What jobs are toughest on the knees?
Joint replacements for knee osteoarthritis are becoming more common, and now researchers have identified jobs that are the hardest on the knees.
Based on a review of 71 studies that included nearly one million workers, the riskiest occupations include agriculture, construction, mining, service jobs and housekeeping. Jobs that demand excessive kneeling, squatting, standing, lifting and climbing stairs all increase your odds.
Researchers found:
Carpenters, bricklayers and floor installers have roughly three times the risk for knee osteoarthritis, compared with sedentary workers.
Farm workers, builders, construction workers and those doing housekeeping tasks also carry higher risks.
“Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of loss of work and disability worldwide and can necessitate invasive surgery, including total knee replacement, so preventing occupational hazards is critical,” one researcher said.
Osteoarthritis develops as cartilage deteriorates and bone comes into contact with bone, causing pain and swelling, and limiting function, which affects lifestyle. One of the biggest risk factors is being overweight.
The best way to prevent osteoarthritis is to exercise and eat well. Stretching exercises will also help keep joints limber.
Employers can help by providing physical therapy and teaching workers how to do their jobs with less stress on their knees, researchers said
Source: HealthDay
Physicians Quality Care physical therapists can assess the specific ergonomics at your workplace to develop tailor-made, pre-shift programs for your employees. Your employees then can easily go through the pre-shift stretching and exercises in five to 10 minutes before they begin work.
For more information, contact OCCMed Director Jennifer Carmack at 731-984-8400 or jennifer@physiciansqualitycare.com.
