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COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns have shifted human habits and preferences over the past year. More people are experiencing different forms of health problems. For instance, while the work-from-home model is beneficial, it’s also resulting in people struggling with orthopedic issues, especially back pain. Now, as the world prepares for vaccination and to bid adieu the pandemic, we’re slowly striding back to the pre-coronavirus normal. But is your body ready for that “normal”? Are you ready to adopt a healthier lifestyle that’s outside your existing comfort bubble?

Here are 5 tips to better prepare your body for the post-pandemic world:

• Define what’s healthy for you– For some people, four hours of workout everyday can be healthy; for others, 45-minute of jogging is more than enough. So, instead of following what someone else is saying, figure out what’s healthy for you; what habits and routine work better for you; what is more beneficial for your health. And then take action accordingly.
• Treat it as a new beginning– This could be a reset many of us may need. So, if this pandemic brought bad news for your health, the post-pandemic world can be a new beginning for you where you are more aware of your health.
• Get help from doctors– The fatigue you feel, that knee pain, or that constant headache, such problems require professional help. So, Google “best orthopedist near me” and see a bone doctor in Kolkata if you’re experiencing orthopedic problems. If your blood pressure or blood glucose level is high, approach the right specialist and seek proper treatment.
• Make progressive changes– If you don’t particularly live a healthy and active lifestyle, things won’t take a 360 in a week or month. The changes you want to see will take some time. You will have to spare more time and efforts in adopting a healthier lifestyle and conditioning your body (and mind) the right way. This requires you to make progressive changes and not adopt a radical ‘I-will-do-it-in-a-month’ approach.
• Tap on the right diet and supplements– Fix your diet; make sure you’re eating nutritious food. At the same time, depending on your health needs and requirements, take supplements after consulting your doctor. Many Indians have vitamin D deficiency, which results in several health risks, including weakened bone and poor orthopedic health. You can take a supplement for this. So, again, fix your diet; make sure you’re eating healthier breakfast, dinner, lunch and snack.

These are five tips to prepare your body for the post-pandemic world. Ensure you’re physically (and mentally) ready to welcome a healthier ‘normal’.

 

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A common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that gets worse by the passing time. It involves the cartilage – which provides cushioning to the bones’ ends –wearing down. While osteoarthritis cannot be cured completely, timely medical intervention can slow down its progress and bring relief from the symptoms.

In general, the advancement of this joint disease happens in four stages. As it progresses, the symptoms get worse to a point that you may require surgical treatment.

Four Stages – From Minor to Severe

Stage 0 is assumed to be a normal stage where there are no signs of osteoarthritis. Everything is normal. Stage 1 is a minor stage where in the disease starts developing but you’re unlikely to experience any symptoms. Stage 2 is a mild stage wherein you will experience joint pain – but it will only be very mild. You may even feel stiffness and discomfort. Many people choose to ignore such symptoms, which then jump into the next stage.

Stage 3 is the moderate stage where the wear-tear is your cartilage surface is obvious; your joints will become rougher and the symptoms will become more prevalent and nagging. Doing any physical activity – something as common as walking – can cause frequent pain. Stage 4 is the severe stage where you may feel discomfort even when you’re not moving. The pain will be severe. The cartilage and the soft tissues around the knee will be in a bad condition. Your whole lifestyle will be affected.

 

Getting Help at the Right Time

If you have waited till stage 4 where the joints between the bones are reduced and the cartilage has worn off significantly, you may have to go for surgical treatment; total knee replacement is one of the options where your damaged joined is replaced by prosthetics. Of course, while such invasive treatments are now relatively safer and very effective, not many people would want to go for them. This is why getting help at the first sign of any symptom is important. The sooner the treatment course begins, the better you can control the progression osteoarthritis.

Old age is one of the most common risk factors. Genetics, obesity, and joint injuries are some other risk factors.

If you’re seeing any symptoms of osteoarthritis where you are experiencing joint inflammation, do reach out to the best osteoarthritis doctor in Kolkata and seek timely intervention. Find any of the best orthopedic doctors in Kolkata who specialize in this disease, get a proper diagnosis, and start the treatment course as soon as possible.

