Be nice to your knees now, avoid surgery later.
Whether you’re dashing up the stairs, saying your prayers or strutting your best Michael Jackson move, a sudden “OUCH!” from your knees can stop the action faster than a goalie.
I told my knee surgeon when I was a girl I did too much kneeling on hard, wooden benches in Church. All joking aside arthritic knees are painful.
Ignore persistent ouches, and getting to know a knee surgeon may be next. Don’t want to go there?
Take this fast new knee health test. It can predict your future.
- Have you ever had a knee injury?
- Have x-rays spotted knee osteoarthritis? I have had a cat scan and an MRI done on my left knee and yes I do have arthritis under the knee cap. I also have a benign tumor on the same knee.
- Is your body mass index 25 or higher? (Not sure? Use the BMI calculator at Realage.com)
If you’re a female over 50, even one “yes” means you need to do something now to prevent knee problems later.
Three “yeses” and you’ll know that surgeon’s office hours by heart if you don’t get serious. What to do:
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Abandon the couch. Regular exercise strengthens your leg muscles, giving your knees vital support. Focus on low-impact activities that build stamina, strength and flexibility: Walking, biking, swimming, weightlifting.
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This is one of the many reasons I am so committed to my gym workouts and walking activities.I can only try to do the best I can for my knee as I have been told I am looking at a knee cap replacement surgery in the near future. I am hoping that I can put it off. My Momma had severe arthritis in her left knee so it can also be genetic.
- Eat like a knee doc. These DHA-rich foods stifle joint damaging inflammation: walnuts, avocado, flax seeds, salmon and trout. To be sure you get enough, take 900 mg a day of DHA omega-3.
- Don’t go back for seconds. Obesity almost guarantees osteoarthritis because it speeds cartilage breakdown. Every extra pound puts 3 pounds of pressure on your knees when you walk. Dropping even 10 pounds or so can cut your risk of osteoarthritis in half. Good for it! Bum knees are a bummer, and most knee surgeons aren’t that much fun. I work hard to keep a good weight for my body size.
“You’re only as old as you feel. Age is only a number. You don’t have to act old. You can be “young” at any age! “
Source: Health Tips
I am SO blessed to have good hip and knee joints, inherited from my maternal grandmother, and aided by a healthy diet, no overweight issues, and about 4-5 miles of speedy hiking each day. Also, do lot of stretches and flexing and gradually increasing deep knee bends! So bless am I, right?
Oh yes!! YOU are blessed!! As you know I am so into fitness and never thought I would have issues with my knee…darn!! IOh well!! Try really hard to be happy with what “I can do” and not dwell on the “I can’t do”.
OH oh! you’ve hit on my soft spot. While toboganning a few years back my ankle ended up on my forehead while my leg was still straight out. Exactly as you picture it…OUCH! 3 surgeries and two stainless steel pins later – I’m still running! And doing MMA training and crazy obstacle courses like the Tough Mudder.
I really appreciate the reminders about nutrition and stretching. I also load up on OMega 3 to help with the inflammation.
Like the caption says, ” I don’t act old!”
Great atricle…keep them coming.
Doug
OH wow!! OUCH for sure! Good for you for having the courage and the strength to go on and on. All the best.
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