You may need the aid of crutches or a walker if the affected joint is your hip, knee or ankle. Consider crutches an invitation to stay off your legs. [3] X Research source However, crutches should only be used upon the advice of your physiotherapist.
The exercise bike is helpful too, as the forward and backward moves will assist the joint’s overall state, increase the blood flow and keep your hip and associated muscles strong. [5] X Trustworthy Source Arthritis Foundation Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education Go to source Your motion improvement and strength will help the physiotherapist to choose the proper exercises that best suit you and guide you on how to perform them on your own. Alternatively, performing simple yoga or massage therapy (especially for the buttocks, anterior/lateral hip muscles and back) is also helpful in relaxing and avoiding stress. [6] X Research source The more relaxed you are, the better you’ll feel 24/7.
There are a number of reasons you should limit your alcohol intake, or consider quitting entirely. [8] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Sure, one glass of wine a day is okay, but any more of that can wreak havoc on your heart, organs, and, obviously, your bones. [9] X Research source Take care of your body and go non-alcoholic.
When adding red meat to your diet, make sure to trim any visible fat before cooking. Consume food rich in Omega 3 fatty acids as fish, walnuts, flax seeds, soybeans, tuna and olive oil. Avoid frying the olive oil as it’ll destruct the omega 3s in it and lose all the benefits.
If you’re diabetic, make sure to always control your blood sugar levels within a normal state. Consult your doctor immediately if you’re facing any sudden high or low sugar concentrations, as diabetes is considered one of the risk factors that may lead to AVN. Adjusting your glucose level should be one of your top priorities by paying attention to your food and medicines.
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for relieving pain and reducing inflammation (redness, swelling, pain). Well-known NSAIDs in the pharmacies are Ibuprofen and Diclofenac salts (“Voltaren or Cataflam”); most are available in variable dosage forms. Tablets should be taken when needed (when having pain) but a usual dose of Voltaren 50 mg twice daily after meals should be enough. Osteoporosis drugs such as Alendronate (“Fosamax”) helps in slowing the progression of AVN. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Cholesterol drugs are used to decrease the fat concentration in the blood circulation caused by the intake of corticosteroids; this prevents blood vessel blockage that leads to AVN. Blood thinners such as Warfarin help patients with clotting disorders to prevent clot formation that can block the blood vessels. [14] X Research source
If surgery puts your bones in line, electrical stimulation sets the ball in motion. However, it’s not right for everyone, so ask your doctor if it’s a feasible option.
Core decompression. [17] X Research source The surgeon removes parts of the bone’s inner layer. The aim of this is to decrease the pressure inside, increase the blood flow, and let the extra space stimulate new healthy bone tissue production with new blood vessels. Bone transplant (graft). This is a transplantation process of a healthy bone section from another site of your body to support the affected area, usually done after a core decompression. Increasing the blood supply may be done by performing a vascular graft, including both an artery and a vein. Bone reshaping (osteotomy). This is where the surgeon removes a section of the affected bone above or below a weight bearing joint to change its shape in order to decrease the stress on it. This is effective for early stages/small areas and postpones the joint replacement. Joint replacement. In late stages, when totally collapsed or damaged and with medication failure, the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one, usually made from plastic or metal parts.
Your physical therapist will hook you up with crutches, a walker, or some device to reduce the weight the joint has to bear. This will greatly speed up the healing process. Your physical therapist will work on exercises with you to prevent joint deformity and improve your joint flexibility and mobility. Very important things!
AVN occurs in bones with a single terminal blood or end-artery supply (meaning there is a limited blood supply), such as the femoral (hip) and humeral (shoulder) heads, carpals (hand bones), and talus (foot bones). Closure or interruption of this single terminal blood supply will lead to death of bone tissue and, later, bone collapse. Although bone tissue regenerates or grows back again, the rate of bone destruction is faster than bone regeneration. If the bone collapses, the joint structure breaks down and leads to pain. Corticosteriods and radiation applied to the bone may further contribute to progression of AVN.
A bone fracture or joint dislocation can interrupt blood flow Radiation during cancer treatment weakens the bone and affects the blood vessels Elevated pressure inside the bone causes the blood vessels to narrow and make it difficult for fresh blood to enter leading to poor blood supply Alcohol intake in huge amounts (daily for several years) causes fats to accumulate in blood vessels and block them Medications such as corticosteroids (Prednisolone) when taken on a long basis in high doses can increase your risk of AVN. Other medication such as biphosphate (a treatment for osteoporosis), when used over long periods, can lead to a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Diseases such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia, organ transplantation, and dialysis can lead to AVN
This groin pain is worsened by weight-bearing, may be mild or worsen progressively across time. Pain may occur at rest or at night. Walking with a limp may be seen in the case of the involvement of the hip joint, and pain on pressure will be felt on or around the particularly affected bone. Joint movements may be limited and painful. The affected joint may be deformed or disfigured through time. If a nerve is compressed in the area of the affected bone or joint, the muscles supplied by that nerve may be paralyzed and deformed through time. Usually, signs and symptoms occur late in the course of the disease and patients consult doctors when the disease is more advanced than it had to be. Without treatment, the affected joint will be destroyed within five years from the start of AVN. [22] X Research source
X-rays. It usually appears normal in the early stages, but in later stages it reveals clear bone change Bone scan. Via an intravenous line, a safe radioactive material is slowly injected in your vein. The material flows with your blood circulation till it reaches its destination; a picture on a special device will show the affected sites as clear bright spots. This method is commonly used when the X-ray results are normal. Magnetic Resonance Imaging “MRI”. This is known as the most sensitive method for the early stages of AVN because it reveals any chemical change in the bone marrow and bone rebuilding process. This is done by radio waves and a strong magnetic field. Computerized Tomography “CT scan”. This is more clear than x-rays and bone scans; it determines the extent of bone damage by taking a three dimensional picture of the bone. Bone biopsy. This is a procedure wherein a small amount of bone tissue is taken and examined using the microscope in order to view the microscopic appearance of AVN.
