Expert Q&A: Wear and tear or osteoarthritis of the knee?

More than 10 million Americans begin their day with their usual routine, only to discover the spring in their step has been replaced by a creak in their knees. “Wear and tear” disease or osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most common form of arthritis and can be life-changing. The associated pain and stiffness decreases an individual’s ability to carry out routine day-to-day activities, such as climbing stairs or standing for a long period of time. It is estimated that women older than 50 years of age are more likely to develop OA of the knee than men.i

Jeffrey E. Rosen, M.D., a leading osteoarthritis expert and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation at New York Hospital Queens, shares expert insights and advice that all osteoarthritis of the knee sufferers should know, including ways to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and common disease misconceptions.

What is osteoarthritis?

Often referred to as “wear and tear,” osteoarthritis is a chronic disease in which the cartilage, or cushioning tissue between the surfaces of joints, wears away. When cartilage surrounding the joint breaks down, the joint has to bear more weight; this transmits across the joint possibly leading to changes in the underlying bone.

What are some common misconceptions about osteoarthritis of the knee?

Osteoarthritis is often confused with osteoporosis, which is a disease that affects the makeup of the bone, as opposed to the joints and cartilage surrounding the bone. Another common misconception is that osteoarthritis of the knee only affects older people.

Who is at risk of developing osteoarthritis?

There are certain factors that can increase a person’s risk including weight, age, gender and injury or trauma to the knee joint. Those who have had repeated trauma to the knee joints, also referred to as “micro-traumas,” are at higher risk, and women are affected more than men. Approximately 60 percent of the nearly 27 million people affected by osteoarthritis of the knee are women.ii

What are the symptoms? How can you tell it may be time to see your doctor?

General osteoarthritis of the knee symptoms include stiffness, particularly when getting up in the morning, aching in the joints and pain while walking up and down stairs. Patients will normally use over-the-counter medications to treat the symptoms. However, if symptoms progress over time or you start to feel a “crunching” sensation from inside the joint, this may be a sign that it is time to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Also, consult your doctor when pain, stiffness or swelling becomes too persistent or starts to affect your stability when standing. Another sure sign to seek medical attention is when symptoms cannot be alleviated with an anti-inflammatory or an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen. The key to a better outcome is seeking support early and before the problem progresses too far.

How is osteoarthritis knee pain treated?

Traditionally, physicians have approached treating osteoarthritis in a step-wise fashion, beginning with improving diet as well as a modified exercise program, then moving towards pharmacological intervention as needed. However, now physicians are starting to try different treatment approaches to help get the best result possible for patients as quickly as possible. My preference is to use multi-modal strategies where I can combine treatments and therapy strategies.

Non-interventional Treatment, Modified shoe wear/orthotics, Assisting device (e.g. cane), Weight loss Nutrition and proper diet, Over-the-counter Medication, Glucosamine for joint health Pain medication (e.g. acetaminophen), Interventional Treatment, Cortisone or hyaluronic acid injection therapy, Partial joint replacement, Total joint replacement

What type of questions should people who suffer from osteoarthritis knee pain ask their doctors when it comes to diet, nutrition, exercise, treatment options, etc.?

I tell my patients the importance of being informed. Ask your doctor about ways to maintain proper body weight and an exercise program that is appropriate for you. It is also important to keep an open dialogue with your doctor about worsening symptoms so treatment can be adjusted as necessary.

What are three things you would recommend someone diagnosed with osteoarthritis knee pain to keep in mind?

Maintain a healthy body weight. It is essential to maintain a healthy body weight. In fact, every 10 pounds, either lost or gained, is magnified by four times depending on the physical activity being done by the individual. Stay active and exercise. Keep up an active lifestyle and make sure this includes a stretching and exercise program.

A common misstep is to focus on cardiovascular training only or weight training only, whereas a combination of the two is ideal. Stronger muscles can act like shock absorbers to joints, so a strength training program is beneficial.

Educate yourself about your disease. Finally, it is imperative to be educated about your condition and aware of the contributing factors so you know when it is the right time to see your doctor.For more information, please visit: http://www.euflexxa.com.

Courtesy of BPT

College graduates: Six financial survival tips for the working world

If you are a recent college graduate, there is much to be optimistic about as you leave campus and head out into the real world. No one ever says life on your own will be easy, but post-graduate financial bliss can be a reality. These six tips from Thrivent Financial offer a starting point for recent graduates who are ready to put their education to work for a secure financial future.

