Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent
problems occurring with the aging process. Amongst older adults, the cartilage
that serves as a cushion in a knee joint wears away, leaving bones to rub
against each other. It is estimated that more than half of the population older
than 45 years face the problem of osteoarthritis. There are several methods of
reducing the pain, though. The external treatments such as ice packs, over the
counter pain relievers, and heat application are some examples. These remedies,
however, work up to a certain extent. Also, they are effective when the
degeneration of the cartilage is not severe. With aging, the lubrication
deteriorates further, leaving no choice other than surgical intervention. In
the advanced condition of osteoarthritis, Knee replacement surgery in Bangalore remains
the only option. Knee replacement procedures have become quite common in the
last few years.
Pain
management in knee replacement surgery
There has been a tremendous advancement in
the surgery. Now the procedure is quite easy and straightforward. Opioids and
other painkillers reduce the discomfort significantly. Since these painkillers
have specific side effects, doctors are always searching for ways to provide
drug-free pain relief. Amongst the drug-free pain-relieving methods, cold
therapy is quite popular. In this new and revolutionary method, doctors use
tiny, compressed cartridges of Nitrous Oxide gas. The gas is injected around
the area where the nerves run. The gas cools the nerve to -80 degrees. Experts
say that the nerves get freeze due to the extensively low temperature, and they
have to regenerate.
How
does it work?
The nerves are coated by sheaths of
proteins. They are known as myelin. This protective layer communicates with the
brain and sends pain signals. When it gets damaged, the contact breaks. Our
body rebuilds the outer layer so that the nerves can function normally. While
the nerves regenerate, they cannot transmit the nerve pain. Since the time
taken for nerve generation is three to four months, there is no transmission of
pain.
The
method is totally safe and FDA approved.
When a Knee replacement surgeon in
Bangalore plans a surgery, the pain-relieving method is also decided
upfront. Which method doctors use depends on the condition of the patient,
complexity of the case, and so on. Of course, this method does not treat the
underlying cause of the pain but puts a temporary effect on the nerves. The
problem of osteoarthritis gets resolved by knee replacement surgery.
Other cooling methods for pain
management
Several treatment methods have been
developed in recent years to reduce pain and discomfort. Radiofrequency
ablation is one of the methods. It deactivates certain nerves in the knee. The
treatment is used when other conservative methods fail, and the patient is not
suitable for knee replacement surgery. It is performed on an outpatient basis. No
incision is involved in it. The whole procedure takes place less than one hour.
The relief from pain lasts from three months to one year.
In another method, tiny needles are
inserted into the skin, and sensory nerves around the knee are frozen. Thus,
the nerves do not transmit pain signals. This method is called
Cryoneuromodulation and the effect lasts around six months. Nowadays, the Best
doctors for knee replacement surgery in Bangalore use these new-age methods
to relieve the pain before and after the surgical procedure. Most of the
hospitals are equipped with the facilities and infrastructure to provide
top-quality treatment and long-term relief from the pain and discomfort caused
by osteoarthritis. The procedure gives pain when the nerves freeze. However, it
is a one-time discomfort that gives total comfort for quite a long time. Though these methods give instant relief
from the pain, exercise and physical therapy are the time-tested methods for
long-term benefit and improvement. Doctors work with the patients and develop a
personalized exercise routine. A regular exercise routine delivers long-lasting
relief and better movement.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post .it's reallly very helpfull post ,bye the way,
ReplyDeleteDr Ong Kee Leong
is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon. He subspecializes in shoulder and knee, foot and ankle, hand wrist and elbow surgeries, arthroscopic sports surgery, and the management of sports-related injuries. He has been registered with the Singapore Medical Council as a specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery since 2011.
Dr Ong Kee Leong is a fellowship-trained senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon
with a subspecialty in shoulder and knee surgery.
Day and hours: Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm