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Can Extensive Walking And Exercise Exacerbate Osteoarthritis?

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Posted on Mon, 24 Nov 2014
Question: Hello, Dr. XXXXXXX Further to my MRI issue regarding my right knee, I just returned from the orthopedic doctor who said that the MRI was "under-read," and he did an X-Ray which showed actually "moderate to severe osteoarthritis" in the knee, which he said is the result of the affected mechanics of my leg due to my childhood surgery (posterior tibial transfer). He recommends of course weight loss and physiotherapy, but doesn't believe the therapy will have a major effect given his finding. I have heard about treatment using Euflexa shots 3 times a month, or the use of egg membrane. Apparently extensive walking for exercise might only exacerbate the arthritic/mechanical problem (perhaps as opposed to stationary bike riding instead). I would appreciate your views on these matters.Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You can go for Euflexa shots.

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,

Euflexa shots are hyaluronic acid injections given into the joint (especially large joints like knee joint) in prescribed dosages will give good short term pain relief in arthritic joints ranging from 1-2 years.

I usually advice my dear patient's following suggestion to prevent arthritis-
1.Keep your body weight as per your height
2.Regular excercises
3.Eat healthy food
As far as excercises for knee is concern,simple knee bending and straightening can be done while sitting on chair and hold the leg for few second's .This can be done easily anywhere like while watching Television or in office.Try to avoid sitting on floor in cross leg or squat position for long duration.
Running and jumping will often accelerate cartilage loss from the joint. The key is to focus on low impact activities, such as swimming or cycling.

Warm regards..




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (25 minutes later)
Thanks as always, Dr. XXXXXXX I don't understand how it is possible for an MRI to be "under-read" in comparison with the X-Ray, which suggested moderate to severe knee arthritis. How could a radiologist make such a mistake (if true) when the arthritis is so obvious on an X-Ray that it would certainly be seen on an MRI?!

Also, I fear an eventual knee replacement procedure especially given the fact of the configuration of my foot due to my childhood posterior tibial transfer procedure which the orthopedist said would always affect my knee, even with a replacement and therapy, and the replacement might not last a long time anyway because of this. Is a replacement absolutely inevitable as I get older? Why isn't there just a procedure to replace CARTILAGE instead, to insert material to replace the cartilage as padding?

Long walks would even appear to be a problem if it exacerbates my knee situation.

I don't understand why a PTT would even be performed if it can affect the gait, knee, etc. of the patient, creating more problems.
And finally, the doctor did not clearly explain why I recently began having the tightening/spasm in the back of the knee when rising from a chair that then loosens up. It never existed before. I appreciate your insights about these things.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Description below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,

MRI is more sensitive for soft tissue abnormality than bony abnormality. X-ray or CT scan is more sensitive for bony changes.

Knee replacement is not absolutely inevitable as you get older. With regular physiotherapy exercises and life style modification you can slow the rate of wear and tear of joint.

Tightening/spasm in the back of the knee is likely to be associated with muscle spasm due to arthritic changes in your joint. Doing muscle stretching exercise will be helpful to relieve the spasm.

Wishing you good health...

Warm regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Saurabh Gupta

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 5930 Questions

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Can Extensive Walking And Exercise Exacerbate Osteoarthritis?

Brief Answer: You can go for Euflexa shots. Detailed Answer: Hello sir, Euflexa shots are hyaluronic acid injections given into the joint (especially large joints like knee joint) in prescribed dosages will give good short term pain relief in arthritic joints ranging from 1-2 years. I usually advice my dear patient's following suggestion to prevent arthritis- 1.Keep your body weight as per your height 2.Regular excercises 3.Eat healthy food As far as excercises for knee is concern,simple knee bending and straightening can be done while sitting on chair and hold the leg for few second's .This can be done easily anywhere like while watching Television or in office.Try to avoid sitting on floor in cross leg or squat position for long duration. Running and jumping will often accelerate cartilage loss from the joint. The key is to focus on low impact activities, such as swimming or cycling. Warm regards..