A Gist on Joints

A joint is the location where two bones meet. Arthralgia is the medical term for pain in these joints.

Most people experience joint pain at some time during their lives. Pain can be acute, due to a short-term injury or condition, but can also be chronic (long-term).
The many causes of joint pain include arthritis, fractures, other trauma, overuse, age-related degeneration and conditions ranging from Lyme disease to lupus to sickle cell anemia.

When a patient experiences joint pain, a physician may perform a physical examination to diagnose an underlying condition that may be causing the pain. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include blood tests, x-rays and joint fluid analysis.

In addition to lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and weight loss, patients may be prescribed medications to alleviate pain. Many medications are available to treat joint pain, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Corticosteroid injections into the joints can be a safe and effective way to help ease joint pain for some time.

Surgery may be required to alleviate some types of joint pain. Arthroscopy (insertion of a thin, flexible fiberoptic scope through a small incision in the skin) and arthroplasty (replacement of damaged joints with artificial joints) are common types of surgery performed on joints.

Some types of joint pain cannot be prevented. Others can be prevented by lifestyle modification and practicing good health habits.

Most joints are synovial, lubricated by synovial fluid to ease movement. These joints allow varying degrees of movement, ranging from the mobility of the shoulder (a modified ball and socket) to the flexion and extension (bending and straightening) of the hinged distal interphalangeal joints in the fingertips. Some other synovial joints, such as those in the spine, permit limited movement. Fixed joints, such as those in the skull, are fused and do not allow movement.

Most people experience joint pain at some point in their lives. Patients can experience pain in either one joint or many joints. When patients experience pain in more than four joints, it is called polyarticular joint pain.

Patients may experience joint pain that is acute (a normal response to disease or trauma, sometimes defined as lasting less than six weeks), subacute or chronic (pain that persists after the cause’s expected resolution or is due to a chronic condition, sometimes defined as lasting three months or longer). Others experience pain only during certain physical activities.

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Osteoarthritis and its Implications

Knee pain affects most people at one time or another. The knees support the weight of the body and enable leg movement. The regular stress of years of activity and wear can produce pain that can range from dull to debilitating. Intensive sports and exercise subject a body to the potential for knee pain and injury. People who are inactive are also susceptible to knee pain from falls, sprains or degenerative conditions such as arthritis.

The parts of the knee coordinate into a system to work smoothly and keep the legs moving. The joint formed at the knee connects the thigh bone (femur) with the shin bone (tibia) and is covered by the kneecap (patella). Ligaments and tendons join these bones and their associated muscles to provide flexibility and motion for the legs.

Some kinds of knee pain are caused by sudden trauma. Other conditions are the result of specific kinds of overuse or inflammation. For many older people, the onset of osteoarthritis produces knee pain and degeneration.

Physicians consulted for knee pain will conduct a physical examination to identify the pain. Imaging techniques such as x-rays, CAT scans or MRI can show the bones and soft tissues of the knee and may indicate the source of knee pain. Arthroscopy uses a specialized fiber optic instrument to view the interior of the knee and may also be used to repair damage.

Milder knee pain may be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Rest, application of ice and elevation of the knee may also alleviate pain. More serious pain may require stronger medication, physical therapy or surgery. Grafts may be used to replace torn ligaments. Total knee replacement, a type of arthroplasty, uses artificial parts to replace the ends of the femur and tibia and can alleviate pain caused by degeneration of the joint.

People can prevent some knee problems by maintaining a healthy weight to minimize the strain on their knees. Exercises that promote stronger leg muscles will also help the knee, as will adequate warm-up and stretching before any exercise or athletic activity. Shoes that fit well and properly support the feet will also help prevent knee problems.

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Rheumatoid - Ain't No Rumour

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that affects the entire body and is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It is characterized by the inflammation of the membrane lining the joint, which causes pain, stiffness, warmth, redness and swelling. The inflamed joint lining, the synovium, can invade and damage bone and cartilage. Inflammatory cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage. The involved joint can lose its shape and alignment, resulting in pain and loss of movement. The disease usually begins in middle age, but can start at any age. It affects two to three times more women than men.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not yet known. However, it is known that RA is an autoimmune disease. The body's natural immune system does not operate as it should, resulting in the immune system attacking healthy joint tissue and causing inflammation and subsequent joint damage.