 

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Knee injuries, particularly those involving ligaments, can be a painful and debilitating experience. Many individuals find themselves facing the daunting prospect of knee ligament surgery, especially when dealing with grade 3 sprains that involve a complete tear of the ligament. This procedure is typically recommended when the symptoms include extreme pain, limited mobility, and joint instability. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of knee ligament surgery, focusing on the limitations that patients may encounter during their recovery journey.

Introduction to Knee Ligament Injuries

Knee ligament injuries are not uncommon and can range in severity. The most severe cases, such as grade 3 sprains, often necessitate surgery to repair the damaged ligament. These injuries manifest through excruciating pain, an inability to move the knee properly, and a noticeable looseness in the joint.

Patient Concerns Prior to Knee Ligament Surgery

Facing knee ligament surgery can be an anxious time for patients. They often have a multitude of questions and concerns about what their life will be like post-surgery. One of the most common and pressing questions is related to the limitations they may experience following the procedure. Let’s delve into what to expect.

Recovery Expectations After Knee Ligament Surgery

Modern advancements in technology and medicine have significantly improved the outcomes of knee ligament surgery. After a successful surgery, individuals can look forward to regaining a normal lifestyle. This includes activities such as running and engaging in physically demanding sports. However, achieving this level of recovery hinges on a comprehensive and well-managed rehabilitation process.

Varied Recovery Timelines

It’s important to recognize that recovery timelines can vary significantly from one patient to another. While some may respond quickly to medications and physiotherapy, others may require more time. Typically, within a couple of months, most individuals can walk normally. A complete recovery is expected in 8-10 months, with virtually no limitations after a year. However, these timelines are not guarantees and may vary based on individual progress.

Initial Limitations and Cautions

In the initial weeks post-surgery, patients must exercise caution and diligently follow their medical team’s guidance. It may be advised to avoid putting any body weight on the healing joint and to refrain from putting strain on it. Physiotherapy sessions, usually once or twice a day during the early weeks, are essential components of the recovery process.

The Role of Exercise and Diet

Exercise and maintaining a balanced diet are pivotal in the recovery journey. Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, the intensity of exercise gradually increases in alignment with the knee’s recovery. Initially, patients may need to use a walking stick, and having someone to assist with daily activities during the first few weeks can be helpful.

Assistance in Daily Life

Patients should be prepared for some level of assistance with daily tasks during the early stages of recovery. This could include help with tasks that require mobility. Understanding and accepting these limitations as part of the recovery process is crucial.

Medical Team Guidance

Orthopedic surgeons and medical professionals play a critical role in guiding patients through the recovery process. They will provide instructions and recommendations for a smooth and efficient recovery, including dos and don’ts that patients must follow conscientiously.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the limitations following knee ligament surgery are temporary and part of the healing process. Unlike in the past, knee ligament surgery is now safer and more effective, enabling individuals to return to a life without significant limitations after the recovery period. Just as you would seek answers from the best hip surgeon before a hip replacement surgery, do not hesitate to ask your doctor about knee ligament surgery. Consult with a skilled orthopedic surgeon to understand the procedure and the expected limitations, as well as the path to a full recovery. Remember that with patience, dedication, and proper medical guidance, you can look forward to a life without the restrictions that knee ligament injuries once imposed.

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Owing to the technological advancements in the field, knee surgeries are safer today, yielding a much higher success rate. (This is, at least, if done by the best doctor for knee surgery.) However, it’s still an invasive treatment where your damaged bone and cartilage are cut away, removed, and replaced by a prosthesis that is made of metal alloys, polymers and high-grade plastics. There are still risks. The recovery will take its time. In the recovery phase (in the first month in particular), you will experience some discomfort and limitations in movement. So, it’s natural one wonder whether they should opt for knee surgery in the first place or not.

When Other Treatments Have Failed

Usually, such invasive treatments are the last resort, only recommended by doctors after other non-invasive alternatives have failed. So, if you experience knee pain, resulting from any accidents, osteoporosis, or any other condition that has damaged your cartilage, the best bone doctor in Kolkata would first try to treat it with medications. Next, they would recommend therapy that will help strengthen your knee and make it stable. In certain cases, doctors may even suggest injecting certain medications or drugs like corticosteroids. In addition, they would recommend making lifestyle changes. Only after these measures have failed to show the desired results, they would advise for surgery. The kind of surgery – whether partial knee replacement or total knee replacement – depends on your condition.

