|
23-year-old
Utah male was presented to the Center complaining of
deep left knee pain: “Not there all the time” but worse
when walking downstairs, “almost no pain” when walking
upstairs.
Pain does not awaken him from sleep but certain
movements are troublesome, especially when playing
basketball. Predicament with knee began at age 15 after
bad fall during game (apparent tearing of ligaments and
parts of meniscus). After surgical correction and for
the past eight years, patient has undergone four
arthroscopic surgeries and was told a total knee
replacement is inevitable.
Patient is otherwise healthy; no medications required.
Discussion:
Young athletes experiencing chronic pain
are an increasing syndrome at The Center for
Regenerative Medicine.
As trauma remains one of
the leading causes of Osteoarthritis, we nevertheless continue to challenge
our bodies to impossible goals.
Expressions and slogans such as "No pain, no gain",
"Just do it" and, most recently, "The impossible is
nothing" are common marketing campaigns passed from
generation to generation to answer competitive instincts
seeded in human nature . Parents too often encourage
children’s participation in extreme sports without
weighing the consequences of permanent damage to
muscular skeleton systems which are very fragile. Once
serious damage occurs, problems can reoccur over
lifetime despite corrective surgical procedures.
Before giving consent to sports participation by
children or young teens, parents must weigh temporary
rewards against the risk of potential long-term damage
and disability that would limit essential flexibility
and support of muscular structure over an anticipated
lifetime.
|
