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 Living with a painful joint that prohibits you from working or participating in normal life activities is an outdated way of thinking.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!

Hot and Cold therapy is one of the most popular home remedies for any kind of joint pain or muscle sprain. In some cases applying heat therapy and cold therapy alternatively, can help relieve the pain while for others only one form of therapy is necessary. To understand what to use when, one should first understand the effect of heat and cooling on the body.

Applying a heat pack or immersing the affected limb in hot water improves blood circulation and makes the muscles more flexible. Thus, it can help relax a muscle and fasten the healing of damaged tissues. On the other hand, cold therapy or cryotherapy reduces blood flow to the affected site. This helps relieve inflammation and pain caused by it. It can also make the area feel numb by reducing nerve activity temporarily.

Types of Heat Therapy
Heat therapy can be categorized as dry heat and moist heat. Dry heat involves using saunas or dry heating packs to relieve pain. This is also known as conducted heat therapy. As the name suggests, moist heat involves the use of steamed towels, hot baths and moist heating packs. This is also known as convection heat therapy. Moist heat is usually considered more effective than dry heat.

Types of Cold Therapy
Cold therapy may be applied to a part of the body or to the entire body. This includes ice packs, coolant sprays, ice baths, ice massages and whole body, cold therapy chambers.

How to use heat and cold therapy?
The sooner heat and cold therapy is given to a person, the faster they will recover from their pains. Heat therapy can be given to a person for extended periods of time but when giving cold therapy, a person should not be exposed to a cold pack or ice bath for more than 10-15 minutes. Care should also be taken no to apply ice or a frozen pack directly on the skin as it can damage the skin and nerves.

When not to use Heat Therapy?
If the injury site is swollen or bruised, cold therapy is better than heat therapy. Heat therapy should also not be applied to an open wound. People suffering from conditions such as diabetes, dermatitis, deep vein thrombosis, vascular diseases and multiple sclerosis should also avoid heat therapy as these conditions can increase the risk of burns and other such complications. Pregnant women should also consult a doctor before using a hot tub or sauna.

When not to use Cold Therapy?
Cold therapy is avoidable for treating stiff joints and muscles. People suffering from poor circulation and sensory disorders should also avoid using cold therapy without a doctor s supervision. 

Hot & Cold Therapy - How It Can Treat Pain?

Are you suffering from chronic pelvic pain? Well, then it is time to consult your doctor. Chronic pelvic pain can be the indication or symptom for other serious disorders. It is often difficult to figure out the exact cause of the pain. Chronic pelvic pain refers to the persistent pain in the pelvic region that has been lasting for over six months. Your doctor needs to carefully examine your symptoms to know the source of the pain.

Here are some of the causes that lead to chronic pelvic pain:

Endometriosis: In this disease, cells that form the lining of the uterus grow abnormally. These cells grow on organs like the ovaries, urinary bladder or rectum. Symptoms that can be accompanied with pelvic pain in Endometriosis.

Pelvic pain or cramps before or during your period
Pain during or post sex
Pain at the time you ovulate
Pain during bowel movements
Rectal bleeding during period
Pain during urination
Lower back pain
Infertility
Spotting in between periods
Bloating
Adenomyosis: This disease is similar to endometriosis. Cells lining the uterus tend to invade the uterus and muscle tissues of the uterine wall. In many cases, women with adenomyosis are devoid of any symptoms. Some of the common symptoms are:

Pain during period
Pressure on bladder or rectum
Massive periods
Long periods
Interstitial Cystitis: Women suffering from interstitial cystitis have inflammation of the urinary bladder. The inflammation is due to any infection. This affects women as a result of their aging. Symptoms:

Need to urinate very often
Discomfort during urination
Pain at the time of sex
Urinary Tract Infection
Bacteria cause urinary tract infections. This, in turn, leads to pelvic pain. Infections can affect any part of the urinary tract. It can also affect the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections are common in women mainly. Symptoms:

Pressure in lower pelvis
Pain or a burning sensation during urination
Needing to urinate frequently
Cloudy urine
Blood in urine
When to visit a doctor?
It is difficult to know and assess the right time to visit the doctor. But the pain may be very irritating. It can also lead to fatal and chronic disorders. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor if the pain persists for a long period and doesn t vanishes with the home-based remedies or medication. The doctor may conduct lab tests, laparoscopy, or radiological tests to come to a conclusion.

Chronic Pelvic Pain - Common Causes Behind It + Related Symptoms!

A pain in the neck or back can restrict movements and hamper your lifestyle. These are both common pains that may or may not be a symptom of a more serious illness. Neck pain can be caused by a number of factors including stress, whiplash, inflammatory infections, mechanical disorders and metabolic disorders. The main causes for a backache are vertebral column diseases, spinal cord infections, abnormal posture, heavy lifting etc.

