Is Joint Lavage Effective for Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Lavage is a medical term that basically means the washing, rinsing or cleansing of any area.  Arthroscopic lavage is one of the several medical procedures that are available, to aid in the reversal of permanent damage in patients that have early signs of arthritis.  This type of treatment is controversial, especially in older patients that have established arthritis.

Almost 50 years ago, it was very common for arthritic patients to undergo a procedure using joint lavage.  This type of treatment is no longer recommended for osteoarthritis of the knee.
When cartilage breaks down, tiny pieces of tissue and cartilage can be left in the joint, and crystallization can occur within the joint.  Joint lavage is the procedure that will “wash out” and remove the debris that may have collected in the joint space.  This procedure involves inserting one or more tiny tubes into the joint.

There are several types of joint lavage:

1. Tidal Irrigation:
This process uses only one tube to inject and remove fluid from the joint.

2. Non-arthroscopic:
This process uses two points of entry, one to inject fluid and the other to remove fluid from the joint.  There is no visual inspection of the joint with this procedure.

3. Arthroscopic:
This is a process that requires a visual viewing and inspection of the joint.
During a joint lavage procedure, saline (salt and water solution) is injected into the joint, to loosen and wash out debris.  Then the joint is drained of fluid.  This is a process that can be repeated several times.  The theory behind this treatment, is that by removing the debris in the joint, the inflammation and chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis will be reduced.    There is some conflict as to the effectiveness of this type of treatment.

A study on arthritis and rheumatism was conducted on about 100 patients with tibiofemoral knee osteoarthritis. They were each randomly assigned four (4) different treatments (placebo, intraarticular corticosteroids, joint lavage with corticosteroids, and joint lavage with placebo)  Results from this study showed that when corticosteroids was used, pain was significantly reduced.  Test subjects that received the joint lavage with corticosteroids treatment, enjoyed up to six (6) months of reduced arthritis and joint pain.

A study published in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) offered more than 20 recommendations for knee osteoarthritis, and joint lavage did not make the list.  The AAOS is not convinced, that there is enough evidence, to warrant the recommendation of this type of treatment.
There doesn’t seem to be any high-quality medical studies conducted around joint lavage, and what has been studied, shows that this treatment is just as effective, like steroid injections.  In two separate trials, lavage did not prove to be a better treatment than 10 ml injections of saline.  Some studied results show, that patients that were injected with hyaluronic acid experienced significantly lower pain, than patients that were treated with lavage.

The “Annals of Rheumatic Diseases” published another study that showed, that not only are there not enough benefits to support treatment with a joint lavage, but that complication with this type of procedure are possible.

Infection is always a risk, when any procedure using needles are involved.  Another complication that may develop is pseudo-gout, and this is similar to gout.  Basically, pseudo-gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden swelling in your joints, and it is incredibly painful.  These episodes can last from a few days to a few weeks, and it is most commonly known to affect the knee joint.

More than twenty (20) million people living in the United States are afflicted with osteoarthritis (OA), and more than 11% have this type of pain in their knees.  Osteoarthritis is diagnosed using medical history information, conducting a physical exam and performing tests, such as radio logic imaging.

The American College of Rheumatology has derived an algorithm, to properly diagnosis osteoarthritis of the knee.  It should be the presence of chronic pain, and should match several of the following points:

1. Patient must be older than 50.
2. Stiffness, upon walking lasts no longer than 30 minutes.
3. Tenderness.
4. Swelling.
5. The presence of non-inflammatory synovial fluid.
6. The grating sound when the joint is moved.
7. The bone is abnormally enlarged.

The main purpose of treating osteoarthritis is to reduce pain and improve mobility.  But many treatments are not considered to be curative.  Some effective, non-surgical, treatments include, (but are not limited to): exercising, losing weight, using an aid (such as a cane) to get around, taking over-the-counter pain meds, such as ibuprofen, and supplements, such as chondroitin and glucosamine are also said to be effective treatments for reducing joint pain.

Invasive treatment may be a consideration, especially if the above non-surgical treatments are not effective.  Some operative treatments may include, osteotomy, cartilage debridement, arthroscopic lavage and total arthroplasty of the joint.

