Tag: surgery

Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue

Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue
C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot

Keeping in tune with our commitment to providing the latest, medical breakthroughs, I recently had the rare pleasure of speaking with Professor Jorge Vas Ruiz , (Subdirector of the Master University of Acupuncture, ACMAS Huangdi located in Sevilla, Spain) regarding acupuncture’s effectiveness on osteoarthritis of the knee. For over 8 years, Professor Ruiz and his team of elite professors have investigated the effectiveness of Acupuncture treatment. In the past two years, his work focused on a trial of 40 patients whereby acupuncture and relative therapies were applied. The discoveries were that Acupuncture Techniques relatively proceeded to exceedingly heighten internal healing organisms. Professor Ruiz writes, “The art of traditional Chinese Medicine categorized Osteoarthritis as ‘Bi Syndromes,’ Blockages in Qi energy circulation, which results in ill health. From Ancient Widsom, analgesic properties were founded through points of acupuncture. Numerous studies have demonstrated which nervous system neurotransmitters and natural antigens respond to the stimulus of Acupuncture; and how the analgesic effectiveness of acupuncture fine tunes the peptide pathways and allows natural opiote substances into the undefined gray areas. In the case of Osteoarthritis, acupuncture has effectively reduced and alleviated pain improving mobility of the joints, and finally, increasing the quality of life and overall wellbeing. Recognizing which treatment is greater for the majority as opposed to surgery, our Investigation demonstrated that acupuncture is a good treatment for arthritis of the knee. Normally, 10-12 repetitive treatments are a necessary process depending on seriousness. Normally, patients did not require treatment past 6 months. Dr. Ruiz further explained that, “…Leading trials from patients affected by chonic neck pain were completed just a month ago and should have published results shortly. Another trial centered on acupuncture’s effectiveness on shoulder pain involving 500 patients is set to begin in one month as well.” In closing, Professor Ruiz elaborated that, “Overall, the process of osteoarthritis responds well to acupuncture. Depending on one’s initial stage of arthritis, this medical treatment can effectively help with pain and inflammation.” Professor Jorge Vas Ruiz is the Subdirector for, ACMAS Huangdi a practicing and teaching university of Acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine. His research has been featured on several medical media journals, including the British Medical Journal.____________________________________________________________________________ To read this and other articles like this one, go to www.holisticjunction.com today! 12/2004 Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue Report by, C. Bailey-Lloyd aka. LadyCamelot Public Relations’ Director & Staff Writer www.HolisticJunction.com www.MediaPositiveRadio.com www.911LawOffices.com About the Author
12/2004 Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue Report by, C. Bailey-Lloyd aka. LadyCamelot Public Relations’ Director & Staff Writer www.HolisticJunction.com www.MediaPositiveRadio.com www.911LawOffices.com

Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty In Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty In Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Mike Cliff

Replacement of the berm in juvenile person idiopathic arthritis is not often performed and at that place rich person been no published series to date. We present nine glenohumeral hemiarthroplasties in eight patients with systemic or polyarticular adolescent idiopathic arthritis. The mean keep up-up was six days (59 to 89 months). The mean age at the time of operation was 32 old age. Surgery took place at a mean of 27 age subsequently diagnosis.

The results indicated excellent easing from painful sensation. At that place was restoration of useful office which deteriorated with time, in part because of progression of the systemic disease in this severely affected group. No patient has required revision to date and in that location has been no radiological evidence of laxation or osteolysis around the implants. We discuss the pathoanatomical challenges unique to this group. In that location was very little space for a prosthetic marijuana cigarette and, in some cases, bony deformity and the belittled size necessitated the wont of custom-made implants.

