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A lot of us today, regardless of age, are involved in sports to stay fit and active. Due to our hectic schedules during the week, many of us fall in the “weekend warrior” category. Basically, we indulge in physical activity during weekends and holidays. In such cases, due to the fact that our bodies are not used to regular physical activity, performing sports without adequate warm-up and training can result in injuries. Foot and ankle regions are one of the most common areas of sports injuries. According to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it accounts for 25% of athletic injuries.
In our country, sports injuries are commonly seen in sports such as running, soccer, badminton, cricket and basketball. Most of these injuries are caused by accidents and trauma. However, poor training practices, improper equipment, insufficient warm up and lack of condition can also result in serious injuries.
It is hence extremely important that one should warm up before starting any type of sport, wear shoes that are designed for your foot type and change them when they wear out. Proper conditioning of the muscles by gradually increasing intensity of the sport as well as playing in appropriate conditions (such as running on an even surface) can also significantly reduce the risk of injury.
While sportspersons can suffer from a wide range of orthopaedic problems based on the type of sport they play. There are some injuries that are more common, especially in athletes. Here are the 5 most common foot and ankle injuries that sportspersons experience:
The ankle is made up of complex connections between tiny delicate bones and soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) that keep the joint in its place. Ankle sprains are considered to be one of the most common injuries seen amongst athletes. Sprains generally occur due to the twisting movement of the foot resulting in damage to the ligaments present in the ankle. Ankle sprains are further categorised into two types: Inversion and Eversion.
Amongst the two, inversion sprains are more common and involved the inward twisting of the ankle. In such cases the ligaments on the outer aspect of the ankle are damaged. On the other hand, eversion sprains are caused by the outward twisting of the ankle, affecting the ligaments on the inner side. These are significantly rare as compared to inversion sprains.
Most sprains are minor and require rest, ice and protection to heal. In some cases, however, lack of treatment can result in lifelong pain and disability. Especially if the ankle isn’t healing correctly. In such cases, it is essential to consult a foot and ankle specialist.
Read: Foot and ankle pain: everything you need to know
Achilles is the largest tendon present in the body. It runs from the back of the leg to the heel. Achilles tendinitis is a condition that affects this tendon. It usually occurs due to exertion and extreme stress and hence is common among sportspeople. It can also be caused due to aging and degeneration. It presents as pain and swelling in the back of the heel that can make it difficult for the affected person to walk and run. Patients suffering from achilles tendinitis are also prone to develop a tear in the achilles tendon. This condition can be effectively managed with rest, ice, analgesia, appropriate footwear and physical therapy.
As the name suggests, stress fractures are fine fractures or cracks that are caused by repetitive force or overuse. They have commonly seen in runners as well as people engaging in sports that involve the legs such as dancing, gymnastics etc. The main reason behind this is the fatigue of bones in the ankle and feet due to excessive repeated loading. The bones in the feet (metatarsals) are most commonly affected bones when it comes to stress fractures. Patients with stress fractures can experience soreness, pain and bruising over the area of stress without any history of trauma. Treatment of stress fractures involves immobilising the foot with the help of plaster/boot as well as staying away from exertion till the fracture heals.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when excessive stress is placed on the plantar fasciitis (band of tissues supporting the arch of the foot). It causes inflammation in the tissues resulting in pain at the bottom of the heel. Many patients complain of severe pain in the heel after the first steps taken in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. In many cases, a heel spur can be seen on the X-ray. Ice, heel pads in shoes and physical therapy involving calf and plantar fascia stretches are used to manage this condition.
Also, read: Severe pain in heels during the morning: do I have Plantar Fasciitis?
Another common sports-related injury that occurs amongst sportspeople is the “turf toe”. Turf toe is a term used to describe a sprain in the ligaments of the big toe. This medical condition can occur when the heel is lifted off the ground and repetitive stress is applied to the big toe due to its hyperextended position. It was so named as it was commonly seen amongst American footballers who used to play on artificial turfs. However, it is also commonly observed in players of other sports such as basketball, gymnastics, wrestling and dance. It results in pain, swelling and stiffness in the base of the big toe that can manifest either after a sudden trauma or with repetitive loads. Doctors generally treat this condition with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, ice and taping.
It is easy for most of us to overlook problems with our feet. In reality, most conditions involving the feet manifest gradually over a period of time. If they are not caught early on and give the proper treatment, it can worsen to severely impact the quality of life. So, pay attention to your feet and make sure you are wearing the footwear designed for the sport to minimise the risk of injury.
If you notice any of such condition, do not ignore, consult the best orthopaedics doctor in Gurgaon today or book your visit to the CK Birla Hospital for your foot or ankle related problems.
Many men may experience difficulty in getting aroused for sexual intercourse once in a while at some point of their lives. Having trouble with erection from time to time is not necessarily something to worry about. However, if the trouble persists, it might indicate erectile dysfunction or impotence.
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Erectile dysfunction or impotence is defined as the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough to engage in sexual intercourse. It can be a short or long-term problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should get a medical consultation to rule out ED.
