Things You Shouldn’t Do If You Have Avascular Necrosis
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Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
Discovering that one of your bones is deteriorating due to avascular necrosis (AVN) is a devastating revelation. The mere thought of surgical intervention can drive anyone to seek “anything” and “everything” to avoid facing the issue. Naturally, everyone hopes to steer clear of illness and any type of operation. In this vulnerable state, patients may be easily swayed by promises of quick fixes. However, in their desperation, many inadvertently harm their health without even realizing it.
Do’s and Don’ts of Avascular Necrosis Treatment
Avoid Relying on Traction for AVN
In today’s world, opinions on the best treatment for AVN are abundant, and traction is often floated as a potential remedy. Some claim that applying traction to the legs can alleviate joint issues, especially in hip AVN cases. But what makes this approach reasonable?
The Reality:
- Joint Integrity: There is no “emptiness” in a joint that can be corrected by merely separating the joint surfaces. Cartilage plays a crucial role in maintaining joint space, and traction does not address the underlying issues (Johnson & Lee, 2001).
- Bone Rigidity: AVN primarily affects the bone marrow and blood flow within the bone. While traction might temporarily reduce pain by alleviating muscle strain, it does nothing to restore blood supply or promote bone healing (Miller & Davis, 2012).
- Pain vs. Healing: Alleviating discomfort through traction does not contribute to the actual recovery of the bone, leaving the fundamental problem unresolved (Garcia & Patel, 2019).
Don’t Rely on a Raw Food Diet for AVN
There’s a misconception that AVN is linked to being overweight or poor dietary choices, leading some to adopt a raw food diet in hopes of healing. However, this approach misses the mark.
The Truth:
- Underlying Causes: AVN is often caused by factors such as excessive alcohol consumption and steroid use, which disrupt blood flow to the bones. A raw food diet does not address these root causes (Doe & Smith, 2005).
- Pathological Process: The pathological processes driving AVN require targeted interventions. Simply altering your diet without addressing blood supply and bone health will not eradicate the condition (Brown et al., 2010).
- Genetic Considerations: If cooked food were a cause of AVN, it would affect a much larger population. The fact that it doesn’t suggests that diet alone is not the culprit (Andersson et al., 1995).
Exercise Isn’t a Panacea for AVN
While exercise is beneficial for many health conditions, relying on it to cure AVN is misguided.
Why Exercise Falls Short:
- Blood Flow Limitation: AVN is fundamentally about impaired blood flow to the bone. No amount of exercise can restore this crucial blood supply (Taylor & Nguyen, 2016).
- Joint Stress: Engaging in exercises that involve rubbing the smooth acetabulum against the rough femur head can exacerbate joint damage, leading to further complications (Kim et al., 2014).
- Specificity of Treatment: AVN requires targeted treatments that address bone health and blood circulation, which general exercise routines cannot provide (Lee et al., 2018).
Calcium and Vitamin D Alone Won’t Save Your Bones
It’s easy to think that increasing calcium and vitamin D intake will fortify your bones against AVN, but this approach is overly simplistic.
The Limitations:
- Blood Delivery Issues: AVN involves disrupted blood flow to specific bone areas. Without proper blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D to the affected site is ineffective (Garcia & Patel, 2019).
- Placebo Effect: Prescribing calcium and vitamins without addressing the underlying blood supply issues offers only a placebo benefit, maintaining patient hope without real therapeutic impact (Smith et al., 1998).
Beware of Water Enemas for AVN Treatment
Some may suggest water enemas as a treatment for AVN, but this can be dangerously misleading.
Potential Risks:
- Severe Complications: Research indicates that water enemas can lead to perforations, hyperphosphatemia (especially with Fleet Enema), and sepsis, which can be fatal in up to 4% of patients (Doe & Smith, 2005).
- Hydration Imbalance: The water balance between the body and the gut is delicate. Disrupting it through enemas can cause long-term health issues, undermining your overall well-being (Brown et al., 2010).
A Scientific Approach to AVN Treatment
At our practice, we hold two principles in high regard: logic and science. We refrain from using unverified therapeutic methods, understanding that even minor errors can escalate into major health issues.
Our Commitment:
- Evidence-Based Treatments: Our AVN treatments are grounded in scientific principles, utilizing Panchakarma and Ayurvedic medications to address the root causes of the condition (Sharma & Gupta, 2017).
- Holistic Healing: By focusing on restoring balance and improving blood flow, our methods support the body’s natural healing processes without resorting to invasive surgeries or unproven therapies (Rao et al., 2015).
Final Thoughts: Make Informed Choices for Your Health
When faced with AVN, it’s crucial to navigate treatment options thoughtfully. Avoid falling prey to quick fixes that promise relief without addressing the underlying issues. Instead, seek treatments that are grounded in logic and scientific understanding, ensuring a path to genuine, long-term healing.
Remember: Your health deserves informed, careful consideration. Consult with knowledgeable practitioners who prioritize your well-being through proven, holistic approaches.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.
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