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| - Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
As per a Facebook post you can prevent knee surgery with the help of herbal oil. The post claims to do knee repair without surgery. We did the fact check and found out it is false.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that herbal oil can be effective in knee repair without surgery.
Fact Check
What the product is?
We searched for the product on Google and found its website. When we went to the product page, we couldn’t find any details like ingredients list, how to use, features and benefits. The absence of essential details raises questions on the authenticity of the product. We tried reaching out to the customer care number provided on the website. However, we received no response. A weak customer support, and a product page lacking important details implies challenges in customer satisfaction and trust. It also implies inefficiency to the potential customers. This negatively impacts the company’s reputation and increases the likelihood of negative reviews and customer churn. Just promoting knee repair without surgery is not enough, if full details are not available. Here is a screenshot of the product page:
Do oils and creams have a role in preventing knee replacement surgery?
No, oils and creams cannot help you prevent knee replacement surgery. Herbal oils and creams may provide temporary relief for symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis. But, there is limited scientific evidence to support their ability to help avoid knee surgery. Some topical agents contain ingredients like capsaicin, menthol, or NSAIDs, which can offer localised pain relief and reduce inflammation. However, they generally do not address the underlying degenerative changes in the joint that require surgery.
A false post shared that with the help of a cream, various bone and joint diseases can be cured in a few weeks without any side effects.
The most effective interventions for managing knee osteoarthritis and to potentially delay or avoid knee surgery include weight management, exercise, physiotherapy, and medications prescribed by expert orthopaedic surgeons. In advanced cases where conservative measures are ineffective, knee replacement surgery may be necessary to restore function and ease pain. It’s important for individuals considering alternative treatments to consult with their healthcare provider. This ensures they are pursuing evidence-based strategies for managing their condition.
Can arthritis be cured without surgery?
Wondering about knee repair without surgery? Well, arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, doesn’t have a cure. But, it doesn’t always worsen over time. Several treatments can help manage its symptoms. Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can be beneficial, along with medication to ease pain. Supportive therapies are in place to make daily activities easier for those affected. Surgery might be an only option in cases where other treatments haven’t worked. However, it’s not always necessary for ‘managing’ arthritis. So, yes, mild to moderate cases of arthritis can often be managed without surgery, but it cannot be cured without a surgery. Especially in severe cases such as grade 3 & grade 4 of knee arthritis, surgery becomes a necessity. Surgical interventions such as joint repair, strengthening, or replacement may be considered to improve mobility and reduce symptoms.
We reached out to Dr Smit Dave, an Orthopaedic Surgeon practising as a consultant in Sterling Hospital, Orthocure Hospital, and Orthosports Hospital at Ahmedabad. According to him, “Osteoarthritis of the knee, simply put, is the degeneration of the knee joint’s cartilage occurring due to many reasons, one of which is aging. Treatment depends upon the stage of arthritis. In severe knee arthritis (grade 3 and grade 4), total knee replacement is the only viable option.”
Dr Dave further continues, “None of the externally applied oils, creams, or gels are helpful. They may provide temporary relief but are not the line of treatment. Hence, as an orthopedic surgeon, I appeal to everyone not to be misguided by any such information.” Dr Dave strongly advises against trusting random posts on social media which claim knee repair without surgery.
What are the causes of joint pain?
Joint pain is a debilitating condition that robs individuals of their independence and mobility. Its origins are multifaceted, ranging from injuries to chronic conditions. Knowing the diverse causes is essential for tailored strategies for relief and management. Here are some of the reasons why a joint pain happens:
- Injury: Joint pain often arises from acute injuries. These can include sprains or strains, caused by sudden trauma or overexertion of the joint.
- Arthritis: This umbrella term includes various conditions that involve inflammation and damage to the joints. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, results from the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This in turn leads to inflammation and pain.
- Infections: Joint pain can be a symptom of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Septic arthritis occurs when pathogens infect a joint, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain.
- Inflammatory conditions: Conditions such as tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons), bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints), and synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining) can cause localised joint pain and stiffness. These conditions are often triggered by overuse, injury, or underlying inflammatory diseases.
- Autoimmune disorders: Diseases like lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues, including the joints. Inflammatory arthritis, a common feature of autoimmune disorders, can lead to persistent joint pain, swelling, and deformity if left untreated.
- Degenerative disorders: Degenerative joint diseases, such as degenerative disc disease in the spine or osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, result from the gradual breakdown of cartilage and other joint structures. This leads to friction, inflammation, and pain with movement.
- Other medical conditions: Various systemic diseases, including fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and certain cancers, can present with joint pain as one of their symptoms.
- Genetics: Some individuals may inherit genetic factors that predispose them to joint problems. For example, abnormalities in joint structure or metabolism.
- Obesity: Excess body weight puts added stress on the joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and lower back. This can accelerate wear and tear, leading to joint pain, inflammation, and increased risk of conditions like osteoarthritis.
- Age: As people age, the risk of joint pain increases due to natural wear and tear on the joints over time. Cartilage thins, ligaments lose elasticity, and joint fluid production decreases, making joints more susceptible to pain, stiffness, and degenerative conditions.