Homeopathy is one of the most holistic forms of treatment that can be used to treat pain in the neck or back. Homeopathic treatment has no side effects and is based on individual mental and physical symptoms showcased. Homeopathy do not address the pain itself but treats the underlying cause thus ensuring that it does not recur. Some common homeopathic remedies for neck pain and backaches are:

1. Calcarea flour: this is used to treat pains that arise from the hardening of cervical glands. Such pain tends to deteriorate in cold weather and worsens when the patient is lying down. Heat can be soothing to such backaches and neck pains.

2. Bryonia: this is used typically to treat backaches that are worsened by any movement and for a stiff back. This sort of back ache is often relieved by resting or lying on a hard surface.

3. Arnica: arnica is an excellent remedy for pains that follow an injury. When it comes to backaches and neck pains it can be used to treat soreness and straining of ligaments. It is also beneficial against the feeling of being bruised.

4. Fluoric acid: this can be used to treat rigidity and a feeling of stiffness around the nape of the neck. Such pain is often associated with numbness of the neck and forearm.

5. Hypericum: this is a useful homeopathic remedy for compressed injuries and nerve pain. It can be used to treat back aches caused by disc compression, canal stenosis, myelopathy and radiculopathy. Hypericum can also be used to treat jerking muscles.

6. Kali carb: if your back feels weak and you experience sharp pains, kali carb may be help alleviate your pain. Such pain is usually associated with a burning sensation and causes excessive sweating. Kali carb is also suited to treating backaches during pregnancy.

Along with medication, try maintaining a good posture to help reduce neck pains and backaches. Avoid lifting heavy weights and travelling long distances. Applying hot and cold packs over the area can also help reduce the intensity of the pain.

Treating Backache and Neck Pain With Homeopathy Medicines

What does neck and shoulder pain indicate?

The stabbing pain that you experience around the neck and shoulder region should never be ignored as they may indicate health problems that require medical attention. There are certain points that you need to keep in mind the if you experience prolonged pain in these areas of the body.

1. Neck injury? your neck and shoulder pain should be seen as a warning sign that you need to take a look at the neck injury you may have sustained during a rear-end automobile accident. More specifically, whiplash injuries that happen when the head experiences a sudden backward and forward jerk, straining the tissues of the neck. 

2. Pain in these areas of the body could indicate abnormalities in the vertebrae of your neck such as herniated disc, causing added pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord.

3. Your neck and shoulder pain complaint may also point towards muscle strains. Lifestyle factors like working long hours in front of laptops or desktops leave you with no time and zero energy to exercise, resulting in serious neck and shoulder pains.

4. Your neck and shoulder pain may also indicate the problem of cervical spondylosis. This is a degenerative disc disease, which is characterised by severe pain that originates from the neck and radiates till the shoulders.

5. Even heart problems, such as a heart attack can cause pain in the shoulder and the neck. When this happens, the condition is known as referred pain.

6. Adopting an improper body posture during lifting of heavy materials can induce pain in your body parts, with neck and shoulders being the most vulnerable areas.

7. You may be suffering from a condition known as rotator cuff injury in which the group of ligaments and muscles that support the shoulder get injured during lifting or playing any sport.

To avoid aggravating the pain from becoming more severe, you shouldn't ignore any ache that arises from these areas.

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'consult'.

Related Tip: 6 Effective Ways to Keep Away Body Pains, esp. When Temperatures Dip

What Does Neck and Shoulder Pain Indicate?

Pain is unpleasant suffering caused by injury or illness. Back pain may be sudden/constant, dull, severe or not responding to short rest and medication. Constant pain in back in any region of spine for more than few days to weeks needs intervention.

Pain which is intense especially at night requires urgent visit to a specialist.

Sudden onset of pain in back with or without injury needs urgent attention.

Back pain with difficulty in walking, pain while getting up from position of comfort, pain during change of posture or pain after prolonged sitting (for work) can lead to serious permanent damage, if left untreated.

Pain which travels to one or both legs may be due to pressure on the nerve/s and if left untreated for long can lead to permanent weakness or damage.

Pain associated with numbness, tingling or weakness in legs, especially below the knees, commonly called Sciatica, needs to be investigated. Various spinal ailments can lead to weakness in one or two limbs or all four limbs. There may be associated or isolated numbness (loss of sensation to touch, pain or temperature) without back pain.

Numbness, tingling or weakness may be the only symptoms without any complaint or without history of back pain.

Problems related to bladder control which may be difficulty to control, hesitancy in passing or dribbling of urine. There may be associated constipation. Loss of bowel/bladder control is caused by pressure on spinal cord &/or nerves which may be due to injury, infection, disc prolapse or tumor.

Sudden swelling and redness in back usually happens after an injury or accident but sometimes are signs of underlying severe illness.

Loss of normal shape/curvatures of spine can present with or without pain. It can lead to forward, sideways or rarely backward bending.

Unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, evening rise of fever or disturbed sleep with associated back pain/weakness/numbness needs visit to a specialist.

When Should You See Your Doctor in Back Pain?

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