HELP FOR KNEE PAIN
Knee pain is common, too common. While Williamson
knee replacement surgery can offer relief, it is not without
risks. According to a study by Iordache et al., factors that predict the likelihood
of replacement such as severe pain and limited mobility
must be weighed against potential problems
like infection, device failure, and the need for revision surgery. More specifically,
the traits of a patient likely
requiring a total knee arthroplasty due to knee osteoarthritis include
being female over 65 years of age with high erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), hypertension, and fibrinogen value (a blood-clotting
protein produced in the liver in response to injury, infection, and
inflammation) linked to low overall KSS (knee society
score) and specific KSS function values averaging 56.70. (1). Good to know! For
those looking for non-surgical options, innovative
treatments like those based on the Cox® Flexion Distraction Decompression
technique are promising. A retrospective case series by
Albano (2) highlights its potential in decreasing knee
discomfort by gently decompressing the knee joint, offering a
less invasive alternative for those wanting to improve
joint function and decrease pain. Albano treated 25 patients with
knee pain. Their mean VAS (visual analog score) numbers that
reflect how they see their pain dropped from 7.7 to 1.8. The mean number of
treatments was 5.3 over an average of 3 weeks. Acute pain patient scores dropped from 8.1 to 1.1 in 4.8 treatments in 2.4 weeks while
chronic knee pain patient scores decreased from 7.5 to
2.2 in 5.4 treatments in 3.3 weeks. And the best part: no bad
reactions! (2) Distraction of the knee follows similar principles
of Cox® Technic spinal manipulation. In simplistic terms, open the
joints by stretching to ease pain! We’re ready to talk
about any knee pain you may be experiencing when we next see
you at Apple Country Chiropractic!
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Luigi Albano on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson about the use of distraction
principles based on The
Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management to reduce knee
pain.
TIP OF THE MONTH: Supplement with Chondroitin Sulfate and Curcumin
You’ll note in the paragraph
above on Williamson knee pain that an elevated ESR
(sed rate) – a sign of inflammation - is a risk factor
for knee replacement. Chondroitin sulfate and curcumin are two mighty
allies in the battle against inflammation, especially
for those suffering from conditions like knee osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin sulfate has been shown to deactivate the NLRP3 inflammasome, which plays
a crucial role in the inflammatory process, thereby possibly
alleviating joint pain and stiffness as seen in the study conducted by Chang and
colleagues. (3) Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is another potent
anti-inflammatory agent that helps ease osteoarthritis symptoms
by modulating the p38MAPK pathway, according to research by
Wang et al. (4) These two have hope for many knee
pain patients seeking relief from joint
discomfort, helping improve mobility and quality of life. Apple Country Chiropractic
is ready to chat about the appropriateness of these
natural compounds for you at your next appointment!
Bring your knee pain (and send that of your friends and
family!) to Apple Country Chiropractic! We are ready to help.
Schedule your Williamson chiropractic
appointment today!
Thank you! Have a great October!
References for HEALTHY NEWS – October 2024