“Watchdog for joints”: orthopedic doctors told what knee pain means

How to treat joint pain

Life in the metropolis is a continuous run. But how to run if the joints hurt, and with every awkward movement there is an unpleasant crunch? More and more people, and not of the most advanced age, complain of pain in the knees and elbows. Can arthritis and arthrosis be cured? Will physical therapy help and is it worth chasing the cherished 10,000 steps a day? This “MK” was told by orthopedic doctors and exercise therapy specialists.

Autumn exacerbation is not only about patients of psychiatrists. Orthopedists-traumatologists note that with the onset of autumn coolness, many more people complain of pain in the joints. The same can be said about spring. Doctors are sure that seasonality is typical for joint diseases. Moreover, often the knees, elbows and fingers play pranks against the background of changes in atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is important to undergo regular examinations in order to identify the disease in time.

According to the deputy chief physician, traumatologist-orthopedist “Open clinic” on Prospekt Mira Artur Glumakov, you need to undergo an examination by an orthopedic doctor once a year. If there is pain in the joints, you need to go to the doctor immediately. Doctors insist: pain is the body’s watchdog.

“In order to respond in time to an exacerbation or inflammation, you need to visit an orthopedist at least once a year,” says Artur Glumakov, “especially if a person has chronic diseases. If we talk about seasonality, then a decrease in immunity affects here. Any decrease in immunity can exacerbate chronic diseases.

Rehabilitation specialist, physiotherapy doctor of the Clinical Diagnostic Center on Presnya Roman Sterkhov said that it is useful to play sports to reduce inflammation in the joints. Of course, the loads should be moderate.

“Physical activity produces certain substances that have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, so that physical activity has a positive effect on all body systems,” says Roman Sterkhov. — Many run in the parks and feel great, and many run seriously and also feel good – here it is important to listen to your body. Pain is the watchdog of our body: in no case should you engage in sports through pain, this is a signal.

Doctors emphasize: it is important to observe a regular background of physical activity. Here we focus on the ultimate goal of such events. Moreover, if a person already has problems with the joints, the best option is to select a training program with a physiotherapy doctor.

Doctors also spoke about the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. In addition to osteochondrosis and overweight, which are familiar to most residents of the metropolis, lack of physical activity can threaten a much more serious consequence – arthritis. Doctors explain that without training, the muscles are weakened, and therefore subject to various diseases.

How can you make yourself move more? Orthopedists and exercise therapy doctors recommend to “communicate” with the pedometer more often. It is in every modern smartphone.

As for the notorious 10,000 steps a day, this is the recommended minimum number of steps that a person must walk in order to feel cheerful. However, walking the cherished 10,000 steps in heels is far from the best option, doctors focus the attention of patients.

“As for shoes, then, of course, the worst shoes are shoes with heels,” continues Artur Glumakov. – It is also important to pay attention to the size of the shoes: in the sitting position and in the standing position, the foot looks different, so when orthopedic insoles are made, it is important that they are the wrong size. This also applies to our everyday shoes: it is necessary that there is a slight allowance, because in different positions our foot takes a different position. Another point: the feet can vary in size – in most cases, one foot is really a little larger than the other. The most correct shoes – where the heel is 2 cm higher than the toe, this is considered a physiological position. If the heel rises above 2 cm above the toe, the calf muscle is activated and the load is not distributed correctly.”

Roman Sterkhov emphasized that the correct selection of footwear for sports is no less important. For example, running shoes are selected based on the surface on which a person is going to run. It’s important not to buy sneakers based on looks or low price.

Do not ignore even the most minor joint pain. If the movements are accompanied by discomfort, do not delay going to the doctor. And if you have any questions for orthopedists and specialists in physiotherapy exercises, ask in a letter to our email address [email protected]