Area of Focus
General Information
Arthritis
Arthritis is a broad term encompassing various conditions characterized by the deterioration of joint surface cartilage. It is also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. This ailment primarily impacts the cartilage, the protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones within a joint, facilitating seamless and pain-free movement. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage gradually erodes, leading to joint pain and restricting the natural range of motion. As the condition advances, complete erosion of the cartilage may occur, resulting in direct bone-to-bone contact.
Symptoms
Arthritic symptoms typically encompass swelling, pain, tenderness, aching, restricted joint motion, and/or morning stiffness. Diagnosis of arthritis involves a blend of physical examination, medical history review, and X-rays or other clinical studies. Treatment options consist of rest, avoiding strenuous weight-bearing activities, and the utilization of anti-inflammatory medications. Injection therapy can also prove beneficial when symptoms worsen. In cases where conservative methods are ineffective, joint replacement surgery may be advised.
Knee and hip arthritis is the
silent occupational disease
that no one tells you about.
The knee joint, despite its appearance as a simple hinge joint, stands out as one of the most intricate joints in the body and is highly prone to injury compared to others. This joint marks the point of contact between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). At the end of the thigh bone, two rounded knobs, known as condyles, can be found. The kneecap (patella) moves along a specialized groove formed by these condyles. Similar to the hip joint, the ends of the bones are covered by articular cartilage, which is typically about one-quarter of an inch thick in most large joints. This cartilage, exhibiting a white and shiny appearance with a rubbery consistency, enables smooth sliding of joint surfaces, absorbs shock, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating fluid joint motion.
The knee joint, though appearing as a simple hinge joint, stands out as one of the most complex joints in the body and is more susceptible to injury than any other joint. This joint marks the junction of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). Two rounded knobs called condyles are located at the end of the thigh bone. The kneecap (patella) moves through a specialized groove formed by these condyles. Similar to the hip, the ends of the bones are covered by articular cartilage, typically about one-quarter of an inch thick in most large joints. This cartilage, exhibiting a white, shiny appearance with a rubbery consistency, facilitates surfaces sliding against each other, absorbs shock, and serves as a crucial element for smooth joint motion.
Arthritis can stem from various causes, with its onset often sparking debates. However, once it manifests, there’s no doubt that undertaking strenuous physical tasks characteristic of labor-intensive occupations hastens its progression and exacerbates symptoms. Activities such as stair climbing, bending, stooping, lifting, kneeling, squatting, twisting, prolonged load-bearing, and joint injuries are commonly cited as major contributors to arthritis. The combination of these factors significantly increases the likelihood of developing arthritis.
For example, performing physically demanding roles like firefighting, postal delivery, law enforcement, or mechanical work with a knee previously affected by a torn meniscus inevitably leads to arthritis in that joint. The knees and hips, being weight-bearing joints, are particularly vulnerable to arthritis. While in the past, arthritis was deemed a normal part of aging, current medical consensus, based on substantial research over the past 15 years, refutes this notion. Studies conclusively demonstrate that consistent engagement in “high-impact loading activities” escalates the development, progression, and aggravation of arthritis in the hips and knees. This poses a significant strain on these joints, especially for those in labor-intensive occupations, where such activities are routine throughout the workday.
An intriguing fact supporting this notion is that ascending stairs places about three times body weight stress on the hips and knees while descending stairs exerts approximately six times body weight stress. Therefore, for a letter carrier carrying a 35-pound mail satchel up and down numerous stairs daily or a firefighter managing 70 pounds of equipment while climbing ladders regularly, the likelihood of experiencing the agonizing pain, stiffness, and discomfort of arthritis before the end of their career is high.