Myths about Total Knee Replacement

Myth#1 - Knee replacement is a surgery for old people. “I’m too young for a knee replacement.”
Fact - Candidacy for a knee replacement is not based on age, but on the person’s level of pain and immobility. Living with a painful joint that prohibits you from working or participating in normal life activities is an outdated way of thinking. Age is not necessarily a limiting factor. Often times, a patient is actually fearful about the uncertainty of surgery. Once they are able to resume many of the activities they enjoyed before the surgery, with increased mobility and with less pain, they are very happy they had the surgery. The quality of life one achieves by living without knee pain is priceless.

Myth#2 - “I should wait as long as possible to undergo knee replacement surgery” 
Fact - You don't need to suffer by waiting until the pain is intolerable. The longer life of joint replacements enables people to consider surgery earlier and at a younger age. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that continues to damage the joint and delaying surgery makes both surgery and return to activity more difficult. Delaying surgery lowers a patients’ quality of life not only before the operation, but even for up to two years following surgery.

Myth#3 - “I should continue with medications as long as possible”
Fact - Medicines including painkillers just give symptomatic relief for a temporary duration and prolonged usage is riddled with serious side effects such as renal failure, peptic ulceration  etc. All these medicines are NOT curable.

Myth#4 - Alternative therapies such as acupressure, ozone treatment, massage beds, oils, laser therapy, magnetic therapy; braces will cure my advanced arthritis and knee pain.
Fact - Till date there is NO cure for advanced knee arthritis and these alternate therapies are not backed by established scientific data. All these modalities give temporary pain relief in early to moderate arthritis for some duration only and are NOT curative. Often times, a patient who is actually fearful about the uncertainty of surgery lands up trying these in order to avoid surgery. 

Myth#5 - After a knee replacement, it takes months to recover.
Fact - Depending on the activity, most patients who undergo knee replacement are able to perform routine tasks within a few weeks. A return to rigorous activity takes only a few months. One becomes independent for himself before discharge from hospital. There’s no prolonged best rest required after the surgery.


Myth#6 - After knee replacement, I’ll have to give up some activities and sports.
Fact - You have a high probability of getting back to activities like brisk walking or cycling in 6 to 12 weeks. It will take a bit longer to return to more rigorous activities and contact sports. Squatting and sitting cross legged though possible but at best should be kept to minimal.

Myth#7 - Knee replacement surgery leaves a large scar that is noticeable.
Fact - Scarring is minimal compared to traditional surgery. In fact, the scar is typically only 3 to 5 inches long. As time passes, the scar will fade and become less noticeable.

Myth#8 - Knee replacement is a very painful surgery. There is lots of pain in post operative period.
Fact - With modern day pain management such as in a multimodal approach, ensures that the patient does not feel any pain in post op period and has a smooth recovery.

Myth#9 - Knee replacement is done one at a time.
Fact - Both the knees can be operated at the same time if the patient does not have significant co morbidities and is deemed fit to undergo the procedure by the doctor.

Myth#10 - The new knee lasts for 5-6 yrs. only.
Fact - With modern day precision including computer assisted knee replacement and advancement in biomaterials, the survivorship has increased considerably. Today's joint replacements last 25 years or longer and, for most people, will last a lifetime.

Myth#11 - Knee replacement cannot be done a second time.
Fact - Knee replacement can be done multiple times what is called as a revision joint replacement surgery with good survivorship.

Myth#12 - “I am obese, I cannot undergo Knee replacement surgery.”
Fact - Knee replacement can be successfully done in an obese patient though the recovery is somewhat prolonged and might require additional implants. However, patients who are morbidly obese and have restricted mobility primarily due to obesity are better off after a bariatric procedure.

Myth#13 “I have diabetes or hypertension or heart ailment, so  I cannot undergo Knee replacement surgery.”
Fact  - diabetes hypertension or heart.



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 13 Myths About Total Knee Replacement (TKR), Busted!

