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How Can Degeneration Of The Knees Be Stopped Or Slowed Down?

Posted on Wed, 24 Sep 2014

Question: Last one month I have some discomfort in my Knee in both legs. No pain but some discomfort like it movement not smooth may be feel like it is tight. I contact orthopedic surgeon. No x ray taken he told not necessary.He told that it is normal degeneration process due to age. He suggested some exercises and advised me not to fold the leg 180 deg and do not sit on floor. When i stated exercise I felt pain in my knee and stopped now. I also do walking on thread mill for 20 min at XXXXXXX speed of 6Km/hr. I want know what is the correct exercise and how to stop/slow down degeneration process. Weather thread mill walking is counter productive.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From your symptoms it seems that both of your knee joints have undergone osteoarthritic changes. These are basically age related degenerative changes in the weight bearing joints like knee and is characterized by joint pain and stiffness. Upon movement the stiffness gradually relives. Sometimes application of hot pads can make the movement possible.
The treatment options include pain killers, hot fomentation, lubricating agents like glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin , dycerin, etc and some life style modifications and physiotherapy.
Initially the exercise will cause some pain. Regular exercise with calcium supplements will reduce the further progression of the problem.
You can start with walking and aerobic fitness exercises, quadriceps strengthening, patellar tapping, lateral heel wedges, etc- under the guidance of your physiotherapist. These will help in slowing down the degeneration.
A Big No to Stair case, squatting postures, any chair which has a sitting platform lower than your knees.
Knee brace can also be used for an earlier and prolonged relief.
Treadmill walking is not counterproductive. Do not make the inclination more than 15 degrees.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 minutes later)

Many thanks for quick answer. What do you mean by Big no to stair case?. I have duplex house. I have to claim to first floor at least 10 times a day.Do you mean I have to completely stop claiming stairs? As per your advice I will contact physiotherapist and take his advice on exercises.

Regards
XXXX.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid climbing stairs.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
It is best not to climb stairs till you feel better after doing a regular exercise and taking joint lubricant and calcium supplements.
Do contact a physiotherapist for proper exercises.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
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