For a very long time, ED or impotence was brushed under the carpet as patients found it difficult and embarrassing to open up to their doctors, family or friends. “How to manage erectile dysfunction?” this is the burning question that many afflicted men find tough to ask. In this article, we answer some common questions about this sexual disorder and explore medical treatments and home remedies for erectile dysfunction.
Sexual arousal is an extremely complex process. Hormone levels, brain function, emotional state, muscle strength are just some of the factors which impact erections. Erectile dysfunction can be caused due to health conditions, lifestyle habits, psychological issues or a combination of the above.
In order to identify the cause of ED in any patient, the causes of ED are classified into two broad categories: Physiological causes of ED & Psychological causes of ED.
Read: Staying ahead of Urinary Tract Infections
Treatment protocol for erectile dysfunction involves treating the underlying cause of ED. Basically, erectile dysfunction cure depends on what is causing the condition in that particular individual. The cause is identified with the help of detailed medical examination, including the patient’s medical history and psychological analysis.
Depending on the cause of ED, the doctor can recommend any of the following treatments:
Kegel exercises are known to have a positive impact on erectile dysfunction. They help in strengthening pelvic floor muscles. In men, strengthening these muscles stimulates blood flow into the penis when sexually aroused, resulting in longer and more satisfying erections. Ideally, Kegel exercises should be performed multiple times every day.
Other exercises for ED include Pilates and aerobic exercises such as boxing, cycling, running etc. While Pilates strengthens your core muscles, aerobic exercises help in maintaining your cardiac health and improving blood circulation in the body.
Exercise also helps in regulating the mood. Hence, it is especially important for people facing problems with erections due to any psychological issues such as depression or anxiety.
“You are what you eat”, this stands true for all of us. Studies show that consuming more natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, etc and limiting your consumption of processed foods and meat can reduce the risk of having erectile dysfunction.
Being excessively sedentary, smoking, use of narcotic substances, consumption of too much alcohol etc are all lifestyle factors that can contribute towards increasing the likelihood of erectile dysfunction. If you consume tobacco in any form, quit now. If you are obese or overweight, getting your weight under control can also help in preventing erectile dysfunction. Follow a healthy balanced diet, exercise and keep your body physically fit to lead a healthy life.
For additional information about any men’s health condition, you can speak to our expert urologist & andrologist. Book your visit today at the CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.
Also, read: Premature ejaculation-causes and symptoms
वर्ष 2017 में माइक्रोसॉफ्ट के सीईओ (CEO) सत्या नडेला की किताब हिट रिफ्रेश प्रकाशित हुई थी जिसमे उन्होंने अपने सेरेब्रल पाल्सी से जूझ रहे बेटे से जुडी कई बातों का उल्लेख किया था।
हमारे आस पास भी बहुत से ऐसे बच्चे देखने मिल जाते हैं जो शारीरिक या मानसिक रूप से स्वस्थ नहीं होते या सेरेब्रल पाल्सी (Cerebral Palsy in Hindi) नामक बीमारी से जूझ रहे होते हैं।
सेरेब्रल पाल्सी एक न्यूरोलॉजिकल डिसऑर्डर होता है जो बच्चों की शारीरिक गति, चलने-फिरने की क्षमता को प्रभावित करता है। दरअसल, सेरेब्रल शब्द का अर्थ मस्तिष्क के दोनों भागों से होता है और पाल्सी शब्द का अर्थ शारीरिक गति की कमजोरी या समस्या से है। यह एक तरह की विकलांगता है जिसमे बच्चो को वस्तु पकड़ने और चलने में समस्या होती है।
यह रोग मस्तिष्क के किसी हिस्से में चोट लगने के कारण होता है। बच्चों में होने वाले इस रोग के विषय में और जानकारी देने के लिए हमारे बाल एवं अस्थि रोग विशेषज्ञ डॉ प्रवीण तित्तल ने इस बीमारी के विषय में कुछ खास जानकारी साझा की है, आइये जानते हैं क्या होती है यह बीमारी (Cerebral Palsy in Hindi) और किस प्रकार यह बच्चों के जीवन को प्रभावित कर सकती है।
