| Case Studies Of Degenerative Knee Problems | | | | knee fully functional and pain free. |
| Degenerative knee problems, also can be referred to | | | | Beth chose to take the advice of the first doctor. |
| as Osteoarthritis, are typically progressive and | | | | The knee brace provided much-needed support to |
| incurable. What starts off as stiffness and swelling of | | | | her knees as she want about her daily activities and |
| the joint will eventually develop into a severe | | | | the ice pack helped keep the swelling down. Today, |
| deformity of the joint wherein even walking | | | | Beth is only bothered periodically by knee pain. |
| becomes a major chore! | | | | How Dave Treated His Degenerative Knee Problems |
| While degenerative knee problems are incurable, | | | | Dave played softball all of his life. At the age of 53, |
| there are several ways that an individual can deal | | | | he developed pain in both of his knees but it was |
| with this condition. Treatment depends upon age and | | | | worse in his right knee. Diagnosed with osteoarthritis |
| the severity of the condition as well as the | | | | of the knee, he opted to go in for surgery. He got a |
| frequency of the flare ups. These two case studies | | | | full knee replacement, went through rehab and was |
| offer valuable insight into making the right choices | | | | off work for nearly a year. The knee worked well |
| when it comes to treating osteoarthritis. | | | | but it was not as good as new. It still troubled him |
| How Beth Treated Her Degenerative Knee Problems | | | | occasionally but what bothered him now what that |
| Beth was only 42 when she began to experience | | | | his left knee had started to really hurt. |
| pain and swelling in her right knee. She figured she | | | | Instead of undergoing another surgery for |
| had twisted it and used an ice pack to alleviate the | | | | degenerative knee problems, Dave decided to treat |
| symptoms. The pain continued to get worse and she | | | | the left knee conservatively and use a knee brace in |
| experienced flare ups more often. Finally, Beth | | | | addition to some exercises that he learned in rehab. |
| decided that she had to go see a doctor. He | | | | Today, Dave walks fine and uses the knee brace on |
| diagnosed her with osteoarthritis of the knee and | | | | his left knee when he experiences knee pain. He |
| recommended that she use an ice pack to keep the | | | | does not recommend knee surgery to anyone as his |
| swelling down and to wear a knee brace to support | | | | right knee still feels stiff. |
| the knee. | | | | While there are several different ways to treat |
| Wanting a second opinion, Beth consulted with | | | | degenerative knee problems, it is always best to first |
| another doctor who advised her to undergo knee | | | | opt for more conservative treatment methods, |
| surgery. This involved complete knee replacement. | | | | which will help manage the symptoms without any |
| The problem was Beth did not have insurance to | | | | adverse effects. As these case studies demonstrate, |
| cover the operation. Moreover she would be 'out of | | | | using a knee brace in addition to doing a select few |
| the running' and would need full time care for at least | | | | knee strengthening exercises and using an ice pack |
| a few weeks post surgery. After all of this, there | | | | to control flare-ups can be extremely effective. |
| was still no guarantee that surgery would render the | | | | |