Don't Let Arthritis Keep You Down
Advice from Therapist Lauren Bounds
Kathy in Chandler needs help with a sore knee. 
Dear Lauren,
I have arthritis in my left knee. I am a Hair Stylist. I walk to work and back, which is about a mile a day. My knee gives me such a hard time. I do not know what to use to alleviate the pain and stiffness, because walking and climbing stairs makes it very difficult. Do you have any suggestions that I can use? Thanks.
Dear Kathy,
What an excellent question!! There are a couple of suggestions I can make for you.
Get a Checkup
The first recommendation I would make to you is to see an orthopedist. He may be able to give you a prescription medication to take to decrease the inflammation that occurs with arthritis. He may also give you a prescription to get an “unloading-type brace” that you can wear when you are on your feet. The brace helps to unload, or take the weight off, the area of degeneration in the knee which helps decrease pain with weight bearing and increases functional mobility.
Limit Weight Bearing Exercise
I want to commend you for walking to and from work on a daily basis. That’s awesome! However, since you have degenerative arthritis in you knee, I suggest limiting your weight bearing exercise. Weight bearing exercise will further break down the knee joint. What I would recommend is that you try to ride a bike to and from work. It’s a great exercise to maintain your knee range of motion and strength.
Heat & Ice
Another recommendation I can make to you is to try heat and ice for pain management. You can try alternating with the heat and ice, but always finish with ice. Try them each for 12- 15 minutes at a time. The heat will make it feel less stiff and tight. Ice will help decrease pain and inflammation. This process of alternating the two will help move some of the extra fluid from swelling out of the knee area. You may find that you like one better than the other and that’s OK too. Use what works for you.
Supplements
Some research has shown that glucosamine sulfate helps with arthritis. The research suggests that it may help to rebuild some of the articular cartilage that is worn away with degenerative arthritis. Keep in mind that this is not an overnight cure. It’s meant to be taken long term. Again, do what works best for you.
Support Your Feet
Lastly, since you are on your feet all day at work, I would suggest that you get some good, supportive shoes. There are many brands out there that are supportive and stylish. Some examples are Naturalizer, Naot, Birkenstock, Born, and many more. You may have to spend a bit more for the shoes, but they will last longer and provide your feet with the cushion and support needed for your profession.
I hope some of the suggestions help. Take care of that knee!!
~ Lauren
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