Showing posts with label twisting knee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label twisting knee. Show all posts

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Twisting and Back Pain, Joint Pain

Photo: joystiq.com


Twisting one of your joints in an awkward way is an easy recipe for injury, especially in the low back, shoulder, knee and ankle.


How To Avoid Twisting Your Back:
Turn your entire body by turning your legs.
Change positions in order to reach the object with ease.
Turn toward the object, then squat down.
Don't be afraid to get down onto your hands and knees to reach for something.

How To Avoid Twisting Your Shoulder:
Don't reach for objects in the backseat of the car.
Don't reach for an object behind you when you are sitting; simply turn around.
Don't close heavy doors carelessly.
Turn your body toward the object you are reaching for.
Keep your arms as close to your body as possible when reaching.

How To Avoid Twisting Your Knee:
Be cautious when playing sports.
Use a knee brace when playing sports if you have had a past knee injury.
Take time when turning around.
Don't turn your body if your knees are locked.

How To Avoid Twisting Your Ankle:
Use an ankle brace for your sport if you have twisted or sprained your ankle in the past.
Be extra cautious when walking, hiking or jogging on uneven terrain.
Try to avoid walking on ice. If it is icy, stay indoors (especially if you live in the South).
Watch where you are walking. Prevent falls by not doing 5 things at once.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Why is KNEE PAIN so common?

There are many causes of knee pain, which I will not go into because they are very technical and somewhat boring to talk about. But here are some things to watch out for.

1. Twisting your knee. This can be even more risky if you twist it quickly (sports).
2. Wearing unsupportive shoes. You need shoes with arch support! This is especially true when you will be walking a lot. Do not go cheap on shoes because your body will suffer for it.
3. Not wearing orthotics. Not everyone needs orthotics, but those who do should wear them all the time. If you have one or more of these, you may need orthotics:  flat feet, high arches, knock-knees, bow-legged, pigeon-toes, scoliosis (this list is not comprehensive).
4. Single knee trauma (car accident, fall, sports injury, etc). High risk sports are soccer, tennis, football, etc.
5. Thigh muscle weakness. Here is a simple exercise to get started with strengthening: straighten your leg in front of you (heel of foot can be on the floor). Lock your knee by squeezing/contracting your thigh muscles for 5-10 seconds. Repeat at least 10x.

To be continued!