Crippling knee arthritis can be helped by Exercise and patient’s understanding of the disease according to a report published in the April issue of the Journal of Rheumatology.
The two important elements for the treatment of the knee osteo-arthritis include physical and psychological aspects. Researchers at San Diego State University analyzed sixteen studies and they have concluded that knowledge of the condition helps the patient to cope psychologically and exercise helps them physically to strengthen the knee joint.Though the improvements are modest but a combination helps he patient cope with the condition better in the long run. This is an encouraging report for patients with arthritis of this weight-bearing joint that undergoes wear and tear with age. Oseoarthritis of the knee is by far the commonest problem related to the joints in the aging population of the world.
The knee exercises advocated include walking, stationary cycling and strength training Self help area and educational elements include relaxation and diet changes and proper use of assistive devices.
Lead researcher Devos-Comby said: "Patients should turn to the programs that are most likely to improve the areas in which they suffer most from OA."
A holistic approach to diseases seems to be now more and more vogue and this is perhaps one example where both physical and mental well being can pay an important role in improving the condition and lessen the burden o the society.
(SOURCE: Journal of Rheumatology, April 2006)
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