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Cerebral Palsy in Hindi: सेरेब्रल पाल्सी बच्चो में उनके मस्तिष्क और मांसपेशियों से जुड़ी समस्या होती है जो लगभग तीन साल से अधिक उम्र के 1,000 में से लगभग 2 से 3 बच्चों को होती है।
एक सर्वे के अनुसार देश में करीब 500,000 बच्चे एवं वयस्क इस बीमारी से जूझ रहे हैं। यह बीमारी मस्तिष्क के कुछ भाग में चोट लगने के कारण होती है जो बच्चों में होने वाली मोटर डिजीज में से सबसे आम बीमारी है।
यह बीमारी संक्रामक नहीं होती है और न ही प्रोग्रेसिव होती है, जिसका मतलब होता है – समय के साथ इस बीमारी के लक्षण न हीं बढ़ते हैं और न ही बिगड़ते हैं। हालाँकि ये लक्षण सभी बच्चों में अलग अलग हो सकते हैं और लक्षणों और स्थिति की गंभीरता के आधार पर ही यह निर्धारित किया जा सकता है कि किस बच्चे को किस प्रकार की सहायता की आवश्यकता होगी।
उदाहरण के लिए, यदि किसी बच्चे की स्थिति गंभीर है तो उसे विशेष सहायता और उपकरणों की आवश्यकता हो सकती है वहीं कम लक्षण वाले बच्चे को अपेक्षाकृत कम सहायता की आवश्यकता होगी।
डॉ गौरव जंडियाल के अनुसार – अक्सर बहुत से माता पिता इस बीमारी के कारणों और कारकों को जानने के लिए, या यह बीमारी कभी सही हो सकती है या नहीं ऐसे ही बहुत से प्रश्नों के साथ आते हैं।
पहले, कुछ डॉक्टर्स ऐसा मानते थे कि सेरेब्रल पाल्सी होने का मुख्य कारण गर्भाशय में बच्चे को ऑक्सीजन की सही मात्रा न मिल पाना था किन्तु नई रिसर्च के अनुसार बहुत कम ऐसे मामले होते हैं जिनमे बच्चे को आक्सीजन न मिल पाने के कारण उन्हें सेरेब्रल पाल्सी की समस्या होती है।
सेरेब्रल पाल्सी से ग्रसित सभी बच्चे जन्म से ही इस बीमारी के साथ पैदा नहीं होते, कुछ मामलों में बच्चे जन्म के कुछ समय बाद उनके मस्तिष्क के विकास की अवधि के दौरान इस बीमारी से ग्रसित होते हैं। सेरेब्रल पाल्सी होने के कुछ कारण इस प्रकार हैं:
लक्षणों और मस्तिष्क के प्रभावित भाग के आधार पर सेरेब्रल पाल्सी को निम्न चार प्रकारों में विभाजित किया गया है:
यह प्रकार सबसे सामान्य प्रकार होता है जिस कारण अधिकांश मामलों में पाया जाता है। स्पासटीसिटी सेरेब्रल पाल्सी वाले लोगों की मांसपेशियाँ काफी टोंड और अधिक होती हैं जिस कारण उनकी माँसपेशियाँ काफी अकड़ी हुई रहती हैं जिससे उन्हें चलने फिरने में कठिनाई का समना करना पड़ता है। स्पासटीसिटी सेरेब्रल पाल्सी को भी प्रभावित अंगों के आधार पर पुनः 3 भागों में बांटा गया है:
यह सेरेब्रल पाल्सी का दूसरा सबसे आम प्रकार है और इसमें कई लक्षण शामिल हैं जैसे कि डायस्टोनिया (बार बार बोलना या बोलने में परेशानी होना), एस्थेटोसिस (राइटिंग मूवमेंट्स), और कोरिया (सही से चला न पाना)।
ऐसे लोगों के लिए चलने की गति या तो धीमी हो सकती है या बहुत झटकेदार और बहुत तेज भी हो सकती है। यहाँ तक की कुछ मामलो में रोगी का चेहरा और जीभ भी प्रभावित हो सकती है जिस कारण बात करने, खाने में समस्या हो सकती है।
यह प्रकार सबसे कम सामान्य है, जो पीड़ित को सामंजस्य में बाधा उत्पन्न करता है। इस प्रकार के सीपी से पीड़ित व्यक्ति को कचलने, बोलने, खाने, या अचानक गति करने में बहुत ही कठिनाई हो सकती है।
यह प्रकार उस समस्या को संदर्भित करता है जहां व्यक्ति के लक्षणों में दो या दो से अधिक लक्षणों का मिश्रण होता है।
बहुत से माता पिता अपने बच्चों की मांसपेशियों की गतिविधियों के बारे में चिंतित रहते हैं की कहीं उनके बच्चे को किसी प्रकार की विकृति तो नहीं है, इसका निदान करने का सबसे उत्तम तरीका है अपने बच्चे की मांसपेशियों का ध्यान रखना की किसी प्रकार का विकार या चलने फिरने में कोई परेशानी तो नहीं है। इसके अलावा कुछ चीजें जिनका विशेष ध्यान रखना चाहिए वो इस प्रकार हैं:
सेरेब्रल पाल्सी या CP के लिए कोई विशेष परीक्षण नहीं है, लेकिन कुछ टेस्ट्स ऐसे हैं जिनके द्वारा यह बताया जा सकता है कि आपके बच्चे को CP है या नहीं। टेस्टिंग के कुछ सामान्य तरीकों में निम्न शामिल हैं:
ब्रेन स्कैन- एमआरआई, क्रेनियल अल्ट्रासाउंड।
इलेक्ट्रोएन्सेफलोग्राम (ईईजी)- यह आमतौर पर उन बच्चों में किया जाता है जिनको दौरे पड़ते हैं, यह टेस्ट इलेक्ट्रोडों की एक श्रृंखला का उपयोग करके आपके बच्चे के मस्तिष्क की गतिविधियों को रिकॉर्ड करता है।
लेब टेस्ट- रक्त और मूत्र परीक्षण आनुवंशिक और चयापचय संबंधी समस्याएं को समाप्त करने में मदद कर सकते हैं।
विविध परीक्षण- यह बताने के लिए कि सेरेब्रल पाल्सी से शरीर का कौन सा अंग प्रभावित हुआ है, आपको उन विशेषज्ञों के पास भेजा जा सकता है जो आपको निम्नलिखित का निदान करने में मदद कर सकते हैं:
इसके अलावा, कोई भी परीक्षण बच्चे के गर्भ में होने के दौरान सेरेब्रल पाल्सी या मस्तिष्क पक्षाघात का पता नहीं लगा सकता।