References

http://familylobby.com/bestdeepwrinkletreatment/journals.asp

https://medium.com/@daisygrace/3-powerful-drinks-to-treat-arthritis-and-joint-pain-cb5271a14c9b#.bsq67xm0w

Signs Of Joint Pain: Trigger To Treat Before It Worsens Your Joint Health

Knowing the signs of joint pain is the best way to start dealing with joint pains at an early stage. It is better to know the signs early enough to enhance the treatment and early prevention. Joint pains can be as a result of arthritis, accidents and other infections affecting the joints and bones. For you to have strong joint you need to exercise and feed as advised by a nutritionist.

The following are signs of joint pain;
1. Joint swelling
The moment you want to know the signs and symptoms of joint pains you need to research and or seek medical advice. In this case, joint swelling is one of the symptoms whereby you will notice the swell through the skin where the joint lies. Seek treatment as first as possible to avoid it from spreading all over and becoming chronic. Make sure that your doctor performs tests on you before giving any kind of medication.

2. Joint tenderness
Women are prone to joint problems making it obvious that every woman must complain of the joint and back pains. When you notice this kind of sign ensure that you have undergone proper medication to ensure that it does not spread or become any serious. In case, you ignore it will be a great challenge with a matured problem. It will be more expensive as compared to dealing with the symptom when fully matured. Handling tender joint is not an easy task since you cannot have easy movements or even handle tough jobs which require muscle presence.

3. Joint warmth
This is where you feel hotness around the joint especially around the knee and the hip joint. Make a step of visiting a doctor who will perform tests on you and identify the cause of the problem. This symptom helps in treatment for osteoarthritis since it will not be allowed to spread to any other joint when discovered. Take a balanced diet, lots of water and exercise to reduce any pain caused in the process.

4. Locking of the joint
It occurs mostly in the aged who have already experienced menopause. This is accompanied by the grinding of the joints which is so painful. In case, you notice that symptom early enough run to the nearest hospital and be examined. Make use of your doctors and medical facilities to avoid experiencing these symptoms when in their chronic state.

5. Weakness
This is a symptom which can easily be ignored. Do not assume the disease rather ensure that you are tested. Avoid self-medication which can cause more harm to your joints and entire body. Take red meat, balance diet, fruits, vegetables and more of water which will boost your immunity greatly. Ensure that the meat you take is properly cooked and avoid any roasted meat which does not cook completely. Roasted meat has the ability to make the whole situation so severe especially the pain increases drastically.

6. Joint stiffness
The moment you notice that your joints are getting stiff you need medical attention so that the doctor can begin medication. Avoid immobility as a process of maintaining your joints mobility. This is caused by reduction of cartilage which helps to make the bones movable without pain. Joint stiffness can be reduced through exercise and proper medication                                                                                                                                                                                
7. Limping
This can occur due to the knee joint pain, hip joint pain or the ankle joint pain. Do not ignore rather seek medical attention to avoid the situation getting worse.

8. Joint redness
It is a form of arthritis that does not get any better unless you see a medical doctor. You will receive prescriptions and is upon you to take them as advised in order to reduce the situation. Do not take it as minor rather ensure that any awkward situation in your body has been administered by a doctor.


9. Loss of range of motion of the joint
This is another situation whereby if ignored, you as a patient will suffer chronically. It is wise to treat it early in advance.

Conclusion
In case you notice any of the above symptoms, ensure that you seek medication to avoid further spreading. Let your health be your priority by taking precautions so fast. Do not ignore any abnormal feeling in your body hence you need always to be alert in relation to your health. Avoid junk and make exercise be one of your hobbies in order to avoid the risk of a worse situation. Let your food be a balanced diet full of vegetable fruits and plenty of water, with this you will be sure that your health is on the safe side. A balanced diet and exercise will enhance high immunity, giving your body ability to resist so many diseases.

References

https://www.jointhealthmagazine.com/why-joint-pain-increase-when-it-rains.html https://www.glozine.com/lifestyle/health