Knee Pain in a Runner
Knee pain in runners is a common problem. Unfortunately, runners place great stress on the knee joint, and often they view the only form of rewarding exercise as running. This is especially true for distance runners. The more distance runs the greater the stress on the knee joint. Marathoners and Iron Man Competitors are obviously one the far spectrum of distance running. Some people have good genetics and can run late in life with no problems. Many others, falter as time goes by due to a variety of factors. Aging, injuries, genetic predisposition for degenerative arthritis all play a role in the development of knee pain as we age.
Understanding the Knee Joint
A basic understanding of the knee joint is helpful to understand why knees hurt, and what contributes to knee joint arthritis. The knee is comprised of three compartments. An inner or medial joint is where the medial meniscus and medial collateral ligament are located. An outer or lateral compartment is where the lateral meniscus and lateral collateral ligament are located. In the center the anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligament cross to provide anterior and posterior stability to the tibia and femur across the knee joint. The anterior compartment is comprised of the kneecap or patella and its relationship to the femur. This is referred to as the patella-femoral compartment. Runners may develop problems in one or several areas of the knee.
Knee Arthritis
Knee degenerative arthritis occurs over time. It may develop in one compartment or involve all three. This is known as tri-compartmental degenerative arthritis. Typically the medial joint is more affected. This is influenced by the shape of the pelvis and weight gain. Abnormal leg variances such as bowlegs or knock knees can also wear the knee joint abnormally over time. This can also occur with a difference in leg length or leg length inequality. Prior trauma such as ACL tears, medial meniscal tears accelerates degenerative arthritis. This is additionally accelerated by knee surgery. Many patients are amazed to find this out, thinking their knee surgery years ago fixed their problem, unknowing the degenerative arthritis progressive cascade. This is also not very well understood by many doctors. It is difficult for patients to realize years of treatment with knee surgery, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and hyaluronic acid injections do not alter the progression of degenerative arthritis. This has led many patients to seek consultation with Dr. Lox for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy.
Knee Stem Cell Therapy
Dennis M. Lox M.D. is an expert in Sports and Regenerative Medicine. This field entails the science of Stem Cell Therapy, Tissue Engineering, and Regeneration Medicine science developments as they apply to Sports Medicine and Degenerative Arthritis. Most athletes have injuries or wear and tear on their joints as they age, understanding this helps athletes to compete longer, and aids the aging population to age gracefully without Mother Nature imparting her will in a negative fashion. Understanding the natural effects of injury, aging and sports participation may help redefine aging when used in conjunction with Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy.
Dennis M. Lox M.D. Sports and Regenerative Medicine Expert
Finding the right doctor who understands your unique needs is important. Many claim expertise when they just wish to push surgery or treatment without spending the necessary time to truly understand your unique personal needs. This is called personalized medicine. Dr. Lox is passionate about quality care. Many patients are amazed he spends the time needed to ask the right questions and takes the time to answer your questions, both are equally important. Many such patients comment another doctor spent less than 5 minutes with them before recommending surgery or another treatment measure. Quality care must be done right. You deserve that.
