The knee joint is one of the most common places for osteoarthritis to develop as it bears much of the body’s weight. (Overweight people are particularly susceptible to osteoarthritis of the knee.)
Osteoarthritis of the knee is twice as common in women as in men. It mainly occurs in women who are over the age of 50. Putting regular stress on the knee joint can lead to osteoarthritis. People who run or jog have a slightly increased risk of osteoarthritis of the knee. An injury to the knee, such as a torn cartilage, substantially increases the risk for osteoarthritis later on in life.
Treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee includes weight management; exercises that strengthen the quadriceps (thigh) muscle; using a cane for support if needed; application of heat or cold to relieve pain and stiffness, and using analgesics (pain relievers) such as KneeRelief™† available from London Drugs.
In the event that non-prescription medication does not effectively control knee pain due to osteoarthritis, your doctor will be able to recommend a course of treatment better suited to your needs.
† You should consult your doctor before taking this or other products containing magnesium salicylate if you have a history of stomach problems, kidney or liver disease, or are pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use immediately if you experience nausea, stomach irritation or bleeding, vomiting, pain, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears or breathing problems.
Overuse, Sprains and Pulls
A sudden increase in the amount of exercise performed, failing to warm up before exercise, or a sprain/pull due to a fall or other mishap, can all give rise to inflammation and pain in the knee. Observing the following tips will help reduce knee pain:
- Rest the knee and avoid any activities that aggravate the pain, particularly weight-bearing activities.
- If the injury is new, apply ice every hour for 15 minutes. After a day has passed, apply ice at least four times a day.
- Keep the knee elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling.
- Provide compression for the knee by wearing an elastic brace such as a Futuro* knee brace.
- If necessary, take an analgesic medication such as KneeRelief™, available from the London Drugs pharmacy.
Cracked Skin
Dry, cracked skin on the feet is a common condition that, untreated, may lead to extreme discomfort and infection. This is particularly true for people with diabetes.
Dry, cracked skin on the feet is due in part to the lack of oil glands in the area and the associated inability of the skin to retain moisture. Overweight, long periods of standing and aging all contribute to the problem.
New Profoot™ Heel Rescue superior moisturizing foot cream with CoQ10 is formulated to penetrate, moisturize and repair cracked and calloused feet. Non-greasy, it leaves feet feeling soft and comfortable.
Yellowed Toenails
Yellowed, thickened and flaky toenails usually result from a fungal infection of the nailbed. The condition - known as onychomycosis - is not painful, but it can result in loss of the affected nails.
Prescription medications are an effective treatment for nail infection. However, they may be costly as they must be taken until the new nail has completely grown in. Your London Drugs pharmacist will be able to advise you on helpful treatments for yellowed toenails resulting from a fungal infection.
Providing Knee Support
A Futuro* knee brace will provide compression, warmth and pain relief for an injured knee. Use of a brace will also help protect the knees from injury by helping to stabilize the joint. When choosing a knee brace, make sure that it fits correctly, and/or is easily adjusted to provide maximum support.
Please note that wearing a brace continuously may cause the muscles to weaken and should never be considered a substitute for proper medical and rehabilitative care.
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