Newswise — There may be a world of difference between Tiger Woods and your average baby boomer, but when Woods, the world's No. 1 golfer, takes to Torrey Pines in this week's U.S. Open, tens of millions of people around the country will be able to relate to one aspect of the golfer's game: his bad knee.
More than 19 million people saw their doctor because of knee pain in 2003, and according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons it is the most common reason people seek an orthopedist.
The ranks of the hobbled will only continue to grow. "It's part of boomeritis," says Dr. Selene Parekh, assistant professor of orthopedics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, referring to the influx of health problems as baby-boomers age. "As we get older, the cartilage cushion starts wearing down, so in people who are older, weekend warriors or active baby-boomers it's just a matter of wear and tear on the joints," says Parekh, who has not been involved in Woods' care.
Woods, like all professional athletes, demands more from, and put more stress on, his joints than the average person. In mid-April, Woods underwent surgery on his left knee to remove fluid build-up in the joint and repair cartilage damage. It was the latest of several procedures on the joint.
The most common cause of knee pain, which was likely what Woods experienced, involves tearing of the meniscus, the cushion between the upper and lower leg bones, Parekh says. Surgery involves removing loose bits of cartilage and smoothing off torn or frayed ends.
The good news, Parekh says, is that most people don't necessarily need surgery for everyday joint strain. For those who do, the procedure is pretty straightforward.
"See your doctor if a nagging injury interferes with your normal activities, including exercise. Don't blow it off," Parekh says. "I won't guarantee you'll play like Tiger Woods, but you can play much more comfortably."
PreventionIt is impossible to totally protect the meniscus, but, Parekh says, there are measures people can take to reduce the strain:
"¢ Strength training " building up muscles around the knee helps take some pressure off the joint"¢ Stretching exercises " staying flexible increases mobility"¢ Supplements " glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is an effective combination in about 40 percent to 50 percent of people who take it for at least three months
TreatmentOnly 10 percent to 15 percent of people with knee injuries need surgery. For most, treatment plans include:"¢ Anti-inflammatory medications " never take more than the recommended dose; too much can be toxic and lead to liver or kidney problems"¢ Draining fluid from a swollen knee"¢ A brace to immobilize the knee"¢ Crutches to keep weight off the knee "¢ At times, a steroid injection into the knee may be beneficial
SurgeryIf surgery is required, it is a same-day procedure done arthroscopically; two to three incisions are made in the knee for a scope with a camera and tools to clean and clear.Afterwards, people can expect to:"¢ Walk within one to two days"¢ Begin physical therapy within one to two weeks"¢ There is no guarantee of longer drives or fewer putts
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