Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and orthopedic experts say it affects more women than men. In these segments, we will first explore the cause, symptoms and treatments for Osteoarthritis. Then we will hear one women’s encouraging journey from life-altering knee pain, to total knee replacement surgery using the Zimmer “Gender Solutions Knee.” This implant is the first and only knee replacement shaped to fit a woman’s anatomy.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES:
Most Common Knee Replacements:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis_ff.asp

Women Suffer More Than Men:
http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/mar09/research6.asp

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoarthritis/DS00019

The Mars-Venus dichotomy between men and women in relationships has garnered a great deal of discussion and documentation. What about the anatomical dichotomy when it comes to degenerative joint disorder?

Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disorder that affects cartilage. It can be caused by heredity, obesity or simple wear and tear on the joints. The results are aches and soreness and a reduction in mobility. The knees are a common target of this disease, and women are more often affected than men.

Viewers of The Balancing Act are also most commonly women, so the show’s producers are always looking for solutions to issues, challenges and problems that concern the female population. We invited Cheryl Blanchard, Ph.D. to be a special guest on the show to provide insight into ways to cope with the painful problem of osteoarthritis:

• Exercising. Developing a daily fitness routine is important to keep the body moving and the knee flexible. It may lessen pain, increase movement, reduce fatigue, and help you look and feel better.
• Controlling your weight. Simply reducing the stress on your joints may help ease pain in your knees.
• Using heat or cold. The use of hot or cold compresses on joints may provide short-term relief from pain and stiffness.
• Pacing yourself. Alternating periods of activity with periods of rest may help protect your knees from the stress of repeated tasks and reduce fatigue.
• Protecting your joints. Learning to use your body in ways that avoid excess stress, such as walking with a cane or not lifting heavy items, may guard against joint degeneration.
• Building self-help skills. Educating yourself on ways to better manage the emotional effects of arthritis (e.g., talking about your feelings with family members and friends, doing mental exercises, joining a local arthritis support group) may make coping with the physical effects easier.

If knee replacement surgery is needed, Blanchard advises viewers about the first and only knee replacement system that is specifically designed to fit a woman’s anatomy. Zimmer® Gender Solutions™ Knee system is a unique implant to restore mobility and quality of life for women who are suffering from arthritis in the knee region. The product has three distinct differences from other knee replacements – for a better fit, better flexion and more natural movement.

To find out about your options, whether you’re a candidate for Zimmer® Gender Solutions™ or even locate a doctor who can help evaluate you, visit www.GenderKnee.com, or www.zimmer.com.