Health Tips for September 27

Health Tip: Ward Off Runner's Knee

Runner's knee describes a dull, aching pain in front of the knee. The injury is more common in runners, soccer players, cyclists, skiers and others whose activities stress the knees.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions to help prevent runner's knee:

• Stay physically fit and maintain a healthy body weight. Those extra pounds add more stress to the knees.
• Always stretch and warm up before any exercise, especially running.
• If you're upping the intensity of your workout, do it slowly. A sudden increase in your workout can stress the knees.
• Invest in quality shoes with plenty of shock absorption. Make sure they're in good shape and fit well. Use shoe inserts if you have flat feet.
• Run in the proper form, leaning forward with the knees bent. Try to run on an even and fairly soft surface.

Health Tip: Could It Be a Torn Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff is a network of muscles and tendons that cover the upper arm bone and allow the arm to rotate. An injury or overuse can lead to a painful rotator cuff tear.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides this list of common symptoms of a torn rotator cuff:

• Shrinking or thinning muscles surrounding the shoulder.
• Pain that occurs when you try to lift your arm, or lower it when completely raised.
• A feeling of weakness when you move or lift your arm.
• A "crackling" sensation when you move your shoulder in certain ways.