Researchers suspect that agent-like viruses may trigger RA in some people who have an inherited tendency for the disease. Many people with RA have a certain genetic marker called HLA-DR4. Researchers know that there are other genes that influence the development of RA.

It is important to diagnose RA early in the course of the disease because with the use of disease-modifying drugs, the condition can be controlled in many cases. Physicians diagnose RA based on the overall pattern of symptoms, medical history, physical exam and lab tests including a test for rheumatoid factor. Rheumatoid factor is an antibody found in the blood of about 80 percent of adults with RA. However, the presence or absence of rheumatoid factor does not indicate that one has RA.

Early in the disease, people may notice general fatigue, soreness, stiffness and aching. Pain and swelling may occur in the same joints on both sides of the body and will usually start in the hands or feet. RA can also affect wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, knees, hips and ankles. Other features include lumps called rheumatoid nodules under the skin in areas that receive pressure, such as the back of the elbows.

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Sneak Peek at Knee Anthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small camera is used to examine tissues inside the knee joint. Additional instruments may be inserted to repair the knee.

Arthroscopic surgery on the knee involves inserting a small camera, less than 1/4 inch in diameter, into the knee joint through a small incision. The camera is attached to a video monitor, which the surgeon uses to see inside the knee. In some facilities, the patient can choose to watch the surgery on the monitor as well.

For a simple surgical procedure, a local or regional pain-killing medicine (anesthetic) is given to numb the affected area. You will remain awake and able to respond. For more extensive surgery, general anesthesia may be used. In this case you will be unconscious and pain-free.

After the camera is inserted, salt water (saline) is pumped in under pressure to expand the joint and help control bleeding. Some surgeons also use a tourniquet to prevent bleeding.

After looking around the entire knee for problem areas, the surgeon will usually make 1-4 additional small surgical cuts to insert other instruments. Commonly used instruments include:

• A blunt hook to pull on various tissues
• A burr to remove bone
• A shaver to remove damaged or unwanted soft tissues

A heat probe may also be used to remove inflammation (synovitis) in the joint.

At the end of the surgery, the saline is drained from the knee. The incisions are closed, and a dressing is applied. Many surgeons take pictures of the procedure from the video monitor to allow the patient to see what was done.

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Knee Replacement -Its Implications

Knee replacement surgery (arthroplasty) involves replacing a damaged, worn or diseased knee joint with an artificial joint.

Knee replacement is a routine operation for knee pain when the knee joint has been severely damaged, most commonly by arthritis. It's as effective and reliable as hip replacement. There are two main types of surgery, depending on the condition of the knee: total knee replacement and half (partial) knee replacement.

A replacement knee will not last forever, but your artificial knee will probably last you at least 10-15 years, depending on how active you are and the type of replacement you have.

As new technology continues to be developed, this figure is likely to increase.

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Knee Microfracture Surgery

Knee microfracture surgery is a common technique used to repair damaged knee cartilage, the material that helps cushion bones at the joints. It is frequently performed on athletes.
The surgeon makes a tiny, quarter-inch incision on the affected knee and inserts a long thin scope (arthroscope). This scope allows the surgeon to work directly on the joint area. The surgeon uses an ice pick-like tool called an awl to drill very small holes (“microfractures”) into the bone near the defective cartilage. The injury prompts the body to make new, replacement cartilage. Bone marrow seeps out of the holes, creating a blood clot that releases cartilage-building cells.
Microfracture surgery can help a patient prevent a partial or total knee replacement. It is also used to treat pain in the knee from cartilage injuries, as well as:

• Early arthritis of the knee
• Lesions on the kneecap
• Degenerative chondral lesions of the knee
• Traumatic injuries to the cartilage

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Housemaid's Knee

Prepatellar bursitis, also known as housemaid's knee, is a common cause of swelling and pain above the patella (kneecap), and is due to inflammation of the prepatellar bursa. This structure is a superficial bursa with a thin synovial lining located between the skin and the patella. The bursa develops within the first years of life as a result of mechanical pressure and friction, and it serves the purpose of reducing friction on underlying structures and allowing maximal range of motion in the knee. Aseptic prepatellar bursitis is commonly caused by repetitive work in a kneeling position, hence the name "housemaid's knee".

