This section gives an overview of what arthritis is and what it does to the knee.

Although it focuses on just one area, the KNEE ARTHRITIS section is at a fairly fundamental level to allow new readers to get an overview of the topic of joint surface damage and consequent arthritis. You will find more advanced information in the KEYNOTES section.

Botox effective in easing arthritis knee pain

The writers are reporting on preliminary findings of a study by the Minneapolis VA Medical Center where botox injections were given into the knees of patients with arthritis and compared to other patients receiving placebo. They suggest -

[This is an interpretation of the following published medical paper. To read the original you need to take the reference below to your librarian and ask for a reprint.]

Focht BC. Effectiveness of exercise interventions in reducing pain symptoms among older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A review. Journal of Aging and Physical Therapy. 2006;14:212--235.

This author has reviewed the literature up to 2006 to see if there is any consensus about the value of exercise in older people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Interpretation of journal article -

Mikesky AE, Mazzuca SA, Brandt KD, Perkins SM, Damush T and Lane, KA. Effects of strength training on the incidence and progression of knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis and Rheumatism (Arthritis Care and Research). 2006;55(5):690-699.

Interpretation of journal article:

Deyle, GD, Allison SC, Matekel RL, Ryder MG, Stang M, Gohdes DD, Hutton JP, Henderson NE, Garber MB. Physical therapy treatment effectiveness for osteoarthritis of a knee: A randomized comparison of supervised clinical exercise and manual therapy procedures versus a home exercise program. Physical Therapy. 2005;12:1301-1317.

The medical literature is largely accessible to patients. The language is hard to read, the articles are stored in libraries and it is also hard for readers to put the information into the context of the time in which is was published. We try to overcome these issues by interpreting some of the literature for our readers and also trying to put it into context. Key articles on exercise for arthritis, in date order of publication, that we have reviewed/interpreted for you include -