Approximately a quarter of adults experience frequent knee pain. It can result in limited function, reduced mobility, and impaired quality of life. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain in people over 50 years of age. It’s the #1 reason why people get total knee replacement (TKR). The rate of TKR in the United States and the United Kingdom has increased substantially in the last few decades. Many have written off as a consequence of our aging populations. But is that really the case?
A study reviewed long-term data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and the Framingham Osteoarthritis (FOA) study. Researchers concluded that advancing age is a factor behind the increase in TKR since the 1970s. They also found that obesity is a risk factor for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee. Obesity rates have skyrocketed over the last four decades.
Risks for Total Knee Replacement
So, what can be done to reduce your risk of a total knee replacement? There isn’t anything you can do about getting older, but there are things you can do to maintain a healthy weight. Switch to a more anti-inflammatory diet such as the Mediterranean diet or the Paleo diet. Eat an extra serving of vegetables and one less serving of processed food a day. The change in diet may make you notice yourself beginning to feel better. You’ll have the confidence to make further dietary modifications.
The cartilage in your joints receives its nutrients through movement. Becoming more active should help replenish these nutrients throughout the joints. Increasing the number of steps you take per day and raising the intensity over time should help also. You should partake in balance and strength training exercises.
You’ll need to ensure your knee isn’t subjected to abnormal movements above and below that can compromise the joint tissue. For example, a problem in the hip, pelvis, or lower back can place stress on the knee, which can impair its function. Chiropractors evaluate the whole patient to identify any and all contributing factors to a patient’s chief complaint.
