Knee Pain: The Self-Help Guide [Paperback]

John Garrett (Author), Bob Reznik (Author), Dick Steadman (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2000

Many hurting knees happen as a result of sports injuries and accidental slips and falls, but many others are also the result of weight problems or aging. This book will help aging baby boomers and others stay active by clearly explaining how and why knees can be such a problem. The authors discuss the four most common knee problemsopain from the kneecap, torn meniscus, and ligament and tendon problemsoand explain what to do about them. Throughout, a variety of exercises to relieve pain, strengthen the knee, and prevent injury are clearly illustrated with drawings and photographs. Many new, nontraditional treatments do present valuable alternatives. Since surgery is always a looming possibility when the knee is involved, the authors help readers understand why surgery may become necessary, how to select the best knee surgeon, and what will actually take place in different types of knee surgery.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"The knee is a complex hinge designed by Mother Nature," writes John Garrett, M.D., one of America's most prominent knee surgeons, in Knee Pain: The Self-Help Guide. The knee absorbs shock, is strong and flexible, and lets you jump, run, and change directions at the same time--when it's working properly. Unfortunately, the knee is the most commonly injured joint, representing 26 percent of orthopedic business--more than the spine or hip.

Knee Pain is ideal for both athletes and baby boomers: it covers both knee injuries that are caused by trauma as well as those brought on by repetitive actions or common wear and tear. It aims to help people with knee trouble determine the cause of the pain and how to treat it without surgery (if possible), and informs patients what they should know if surgery is indicated. Fascinating illustrations of knees (fractured, torn, mended), knee procedures (tests, manipulations, exercises), and up-close-and-personal views of a variety of different surgeries are included. You'll get some information you might not expect from a knee book: advice to lose weight (excess weight stresses your knees); foods that aggravate arthritis; supplements; alternative treatments; recommended Web sites; and advice for gradually resuming activity after knee surgery or knee replacement. You also get more than 20 well-illustrated exercises that relieve pain and strengthen the knee. --Joan Price

From the Publisher

With unflinching honesty and detailed photos, clinical psychologist Alice Chang chronologically details her own struggle with breast cancer, taking readers from the initial discovery of a lump all the way through treatment to positive survival. With writer and counselor Karen Spruill, Dr. Chang explains how she underwent testing and diagnosis, assembled a medical team, and decided about treatment. She and Karen also include suggestions that will help readers understand side effects, find support, and cope with the fear, rage, and sadness that accompanies the diagnosis. They go on to offer specific recipes for positive survival and information on the implications of a breast cancer diagnosis for women from various cultural backgrounds, as well as single women and lesbians.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications (June 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572241942
• ISBN-13: 978-1572241947
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,131,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Knee problems - check this out, June 29, 2000

By 

Robert Lewkovich (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knee Pain: The Self-Help Guide (Paperback)

As a weekend athlete who has played various sports over the years my body has taken a beating especially my knees and back. Persistent knee pain had me researching and reading whatever I could find on the subject. Having read one of the coauthors other books on back pain I decided to give this one a shot.

I tried several of the exercises detailed in the book and found them to be very effective in strengthening my knee. In addition to the exercises I tried two of the other suggested therapies - massage and hydrotherapy. I attribute the renewed sports-health of my knees to the application of the exercises and therapies found in this book.

Read it - your knees will be glad you did!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars ACL Pain, October 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Knee Pain: The Self-Help Guide (Paperback)

The author is very thorough when discussing ACL injuries, surgery, and rehab. However, he doesn't address other types of injuries. I had a meniscus repair and was disappointed to find only a half a paragraph writen about meniscus injuries.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At long last!, December 26, 2002

By 

J. Hilton (Raleigh, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Knee Pain: The Self-Help Guide (Paperback)

An easy-to-read overview of knee problems that actually helped me! I have been dealing with knee pain for the past three years and visited many doctors, specialists and physical therapists - as well as trying many of the "alternative" treatments (massage, herbs, supplements, glucosamine, chiropractors, liniments, etc.) - with very little feeling of hope, empowerment or enlightenment, and very slow progress. I was so happy this book addressed the spiral of frustration when knee problems prevent exercise, which leads to weight gain, which causes more knee problems... And I was thrilled that this book provides many knee-strengthening exercises with easy-to-follow photos and directions. Not everything in the book was applicable - the book covers knee injuries in children, provides photos of various knee surgeries, and talks quite a bit about "baby boomers" (I am only 31) and professional athletes, but I am still very glad I read this book! Considering that it only took me one evening and one morning to finish, and I was able to gain quite a sense of hope and a lot of information, I do recommend it. Good luck!