Question
Hello Doctor,

I am preparing a claim with the VA regarding injuries I sustained while in the Army between 88-90 and could use some professional advice.

I抳e read in some medical journals that post traumatic Osteoarthritis can result from damage to the soft tissue in the knees. The Orthopedic surgeons at my local VA keep insisting that my knee OA cannot be post traumatic because there are no fractures or other damage seen in my x-rays. I don抰 believe they have looked at my MRI scans.

On my last denial they listed the reason as obesity, I抳e developed diabetes, and with my leg injuries it抯 been a struggle to control my weight. My BMI has been hovering just above or below 3.0 for some time now (5?0 215ish) my denial letter stated obesity as the reason for that decision. How long is it before injury and post traumatic type OA symptoms appear? I have several statements from witnesses at my wedding who say my knees were popping and that they noticed me moving around to stretch them due to stiffness. My wedding was one month after I graduated Airborne school and I was not obese when these symptom appeared.

I may have some follow up questions.

Thank you for looking over my questions,

Joe Oliver

Answer
Dear Joe,
This Chicago Podiatrist, Elmhurst Podiatrist & West Loop Podiatrist says.......
For your osteoarthritis.....
New studies show that previous trauma to a joint may predispose that joint to osteoarthritis. Unfortunately there are no real way to know .
For example-if you injured your knee(s) with direct trauma(hard impact,etc)then there is a possibility to develop osteoarthritis (OA). An x-ray or MRI would probably be negative-until the OA develops. Obesity is caused by eating and not lack of exercise. Exercise helps burn calories-but should not be the main method to lose weight. Loss of weight would greatly help the OA in your knees. Obesity is known to cause OA.

Hope this helps & Good Luck!
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in foot & ankle pain & injuries

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
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