Ask Your Doctor Lots of Questions

Remember, if your doctor has indeed asked you to go for knee surgery, that’s because other treatments didn’t work. They have a definite reason. They have likely weighed in the pros and cons of this step – and they believe the pros outweigh the cons. So, it’s usually in the best interest of the patients to hear their orthopedic doctors and follow their advice. That said, you would have your concerns. In that case, it’s your doctor’s responsibility to address all your questions; it’s their responsibility to ensure that you have a fair idea of how this procedure will go, what you can expect from it, how will the recovery look, and what measures you will have to take on your end to make the surgery a complete success. So, do ask them questions and make sure you have all your answers (and a clear expectation) before going into the surgery room. For more information, please contact the best bone doctor in Kolkata.

 

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Many people, despite severe pain, refuse to visit a hip replacement surgeon out of fear of invasive treatment. Their fear usually stems from unanswered questions like how successful will the procedure be, how it will impact their lifestyle, what physical limitations they would have to face, and so forth.

If you’re one of them, it’s important to address your concerns and give you a fair idea of what you can expect from the hip replacement surgery.

For the basics like what Total Hip Replacement (THR) is, please go here. Also read: Is Hip Replacement Surgery Safe and Successful?

Talking to the Doctor to Resolve All Your Queries

Coming to the dos and don’ts after hip replacement surgery, there aren’t much of the restrictions as there once were. We have come a long way… Taking giant leaps with technological advancements, invasive orthopedic treatments have become more effective and less intrusive with a relatively quick recovery period. This is especially true if you’re going with minimally invasive hip replacement as opposed to the traditional procedure. Of course, your doctor would explain it to you want kind of procedure you’ll undergo; they will let you know everything about it, including how you should prepare for the surgery, what you should do after the surgery, what are the things you should avoid, and how you can ensure a smooth recovery period. Remember, every case is unique. Depending on your health condition and several other factors, the dos and don’ts may vary. This is why it’s important to have a deep conversation with your doctor and medical team; ask them more questions and resolve all queries.

Getting “Back to Normal”

In general, post-surgery, you would have only short-term restrictions. With proper physical therapy, you would be “back to normal” in 2-3 months. (Although, the length of the recovery period depends on several factors.) In that span, at least in the early days, you may require a walking stick to walk. You would be advised against squatting, crossing your legs, bending forward, and twisting your limb. You should avoid putting any strains on your hip. The doctor would also list you ways how to properly care for your incision.

Your physiotherapist would advise you on how to progressively gain your physical health. This will ensure you’re back to properly walking, running, bicycling and exercising within months of the surgery. In fact, many people start bicycling and running in just 6 months post the surgery.

Again, in the short-term, you will have a few restrictions. But as the weeks pass, most restrictions will go away. You would be back to your previous self in no time – only with no hip pain this time.

Trust Your Doctor (And Say Hi to a Healthier Hip)

Usually, hip replacement is recommended as a last resort when other non-invasive treatments have failed. So, if your doctor has advised for it, understand there’s a reason why. As long as you have one of the top and experienced Kolkata orthopedics doctors and surgeons, you can rest assured to have a good experience and the desired outcome from your hip replacement surgery. THR is one of the most common orthopedic procedures. Lakhs of people opt for this treatment. That’s because it is completely safe and it promises a better and healthier hip.

 

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When the pain is severe, one should usually opt for over-the-counter pain medication. In fact, even if the knee pain is mild, which can be quite discomforting and obstructive to daily activities, people are recommended OTC pain medicine.But there are several reasons why one might not be willing to take medicines. Instead, they might want to try natural remedies to ease the pain and treat their knee problems. And that’s okay!

Depending on the severity of the knee pain, along with its underlying cause, there are various things you can do to get a hold of your knee pain. The first step, unsurprisingly, is rest. You must rest! Failing at it and continuing to exert pressure on the knee joints will only make the case worse, increasing your pain. So, the moment you have injured your knee, take a pause and rest.