यद्धपि सेरेब्रल पाल्सी का इलाज पूरी तरह से बच्चे को ठीक नहीं कर सकता है, लेकिन यह निश्चित रूप से कई तरीकों से बच्चे के विकास में मदद कर सकता है। दवाइयां, सर्जरी और थेरेपी इस बीमारी के इलाज का सबसे सामान्य रूप है। मांसपेशियों की रिहाई से संबंधित सर्जरी, टेंडन रिलीज, हिप डिस्लोकेशन, या स्कोलियोसिस इत्यादि कई मामलों में बच्चों के लिए सहायक हो सकती हैं। थेरेपी जैसे एक्वा, म्यूजिक, बिहेवियरल, फिजिकल और बॉवेल इत्यादि भी बच्चों में कमजोरी को कम करने में काफी सहायक होती हैं।
बोटोक्स और प्लास्टर जैसे गैर-पुरातन तरीके भी आज सेरेब्रल पाल्सी को सही करने में काफी योगदान देते हैं। बोटोक्स को मांसपेशियों में लगाने से यह मांसपेशियों की अकड़न को दूर करता है और उन्हें उन्हें सहनशक्ति प्रदान करता हैं। जबकि प्लास्टर बच्चे के निचले अंग के विस्तार तालमेल को रोकने में मदद कर सकता है जो बाद में सामान्य प्रकार से चलने फिरने में मदद कर सकता है और मांसपेशियों में तनाव को कम करता है।
सेरेब्रल पाल्सी से जुड़ा एक आम मिथक है कि यह बच्चे की जीवन प्रत्याशा को प्रभावित करता है। यहाँ हम आपको बता दें कि यह कथन असत्य है। बहुत से बच्चे जो सेरेब्रल पाल्सी से ग्रसित होते हैं उनकी जीवन प्र्तयशा भी सामान्य बच्चो के समान ही होती है। सेरेब्रल पाल्सी जीवन प्रत्याशा में बाधा नहीं डालता है बशर्ते आप अपने बच्चे को सर्वोत्तम चिकित्सा सहायता प्रदान करते हैं।
यदि आप अपने बच्चे को सेरेब्रल पाल्सी से ग्रस्त पते हैं तो आज ही सी के बिरला हॉस्पिटल आयें और हमारे बाल एवं अस्थि रोग विशेषज्ञ डॉ प्रवीण तित्तल से संपर्क करें।
इसके बारे में भी पढ़ें: क्या क्लबफुट का स्थायी इलाज संभव है?
“It’s your third trimester? Your baby is the size of a peach now!” Fruits and vegetables have been used to describe foetal growth throughout pregnancy for quite some time now. While this is a useful way to visualise the baby’s growth for most of us out there, your obstetrician has a more accurate form of measurement to monitor the growth of your little one. This measurement metric is called the “fundal height”.
According to the world health organisation, fundal height is a commonly practised method of foetal growth assessment. The measurement is defined as the distance in centimetres from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. It is helpful in determining if the baby is small for its gestational age.
After completing 24 weeks of pregnancy, the fundal height should roughly be equal to the week of gestation, i.e. If you are 27 weeks pregnant, fundal height should ideally be 27 centimetres. As you approach your due date, your baby would begin descending into your pelvis in preparation for birth hence, the fundal height would start decreasing.
Your doctor would then compare your fundal height with the standard fundal height. If your fundal height measures smaller or larger than expected, or the rate of increase is more or less than expected, it could indicate
Based on what your doctor observes, you would be asked to undergo an ultrasound to determine the cause of the irregularities and would monitor your pregnancy closely.
It is important to remember that fundal height is not an exact science. Fundal height measurement is less accurate for women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Researchers are still trying to determine how effective it is in detecting intrauterine growth restriction.
Read: Is it safe to drink saffron (kesar) milk during pregnancy & will it influence my baby’s complexion?
Ques: What is my fundal height at 29 weeks of pregnancy?
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, your fundal height in centimetres should roughly be equal to the number of weeks you complete in your pregnancy. Basically, if you are in the 29th week of your pregnancy, your fundal height would be approximately 29 centimetres. As you get closer to your due date (37-40 weeks of pregnancy), your fundal height will start decreasing as your baby starts descending into your pelvis.
Ques: Is fundal height accurate?
Fundal height measurement is helpful in determining if the foetal growth is normal or not. However, it is not an exact science. Body mass index is also a factor in the accuracy of the fundal height. Your doctor might recommend an ultrasound to get a more accurate picture of foetal growth.
