MetroSouth Medical Center (MSMC) will focus on care and prevention of achy knees as part of its March/April “Knee Pain Loves Women” campaign at all four hospital health center locations. During these months, the hospital is offering a complimentary tool kit for women who want to strengthen their hamstring/quads and prevent or eliminate knee pain. The kit consists of a strengthening band and a helpful card that explains five simple, at-home exercises. It is available in the gift shop in the hospital’s main lobby or can be ordered by sending an email with your NAME and MAILING ADDRESS  to info@metrosouthmedicalcenter.com.

“Knee pain is usually caused by osteoarthritis, which can be very painful,” explains Dr. Bruce Dolitsky, orthopedic surgeon at MetroSouth Medical Center. “Eighty percent of my patients with osteoarthritis are women and it can really take a toll when it prevents them from performing everyday activities and going to work.”

The campaign is in response to a rising number of women who struggle with knee pain. Recent studies show that women are struck by knee pain more frequently than their male counterparts. A new study by researchers at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics found that thigh muscle strength does predict incidence of painful or stiff knee osteoarthritis. Women with the strongest quadriceps muscles appeared to be protected against the development of knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

“Simple but consistent quadriceps conditioning can help a great deal,” says Kathy Wcislo, a physical therapist at MSMC. “I’ve had patients who were prime candidates for knee pain completely fend it off by developing strong thigh and quad muscles.”

In addition, knee pain tips will also be the focus at four MetroSouth Health Center Grand Openings listed below. Exercise specialists will demonstrate pain-reducing hamstring and thigh strengthening exercises, give away strength bands and exercise cards, and doctors will be on hand to help diagnose any serious knee problems.

This spring, MSMC will offer 100 free knee xrays to women over 40 who have three or more of the following symptoms: knee pain, stiffness, swelling, catching, locking/giving way and loss of motion. To register for a MetroSouth Health Center community event or a knee screening, call 708.489.7927.

Grand Openings:

MetroSouth Health Center at Alsip
12246 S. Pulaski
Wednesday, March 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

MetroSouth Health Center at Blue Island
MetroSouth Doctor’s Pavilion, 2310 York Street (across street from hospital)
Tuesday, March 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

MetroSouth Health Center at South Holland
401 East 162nd Street (162nd and South Park), Suite 207
Thursday, March 25, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

MetroSouth Health Center at Morgan Park
1701 W. Monterey (111th and Vincennes)
Tuesday, April 13, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.