Total Joint Replacement Classes
If your activities or enjoyment of life are being impacted by hip or knee pain, this seminar is for you. This class will cover the latest developments in surgical techniques, such as computer-assisted surgery, that are helping patient heal faster and experience less pain. This seminar is free but seating is limited, so reserve your seat today. Call toll-free 1-888-825-3227 or download the schedule to learn more.
AAOS, Physician Coalition Launch Campaign Against Senate Health Care Bill
Over this past year, we have endeavored to keep the AAOS Fellowship informed of the status of health care reform and provide ways for Fellows to remain engaged. As we all settle in for the Holiday Season, the debate in Washington continues and the need for our steadfastness has never been more apparent. The moment is upon us. Learn more.
Puget Sound Orthopaedics Power Point Presentation
Low Back Pain and Lumbar Disc Disease by John Blair, MD
Joint Camp
St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma now offers the successful Joint Camp program for its patients who are undergoing surgery to replace hips and knees affected by trauma or arthritis. Call 253-426-6004 for more information about Joint Camp at St. Joseph.
Stay Fit Guide
Physical Activity Guide for Pierce County Adults
Hip Home Exercises
Here are some exercises that your doctor may recommend:
Low Impact Aerobic Exercise – Swimming and riding a stationary bike are great low impact exercises that help build strength. Stop any exercise that causes increasing pain.
Short-Arc Knee Extensions – Roll up several towels in a roll 6-8 inches thick. Lay in bed with the towels under one knee. Bend the other knee. Keeping your knee on the towels, lift your foot to straighten the knee. Hold for a few seconds and lower the foot.
Ankle Pumps – While lying in bed, point your toes downward and then bring your toes back up towards your head, tightening your calf.
Heel Slides – Slide your heel along the bed pulling your foot towards you as your knee bends.
Straight Leg Raise – Start by tightening your quadriceps, the muscles in the front of your thigh. Then with toes toward the ceiling, lift your leg 6-12 inches from the bed.
Quadriceps Sets – Lie on your back, legs straight. Tighten the muscle in the front of your thigh as you press the back of your knee toward the bed. Hold for a few seconds, then relax the leg.
Standing Knee Bends – Stand while holding onto a steady surface, such as a table. Bend your knee as far as it will go comfortably. Hold for a few seconds and lower the leg.
Increasing upper body strength is also important because of the need to use a walker or crutches after surgery.
Bicep Curls – In a sitting position, keep you elbow close to your body and your wrist straight. Bend you arm, moving your hand up to your shoulder, then lower slowly.
Triceps Extensions – Sit, leaning forward from the waist. Bend your elbow so that your forearm is parallel to the floor. Then straighten your elbow as you extend your arm behind you.
Seated Press Ups – Sit in a sturdy chair with armrests. With palms on the armrests, press down to lift yourself from the chair. Hold for 3-5 seconds. Bend your elbows slowly to ease back down.
Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program and remember to call your doctor if you experience increased pain or swelling after exercise.
Body Mass Index Calculator
When your doctor advises weight loss, this tool helps give you a reality check.
Nutritional Supplements
Learn how Glucosamine and Chondroitin can improve the health of your joints.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Your doctor has provided this information to answer some of the questions you may have about nutritional supplements that may be linked to improved joint health. The possible beneficial effects of glucosamine and chondroitin, two popular supplements for patients with joint pain, have been making news in recent years. This information is intended to help you better understand who might benefit from the supplements and why.
What are glucosamine and chondroitin?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are actually two different molecules found in healthy joint cartilage. The medical theory behind taking these supplements is that they would help the body repair cartilage that has been broken down by osteoarthritis (the most common “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis). Some popular glucosamine supplements are derived from shellfish; chondroitin supplements are often derived from shark or cattle. Both can also be made synthetically. The supplements are sold and packaged much in the same way vitamins are. Like vitamins, they are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Do glucosamine and chondroitin help reduce arthritis pain?
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has tentatively concluded that no studies to date have linked glucosamine and chondroitin to a reduced risk of developing osteoarthritis1, a large study administered by the National Institutes of Health has shown that glucosamine and chondroitin, when taken together, significantly reduce pain in patients with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee.2 In fact, the study showed that people taking the supplements experienced the same amount of pain relief as people who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)3 – long the go-to medication for people with arthritis pain. What sounds even better, treatment with glucosamine and chondroitin supplements has not been associated with any side effects. NSAIDs, on the other hand, have been associated with gastrointestinal side effects, including bleeding.3
Make a Plan with Your Doctor.
Don't assume that your doctor will not take your interest in nutritional supplements seriously. Many doctors understand how some supplements can complement your current arthritis treatment plan.4 Your doctor can also help you determine if a particular supplement is right for you given your overall health. Your doctor can also help monitor the effectiveness of your supplement regimen.
A Word of Caution
Because vitamins and other nutritional supplements are not monitored by any federal agency to assure purity or dosage, you'll want to do your homework before you purchase or consume anything. Look for a familiar, reputable brand name. If you have questions about the product, write to the manufacturer for more information. Ask your doctor about his or her experience with the supplement. And, most importantly, if you experience any adverse reactions, stop taking the supplement and call your doctor right away.
For more information on glucosamine and chondroitin, talk with your doctor or visit the National Institutes of Health website at www.nih.gov.
References:
1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food Advisory Committee: FDA's Tentative Conclusions. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed February 6, 2008.
2. NCCAM: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Backgrounder: Questions and Answers: NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT). National Institutes of Health. Available at: http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/gait/qa.htm#a1. Accessed February 7, 2008.
3. Cluett J. Glucosamine and Chondroitin: What are glucosamine and chondroitin? About.com: Orthopedics. October 24, 2007. Available at: http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/supplements/a/glucosamine.htm. Accessed February 7, 2008.
4. AAOS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00189. Accessed February 7, 2008
© Stryker Orthopaedics 2008
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
This patient educational online library provides patient information on injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Anatomy Online
Click on the skeletal or muscular system to better understand the nature of your concern and where your hurting body part is located.
WebMD
Here’s a health resource for patients, physicians, nurses, and educators. Includes news, chat forums, health quizzes and consumer product updates
Mayo Clinic
This link offers award-winning medical and health information and tools for healthy living.
Washington / Alaska Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation, Washington/Alaska Chapter operates across the state to assist those affected by the disease and provide current information for people with arthritis and their families.
American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons (AAHKS)
An information source for latest trends in joint replacement surgery about the hip and knee.
North American Spine Society (NASS)
NASS is a multidisciplinary medical organization that advances quality spine care through education, research and advocacy.