A Stroke Patient with Knee Arthritis
Often, patients have more than one condition that must be considered when evaluating them for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy. A patient with a prior stroke and knee degenerative arthritis, presented to Dr. Lox for evaluation and treatment with Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy.
Knee Degenerative Arthritis
Knee degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis, is more than just wear and tear arthritis from the aging process. Knee arthritis certainly is a common problem with aging, second only behind hip arthritis as the most common lower extremity arthritis. As the cartilage and meniscus separating the bones of two bones the distal femur and the tibia wear, there is less space between the bones. When there is little to no space left, often patients are told they are bone on bone, and that they need knee replacement surgery. This is a common reason why patients often seek consultation and treatment with Dr. Dennis Lox, a Sports and Regenerative Medicine expert.
Factors Affecting Knee Arthritis
Knee degenerative arthritis may be aggravated or made worse by repetitive motion activities or certain sports, weight gain, and abnormal gait or walking. Sports which place excessive amounts of stress on the knee are running, weight bearing exercises, even prolonged walking or treadmill, especially on an incline. For every 10 pounds of weight gain, there is a 50 pound additional force place upon the knee joint. 20 extra pounds is the equivalent of an extra 100 pounds of added force placed upon the knee.
Walking or Gait Disruption and Knee Arthritis
When walking is no longer even or smooth in stride, it is referred to as a gait disruption or abnormality. Leg length discrepancies can cause this, prior surgeries or injuries, or as in the case of this patient, other medical conditions. Strokes may lead to altered gait patterns. This can lead to uneven distribution of weight and wear upon an already degenerative knee. Canes and walkers can help with this abnormal gait pattern, but still may not completely correct the abnormal knee load.
Knee Replacement Surgery Alternatives
Often, Dr. Lox is consulted for knee replacement surgery alternatives. Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy is an option for some patients with degenerative knee arthritis. There are some patients that are not eligible for knee replacement surgery, due to medical conditions. Others, wish to avoid this surgery for a variety of reasons. Dr. Lox specializes in helping patients who desire to avoid knee replacement surgery with Regenerative Medicine therapies. Knowing who is a good candidate and how to help these patients is why Dr. Lox is an expert in this field.