What is the best treatment for knee pain?
To address knee pain, the treatment approach depends on its severity and underlying cause. Instead of trusting a Facebook post which claims to offer knee repair without surgery, always go for a professional advice. An orthopaedic surgeon will tell you what suits you best. Here are some options:
- RICE Method: This involves Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Resting the knee helps prevent further injury, while applying ice and compression can reduce swelling and pain. Elevating the knee above heart level aids in reducing inflammation.
- Medications: Over-the-counter painkillers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, prolonged use should be monitored, especially in individuals with kidney or liver disease.
- Knee Braces: These supportive devices help maintain proper knee alignment and stability. Thereby reducing strain and discomfort.
- Physical Therapy: Recommended for arthritis or post-injury recovery, physiotherapy includes exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around the knee. This enhances stability and functionality while decreasing pain.
- Knee Surgery: While not usually the first line of treatment, surgery may be necessary for severe cases where other interventions have failed. Procedures range from arthroscopy to knee replacement (arthroplasty), depending on the extent of damage and the patient’s condition.
Do pain relief oils, ointments or creams effectively ease joint pain?
Yes, to some extent, pain relief oils, ointments, or creams can be helpful for easing joint pain, especially when the pain is in specific areas like your knees or elbows. They work best for mild to moderate pain and when the pain is not all over your body but focused in one or two spots. For example, if your knees hurt after a long walk, applying a pain relief cream directly or a hot oil massage to your knees can make them feel better.
However, it’s important to understand that while these oils and creams can help manage pain, they can’t prevent the need for knee surgery if your knee problems are severe. Knee surgery may be necessary if you have significant damage in your knee joint, like from arthritis or a serious injury. In those cases, pain relief creams may not be enough to fix the problem, and your doctor might recommend surgery to repair or replace the damaged parts of your knee.
So, pain relief oils and creams are useful for easing discomfort, but they’re not a cure-all for serious knee problems that may require surgery. It’s always best to talk to your doctor about the right treatment options for your specific situation.
How to prevent knee joint pain?
Preventing knee joint pain involves a combination of lifestyle habits and proactive measures to support joint health. Here are some strategies to help prevent knee pain:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can strain your knees, leading to pain and increasing the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce stress on your knees.
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps strengthen the muscles around your knees, providing support and stability. Choose low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling to minimise strain on your joints.
- Practise Good Posture: Poor posture can put unnecessary pressure on your knees. Maintain good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting to reduce strain on your joints.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Supportive shoes with cushioning and good arch support can help absorb shock and reduce impact on your knees during daily activities and exercise.
- Warm Up Before Exercise: Before engaging in physical activity, warm up your muscles with dynamic stretches or light aerobic exercise to prepare your body for movement and reduce the risk of injury.
- Strengthen Your Muscles: Focus on strengthening the muscles around your knees, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Strong muscles provide better support for your knee joints and help prevent injuries.
- Avoid Overtraining: Overdoing high-impact activities or repetitive motions can strain your knees and lead to overuse injuries. Listen to your body and give yourself time to rest and recover between workouts.
- Use Proper Techniques: When participating in sports or lifting heavy objects, use proper techniques to avoid putting undue stress on your knees. Consult a coach or trainer if you’re unsure about the correct form.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your joints lubricated and reduces friction, which can help prevent knee pain.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain in your knees, and take appropriate action, such as modifying your activities or seeking medical advice, to prevent further injury.
What are the misconceptions about knee replacement surgery?
Social media is full of knee replacement surgery myths. Several misconceptions exist that can lead to misunderstandings about the procedure and its outcomes. One of the most prevalent myths is that knee replacement surgery is only for older people. It’s true that knee osteoarthritis, a common reason for knee replacement, becomes more prevalent with age. But, the procedure is not limited to older individuals only. In fact, knee replacement surgery can be performed on patients of various age groups who experience debilitating knee pain and limited mobility due to conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
Another misconception is that knee replacement surgery is extremely painful. We understand it’s natural to expect some discomfort after surgery. But, advancements in pain management techniques, such as regional anaesthesia and multimodal pain control, have significantly reduced post-operative pain levels. Patients undergoing knee replacement surgery today experience manageable discomfort that is effectively addressed with medication and other pain management approaches. To add, advancements in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, contribute to shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain.
There is also a misconception that knee replacement surgery severely limits mobility and activity levels. In reality, the goal of knee replacement surgery is to restore function and alleviate pain. Therefore, enabling patients to resume their daily activities and enjoy improved quality of life. With appropriate rehabilitation and physical therapy, most patients regain mobility and range of motion in their knees following surgery. In fact, many individuals report being able to engage in activities that were previously limited by knee pain, such as walking, climbing stairs, and participating in recreational sports.
We have debunked several false claims ranging from: Can sunscreens cause melanoma? Can any herbal eye drops help to get rid of eye glasses? Can baking soda and hydrogen peroxide cure keloid scars? Does peeing in a swimming pool harm your heart?
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