(ARA) - Knee pain sufferers, especially those with osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK), experienced dramatic life changes including the ability to work, exercise and stay in their homes, according to a recent survey conducted by the makers of Synvisc. More than 20 million Americans are estimated to have osteoarthritis, and more than 10 million suffer from OAK, making it the most common form of arthritis in the United States.
Work
The survey indicates that a large number of knee pain patients are still in their prime working years and that their condition is seriously impacting work life. More than 35 percent of respondents indicated that their knee pain interferes with their ability to work. Fourteen percent missed a year or more of work due to their OAK - more than one out of five indicated they stopped working completely as a result of their OAK. Only one in 10 claim to have missed no time from work as a result of their condition.
JoAnne Pepper, 61, of Worcester, Mass. is one of millions who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee and had to stop working due to the pain. Pepper worked as a cashier, which required standing for hours at a time. "I overdosed on aspirin just trying to get through the work day, and that's when I knew I had to quit my job," she says. "I just couldn't do it anymore."
Pepper was recently treated with Synvisc, a viscosupplementation product, and has since been able to resume some of her daily activities. "I just wish I knew about Synvisc 15 years ago, because then I would have been able to work much longer," she says.
Diet and Exercise
Nearly half of survey respondents attributed weight gain to their OA, with a third gaining 20 pounds or more. This is at least partially explained by the fact that 40 percent of respondents indicated that their knee pain prevents them from exercising on a regular basis. Weight gain and sedentary lifestyles can lead to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other conditions.
However, nearly 70 percent of those polled haven't changed their diet, even though weight is a significant contributor to OAK pain. Being only 10 pounds overweight increases the force on the knee by 30 to 60 pounds with each step, according to research from the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.
Forty percent of those polled claimed it was too painful from them to exercise on a regular basis. Additionally, many respondents have stopped participating in leisure activities that provide much needed physical activity, including going for walks, running and gardening.
"Exercise and diet are important parts of any treatment plan for osteoarthritis of the knee, but the Synvisc survey found that most people aren't taking the advice of their doctors, and as a result suffer from worsening osteoarthritis," says Dr. Jeffrey Kraines, senior medical director for Genzyme.
There is a common misperception that OA is a disease that affects only elderly Americans, but the survey refutes that. Thirty-two percent of respondents indicated that they were diagnosed when they were younger than age 40. An additional third of survey respondents were between age 41 and 49 when they were diagnosed, meaning more that 64 percent of sufferers were diagnosed before reaching age 50.
Home
Nearly 20 percent indicated they were forced to change their living situation because of their OA of the knee. The most common result is that patients have rearranged their living area to one floor of their home. Others have had to move into a new home to accommodate their disease.
Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, an orthopedic surgeon and author of "FrameWork - Your 7 Step Program for Healthy Muscles, Bones and Joints," offers these preventative tips for maintaining healthy knees:
* Motion helps reduce the risk for osteoarthritis. It both lubricates and nourishes knees.
* Drink plenty of water. Drying out reduces flexibility and increases wear and tear.
* For osteoarthritic knees, DiNubile uses viscosupplementation, such as Synvisc (www.synvisc.com), to restore lost natural cushioning properties. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate.
* Break a light sweat, then stretch to help maintain mobility and reduce joint stiffness.
* Ice knees for 15 minutes after activity or exercise if you tend to develop soreness.
"The most important thing patients can do to determine the treatment that's right for them is talk to their doctors. Whether cases are mild, moderate or severe, OA of the knee can progress and pain may get worse over time. With the right treatment, sufferers can get the pain relief needed to lead a more active life," says Dr. DiNubile.
Courtesy of ARAcontent 