 

Applying the RICE Method

If the injury is an evident fracture, you should visit an experienced orthopedic doctor in Kolkata who specializes in fracture treatment. In case, if the injury seems to be minor and you have sustained it by tripping and falling, following the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation)method would be adequate. While you’re resting already, also apply ice. It will help in reduce swelling and pain. Do this in every couple of hours for the next few days. Next, apply compression; it’s another thing that will help control the swelling. The last of RICE method is elevation. Keep your knee at an elevated position. It will ease the pain and swelling. Doing this for nearly a week will hopefully fix your knee pain. However, if it doesn’t, go and see a knee specialist in Kolkata.

Identifying the Causes of Knee Pain

There are many causes of knee pain; most of these causes aren’t always evident. Some of the common ones include bursitis, dislocated kneecap, osteoporosis, torn meniscus, and ACL injury. You would need proper diagnosis that will then pave a proper course of treatment.Depending on the cause, the duration of the recovery will vary. In any case, since avoiding medicine is a point of conversation here, controlling the pain should be a top priority. Consult the best orthopedic doctor in Kolkata and work along with them to control the pain, fix the underlying issues, and lasting results with a healthier knee.

Recommended Read:

• How to Build Strong Knees?

• Your Knees Are Getting Weaker (And It’s A Big Problem)

 

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https://g.page/dr-manoj-kumar-khemani

Thousands and thousands of people around the world undergo hip replacement surgery every year. In fact, by the passing day, the procedure is becoming more common. There’s a reason why!

First Part of the Answer

Much like any invasive treatment, hip replacement is usually the last resort, opted only after exhausting other non-invasive measures that didn’t yield the desired outcome. So, if medications, physical therapy, and other alternatives have failed, the doctor would usually recommend hip replacement surgery to fix the hip problem.

Hip replacement has been happening for more than half a century. Over the years and decades, with the advancement in technologies and medical practices, a lot has changed; a lot has improved. Hip replacement is now considered one of the safest procedures.

Admittedly, risks exist – as they do in every invasive treatment. However, such risks are far-fetched if the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon. Undesired outcomes from hip replacement surgery are very rare.

So, to answer one part of the question, hip replacement is highly safe.

Second Part of the Answer

Now, is replacement surgery successful? Meaning, does it fulfill its purpose and provide a fitting solution to the patient?

The answer is again a ‘yes’. Hip replacement is a lasting and the most effective solution to hip problems. With the damaged hip joint replaced by an artificial joint, (following proper recovery) the patient sees drastic improvement in hip pain, stiffness and other problems they were struggling with earlier.

It’s worth noting that to see such a desirable outcome, the patient in question must follow the proper recovery regimen as advised by their doctor and medical team. Reluctant and inefficient post-surgery care can result in complications, delaying the recovery.

Also, just like normal hip joint, even the newly prosthesis wears down with use over time. If the patient is young and lives an active life, they may require revision surgery somewhere later in their life. But for old people, the prosthesis can last for life.

So, to answer the second part of the question, hip replacement is very successful; it resolves all the hip problems that the patient was facing, delivering them a better (and happier) life.

Still Have Questions?

If you need more information, consult Dr. Manoj Kumar Khemani. He is a well-renowned hip replacement surgeon Kolkata based, boasting extensive experience.Book your appointment and visit him at his Healing Touch clinic.

Dr. Manoj Kumar Khemani is a go-to orthopedic clinician who, in addition to hip replacement, specializes in a wide range of other bone and joint-related problems. So, whether you’re looking or the best ankle specialist in Ultadanga or an arthritis specialist, Dr. Manoj Kumar Khemani is a name you can trust. Contact him or book your appointment from here.

Recommended Read:

• Why is Your Hip Hurting?

• How to Treat Your Hip Pain?

 

Direction:-

https://g.page/dr-manoj-kumar-khemani

“What is the best way to treat knee pain?” The best way is to, of course, find a good orthopedic doctor and get professionally treated.

There are various reasons why your knee could be hurting. Maybe you tripped, fell and injured yourself; maybe you have any medical condition like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis; maybe it has to do something with your overall health. The course of treatment depends on the reason why your knee is paining in the first place. Without visiting an orthopedic doctor and without taking the needed screening tests, it’s not possible to effectively treat your knee pain.

But that said –if the pain is only mild, isn’t recurring, and the condition isn’t severe or critical – you can certainly try home remedies.

