Monday, April 21, 2008

Kristin Armstrong - Olympic cyclist and osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is often called the "wear and tear" arthritis. As the baby boomers age and maintain active lifestyles, osteoarthritis in on the rise. This is leading to increased numbers of joint replacements, particularly knees and hips. Doctors are also seeing younger patients needing these replacements.

What is osteoarthritis? It's the wearing down of the cartilage (material that buffers the joints) to the point that sometimes bone ends up rubbing against bone. It affects the spine, hips and knees the most often, but can affect other joints as well.

The damage and pain of osteoarthritis also hits elite athletes. Some have to give up their sport and others are able to move into another that causes less damage and pain. One of these athletes is U.S. Olympic cyclist Kristin Armstrong. You can read a bit about Kristin's story and her tips on living with osteoarthritis at Help My Hurt: Company’s calling - Olympic cyclist Kristin Armstrong talks about her osteoarthritis.

Today at Help My Hurt:

Can magnets provide pain relief?
Foot pain keeping you down?
7 ergonomic-health sites for you to finish the week
Patients happy overall in US, but pain issues still need to be addressed
Ergonomics: Be careful with non-prescription wrist supports and braces
Ergonomics: Injury prevention for computer users
Myths in ergonomics

News for Today:

Pine Bark Naturally Reduces Osteoarthritis, Lowers Joint Pain, Improves Physical Function
Combination Sumatriptan and Naproxen Relieves Headache Symptoms Without Adverse Effects
Sleep Disturbance Reduced for Patients With Restless Legs Syndrome Taking Pramipexole
Cancer survivors have low levels of physical activity and high levels of obesity

2 comments:

Kimberly McKay said...

Kristin is a high school buddy, and I'm so proud she can be such a role model. Great blog you've got here!

Marijke Vroomen-Durning said...

Thanks Kristin's friend! Nice to have you here.