best orthopedic surgeon in ludhiana

Precautions to take after knee replacement

June 17, 2024June 17, 2024
by admin

After your knee replacement surgery, it is important to take caution in your knee movements, particularly during the initial months post-surgery. Gradually, you will regain your previous level of activity. Nonetheless, it is essential to continue moving with care to avoid any potential harm to your new knee replacement. You are recommended to prepare your living space in advance for your return, ensuring easier movement and minimizing the risk of falls.

In this article, we will provide you with several tips to make your movement easy and smooth after your knee replacement. But you have to consult with the best orthopedic surgeon in Ludhiana if you find any difficulty in mobility.

Post knee replacement: Cautions to take

Care of wounds

As total knee replacement is a surgical procedure, staples or sutures will be present on the wound.
You must refrain from attempting to remove these sutures at home.
A skilled clinician will be responsible for removing the sutures after 2 weeks post-surgery. Any attempt to cut the sutures yourself may lead to a worsening of the wound.
Prior to the wound being fully dried and sealed, avoid soaking it in water. However, you may continue to bandage the wound to maintain cleanliness and dryness.

Physical Therapy

The physical therapist will assess various exercises including quad sets, dangles, leg extensions, and straight leg raises.
The continuous passive motion (CPM) machine is a crucial tool for your rehabilitation.
However, individual cases may vary, and we recommend consulting with a therapist for optimal results.

Preventing blood clots

It is important to be aware of the possibility of blood clot formation in the initial stages of recovery. Therefore, your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe specific anticoagulants such as Aspirin and Warfarin to mitigate the risk.
It is crucial to remain vigilant for any indicators of blood clot formation in the treated leg.
These indicators may include excessive calf pain, redness, irritation, and tenderness above or below the treated knee and increased swelling in the ankle, calf, or foot.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative to promptly contact the top orthopedic doctors in Ludhiana for timely intervention.

Take care of swelling

Swelling in the knee can hinder the performance of range-of-motion exercises, crucial for recovery and rehabilitation.
To alleviate swelling, patients may apply cold packs and elevate the affected leg as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used for pain management and to decrease inflammation.

Treat pain

Unmanaged pain can delay rehabilitation activities and potentially result in long-term pain.
Individuals undergoing knee replacement surgery are encouraged to discuss post-operative pain and medication-related apprehensions with their healthcare provider.
Collaboratively, they can develop a personalized pain management strategy that suits the individual’s needs, with the flexibility to make adjustments as necessary.

Physical activities

After surgery, it is imperative to adhere to restricted physical activities to prevent any potential harm to the replaced joint.
Detailed guidelines from the best orthopedic surgeon in Ludhiana regarding weight-bearing limitations on the knees will help in preventing injury, damage, or dislocation of the joint.
Additionally, during the initial post-operative period, the use of assistive devices such as crutches, a walker, or a cane for mobility may be recommended.
Other directives include:
- Sitting only on chairs with seat heights aligning with the knees
- Avoiding leg crossing or twisting
- Limiting excessive kneeling
- Minimizing prolonged standing
- Refraining from sleeping on the side of the body
- Ascending stairs one step at a time.

Avoid participating in sports

It is advisable to avoid engaging in contact sports or activities that could potentially result in abrupt twisting or jerking of the knee during the recovery period after knee replacement surgery. These precautions are crucial for a successful recovery.
In contrast, cycling, golfing, and swimming are recommended as ideal low-impact sports to maintain physical activity levels.

Regular check-up

Maintaining a calendar can assist in ensuring timely attendance at your appointments with the doctor.
Missing appointments can result in setbacks, so it is crucial to keep track of follow-up visits and make transportation arrangements as needed.
You may be unable to drive for 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery, necessitating assistance in getting to appointments.

Long term care

Individuals are strongly encouraged to adhere to their physical therapy regimen to maintain strong muscles surrounding the knee, thereby providing necessary support for the treated joint.
It is important to take precautions to prevent infections, as they can enter the body through various means such as cuts, wounds, major dental procedures, or other surgeries, ultimately affecting the artificial knee and potentially requiring further intervention.
Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are advised to monitor the treated knee’s condition and address any issues promptly, ensuring optimal functionality and minimizing the risk of complications.

The bottom line

Undergoing knee surgery may become necessary for you if you are experiencing severe knee joint pain. It is important to adhere to all post-operative instructions given by the top orthopedic doctors in Ludhiana to prevent any potential complications.

Orthopaedic

Things to know about herniated disc and when to…

May 27, 2024May 27, 2024
by admin

A disc is found between each of the backbones in your spinal cord, which also acts as a shock absorber and helps to cushion the bones. When the outer ring of a disc herniates or tears and pushes over into the spinal canal it’s called a herniated disc. Nevertheless, it can happen anywhere along your spine even in your neck but most commonly occurs in the lower part (lumbar vertebrae).

You can get a herniated disk by lifting something incorrectly or suddenly twisting your back. Some other causes include obesity and degeneration due to disease or age.

Though not all herniated discs are painful, sometimes they may compress one of your nerves causing pain within the back or legs (sciatica). The pain from this condition may radiate down the shoulder and arm if it is in the neck area. Besides pains, there will be loss of sensation, tingling and weakness due to a prolapsed intervertebral disc.