Ques: When can I start measuring my fundal height?
Your doctor would start recording your fundal height after you complete 20 weeks of pregnancy. In case there are any inconsistencies that are observed, your doctor would monitor your pregnancy more closely and recommend further diagnostic tests to determine the causes behind the irregularities.
Read: A guide to increasing baby weight when 9 months pregnant
Almost every woman, at some point, will find a lump in her underarm and her mind will go straight to the horrific thought of breast cancer. This is common given the fact that most of you have heard that having underarm lumps is usually one of the signs.
Although that is true, breast cancer is just one of the many reasons for abnormal growth in the armpit region. So, with the help of the following article, you can examine and learn about the different causes of your underarm lumps without assuming the worst.
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Underarm lumps are usually caused by swollen lymph nodes or glands that are developed under the armpits. Lymph nodes can be identified as small oval-shaped developments that form a ball-like structure.
Underarm lumps are experienced by both men and women alike, but poses more of a health risk for women in rare cases. These swollen bumps might seem scary at first, but in most cases, they are just the result of some minor issues.
To understand these lumps better and why they occur, here are some causes and symptoms that you can examine and see for yourself if your condition requires serious attention.
Most underarm lumps are harmless, and some of their major causes include:
Fibrous tissues are also known as fibroadenoma that are harmless breast tumours. These non-cancerous lumps usually develop in comparatively younger women in age (15-35 years) and during premenopause.
Allergic reactions are usually caused due to deodorants, antiperspirants, soaps, roll-ons, or perfumes that one might be using. The content of alcohol or fragrant materials in these products might be harsh on the sensitive skin of the underarms, thus causing reactions like lumps and rashes.
Lipomas are known as the growth of fatty tissues under one’s skin. They develop not only in the underarms but also in other parts of the body like neck, shoulder, forearms and thighs.
You can contract an infection that causes the formation of lumps in the armpits. These infections could be fungal, bacterial, viral, or even due to a reaction caused by vaccinations.
Out of all these causes, there are very few cases where lumps are caused due to serious conditions like breast cancer, lupus, or leukemia. In such cases, you can never be too sure, and hence it is always better to consult a medical professional, no matter how small the situation might seem.
The biggest indication or symptom of a lump in the armpit is the lump itself. However, there are other signs which tell you if you are forming an underarm lump. The different types of armpit growth can also give you a clearer picture.
For example, if it is a cyst infection or simply a fatty growth, the lump will feel very soft. In the case of cancerous lumps, however, this growth might feel comparatively harder.
Symptoms of infectious lumps include fever, night sweats and swelling of lymph nodes. An increase in size or difference in hardness and colour might indicate a more serious problem like breast cancer or leukaemia.
Also, Read: Is the pain in the breasts or breast soreness an alarming sign?
Sometimes, it is very difficult for a person to identify a lump on their own. These lumps might occur in both men and women, but for women, it is necessary to do a regular breast examination to avoid any serious conditions from developing.
A breast self-exam involves looking for any lumps in the breast area along with underarms and hands. If you do find a lump or something that resembles it, go to a doctor to get it diagnosed and see what it means.
A family doctor or medical professional is the only person who can determine what your lump denotes. Sometimes, a simple examination will do the trick, and you might find out what your condition entails.
But in other cases, the doctor will ask you to do other examinations which could be:
Also, Read: What to expect when you are diagnosed with breast cancer
Based on the type of lump, your doctor will prescribe you different treatments and medicines. The types are generally bifurcated into three broad categories.
These lumps are usually caused due to lipoma, different infections or non-cancerous lumps (fibroadenoma). These can be treated very easily with a small dose of ibuprofen or using a warm compress or hot water bag.
For bacterial infections and allergies, the doctor will usually prescribe medication that is on the heavier side such as antibiotics. This removes the allergen from its roots and ensures the chances of the lump forming again are minimised.
These lumps are usually treated using surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy if cancer has spread to other parts.
Also Read: Treatment of fibroadenoma without surgery | Is it possible?
As it turns out, all lumps are not cancerous, but in some cases can still be harmful. Therefore, the best way to tackle this situation is to regularly examine your body and be on the lookout for such abnormalities.
Only when you find the lump in time will you be able to consult with the best Breast Cancer Specialist and get the right treatment that your condition requires. Keep in mind that this condition will generally not be fatal, but it is equally important to be aware in case the situation is severe.
Joint replacement surgery has evolved extremely over the past few decades, giving thousands of patients all around the world, a second chance at life. Today, patients suffering from painful conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knee can take back control of their life and live pain-free thanks to options such as total or partial knee replacement.
As knee replacement surgery is generally an elective procedure, patients have the time to do a comprehensive research before taking any decision and scheduling the procedure. One of the decisions they wrestle with is choosing between total or partial knee replacement surgery. Before we dive into the pros and cons associated with each, let us understand these two procedures better.
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Total knee replacement surgery is also called knee arthroplasty or simply knee replacement. It is a surgical procedure performed to repair a damaged knee. The knee joint can be damaged by trauma/injury or conditions such as osteoarthritis. In this procedure, the damaged bone and cartilage from the tighbone, shinbone and kneecap are replaced with a prosthesis or artificial joint made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.
