE method. • the injured area looks crooked or has a hard lump over the joint. • you are unsure about the seriousness of the injury. photography by thinkstock 34 Vim & Vigor • FALL 2 012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
Good Times for a Good Cause
Warm Fuzzies
30 Days to Better Sleep
I Can’t Ask My Doctor That!
He Said, She Said
Hold On to Your Health
Still A Screening Star
Your Joints: An Owner’s Manual
Weighing Your Options
No Greater Gift
Weather Alert
Virtual Health
PrimeTime Health
From the Heart
Putting Everything in Place
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center