‘Keep Cycling, Stay Active To Avoid Joint Replacements In Old Age’
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Dr Nirbhay Shrivastav, a noted orthopaedic specialist and former Dean of Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, has urged the younger generation to adopt and maintain a lifestyle of regular cycling, walking, and exercise to avoid joint problems and potential knee or hip replacement surgeries in their later years.
In an exclusive conversation with Free Press Journal, Dr Shrivastav raised concerns over declining physical activity in educational institutions, noting that reduced sports participation is leading to sedentary lifestyles and long-term orthopaedic issues.
What is osteoarthritis and how can it be managed?
Osteoarthritis is an inflammation that affects joints where two or more bones meet. The cartilage, which absorbs shock and pressure, erodes over time, causing pain, stiffness, or weakness. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Treatment often involves physical therapy and exercise to maintain joint mobility and reduce pain.
Why is frozen shoulder so common and what causes shoulder pain?
Frozen shoulder limits the ability to stretch or rotate the arms, often caused by a torn rotator cuff due to degeneration or injury. Continued use without treatment can worsen the tear. Chronic pain in the shoulder is also linked to Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies, and like many joint issues, therapy and exercise remain effective interventions.
What leads to knee pain, especially in old age?
Knee pain can affect people of all ages but is most common in older adults. It results from injury or inflammation, with the knee being particularly vulnerable to both. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can cause chronic pain. While some cases require medication and therapy, more severe damage may demand surgical intervention.
There are many misconceptions about knee replacement surgery. Can you clarify?
Yes, many believe that patients cannot squat or sit cross-legged post-surgery, which is partially true. Knee replacement involves replacing damaged bone and cartilage with metal and plastic implants. The procedure greatly reduces pain and restores knee function, though certain traditional sitting postures may still be limited. Importantly, X-rays show bone damage, but not ligament injuries.
How serious is hip joint dislocation among elderly patients?
Hip dislocation is a serious orthopaedic issue where the femoral head slips out of its socket. In the elderly, this often follows trauma. Hip replacement involves surgical insertion of metal components like titanium or stainless steel, including a ball and socket mechanism to replace the damaged joint. These prosthetics restore mobility and reduce pain.
What is the better option for slipped disc surgery, traditional or endoscopic?
A slipped disc compresses nerves and may cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the back, legs, or arms. Traditional surgery involves a 4-inch incision and longer recovery. However, endoscopic spine surgery is now the preferred option. It uses a camera-equipped flexible tube inserted through a small incision to remove damaged disc material, reducing trauma and speeding up recovery.
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