Basic Steps to Treat Knee Pain

For the starters, to manage pain, you can opt for OTC medication. Let your pharmacist know if you take any other medicine.

Resting is the best option here. Rest your knee; allow it some time to recuperate. As long as the pain and discomfort exist, you should avoid putting physical strain on the knee or you would risk making the condition worse.

Keep your knee in an elevated position.

Apply ice; this would help if there’s any swelling.

Wear comprehensive bandage, which will help with blood circulation.

As your knee starts getting better, do some basic knee exercises to regain and improve its motion and flexibility.

Short-Term Relief vs. Long-term Relief

These basic steps will help ease any mild knee pain, bringing your life back of the track. However, such relief may also only last for the short-term. For example, if you have arthritis, which is a progressive disorder, the pain may return – and its severity may get worse over time.

Similarly, if you’re overweight and/or live a sedentary lifestyle, your bones and joints will likely be weak and poorly conditioned. In such cases, knee pain and other orthopedic problems can be recurring.

So, while home remedies may help you get relief, the solution could be short-lived. As mentioned earlier, there are many reasons why your knee could be hurting – and most of these solutions demand a long-term solution. This is why seeking professional help is not always optional. If anything, delaying in seeing a doctor could further deteriorate your condition. Early intervention with an effective course of treatment can make a big difference in fixing your knee problems and delivering lasting relief.

Make an Informed Decision

In the end, get aware of your orthopedic health – and the knees’ condition in particular – and then make an informed decision. In any case, even with all the home remedies, it’s always recommended to visit the best doctor for knee pain in Kolkata – or in whichever city you live – and get proper treatment from a qualified professional. Don’t take your bone and joint-related problems lightly and reluctantly. If left unchecked, it could unfavorably affect your whole lifestyle.

Recommended Read:

Your Knees Are Getting Weaker (And It’s a Big Problem)

How to Build Strong Knees?

 

Direction:-

https://g.page/dr-manoj-kumar-khemani

The ligament is completely torn. You even heard a popping sound when the injury happened. There’s significant swelling. The ankle is unstable and cannot bear your weight. You’re in a lot of pain.

That’s grade 3 ankle sprain!

Now what?

For the starters, you should visit the best orthopedic doctor in Kolkata who specializes in ligament injuries; someone who’s experienced and reputed.

The doctor, after doing physical examination, would order some tests to have proper diagnoses. It could include normal x-ray, stress x-ray, MRI scan and/or ultrasound. Meanwhile, you might be prescribed some medications to relieve the pain and discomfort.

Following the test results, after the doctor has confirmed that it is indeed a grade-3 sprain, they would outline you a course of treatment.

Now note, even though the sprain is severe, you might not necessarily require a surgery. In rare cases do orthopedic doctors recommend surgical treatment when other non-invasive alternatives have failed to deliver the desired result aka improvement. And this is true with sprains in any part – whether ankle or knee. If you have sustained grade 3 sprain in your knee, the doctor won’t outright recommend arthroscopy knee surgery unless it’s an exceptional case and other solutions have failed.

Non-surgical treatment for your grade 3 sprained ankle would include physical therapy. The rehabilitation program would focus on controlling the pain, as well as reducing the swelling by improving lymphatic drainage. It would help boost immune cells to repair and regenerate healthy tissue. Over the period, the rehab would progressively improve your ankle stability, motion, balance, and strength through proper exercises.

Your doctor would recommend you the RICE protocol, wherein you would be asked to rest, apply ice, apply compression, and keep the ankle elevated.

Your doctor may also ask you to wear braces for stability.

In all, the recovery would have three phases. The first phase is all about resting, reducing pain and swelling. In the second phase, the focus would be on restoring your ankle’s motion and flexibility. The third phase will include basic exercises and subsequent return to your regular activities. How long will this take? It really depends on many factors. But you can expect the recovery to take three months or more.

During recovery, complications rarely arise unless you aren’t following the doctor’s advice properly and aren’t taking care of the injury. In case, as mentioned earlier, if the injury isn’t healing and you’re still in pain, you may have to go with surgical treatment. But again, that happens only in rare cases.

Once you’ve recovered and are back on track, start taking better care of your ankles. How? Give this a quick read: How to Keep Your Ankles Healthy (and Injury-Free)

 

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