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GUIDEBOOK

AND DEFEAT ARTHRITO!

KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

IMPROVE YOUR

Super Boomers

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE ?

RISKS, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Osteoarthritis (OA) usually affects weight bearing joints – knees, hips & back. It occurs when cartilage (tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones) begins to wear away. When this happens the joint cannot absorb shock or move as smooth. This results in pain, stiffness, swelling and eventually bone-on-bone.

With early diagnosis & treatment you can take control of your disease & may delay or even avoid severe damage to your joints & lead an active life.

` Age As we age our chances of developing OA increases. Younger generations that were highly active are also at risk.

` Family History Some research suggest that heredity is a risk factor for developing arthritis.

` Excess Weight Less body weight means less stress on your joints and often less pain.

` Joint Injury Chances of developing OA increases in joints that have had previous damage. This can occur years after the initial injury.

RISKS

` Swelling

` Warmth

` Creaking

` Pain

` Stiffness

“It’s been over 6 weeks...I thought this pain would have been

gone by now.”

Did you know?

`` OA is the most common type of arthritis.

`` It affects 1 in 10 Canadians.

`` It is the leading cause of physical disability.

`` Prevalence increases with injury and being overweight.

`` It is a disease with no cure.

MANAGING YOUR OSTEOARTHRITIS

SUPER BOOMER’S RECOMMENDATIONSUNLOADING BRACESThere are several brace options that are light weight, easy to use and low profile that can be worn discreetly under clothing. These braces use a slight force to increase knee joint space or shift the weight away from the affected part of the knee. This unloading technology minimizes or eliminates knee pain associated with bone on bone when weight bearing.

KNEE BRACES:Those who are not a candidate for an unloading knee brace should use a general knee brace to provide stability, warmth and compression to manage pain and improve mobility. There are many options to choose from with various materials, styles and fit.

ARCH SUPPORTS AND INSOLESA foot insole can mechanically change the relationship of the foot and knee and reduce forces on the knee subsequently relieving knee pain.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:`` Urban Poling:

Using the Urban Poles while walking will improve your balance, reduce the strain on knees, hips and back and improve your overall health.

`` Heat & Ice: Thermal therapy is highly effective for managing pain when applied properly. Heating pads provide temporary pain relief. Icing the knee after activities during the day to manage inflammation will greatly reduce pain.

`` Topical Creams: Using creams can also provide soothing temporary pain relief. Biofreeze is a topical analgesic that uses the cooling effect of menthol, a natural pain reliever, to soothe minor muscle and joint pain.

TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOREarly diagnosis & staying active are key.

Successful management of knee osteoarthritis depends on recognizing early symptoms, an accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

A proper knee examination from your doctor and x-rays are usually the first steps. X-rays do not always reflect early cartilage abnormalities but will show if there is any evidence of cartilage loss or joint space narrowing which will help you decide on treatment options.

Staying active will help with weight management, joint strength and mobility. Finding ways to manage your Osteoarthritic knee pain will allow you to stay active.

NORMAL JOINT SPACE LOSS OF JOINT SPACE

CONTACT US TO DISCUSS WHICH OPTIONS ARE RIGHT FOR YOU!

As cartilage deteriorates, there is less cushioning between the ends of your lower & upper leg bones. This is called Joint Space Narrowing.

www.thebracingexperts.com

This information provided by Kinetic Konnection is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult with your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. Kinetic Konnection Ltd. Does not dispense medical grade compression garments without the written request from a medical doctor.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a progressive disease that does not go away. The good news is that there are many ways to manage the pain in order to continue with your desired lifestyle.

Ask us for more information.

thebracingexperts @bracingexperts

We can help you manage

osteoarthritis pain!

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P: 905-637-4335

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P: 905-850-2030