knee pain

kneecap in motion

Let’s talk about your kneecap in motion

by Jennifer Estabrooks Co-Owner

The medical term for your kneecap is patella. Patella tracking disorder can also be referred to as Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), anterior knee pain or maltracking. It is one of the most common causes of knee pain. The kneecap is a separate bone that’s attached to your thigh bone (femur) at the top and your big shin bone (tibia) by powerful tendons and ligaments. It is a type of bone that forms within a tendon to give a mechanical advantage to the knee. When it’s working properly, the kneecap glides in a groove that’s near the end of your thighbone called the trochlear groove.

Symptoms can include pain, swelling when squatting, jumping, running or just walking; a grinding or catching feeling when you bend or a feeling that your knee is giving out under you. Pain varies depending on the severity of the disorder. Patellar tracking disorder is more common in women and can affect older people because of the arthritis in the knee joint.

Injuries from sports, overuse, or trauma can cause the patella to move slightly off and not track properly. In most cases, the kneecap shifts to the outside of the leg, but it can also move towards the inside. Patellar tracking disorder comes from the high stress on the knee especially in sports, muscle weakness, or structural abnormalities. Diagnosis can be difficult because it is part of a wide range of conditions with similar symptoms.

So let’s talk about where to start! Stretching and strengthening exercises, knee braces and proper footwear or insoles to assist with alignment.

As a bracing specialist, I highly recommend you come in and be educated on how braces can help. Try them on and you will be able to feel the effect they will have. There are various braces that help, some more aggressive than others. Just because one works for your friend does not mean it will work for you. All braces fit and act a little differently. As experts, we want to make sure the brace you buy is the right brace for you to get you moving pain-free as quickly as possible.

Submitted by Jen Estabrooks, Brace Specialist, Soles in Motion

knee-pain

Knee Pain – Is it changing your lifestyle?

by Jennifer Estabrooks Co-Owner

Knee Pain  Is it changing your lifestyle?

We have been in the business of helping people reduce their pain and become more active through orthopedic appliances, compression therapy, supports and orthotics for over 20 years. Our team is dedicated to coming up with the right solution for you. So let’s talk ‘knees’!

Do you have knee pain, aching, stiffness and soreness after long periods of inactivity; mild to severe pain after overuse or ascending or descending stairs? These are common symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA).

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis affecting one in ten Canadian adults. It can affect any joint but commonly occurs in weight bearing joints such as the knee. The cartilage (firm, rubbery material) that covers the ends of the bones in normal joints acts as a shock absorber. Over time, the cartilage and meniscus may wear away in some areas decreasing its ability to cushion the bone. As this happens tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain. As the condition worsens the bones may rub against each other. Osteoarthritis can be caused by many factors including heredity, obesity, injury or joint overuse.

Unloading Knee Braces – Non-Invasive Options

A safe, non-invasive viable option is an Osteoarthritis Unloader knee brace specifically designed to treat OA. It stabilizes the joint, reduces pain and helps to build stronger muscles allowing patients to return to the activities they love whether that is everyday living or sports. OA braces relieve pain by redistributing the weight bearing load on the painful or affected compartment of the joint to the healthier or unaffected compartment. Increased function studies have shown that wearing an OA brace can increase daily functions and decrease pain. Patients diagnosed with OA who wear a knee brace will generally feel better in the morning, be more active during the day, and rest more comfortably at night. Braces cannot cure osteoarthritis and may not be right for everyone however, it is a viable and successful solution for many people. The ideal candidates are typically people who are motivated to strengthen their muscles and willing to wear a brace to realize the benefits of this form of treatment. There are many different types of OA braces designed for all activity levels. One of the programs offered at Soles in Motion is the 30 Day Free Trial OA Program so you have the opportunity to feel its success without incurring any costs and you do not need a prescription.

No matter what your ability, we believe that with the proper treatment plan, you can reduce your pain and achieve your goals. Education is key in making an informed decision. Keep your joints moving and if you have given up activities due to increased pain try low-impact exercises, group activities such as chair yoga, walking and other exercises to help you reach your goals. Swimming or cycling will strengthen your joints and increase their range of motion. Stronger muscles can reduce the stress on your joints during everyday activities. Give us a call at 902-468-7911 or email me atJennifer@solesinmotion.ca and book a free no obligation appointment.

Submitted by Jen Estabrooks, Brace Specialist, Soles in Motion

knee-pain

How to stay in the game with no knee pain!

by Jennifer Estabrooks Co-Owner

Soles in Motion is all about keeping you in the game, active and pain-free. We offer solutions by giving you the information to make the right decision.

If your knee pain is distracting you during or after the game, you need to know why. It could be Patella Femoral Syndrome, sometimes referred to as Runners Knee. PFPS is one of the most common of all knee injuries in active people. The knee is a complex joint that not only bends and straightens but also twists and rotates. The knee is not a simple ball-and-socket joint, like the hip. It depends heavily on the soft tissues that surround it, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments because it is a weight-bearing joint that is subjected to many different types of motion.

People with patella femoral knee syndrome (PFPS) usually have pain in the front of the knee, around or beneath the kneecap. Patients may have difficulty going up or downstairs. Also, after remaining seated for a prolonged time, they may experience extreme discomfort with their first few steps after rising. You may also complain of joint locking or the feeling of joint instability. Quadriceps strengthening is recommended as these muscles play a significant role in the patellar movement. Hip, hamstring, calf and iliotibial band (IT band) stretching may also be important. Custom orthotics can be helpful in patients with a wide variety of lower extremity complaints, including patellofemoral pain. Bracing can also be an effective conservative treatment for decreasing the symptoms. Braces for patella femoral syndrome help to reduce pain resulting from maltracking or patella instability. However, there are many, many types of braces for PFPS, what your friend wears and works for them may not work for you. Seeing one of our professionals that researches your activity level, pain history and recommends braces for you to try on is the best solution.

Another common condition that affects many people is osteoarthritis of the knee. Knee osteoarthritis (OA), is typically the result of wear and tear and progressive loss of articular cartilage. You will probably feel your knee is painful and stiff at times. It may only affect one side of the knee. The pain may feel worse at the end of the day, or when you move your knee, and it may improve when you rest.

Also, as part of our commitment to the treatment of OA, Soles in Motion is offering a no-risk 30 day trial on our Osteoarthritis Unloader Knee Braces. By unloading the affected compartment of the knee, the unloader brace offers people with knee OA a safe, proven, low-risk treatment that will reduce your pain and improve your mobility. We have seen results and are confident you will be able to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Soles in Motion encourages you to come in and talk to us, let us assess your gait and the footwear you are wearing, these too may be contributing to your pain. We are here to help and keep you moving no matter what your abilities!

Soles in Motion, 133 Baker Dr. Dartmouth 902-468-7911
Give us a call and book a free, no-obligation appointment with one of our professionals to see how we can help you!

– Submitted by Jen Estabrooks