Top Ten Causes Of Knee Pain – Osteoarthritis Leads The Way

Knee PainThe Center for Regenerative Medicine lists the top ten causes for knee pain and not surprisingly osteoarthritis is at the top of the list of conditions requiring treatment. A torn meniscus, which is most often caused by a sudden twisting of the knee is second. Followed by a torn ACL or ACL damage in third place. Check out the rest of the list on the top causes of knee pain.

Big Toe Pain From Gout? New Research Points To Weight Gain

Scientists have released new research pointing to obesity as a risk factor for gout in both men and women. This painful disease is caused by a build up of uric acid in the joints and is characterized by intense pain in the big toe as a primary symptom.  The findings provide even one more reason to try and maintain a healthy weight, along with limiting intake of purine rich foods and alcohol consumption.

Surgery Rarely Best Treatment Option For Lower Back Pain

back pain treatmentWhen it comes to treating low back pain, surgery may not be the best option. In fact this is generally considered the a last resort given its success rate and the dangers from surgical complications. While almost everyone will experience some form of back pain in their lives, generally physical therapy and occasional pain reliever use will provide relief. So some good news that surgery is not necessarily inevitable for this widespread condition. However as with any pain, when in doubt consult your physician.

Osteoarthritis And The Importance Of Weight Loss and Exercise

importantFor anyone that currently suffers from osteoarthritis it may not come as a surprise but  maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise are vital to controlling the painful joint pain often associated with this type of arthritis. Diet and exercise can also possibly help prevent or delay the need for knee replacement surgery. Naturally of course, staying active is easier said than done when a person is in a great deal of pain from this disease.

Providing Support: Juvenile Arthritis Poses Challenges For Parents & Children

A great discussion on the the challenges parents face in helping to support a child with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or JIA. New treatment options have allowed made it possible for children diagnosed with JIA to participate in a far greater number of sports and activities. A proper course of physical therapy is a vital key in treating this disease that affects hundreds of thousands of children in the US alone.

 

Lyme Disease May Linger Even After Treatment

An interesting article in the WSJ.com about how researchers have discovered a bit of the bacteria that causes lyme disease still exists even after a successful course of treatment with antibiotics. This may explain why some sufferers continue to have arthritis like pain in the fingers and other joints. It is important to note that this study was done with mice and as such it is still too early to make any human comparisons.