Continue reading to find out more about herniated discs; their causes and symptoms; when it could be required to visit an orthopedic surgeon in Ludhiana.

Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of herniated disc

Causes

A herniated or slipped disk may occur when a portion of the soft internal nucleus of a spinal disk protrudes through a crack in the disk’s fibrous lining.
This occurrence is most frequently observed in the lumbar region, although it is also possible in the cervical and thoracic regions of the spinal column.
The cause of a herniated disk typically involves a gradual deterioration and excessive strain due to repetitive motion over an extended period.
In older people, spinal disks tend to dehydrate and weaken, thus increasing the likelihood of a herniated disk occurrence.
Certain medical conditions, such as spinal stenosis and connective tissue disorders, may elevate the risk of disk herniation.

Symptoms of herniated disc

The symptoms related to herniated discs usually include when the disc is exerting pressure on a nerve, leading to weakness, numbness, and pain in the affected nerve, commonly resulting in back discomfort.
Individuals with a herniated disk in the lower back may experience discomfort in the buttocks, thigh, and calf, potentially extending to parts of the foot.
Conversely, those with a herniated disk in the neck may primarily feel pain in the shoulder and arm.
If the herniated disc is not exerting pressure on a nerve, it is possible that you may encounter minimal to negligible symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a herniated disc usually involves a primary care doctor conducting a comprehensive examination.

Medical history

During the complete medical history, the doctor will inquire about details such as the nature of the pain, any previous medical conditions, your line of work, your personal medical history as well as your family’s medical history.

Physical Exam

As part of the physical exam, your orthopedic surgeon will check how well you can walk, the strength of your muscles, your reflexes and whether you can feel light pinpricks.

Diagnostic testing

Herniated discs cannot be detected by X-rays, but an X-ray may be ordered to rule out infections or other spinal issues.
CT scans provide more detailed images along with multiple views that help in diagnosing a lumbar herniated disc.
In some cases, an MRI will be used to localize the herniated disc and evaluate its impact on nerve structures.
Myelogram is a diagnostic imaging procedure where an x-ray is obtained following the injection of contrast dye into the spinal canal space. This is done to establish whether there is compression exerted on the spinal cord by herniated discs or any other causes that result in clinical conditions.

Treatment

Medications

Nonprescription pain medicines

If experiencing mild to moderate pain, your healthcare provider may suggest over-the-counter pain medication options such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), or naproxen sodium (Aleve)

Neuropathic medicines

Medicines such as gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, and venlafaxine, are utilized to reduce pain by affecting nerve gently.

Muscle relaxers

These medications may be recommended in the event of muscle spasms.
It is important to note that sedation and dizziness are frequently experienced as side effects.

Injections

If the pain does not show improvement with medication, your orthopedic surgeon may suggest a corticosteroid injection.
This medication can be administered around the spinal nerves, with the assistance of spinal imaging to accurately guide the needle placement.

Therapy

Your healthcare professionals may recommend physical therapy as a method to alleviate your pain.
Skilled physical therapists will demonstrate positions and exercises tailored to reduce the discomfort associated with a herniated disk.

Surgery

Few people with herniated disks will need to undergo surgery.
If non-invasive therapies do not alleviate your symptoms within six weeks, surgery may be considered.

In many cases, patience, time, and medication can help alleviate herniated disc pain; however, certain symptoms may require medical intervention. If you encounter severe symptoms, it is imperative that you promptly reach out to an orthopedic surgeon in Ludhiana.

Arthritis

Inflammatory Arthritis (IA): Types, Causes, and Diagnosis

January 29, 2024March 26, 2024
by admin

Inflammatory arthritis (IA) is a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. These conditions can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected. Understanding the types, causes, and diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes.

Types of Inflammatory Arthritis:

Causes of Inflammatory Arthritis:

The exact causes of inflammatory arthritis remain unclear, but several factors may contribute to its development:

Genetics:

– A family history of arthritis may increase the risk of developing inflammatory arthritis. Certain genetic markers have been associated with an elevated susceptibility to these conditions.

Autoimmune Factors:

– In many cases, inflammatory arthritis is triggered by an autoimmune response where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Environmental Factors:

– Environmental factors, such as infections, smoking, and exposure to certain pollutants, may play a role in the development of inflammatory arthritis, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

Diagnosis of Inflammatory Arthritis:

Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of inflammatory arthritis. Healthcare professionals employ a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies for diagnosis:

Clinical Examination:

– A thorough examination of the patient’s joints, including assessing for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion, is essential for diagnosing inflammatory arthritis.

Blood Tests:

– Blood tests can detect specific markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are often measured for diagnosing RA.

Imaging Studies:

– X-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed images of the joints, helping to identify signs of inflammation, joint damage, and disease progression.

Synovial Fluid Analysis:

– Aspiration and analysis of synovial fluid from affected joints can aid in confirming the diagnosis and ruling out other conditions.

Conclusion:

Inflammatory arthritis encompasses a range of disorders that share the common feature of joint inflammation. Understanding the types, causes, and diagnostic approaches is essential for early intervention and effective management. With advancements in research and treatment options, individuals with inflammatory arthritis can achieve improved quality of life through proper medical care and lifestyle modifications. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach involving rheumatologists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals are crucial in mitigating the impact of inflammatory arthritis on patients’ well-being.

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