A typical knee replacement surgery generally lasts for about 2 hours. Intravenous antibiotics are administered to the patient before, during and after the procedure to prevent infections. During the surgery, the patient will be given a general or spinal anaesthetic.
The knee is kept in a bent position to expose all surfaces of the joint. The surgeon then makes an incision about 6 to 10 inches long. Through this incision, the surgeon moves the kneecap aside and cuts away the damaged joint surfaces.
Once the joint surfaces are adequately prepared, the surgeon attaches the pieces of the prosthetic joint. The surgeons test the new knee joint by bending and rotating it before closing the incision.
After the procedure, the patient is placed in the recovery room for 1-2 hours. They are generally discharged a few days after the procedure. It is important in the first few days post-surgery to move the foot and ankle. This increased blood flow in the leg which reduces the risk of blood clots and DVT. Patients have also prescribed blood thinners and compression boots to further prevent swelling and blood clots.
Knee replacements generally provide patients with pain relief and greater mobility. Artificial joints can be expected to last more than 15 years. The lifespan of the artificial joint depends on the quality of surgery and care taken after surgery.
Read: Quality of life after Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Partial knee replacement surgery or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty offers an alternative to patients with damaged knees if the damage is confined to a particular compartment of the knee.
Earlier, this procedure was generally performed on older patients as they were unlikely to overexert themselves. Today, partial knee replacement has risen in popularity even in the younger population as it has a lower recovery time as well as decreased post op pain.
However, this surgical alternative is not suitable for everyone. It is estimated that about 5%-6% of patients with arthritis of the knee are eligible for partial knee replacement surgery.
This procedure can be performed on patients having medial or lateral knee osteoarthritis. “Medial” is the inside compartment of the knee, closest to the opposite knee, while “lateral” refers to the outward compartment which is farthest from the opposite knee.
In order to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for partial knee replacement surgery, the surgeon will:
“What are the benefits of a partial vs total knee replacement?” This is one of the most frequent questions posed to orthopaedic surgeons everywhere.
To find an answer to this question, we must first understand why the need for surgery arises. Patients develop knee joint degeneration due to a number of reasons. It can be a result of any past trauma, bad outcomes of previous surgeries, infection, rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis, childhood diseases, obesity as well as aging.
The knee joint has a cartilage that helps remove friction and distributes the joint forces uniformly. It also helps cushion the forces, acting like an effective shock absorber. With knee degeneration, this cartilage deteriorates, resulting in joint pain and decreased function.
The knee joint is broadly divided into three compartments. These are:
Typically, arthritis or degenerative process starts in one compartment and eventually progresses to the rest of the knee.
If the degeneration is limited to only one compartment, partial knee replacement is recommended. It is beneficial as the implant is much smaller and only the unhealthy bone and soft tissue are reconstructed during surgery.
One of the main benefits of partial knee replacement surgery is that in this procedure, normal structures such as the cruciate ligaments and uninvolved compartments can be left alone. And as the dissection is minimal, normal neural pathways which are interrupted during total knee replacement procedures are also spared in this alternative treatment.
Partial knee replacement surgery comes with lower risk of developing complications after surgery, decreased hospital and recovery time, increased range of overall motion and greater patient satisfaction.
When it comes to life expectancy of the prosthetic joint, studies show that over 90% of partial knee replacements function well for more than 10 years after the surgery. Patients with both partial and total knee replacement joints seem to prefer the former as compared to the latter, suggesting that they feel the partial knee replacement to feel more “normal”.
The choice of partial or total knee replacement surgery is done after careful diagnosis and study of the damaged joint. There is a higher failure rate for partial knee replacement surgery as compared to total knee replacements. As not all patients are ideal for partial knee replacement surgery, correctly judging the suitability of the procedure is critical to the outcome.
With significant improvements in prosthetic design as well as surgical techniques, both procedures can be performed with increased precision to realign the knee and correct any issues. For patients opting for either procedure, care should be taken while choosing the prosthetic. The surgeon generally recommends the prosthetic he or she is most comfortable using, hence discuss the available options at length with your doctor.
Read: All you need to know before considering replacement surgeries for both knees simultaneously
Ques: How to avoid knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is an elective procedure, especially if it is being performed to manage conditions such as osteoarthritis. This surgery is generally done if all other non invasive treatment options are proving ineffective. Weight loss, muscle strengthening exercises and stretches to improve flexibility are generally the preliminary steps taken to strengthen the knee joint. Medication is also given to the patient to manage their pain.
Ques: How long does a knee replacement surgery last?
Total knee replacement surgery lasts for about two hours and requires 3-5 days of hospital stay. Partial knee replacement surgeries last around 45 minutes and require 1-2 days of hospital stay. Not all patients are ideal candidates for partial knee replacement surgeries. In some cases, doctors will decide on which procedure to perform after they make the incision and view the damage to the joint.
Ques: What are the risks of knee replacement surgery?