Arthritis of the shoulder joint is rarely an early feature of jejune idiopathic arthritis. Involvement of the hip joint and stifle is more common and can be treated by arthroplasty.’~8 That of the articulatio humeri is seen later in the course of ongoing systemic or polyarticular puerile idiopathic arthritis with an incidence of 15% at 15 eld from the onset of the disease.9 Persistent arthritis of the immature produces a maldeveloped proximal humerus and glenoid cavity (Fig. Later in the course of the disease, erosion of ivory and cartilage whitethorn cause medial migration and superior subluxation of the humeral head. Consequent dysfunction of the impairs basic daily activities such as toileting and the utilization of crutches or a stick, which English hawthorn be required during rehabilitation later surgical operation on the coxa or knee joint.

If the elbows become involved, the role of the upper limb deteriorates further. Another (case 6) complained of persistent paraesthesiae and annoyance affecting the lateral aspect of her forearm afterwards surgical procedure which did not respond to simple analgesia and physiotherapy. She remains unable to self-toilet effectively because of a poor range of movement and her purpose has deteriorated with time. Peripheral nerve-conduction studies were comparable with those of the contralateral arm and within normal limits. MRI of her cervical spine showed degenerative changes consistent with a C6 radiculopathy, merely she has declined further intervention.

Thither wealthy person been no other significant complications to date. This is a diminished series of patients with no unoperated control group other than the contralateral of four patients with significant arthritic involvement. Our methodology is otherwise reasonable.

About The Author:
Mike Cliff http://www.qualitymanual.net

Copyright Mike Cliff – http://www.qualitymanual.net

Is Hair Transplant Painful?

Many people who think about having hair transplant surgery wonder if the procedure is painful. Often people have sensitive scalps and the thought of someone making cuts there seems hard to think about for these people. There is disagreement as to whether hair transplant surgery is painful, though.

Some say that hair transplant surgery is similar to a visit to the dentist. This does not seem like a description of something that is pain-free. It certainly does not seem like a relaxing experience. Yet some feel that there is that degree of pain involved.

The injections of the local anesthetic into the scalp before hair transplant procedures are definitely painful to some degree. Anyone who has had a tooth pulled knows that, if the tooth is deadened properly, it is not the tooth-pulling that hurts. It is the needle going in with medication to numb the tooth that is the real agony.

Of course, to follow the dental analogy, after the numbing wears off there is plenty of pain where the tooth was before. With hair transplant surgery, there is pain after the surgery as well. Swelling is normal after hair transplant surgery and can even keep you away from work. Your skull may feel very unusual for weeks.

However, the pain of hair transplant cannot actually be compared to a tooth extraction. Hair transplant pain is decidedly less sharp and some do not even feel it as pain at all. Many people simply feel it as an uncomfortable feeling. If they do feel any pain, it is of a degree that can be taken care of with a few doses of Tylenol.

On the other hand, some people who have had hair transplant procedures done do not feel that there is any pain involved at all. They tolerate the injections of the local anesthetic well. They are not bothered at all by the procedure. In fact they often watch television or read magazines, being awake and alert the whole time.

Hair transplant surgery is surely less painful than it was in earlier times when larger sections of scalp were excised. This involved more cutting to take out the donor hair and more cutting to insert the donor hair into the recipient site.

Hair transplant surgery was a very painful procedure in the past. Not all doctors today have given up on older methods. This is one reason why you should ask a lot of questions when you look for a hair transplant surgeon.

Up-to-date techniques for hair transplant use only the follicular unit and not a large amount of surrounding tissue for the donor grafts. This cuts down considerably on the amount of pain experienced. The procedure is minimally invasive now, so that no more of the scalp is disturbed than is necessary.

Finally, having a hair transplant with an experienced and skilled surgeon is an important key to having a less painful surgery. A doctor who knows the best way to do the procedure will cause you less pain an produce a better result for you into the bargain.

Searching for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief?