Osteoporosis is a medical condition marked by a decrease in bone density. It results in the brittleness of bones and their fracture. Osteoporosis does not display any signs or symptoms but manifests itself in advanced age.

Homeopathic remedies for Osteoporosis

Silica or Silicea-This remedy is for people who are often nervous, feel sweaty during the night, get easily tired and are a highly nervous lot. The injuries of such people take the time to heal/ are difficult to heal and their spine is weak. Generally, these patients have delicate or refined features.
Symphytum- Meant for those fractures that occur because of mild trauma, this remedy is useful in cases where pain persists in old but healed fractures and also when bones need to be strengthened.
Calcarea carbonica- This remedy is administered to people who are overwhelmed by a lot of work and stress, get tired easily after work and have a proclivity to stress a lot. Generally, these people are overweight and have a lot of body flab and easily get depressed by cold/chilly weather and dampness in the air. They have swollen joints, experience a recurring back pain and get a sweaty head in the night. An interesting characteristic of these people is also that they have a craving for eggs and sweet things.
Calcarea phosphorica- This remedy is meant for people who have a deep, uncontrollable and intense desire for travel. They want a change in their environment and have a general sense of dissatisfaction. People requiring this medication have pain in their neck, upper back and hips. Fractures, if any, are slow to heal and there maybe deposits of calcium in the bones. Post-exercise, these people feel greatly tired.
Phosphorus- Meant for people who experience a burning pain between their shoulder blades, phosphorus as an osteoporosis remedy is given to those people who have an intense desire for refreshing foods like ice cream, beverages, carbonated drinks etc. Such people are usually lanky and their faces often get flushed. They are sensitive, suggestible and susceptible to the imagination. They get easily tired after a round of exercise and work.
Homeopathy Dosage
Unless directed by a homeopathic physician, take doses of low potency like 6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X or 30 C if you are going in for self-medication. Follow the instructions printed on the label.
If you are taking a single dose, ten wait for its response. If the medicine is working, then wait for its full effect to manifest. If there is little or no response, take another dose. If there is no response at all after taking the second dose then change the medicine.

Please note that dosage depends upon the individual and the intensity of his/her ailment,

Osteoporosis - How Homeopathic Remedies Can Help?

Cervical spondylosis a special type of arthritis. The region of its occurrence is in the cervical vertebrae and the problem is more prevalent in men who belong to the middle age groups. In the language of Ayurveda, this problem is known as Greeva graham. The condition falls under the category of Vata condition.

What are the causes of cervical spondylosis?
The several factors that cause cervical spondylosis are as follows:

When the Vata Dosha increases in magnitude, the tissues start degenerating even in the neck joints.
Intake of food that leads to the formation of gas in the body is also one of the reasons of cervical spondylosis.
When people take too many gaps during two consecutive meals, then it leads to the formation of gas as well which causes cervical spondylosis.
Those who have night shifts frequently have a tendency to develop cervical spondylosis.
Overindulgence in activities of mental, physical and sexual nature can also cause cervical spondylosis.
What are the symptoms of cervical spondylosis?
The main symptoms of cervical spondylosis are listed below.

A persistent headache is one of the most common symptoms.
People often complain of feeling a stiffness in the neck region in case of cervical spondylosis.
A numbness or tingling feeling in arms is also one of the symptoms of this condition.
The posterior region of your back and shoulders will also pain in case you develop cervical spondylosis.
People also find it difficult to walk at times and face a lack of coordination as well.
What are the Ayurvedic treatment measures for cervical spondylosis?
The main treatment measures in Ayurveda for cervical spondylosis are:

Mridu Shodhana   This procedure is also known as mild purgation. In this procedure, a mixture is made with milk or the fruit pulp of Cassia fistula and castor oil.
Greeva Basti   A black gram paste is applied to the back of the neck and this will aid in retaining the medicaments in that region. Several medicated oils like Ksheerbala oil are heated and then the compound helps in retaining this oil within it for a time. The reason for this is that when the heated oil is applied to that area, it helps in giving relief from disc herniation. The disc cartilage nourishment is improved and thus, the degeneration process of the tissues is reversed.
Secondary Ayurvedic procedures are also effective against cervical spondylosis. Some of these procedures are Patrapinda Sweda, Shirodhara, Abhyanga, and Pizhichil.
Pacifying Herbs   Some of the Ayurvedic herbs act as a pacifier in cervical spondylosis. These are Bala or Sida cordifolia, castor root or Ricinus communis, Amalaki or Emblica officinalis, Shunthi or ginger and Gambhari or Gmelina arborea.
Medicines   Some of the effective Ayurvedic medicines include Rasnairandadi kashaya, Yogaraja Guggulu and Sahacharadi Kashaya.
Above ayurvedic treatments not only give you relief from cervical spondylosis but also stop further degeneration of the affected tissues.

Cervical Spondylosis And Ayurveda - What To Know

The obesity epidemic around the world is getting worse day by day, though people are getting conscious about their health as well and a major portion of the fitness industry has grown around weight loss. It is easier said than done as many people lose their motivation for weight loss somewhere along the journey. There are however, some really easy steps that you can follow to ensure that you achieve your goals without them being too taxing on you. Let's look at 5 easy ways to lose weight quickly.

1. Take walks, as frequently as possible - Without setting duration, it would be a good idea to incorporate walking into your schedule as often as possible. This will feel like less of a work out, but will still burn off many of the calories.  Here are some things you can practically do:
I.  Take stairs whenever possible
II. Do house cleaning chores, such as mopping or cleaning as regularly as possible as these are great calorie burners
III. Park your car a little further away and walk to your destination or meetings
IV. If availing public transport get off a few stops earlier and walk to your destination.

2.  Drink water right before meals - This is a great way to reduce portions automatically as drinking water right before a meal will fill up your stomach and result in you feeling not so hungry. Once your meal portions are reduced and continued over a long time this will help you lose weight.

3.  Instead of focusing on foods you don't like, increase foods you like in your diet - This is very true of most diets as people tend to start having cravings when they deny themselves of food. Thus it is advisable to slowly change your diet overtime and incorporate healthy options such as certain fruits or low calorie snacks that you like and slowly replace the unhealthy options.

4. Use TV time as a quick exercise opportunity - If you are sitting in front of the TV, you can start a small regimen of doing a few free hand exercises when the commercials come up. Use everyday objects near you as weight or as support platforms to do exercises while you don't have to pay attention to what's going on screen. 

5. Remember it is the journey rather than the destination, which matters - Many people tend to get engrossed about the end result and give up midway. You should remember that small things done correctly overtime can help you lose weight quickly and help you keep it off which is equally important.

10 Insanely Easy Ways to Lose Weight Fast

Bones are similar to a porous framework which is filled with minerals that make it hard and strong. With age, there is gradual degradation and the mineralized portion is lost, thereby leading to thinning of the bone. The word osteoporosis literally translates to porous bones, which is due to the gradual demineralisation. In addition to the natural ageing process, there are other diseases that can accelerate the demineralization process.

Women are more prone to demineralisation, and after the age of 40, they should take extra precaution to slow down the onset of the condition. The following are some ways to improve bone health and halt osteoporosis in the long run-

Diet: Ensure that your diet has sufficient amounts of vitamin D and calcium. Though calcium is the essential mineral for bone formation, vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium, and therefore both these elements play a vital role in maintaining the quality of the bones in our body. Most people require about 1,000 mg of calcium and about 500 units of vitamin D for optimal bone health. This requirement goes up slightly in postmenopausal women.

Sun Exposure: In most people, exposure to the sun allows the body to make vitamin D, but careful sun protection prevents this from happening. Also, with age, the body s ability to form intrinsic vitamin D also declines. The body, therefore, relies on supplements. Most dairy products are good sources of calcium. In addition, spinach, salmon, turnips, and broccoli are some calcium-rich foods. Supplements of calcium carbonate or calcium citrate can be taken if your diet is lacking in calcium. Vitamin D also should be included in the supplementation. The treatment for osteoporosis is incomplete without these two supplements.

Exercise With Weights: The constructive tension that exercise puts on the body helps in bone building, whatever the age may be, which prevents the onset of osteoporosis. Any exercise which improves muscle mass strengthens the bones, and puts stress on the bones is advisable. Since the fractured area due to osteoporosis mainly includes the spine, lower back exercises, yoga, tai chi, and abdominal exercises all work wonders. Pick any of these and do them for 30 minutes three times a week.

Quit Smoking: Continuing to smoke while taking osteoporosis medications is completely useless. Nicotine negates all the effects which defeat the purpose of taking the medication and is as good as taking no medication at all. So if you want the bone thinning to stop, stop smoking.

Alcohol Consumption: While a drink or two per week is permissible, more than this can harm the bones significantly.

Constant Health Watch: Talk to your doctor about how other routine medications (if any) can affect your bone health. Also, identify how frequently you should check your bone mineral density and stick to the schedule.

Bone health and osteoporosis can be managed with some conscious efforts.

Bone Health And Osteoporosis - Know More About Them!

Cervical spondylosis is fast becoming the bane of modern life. An age-related wear and tear problem affecting the spinal discs in your neck, cervical spondylosis is increasingly affecting the young because of the use of cell phones, laptops and the like.

Cervical spondylosis is a general term used to define shrinkage of discs in between vertebrae in the neck region. Along with disc degeneration, bony projections also form in the area and are called bone spurs.
Other causes of cervical spondylosis are dehydrated discs. Discs are thick, pad-like cushions in between vertebrae that act as shock absorbers. They are made of a gel- like material that can dry over time. This causes the spinal vertebrae to rub together causing pain. The discs also crack which allows the internal gel-like material to spill out and impinge on spinal nerves causing symptoms.

There is a narrowing of the space required by the spinal cord and nerves that emanate in the upper spine to go to various parts of the body. Pinching of these nerves can cause alarming symptoms like

Numbness and weakness in your arms, hands, legs and feet
Lack of coordination and difficulty in walking
Loss of bladder or bowel movement
Stiffness and pain in neck
Treatment and management
Usually, cervical spondylosis doesn t cause any symptoms. But when you start experiencing pain, stiffness and weakness of muscles, it s best to go to a doctor who will diagnose the problem and then treat it.
Treatment for cervical spondylosis depends on the severity of your symptoms. Its goal is to get rid of pain, allow you to carry on your daily activities and prevent any permanent damage to your spinal cord and nerves.

Medicines

Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Example Ibuprofen.
Corticosteroids are oral medications to get rid of the severe pain. If these don t work, your doctor can suggest steroid injections.
Muscle relaxants medicines relax the muscles in the upper part of the spine and help in curing neck pain and stiffness
Anti-seizure medications are also prescribed to dull the pain of damaged nerves in the spine. These include epilepsy medications, such as gabapentin and pregabalin.
Physiotherapy

Non surgical treatments are usually very effective in treating cervical spondylosis and surgery is usually not required. Physiotherapy is a bulwark for patients as it helps manage the condition very well.
Neck exercises that help stretch and strengthen muscles in your neck and shoulders can help manage debilitating symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
Few patients also benefit from traction, which can help provide more space for nerve roots within the spine.
Surgery

Surgery is the last resort for treating cervical spondylosis.
It is suggested when non-surgical treatments fail and the pain and neurological signs such as weakness in your arms or legs get worse.
It is done to create more room for your spinal cord and nerve roots.
Cervical spondylosis surgery typically involves removing:

Herniated disk
Bone spurs
Part of a vertebra

Cervical Spondylosis - How to Treat It?

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