Like all other surgeries, there are several risks associated with total knee replacement surgery. These include
Seek immediate medical assistance if you notice:
Also, read: The risk of delaying Knee Replacement Surgery
The recent coronavirus pandemic has brought forth the importance of vaccinations. Vaccines are probably the most significant and effective ways to prevent a wide range of bacterial and viral infections.
When we think of vaccinations, we generally think that they are meant only for children. In reality, vaccinations are as important for adults, if not more. This is because many infections such as chickenpox might be harmless or mild for children but extremely severe for adults.
Pregnant women have to be exceptionally careful about their health as it directly impacts the health of their babies. Vaccinations help safeguard both the mother and child from infections during pregnancy. Pregnant women, who get vaccinated pass on important infection-fighting antibodies to their babies helping them develop stronger and healthier.
Many women also have concerns about the impact vaccinations can have on their unborn child. Let us take a closer look into vaccinations during pregnancy, their importance and possible risks.
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Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect people from harmful diseases and infections before they are exposed to them. They often contain weakened or inactive forms of the virus/bacteria. They are designed to stimulate an immune response from the body without creating any severe complications of the disease.
According to the World Health Organisation, we now have vaccines that can prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases. It is estimated that immunisation drives prevent 2-3 million deaths every year due to diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, influenza and measles.
Smallpox is considered to be the first disease to be completely eradicated by vaccination (as declared by the WHO in 1980). Vaccination efforts have also helped drastically reduce the occurrence of diseases such as polio and guinea worm disease.
Most women are advised to undergo a blood test either during their pre-pregnancy check-up or their early prenatal visit. This test should check if they are immune to certain infections that can cause complications during pregnancy such as chickenpox.
If they do not have the antibodies that can protect them and their baby during pregnancy, they should get vaccinated. Pregnant women are generally not given vaccines containing live viruses.
There are two main vaccines recommended for women who are pregnant, these include:
For most of us, flu is a harmless albeit extremely uncomfortable infection. It can leave us feeling weak with muscle ache and diminished appetite. However, we generally recover without any medical intervention.
On the other hand, flu can cause extremely severe complications in pregnant women. It can lead to preterm delivery and birth, affecting your baby’s growth and development.
The flu vaccine (commonly called the flu shot) is made of an inactive virus and hence is considered safe during pregnancy. The influenza nasal spray should be avoided as it contains the live virus.
Women who are pregnant during the flu season, or amidst a flu pandemic/epidemic should definitely talk to their doctor about getting a flu shot.
The Tdap vaccine offers protection against the following diseases,
Tetanus (T) causes pain and stiffness in the muscles. In later stages, tetanus can cause serious complications such as trouble swallowing or breathing and even death.
Diphtheria (D) causes difficulty in breathing, paralysis, heart failure and sometimes death.
Pertussis (aP) or whooping cough can result in incessant and violent coughing. It is especially dangerous for newborn who have not been vaccinated as yet, causing complications such as pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and death.
Women are generally administered the Tdap vaccine in the early part of their third trimester (in each pregnancy). They pass on the antibodies to their babies providing them valuable protection from these diseases for a few months after birth. The babies can then be vaccinated when they are 2 months old.
Read: A quick guide to routine antenatal scans done during Pregnancy [2020]
In some cases, there might be an increased risk of any particular type of infections. Especially in cases when travelling is involved. If your obstetrician feels that there is a chance of you being exposed to meningococcal disease, you might be asked to get the required vaccinations. These include:
Pregnant women are advised to avoid vaccines containing live viruses. These include:
In extremely rare cases, vaccines can cause complications. Especially if you are allergic to any component of the vaccine. Remember to inform your obstetrician about any allergies you might have. If you are not suitable for any particular vaccine, ask your doctor alternate ways to protect your baby against harmful infections.
Also, read: What is Rh factor and how it impacts your Pregnancy?
We all grew up listening to “drink your milk if you want to grow big and strong!”. But is plain old milk the magic answer to all bone-related concerns?
There are many who vouch that increasing calcium intake by having around 3 glasses of milk is the best way to prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterised by bone loss or weakened bones. People suffering from osteoporosis break their bones easily, sometimes even with a sneeze or cough.
There are also many who believe that just increasing the intake of milk or other dairy products does not have any significant impact on the rate of fractures. In fact, they believe that this intake could be harmful to the body causing problems such as heart disease.
While we may not know the exact answer to this conflict of opinions, let us explore what we actually know about osteoporosis and how our calcium intake affects it.
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The term osteoporosis translates to “porous bones”. Bones affected with osteoporosis look porous or like a honeycomb when viewed under a microscope. It is a condition of the bone which is a result of an imbalance between the rate of bone being built and bone being destroyed.
Osteoporosis is a relatively common condition, becoming more prevalent with age. Ensuring that you have the necessary amount of calcium intake when the rate of bone development is greater (up to the age of 30 years) creates a strong foundation for your bone health in the future. This will not, however, prevent bone loss later in life.
Bone loss due to ageing depends on several factors such as genetic predisposition, physical inactivity and hormone imbalances.