Get real about your paycheck

 

Compared to the minimum wage jobs you survived on through college, the annual earnings at your first post-graduate job may give you dollar-sign eyes. Don’t be fooled though; after taxes, benefits, living expenses and student loan payments, your remaining monthly spending money could amount to less than half of your gross income. Being realistic about your paycheck doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun, though. That new car may have to wait a while, but with smart budgeting you can still enjoy the finer things in life with a clear conscience.   

 

Your credit score matters

 

Thought you were done worrying about test scores? Think again. Whether you want to get an apartment, mortgage, car or a new job, your credit score says a lot about you and can make or break these important investments. Free credit reports are available at http://www.annualcreditreport.com, and for a small fee you can also obtain your credit score. Examine your report regularly for accuracy, and pay off any existing credit card debt as soon as possible. Credit card interest is wasted money, and outstanding debt can hurt your credit score. 

 

Take care of yourself first

 

After expenses and taxes, your paycheck may look too slim for comfort, but protecting your assets, health and income is worth the additional cost. If you have an apartment, renter’s insurance is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your possessions. Health insurance is also a must, whether you get it through your employer or stay on your parents’ plan. Your paycheck is worth protecting, too. Disability income insurance is not just for those with physically demanding jobs, as most beneficiaries are on disability from illness, not injury. Preparation for the unexpected comes at a small price considering the costs associated with the alternative.

 

Save for the fun stuff

 

Again, being responsible with your finances doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun. You have worked hard to start your career, and deserve to reward yourself. The best way to spend smartly is simply to spend less than you have. Diligent saving allows for the occasional splurge without having to feel guilty or anxious about your decision to spend. Consider directly depositing a certain amount from your paycheck into a savings account for a “fun fund.” 

Save for the grown-up stuff, too.

 

Your parents’ nagging may start to quiet now that you’ve graduated, but their retirement planning advice is worth listening to. Start investing now, you won’t regret it. As you barely scratch the surface of your career, retirement seems a long way off, but successful investors understand that the longer your assets remain invested, the greater their potential for growth. The cash you forfeit now will pale in comparison to the amount you’ll end up getting back at the end of your career if you start as early as possible. 

 

Don’t pass up free money

 

Many employers offer pretax savings through their retirement accounts. Because your retirement contributions come out before taxes, your taxable income is decreased, saving you money. For example, a $100 contribution from your earnings to a pretax retirement account would reduce your paycheck by only $75 if you’re in the 25 percent tax bracket. If your employer matches a percentage of your retirement contributions, it is wise to contribute the maximum amount of their match so as not to pass up on “free money.”

 

Money is just one of many aspects of adulthood that college graduates must meet head-on to start living independently. Personal finance may seem daunting, but don’t be discouraged. The above-mentioned tips boil down to common sense: spend less than you earn, stay protected through proper insurance, maintain good credit and save for the short and long-term, and you will be off to a great financial start in the next chapter of your life.

Courtesy of BPT

City of Doral, Fl Schools

It’s no secret one of the things that make an area or neighborhood more attractive than others is the quality of schools. For the most part, most affluent areas are surrounded with great schools, but there are plenty of areas not so affluent with great schools also.

 

What makes Doral such a great City is the quality of the schools. Most home buyers  primarily search for basically two things: Security and the quality of schools. Doral fits the bill on both accounts and then some.

In fact the City of Doral is one of the best rounded cities in the United States and what makes it so is the great balance in infrastructure between the commercial/industrial and residential market. 

For more information about Doral schools click the link: Doral Schools

Related post: Doral Day Care Schools

The Recuset Team is with RE/MAX Premier Associates. Richard Recuset is a REALTOR®, team leader, Short Sale Agent, Listing Marketing Specialist,Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Certified Internet Professional, Resort & Second Home Property Specialist, and an Accredited Commercial Professional (ACP), serving the City of Doral, Fl., and surrounding areas.

When you hire The Recuset team for your real estate needs, you not only get highly qualified professionals on your side, but also access to information, markets, technology and a team of experts from around the world.

You also tap into a global network with vast experience in residential and commercial real estate. That network comprises thousands of dedicated individuals, all with just one thing in mind: producing the best possible results for our clients.

*Nothing in this article is intended to solicit listings currently under contract with another broker.  This article offers no legal or tax advise and is for information purposes only.