EXERCISE FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

1498

Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

When you complain that your knees hurt, your doctor tries to find a cause. If he finds nothing, he tells you that you have osteoarthritis.

We don't have the foggiest idea what causes osteoarthritis and no effective treatment except pain medicines. A study from the Medical College of Georgia shows that strengthening leg muscles helps to control pain in osteoarthritic knees. Isometric and range-of-motion strength programs help to control pain and increase range of motion in people who have osteoarthritis. The patients had less pain on moving their knees and were able to perform motor tasks faster.

The knee is two bones held together by four bands called ligaments. The ends of bones are protected by thick gristle called cartilage. Osteoarthritis damages cartilage so it does not fit properly, making the knees unstable. Strengthening the muscles around the joint stabilizes the knee to allow less movement at the joint, increasing function and decreasing pain.

The effect of dynamic versus isometric resistance training on pain and functioning among adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2002, Vol 83, Iss 9, pp 1187-1195. R Topp, S Woolley, J Hornyak, S Khuder, B Kahaleh. Topp R, Med Coll Georgia, Sch Nursing, 977 St Sebastian Way, Augusta,GA 30912 USA.

Checked 8/3/07