Our body needs a number of minerals and vitamins to function properly. Of these, calcium is important for building and maintaining bones and teeth, blood clotting, transmitting nerve impulses and regulating heartbeats. The bones and the teeth account for 99% of the calcium in the body. The remaining can be found in blood, muscle and tissue.
The body gets calcium either from our daily diet or from sources of calcium in the body, namely bones and teeth. Hence, it is important to have calcium-rich foods such as dairy products with high concentrations per serving of absorbable calcium, leafy vegetables (spinach etc), beans, soy etc.
If our body does not get or is unable to absorb enough calcium from natural sources, it starts “borrowing” calcium from the bones. If this is not replaced, it can have harmful and long term implications.
Read: Your comprehensive guide to joint pains and their treatment
While to the naked eye, we might seem to have stopped growing, our bones are in a state of constant flux. New bone is made while the old one is broken down. Osteoblasts are bone cells responsible for building bones while osteoclasts are cells that break down old bones.
Ideally, till the age of 30 years, the rate of bone being built is greater than that of it being broken down. Hence, you generally reach the peak of your bone mass by the age of 30 years. However, if your body does not have enough calcium, osteoclasts will break down the bone faster to make up for the deficiency, making your bones weak and brittle.
The likelihood of developing osteoporosis increases if you have lower bone mass (difference between bone being built and broken down).
In most of us, bone is rapidly deposited by osteoblasts up to the age of 30 years. During this time we must make sure we have an adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D so that we have more reserves in the future.
However, this will not prevent bone loss due to other factors such as ageing, hormone imbalance and other conditions.
Also Read: Ivy Gourd: Benefits & Side Effects
There are two key things to keep in mind to slow down the onset of osteoporosis.
The first and foremost is to build the healthiest, strongest and densest bone possible in the first thirty years of your life.
You can also prevent or minimise bone loss as you age by:
Apart from the above, you can also limit your caffeine intake, get enough vitamin A and protein in your daily diet to keep your bones healthy and strong.
Also, read: Tips on how to cure Osteoporosis by the orthopaedic expert
Your blood type is either positive or negative. This indicates the presence or absence of a protein called Rh (rhesus) protein in your blood. Checking for blood type is the possibly the most preliminary test done when you are pregnant.
The Rh factor is passed through genes. Which means the foetus will either have a positive or negative blood type depending on the parents’ blood type. If the expectant mother is Rh negative and her foetus is Rh negative, it results in a complication called Rh incompatibility.
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If you are Rh-negative and any amount of Rh-positive blood mixes with yours, your body treats the presence of the Rh protein as an intruder. It then creates antibodies (anti-Rh antibodies) to destroy the Rh-positive protein. These antibodies can then cross the placenta and attack the foetus’s blood cells causing serious health risks for the foetus or new-born which can also prove to be fatal.
Don’t be too alarmed if you discover that your pregnancy has Rh incompatibility. As long as it is detected early in the pregnancy, your doctor would monitor the condition and provide treatment to minimise risk.
In fact, in most cases, your blood doesn’t mix with your baby’s blood during pregnancy. Risk of contact increases during labour and delivery as well as during amniocentesis, bleeding during pregnancy, move the foetus during breech presentation or abdominal trauma during pregnancy.
If you are Rh negative, you would have to undergo an antibody screen during your first trimester. This test detects the presence of anti-Rh antibodies. If it isn’t present, you would be given a dose of Rh immune globulin, so as to prevent your body from producing anti-Rh antibodies during your pregnancy. If your baby is born Rh positive, you might be given another dose of the same medication after delivery, which isn’t required if your baby is Rh negative.
If Rh antibodies crosses the placenta and enters the foetal blood stream, it can result in Rh diseases such as life-threatening anaemia; a condition in which the foetal red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced. If the antibody screen detects the presence of Rh antibodies then you are said to be Rh sensitised. In this case, the only course forward is to monitor foetal health and manage the condition. This is done by giving the baby blood transfusions through the umbilical cord during the pregnancy or immediately after delivery as required. For some cases, the doctor might also decide to deliver the baby before full term.
Rh sensitisation can occur in the event of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and induced abortion. This can case complications in subsequent pregnancies in case of Rh incompatibility. If you have undergone any of the above events and are not Rh sensitised, your doctor might advise you to take a dose of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent complications in subsequent pregnancies.
First things first, do not panic. Understand the condition clearly by discussing it at length with your doctor. Maintain regular prenatal visits to monitor the condition. Today, with improvements in testing and treatment has significantly improved the prognosis of Rh incompatibility. This is evident as now, most babies with Rh disease survive and lead healthy normal lives. Relax and focus on maintaining a healthy pregnancy by making good lifestyle choices.
Ques: Is Rh incompatibility a problem if I am Rh positive?
If you are Rh positive, it does not cause Rh sensitisation. This is because the absence of Rh protein in the foetal blood stream won’t stimulate the production of Rh antibodies.
Ques: Can being Rh negative result in miscarriage?
Being Rh negative can result in Rh incompatibility if the foetus has Rh positive blood type. With early detection and proper treatment, the condition can be managed. Regular prenatal visits can help in managing this condition and preventing it from complicating.
