Far Infrared Heating Pads Help Maintain Healthy Knees

The knee is considered one of the most injury prone parts of the human body. It is also the leading cause of long term disability for athletes. That is not to say that athletes are the only people who have knee injuries. For most athletes a serious knee injury is usually the end of their career.

Although athletes are more likely to sustain knee injuries there are several other groups that are also considered susceptible. Women who have given birth are considered more susceptible to knee injuries. Due to the widening of the pelvis, the feet can be slightly separated and turned out when the knees are together and facing forward. This is known as a knocked knee stance. Other people that may have knee problems are those with flat feet, loose knee caps or an imbalance between thigh muscles. Unfortunately the major new cause for knee problems is obesity.

Diagnosing knee problems correctly can be very tricky. Any knee pain or inflammation of the knee should not be ignored. A doctor, preferably a specialist, should be seen as soon as possible. The doctor will examine the knee and take a case history so it is important to remember the details concerning the knee injury or problem. An MRI may be required to help improve the diagnoses.

The most common problems associated with knee joints are injured ligaments. Tendonitis is a very common complaint and occurs when the tendon or the sheath around the tendon becomes swollen. It is often accompanied by severe knee pain especially when going up and down stairs.

Another sign there may be a problem with the knee is swelling. Blood or synovium fluid collects in the membrane around the knee cap. This is usually due to inflammation or bursitis which is the technical term for overuse of the knee caused by a repetitive motion such as kneeling, crouching or lifting heavy loads.

Knee injuries are usually categorized into three levels of severity.

Level One - no flexibility in the knee ligaments. This indicates only a few ligament fibers are stretched.

Level Two - moderate flexibility in the knee ligaments. This indicates some of the ligament fibers are torn but not all of them.

Level Three - complete give in the knee ligaments when stressed in the injured area. This means that most likely all of the ligament fibers are torn and a major injury has occurred.

Traditional treatment for knee injuries are handled on a sliding scale depending on the severity of the injury or condition. The basic steps are ice, pain medication, minimizing weight bearing and once the acute trauma has past, physiotherapy may be used. For more severe knee injuries or conditions you may be referred to a surgeon.

Far infrared heat therapy is now being used as an alternative treatment for soft tissue knee injuries and conditions.

Far infrared heating pads can shorten the rehabilitation time for a knee injury and help protect against recurrence of the problem. Far infrared rays penetrate deep into the soft tissue around the knee joint. Blood vessels are expanded, allowing oxygen rich blood to flow to the affected area which promotes healing. This increased blood flow helps remove waste and toxins, replenish nutrients and protect healthy tissue. The deep penetrating infrared heat can reduce swelling, alleviate pain and enhance the range of motion.

Used on a daily basis, far infrared heating pads can help maintain healthy knees. Far infrared heating pads can reduce minor knee damage and help alleviate some of the pain associated with knee conditions such as osteoarthritis.