The goal of Meriter Hospital's Orthopedic Program is simple: return our patients to normal function as quickly and safely as possible. That's why we offer a full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments and procedures, as described in the sections to the left.

It's a good time to consult a doctor if:

• You have knee pain when you go about your normal daily activities
• It is difficult to walk distances and climb stairs
• You struggle getting up from low seats
• You have swelling or stiffness in the knees
• You cannot bear weight on your knee
• Your knee buckles, clicks, or lock
• Your knee is deformed or misshapen

To Avoid Knee Injuries

• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid stress on the knee
  (One pound of weight loss takes four pounds off of the joint)
• Maintain good strength, especially in the thigh (quadriceps) muscle
• Wear shoes that are comfortable and provide good cushioning

• Slowly increase the intensity level of physical activities
• Always stretch before exercising
• Maintain good flexibility
  

2/2/2009