Inflammation of the prepatellar bursa may be aseptic (most common) or septic (e.g. bacterial infection), the septic variants being most common in children and immunocompromised individuals. Prepatellar bursitis is more common in men than women.

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Knee Replacement Surgery – Method

In total knee replacement surgery, the parts of the bones that rub together are resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. Using special, precision instruments, the surgeon will typically remove the damaged surfaces of all three bones. The replacement surfaces will then be fixed into place.

The surface of the femur is replaced with a rounded metal component that comes very close to matching the curve of your natural bone. The surface of the tibia is replaced with a smooth plastic component. This flat metal component holds a smooth plastic piece made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene plastic that serves as the cartilage. The undersurface of the kneecap may also be replaced with an implant made of the same polyethylene plastic.

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Plan for a perfect Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery means a specialist who cuts and removes the injured part of the knee cartilage from our body and replace into that part and joins it with an artificial metal. The ends of another part are smoothly reshaped and accommodated into that place. In an artificial joint knee replacement surgery, the affected part is replaced with that of bone cement and some uncemented devices.

For this kind of knee replacement surgery, first choose an extensive variety of devices which accounts your age, weight, activity level and an overall health. 90 percent of patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery have fast recuperating than those who haven’t. After a period of 10 years there should be again a surgery done to make the knee fit for future. Knee replacement has another name is known as knee arthroplasty.

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Fortis HealthCare - Treatment Center for Knee Arthritis

It is found that majority of old age people suffer from the complexities of knee pain. People with knee pain will find difficult to perform their daily activities and also while traveling. Knee arthritis is well-known problem of knee which is experienced by most of the adults as well as youngsters.

Knee arthritis could be a result of situations like an injury or accident or it could be a genetic trace. Suffering from sever pain at knee joint leads to Knee arthritis. Some of the conditions for Knee arthritis are stated below:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Post Traumatic Arthritis

Perfect treatment for knee arthritis problem is provided by Fortis Healthcare. Surgeons at Fortis Healthcare perform the complete analysis of the knee problem and then apply the best required treatment for it.

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Minimally Invasive and Total Knee Replacement Treatments

Its is impossible that if you cant pay the huge amounts for your knee replacement then you can't receive the knee treatment. Of more than many knee replacements performed in India many cannot afford the huge costs of the treatment. Hundreds of patients from across the globe can undergo cost effective and high quality treatment at Fortis healthcare hospitals.

Fortis healthcare hospitals is India's fastest growing healthcare hospital with state-of-the-art facilities and excellent patient care. The hospital provides superspeciality and subspeciality care and services as required. Fortis healthcare provides healthcare services driven by quality, excellence, technology and compassionate care. Knee replacement services at the hospital is offered world class facilities.

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Knee Replacement - Treatment Options at Fortis Healthcare Hospital

One of the main causes of knee surgery is fractures and pain in the knee. A medical care is necessary and the pain should be treated under the guidance of an orthopedist. Many patients have the habit of either self treating the knee pain or never tries to go to an expert orthopaedic surgeon, since due to the high cost of the medical treatment.

If you suffered from knee pain then it is necessary to know which part of the knee is broken and is required to be repaired. Since x-rays and diagnosis of the knee pain can help the surgeon to make a firm decision for the right treatment. Many expert surgeons have noticed that major knee problems occur due to knee pain and also due to the partial knee break.

The cost of the knee treatment is another option where patients takes a step back. The hospitality services offered by the hospital should be excellent to what is being paid against your treatment. Fortis healthcare hospitals in India provides excellent Knee replacement services to national as well as international patients at affordable costs.

For more information on knee replacement services in India visit:

http://www.fortishealthcare.com