Knee problems a few years back meant this reader had to have a femoral osteotomy - a surgical procedure where the femur (thigh bone) is cut and the bone angled differently in an attempt to improve the mechanics of the leg. However, her knee is now causing her trouble again. She is considering having a knee replacement but wants to know if there are any alternative options. Can readers offer any advice?
According to John, the knee pain is a symptom of bones out of alignment. “Get them back into alignment and the knee joint will feel better,” he says. He recommends the following exercises:
1. A quadriceps stretch. Stand with you back to the kitchen bench. Put one of your toes on the bench and then lean back. Repeat with the other leg. (You'll probably notice the leg with the knee problem has the tightest quadriceps.)
2. Squats. Use small weights and stand with feet parallel. Bend down to a sitting position. Do four sets of 12 repetitions. (There will probably be a machine at the gym that facilitates this exercise.)
In addition, John recommends the book Pain Free by Pete Egoscue (Bantam, 2000). There are a number of useful exercises outlined in his book, he says. He also suggests taking glucosamine supplements and increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
Chiropractor Andrew agrees with these suggestions, but recommends that you have your knee assessed by an expert in biomechanics, such as a registered chiropractor. “I have personally saved many patients from the knife,” he says. “While surgery is sometimes necessary, it should be the last resort.”
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