Humpday Health: Knee health

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — This time of the year we all want to be outside and many of us are more active doing everything from walking on the beach to yard work. But that change in activity could lead to some stress on your joints especially the knees.

“What I see every day, day in and day out, is just worn out knees,” said Dr. Jason Graf a chiropractor at the Spine and Joint Institute of Wilmington. He said for many just going about your normal life can cause some serious wear and tear on your knees.

“Think of like brake pads on a car, eventually they’re going to wear out,” said Graf.

He said if left untreated, you will eventually get to the point where it’s bone on bone. The you’re left with options like surgery, physical therapy and even some newer treatments that he offers.

He said for most patients, about 15-16 visits over the course of two months will leave them pain free and able to enjoy their lives again.

So how can you tell if it’s time to see a professional for those creeky knees.

“A lot of times it starts off with just a general achiness and you’ll hear like popping and when it gets to that kinda grinding noise usually that’s the cartilage rubbing together,” said Graf.

He said you don’t have to be an athlete to suffer from knee pain. He said things as simple as getting on the ground and playing with your kids can cause joint pain. But there are things you can do to maintain good knee health.

“Movement’s always good for the joints. So the last thing that you want to do is to stop moving because it hurts. You want to keep getting through that pain,” said Graf.

So keep on doing what you love, but take care of your knees while you’re out there having fun.
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