We don't always advocate surgery and we want people to know that exercise and lifestyle changes like weight loss can significantly reduce hip and knee problems
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 12, 2009
Responding to a tremendous increase in hip and knee pain among older and younger adults, the Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago is offering a complimentary "Handbook on Hip & Knee Pain." The booklet includes exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip and knee joints, suggestions for managing hip and knee conditions and available treatment options for when all preventative measures fail.
After exercise therapy and even cartilage injections failed, 71-year old Bob Andrews, Chicago, opted for hip replacement. The judo expert, who took third place in the World Masters Judo Championships in Canada in 2005 and second place in the U.S. Judo Masters Nationals and Open in 2006, was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his hip. When he was finally unable to walk up stairs without severe pain, he opted for a total hip replacement. He had his surgery on Tuesday and was climbing stairs on Wednesday and is now back teaching judo classes.
Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability in older adults. Studies show that in the next 20 years, the number of people having knee replacement surgery alone will increase by 525 percent. And experts say the ages needing medical attention are expanding.
"Years ago, we would treat mostly patients over 65 years of age. Now younger people with demanding lives and active lifestyles are damaging their joints earlier," says Mitchell Sheinkop, M.D. noted Chicago orthopedic surgeon. "After all other treatment options fail, I recommend hip and knee replacement and the majority of patients are overjoyed with the results."
Researchers from Duke University analyzed data for 259 adults with knee arthritis who had total knee replacement and 1,816 with knee arthritis who did not have knee replacement surgery. The results showed that those with total knee replacement had significantly improved physical functioning while those who opted against treatment had declining levels.
"We don't always advocate surgery and we want people to know that exercise and lifestyle changes like weight loss can significantly reduce hip and knee problems," says Sheinkop. "That was the impetus for the booklet. However, when all else fails, surgery gives the majority of my patients a new reason to go on living."
The Handbook on Hip and Knee Pain can be obtained by calling 1-773-250-1000 or via the link to the hospital's website.
About Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago:
The Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago, located at 4501 N. Winchester Street, is the country's only freestanding acute care hospital dedicated exclusively to neuroscience and orthopedic services. It utilizes breakthrough technology and minimally invasive techniques as well as advanced procedures for neurosurgery, orthopedics, pain management, neuro-oncology, sports medicine, joint replacement, and rehabilitation. In 2009, the hospital was presented with a five-star rating for total knee replacement surgery and recognized as the No. 1 spine surgery hospital in the state of Illinois by the Eleventh Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study. For more information, visit http://www.neuro-ortho.org .
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