Tips for Preventing Knee Pain
Knee pain and knee replacements are becoming commonplace. As you get older, knee problems and other joint pain can make it harder for you to perform everyday activities, and you may knee long-term health care. Preventing knee problems in the first place is helpful.
Some people with knee problems have a form of arthritis called osteoarthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis and affects millions worldwide. Osteoarthritis may be caused by joint injury or being overweight. When you have osteoarthritis in the knee, the cartilage gradually wears away, and changes occur in the adjacent bone. The cartilage that cushions of the ends of bones gradually deteriorates.
Osteoarthritis is associated with aging and most typically develops in people aged 50 or older. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, it commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips, and spine. Knee problems are common because of wear and tear, creating pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Knee Replacements Becoming More Common and Routine
As we age, many of us may require knee replacements. About one million knee-replacement surgeries are performed each year in the U.S., making it the most common joint-replacement procedure in America. By 2030, demand for knee replacements is expected to grow to 3.5 million—and patients under 60 will likely account for more than half of that growth. In some cases, disability will require long-term health care for at least a period of time.
Some people avoid knee replacements and suffer from pain; in some cases, they have a greater risk for falls requiring long-term health care.
Knee Pain Doesn't Always Mean Surgery
Surgery is not always necessary, according to Charles Bush-Joseph, MD, a leading sports medicine surgeon at Rush University Hospital.
People who have inflammation issues almost always respond to physical therapy, medication or rehabilitation and almost never require surgery. But those with structural issues are more likely to need some kind of surgery or arthroscopic surgery to repair the damage.
Dr. Charles Bush-Joseph
While knee problems become more common when you get older, knee pain can happen at any age.
Usually if patient's knees are swollen and they are in pain, I have them ice the knees, stretch and take some anti-inflammatory medications for seven to 10 days. If their knees are still visibly and persistently swollen for longer than that, that warrants further evaluation, including imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI.
Dr. Charles Bush-Joseph
Prevent Knee Pain to Start
Rush University Medical Center offers these five tips to prevent knee pain to start with - read here.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says most patients who undergo total knee replacement (TKR) are aged 60 to 80. More than 90% of these individuals experience a dramatic reduction in knee pain and a significant improvement in the ability to perform everyday activities.
However, questions have been raised about the decline in physical function over the long term despite the absence of implant-related problems.
A study shows many people have good results with their knee replacements even after 20 years. Common concerns are those who avoid the surgery to start with or will not complete the required physical therapy that is ordered following the surgery.
Declining Health Happens with Aging
Doesn't matter if it happens to be knees, hips, or other parts of the body; with aging comes physical issues. This means an advance plan for the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that come from aging and long-term care should be addressed as part of your retirement planning well before you retire.
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance will provide the resources for quality care in the settings you and your family desire while protecting your future retirement savings.
Long-term health care will impact you, your family, your savings, and your lifestyle. Long-Term Care Insurance will safeguard your assets and give you the choice of quality care as it eases the burden that care creates on your family.
Act before you retire for the most affordable options. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s when their overall is usually good, and premiums are low - How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost? | LTC News.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
Long-term care is a cash flow problem but don't forget it is also a family problem. Family caregivers must often set aside their lives to become caregivers, something they are usually unprepared and untrained to do.
LTC Insurance is access to quality care that gives your loved ones the time to be loving and supportive and not have to be burdened as a caregiver.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s.
Seek Professional Help Planning for Long-Term Care
Long-term care is a very specialized area, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Find a specialist who represents the top companies as premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. Leading specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance.
A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price.
Planning Tools and Resources Available on LTC NEWS
Planning for the future is never easy, but long-term health care planning can be very complicated and comes with many emotions. Getting the right tools and resources will make the process much easier.
One of the goals is to reduce the stress and anxiety usually placed on your family at the time of crisis. LTC NEWS can be beneficial in providing you with important information for you to consider.
LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
You might have questions and LTC NEWS provides the answers for many of the most asked questions here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News. Find all the resources available on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Help for Older Parents
If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
If your parent or parents need help be sure to get them quality care. LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.
Start by reading our four guides -
Get Assistance in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Many insurance companies have issued Long-Term Care Insurance policies over the years. Filing a claim can sometimes be complicated unless you know what to do or get expert help and assistance.
Don't allow the claim process to stop you from using the benefits available in an LTC policy. Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care.
If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help. LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work - free with no obligation.
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. Mike Banner, LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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