Week 1: Don't let knee pain become part of your game

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The fundamental concept of a golf swing is the transfer of weight from the player's back foot to the front, supported mainly by the knees.

This is a paid placement by DePuy Mitek, Inc. The opinions expressed below are those of DePuy Mitek, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the PGA TOUR.

Knees have always played an integral role in the game of golf. The fundamental concept of a golf swing is the transfer of weight from the player's back foot to the front, supported mainly by the knees. As the game evolved and players became stronger, their swings gained more speed and torque, placing tremendous strain on their knees. We've witnessed the result in recent years as some of the world's best golfers have sustained knee injuries that have kept them out of competition for extended periods of time.

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The pressure that golf puts on the knees can often lead to injury.

There has been no shortage of attention given to the fact that the world's No. 1 golfer has just returned from an eight-month layoff due to arthroscopic knee surgery. Knee health in golf has never been more prominent, but it doesn't just affect the professionals. Amateur players will contend with the same problems and should be aware of how to maintain healthy knees so that they can continue to play the game as they choose, without being limited by knee deterioration.

The excess wear and tear that golf places on the knee joints may result in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, a condition in which your knee's natural lubricant starts to break down. Think of joint fluid  hyaluronic acid  as the knee's shock absorber. If it's not working properly, you start to feel more pain and discomfort when you move your knee. Over time, as joint fluid continues to break down, cartilage wears away and bones may even start to rub against each other, causing increased pain and swelling. OA of the knee can limit movement and restrict you from doing what you enjoy most, like golf.

However, there are ways to help maintain your knee health and help get your knees back in the game. Early action is key. Exercise is an important tool in treating osteoarthritis. Changing up between aerobic exercise (to strengthen your lungs and increase stamina) and strength/flexibility training (to strengthen muscles around the knee and increase stability) can improve your health and may help minimize your OA symptoms.

Please note that you should always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program. If you experience pain at any time, stop right away.

If you are living with OA of the knee and you're not getting enough relief from exercise or pain relievers, there is more you can do to help manage your knee pain and restore movement.

Various treatments exist, including non-surgical and non-drug options, such as ORTHOVISC®, which provides up to 6 months of knee pain relief. Made from ultra-pure natural hyaluronan, which is found in healthy joints, ORTHOVISC® is injected into the knee joint where it acts to replace your natural joint fluid, to help cushion, protect, and lubricate your knee.

Talk to your doctor to see if ORTHOVISC® is right for you.

Or visit our Web site at www.orthovisc.com for more information on how to maintain your knee health to help you keep playing the game you love.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

ORTHOVISC® is for patients who do not get adequate pain relief from simple pain relievers like acetaminophen or from exercise and physical therapy. ORTHOVISC® is not for use in people with known allergy to hyaluronate preparations, to gram bacterial proteins, with infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site or joint. Common side effects include joint pain, back pain, headaches and pain or redness at the injection site.