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HEALTH & FITNESS
JOINT ALIGNMENT
MATTERS
by Paula Allia D id you ever think about why some may Alignment of the bones in a joint matter. In
PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS be in their 30s and have arthritis in a perfect situation, proper joint alignment with
their knees yet another is 75 years old, a muscles coordinating their efforts perfectly is ideal
“If there are marathon runner with very little if any for function. Some are lucky to have this but many
arthritis is present? What causes osteoarthritis and others are not. By middle age, many people have
malalignments, why do some people get it more than others? Let’s already sustained an injury to a joint even if it was
the key to explore the causes and understand the various choices normally positioned prior. Now what do you do?
delaying that one may have to counteract the dysfunctions
continued and strains on the body. If there are malalignments, the key to delaying
continued progression of osteoarthritis is to lose
progression of Osteoarthritis is the most common type of weight if needed and choose the right exercise that
osteoarthritis is arthritis caused by wear and tear on a joint. On did not exacerbate the condition.
the ends of bones where articulations occur there
to lose weight is a shiny surface that is called hyaline cartilage. Do It is important to understand that exercising
if needed and not confuse this with cartilage that is also called a is still very important. The problem is that many
choose the right meniscus. This is another joint structure altogether. do not adapt themselves to the current alignment
exercise that did This hyaline cartilage gets bathed by joint synovial and condition of the joint. Thus, slow progressive
not exacerbate fluid and when healthy, stays shiny and smooth, inflammatory breakdown continues and eventually
allowing smooth sliding and gliding at the joint. the pain threshold is reached. The gait changes,
”the condition. Provided that joint integrity is intact with normal the body adapts to a newer posture and more
alignment and proper muscle coordination around breakdowns occur, sometimes to additional joints
Fitness Together the joint, smooth functional movement allows one because of the adaptations.
335 14th Ave South to function in a pain free manner. This is ideal for
Naples, FL 34102 the active person. So what does one do? You want to keep moving?
239.263.9348 Well, first wearing shoes that have good shock
There are several things that can cause weight absorption is essential. Many people in Florida wear
FitnessTogether.com/Naples bearing joints to breakdown. First, and injury can sandals or non supportive shoes which does not
occur such as a fall, twist, or accident. Secondly, some support the ankle and foot. A foot and ankle that
people are born with a less than optimal alignment. does not respond normally to the gait of walking
Finally, participating in impact sports can all cause or running can put more undue strain on the knee
joint breakdown over the years. and hip and if there is a history of an injury with
a biomechanical fault more stresses and strains will
An injury to a joint occurs more commonly with a continue and further breakdown is eminent.
quick motion, an unexpected step, a twist, or sudden
fall. This type of injury puts strain on the joint’s The best scenario for success of continued activity,
components, particularly the ligaments and even the these are the recommendations:
cartilage. Ligaments are essential with helping the
joint maintain proper alignment. The meniscus (if • If overweight, take steps to change this
there is one in the joint) acts to also protect the joint. • If you have abnormal foot and ankle adaptation,
When either of these are injured the joint becomes consider and evaluation for orthotics to assist in
compromised. proper weight transfer and propulsion
• Choose activities that do not put undue strain
Unfortunately, some people are born with a on the arthritic joint
malalignment. This predisposition may cause joint • Maximize proper movement patterns and
breakdown at an earlier age. Pain does not occur muscular control of the joints
at the beginning of the breakdown. Everybody is • Consider bracing if needed for support
different but one may actually have an altered gait • Do not let your arthritis rule you...find out what
but still not pain. As the hyaline cartilage wears, bone you can do about it!
on bone rubbing causes the shiny articular surface If you want further information please consider an
to breakdown and once hitting the right threshold, evaluation to see what it good for you 239.263.9348.
pain ensues. To Your Health!
50 Life in Naples | February 2016