Searching for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief?
Kristy Haugen

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a wear and tear disease of the joints typically seen in the older adult (usually over 60 years of age). Cartilage within the joints breaks down causing pain as the bones rub against each other. Osteoarthritis is commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet.
Obesity is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis in the knees and hips. These weight bearing joints carry much of the weight causing increased wear and tear. Weight loss can significantly reduce the chance of developing osteoarthritis and can alleviate pain in people who currently have osteoarthritis.
Currently osteoarthritis treatment is limited because no medications are capable of preventing or retarding the disease process. Osteoarthritis treatment involves focusing on pain relief, the maintenance of quality of life, and functional independence. Let us take a look at some of the treatments that currently exist for osteoarthritis.
Many doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the initial analgesic (pain medication) of choice for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen has very few side effects. When using acetaminophen as a pain reliever, remember to follow the directions correctly. Acetaminophen is commonly overused by patients. You are recommended to not exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a twenty-four hour period. Acetaminophen is metabolized or processed by the liver. Excess acetaminophen can cause damage to the liver. Acetaminophen is also found in other pain medications such as Darvocet, Percocet, and Tylenol Cold. In fact, acetaminophen is found in quite a few prescription pain medications.
Traditionally NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have been useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis associated pain. One major concern with the use of NSAIDs is irritation to the stomach lining. In more severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeds or ulcers may form. NSAIDs can affect the bodys blood clotting ability and interfere with kidney function. NSAIDs should always be taken with food to decrease stomach irritation or upset. Do not drink alcohol while taking NSAIDs. However, these drugs should not be taken for extended periods of time unless directed otherwise by a qualified medical provider. Some common types of NSAIDs are ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin.
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2 inhibitors) are a class of NSAIDs. COX-2 inhibitors suppress arthritis pain much the same way but with less stomach irritation. Many of us know of COX-2 inhibitors but not by this name. Vioxx (refecoxib), Celebrex (celecoxib), and Bextra (valdecoxib) are COX-2 inhibitors. Vioxx and Bextra have been removed from the market. These drugs can significantly increase the risk for stroke and heart attack. Celebrex remains on the market but does have a black box warning stipulating this drug also can increase the risk for cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Capsaicin (Capsagel, Zostrix) which is derived from chili peppers can be applied topically for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain. Capsaicin will cause vasodilation, itching, and burning to the skin but after repeated applications desensitization will occur, decreasing ones pain. Methyl salicylate creams such as Ben-gay can also be used for osteoarthritis pain. Studies have shown that oral glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have a mild to moderate analgesic effect with arthritis.
For osteoarthritis patients who cannot tolerate their pain, glucocorticoid injections may be done. Glucocorticoids are similar to the hormone cortisol in the body. Glucocorticoids help alleviate pain by decreasing inflammation and swelling within the joint. Side effects are typically seen if you receive these injections too frequently.
Hyaluronan (viscosupplementation) injections can be injected directly into the joint for treatment of osteoarthritis. This medication helps supplement the synovial fluid. The synovial fluid is a lubricating fluid allowing the bones to move smoothly within the joint. This injection should relieve pain and improve your mobility of the joint. This treatment involves 3-5 shots within 5 weeks. You may experience pain and swelling after the injections but this should dissipate. Reduced osteoarthritis pain may last up to 6 months.
For patients that have decreased function and mobility of the joint, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical involvement should also be considered in patients whose pain has progressed to unacceptable levels. However, good surgical candidates are usually considered ideal for surgery. Certain health conditions can affect post-operative rehabilitation and healing. Surgery can hold just as much of a health risk as medications have side effects.
Osteoarthritis is not curable but there is hope for the future with advancements in medicine. Along with the above treatments for pain management, it is also important to remain active and healthy. Exercising regularly can help maintain mobility of the joint. Exercise also creates natural pain relievers such as endorphins. Pain may be a part of osteoarthritis, but pain doesnt have to be a part of your life!
Copyright 2006 Kristy Haugen

About The Author

Kristy Haugen is a mother working to finish her second bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering. She is also a Licensed Practical Nurse with a current bachelor degree in Biology and Chemistry. She writes to inform consumers about nutrition and health topics. Learn more about weight loss supplements at http://weightlosssupplements.vitaminmaniac.com. Learn more about vitamins and your health at http://blog.vitaminmaniac.com.