Best way to avoid joint pain

[JR 137]

nether chiropractic or physical therapy is a field of medicine,

They’re in the medical field. They have licensure requirements, as does every other area of the medical field that I can think of. At least they do here.

 

[jobo]

They’re in the medical field. They have licensure requirements, as does every other area of the medical field that I can think of. At least they do here.

so sticking band aid on a knee if your going to be all inclusive about it. and that doesn't need a licience

 

[Gerry Seymour]

so sticking band aid on a knee if your going to be all inclusive about it. and that doesn't need a licience

You're clearly avoiding the actual discussion.

 

[dvcochran]

When we moved, I found (by chance) a primary care physician who is a sports medicine doctor. I now recommend trying to find one of these critters for anyone who is in MA. He has a better understanding of joint and muscle issues - and how they affect my activities - than most GP's. Because he works with athletes, he stays up on what the orthopeds are working with (newer treatments, etc.). He's more likely to go for therapy than surgery (in fact, he had me set with a referral for surgery on a badly torn muscle, then changed his mind and went for PT instead, and the surgery was never needed). And one more point - and I'm not sure if this is because he's a sports doc or just because he's a good doc - he listens a LOT to what I know/feel about my body...he expects me to have that awareness, because of my activities.

That is a good point, I do tend to deflect/hide/mask my issues when at the docs office. If I think about it, it is easy for me to get appalled about the amount of time I have spent in a doctor office or hospital. It is easy to take that mindset of "I will work through it" and end up with a chronic issue. It is wise to remember that a doctor is an investigator of sorts; the more quality information a patient gives them the easier and more accurate the diagnosis.
On a side not I will rant about the health system a little. I take a NSAID call Diclofenac. About a year ago I was told I have to go to a pain medicine clinic to get my prescriptions. Part of the big medicine money making wheel? It sure feels like it. So I now have to make an appointment, got set in a room, the doctor and a nurse walks in, nurse takes my BP, the doc looks at me, ask nothing as far as pain level or how I feel, then leaves. Granted it is an every 3-month visit but it just seems so unnecessary.

 

[dvcochran]

so sticking band aid on a knee if your going to be all inclusive about it. and that doesn't need a licience

Ok. So what is your point to this? What you are saying is of no help and just deflecting the topic.

 

[jobo]

You're clearly avoiding the actual discussion.

no both you and the other guy are bombarding me with information that contradicts things I haven't said, just thought I'd join in

 

[Gerry Seymour]

That is a good point, I do tend to deflect/hide/mask my issues when at the docs office. If I think about it, it is easy for me to get appalled about the amount of time I have spent in a doctor office or hospital. It is easy to take that mindset of "I will work through it" and end up with a chronic issue. It is wise to remember that a doctor is an investigator of sorts; the more quality information a patient gives them the easier and more accurate the diagnosis.
On a side not I will rant about the health system a little. I take a NSAID call Diclofenac. About a year ago I was told I have to go to a pain medicine clinic to get my prescriptions. Part of the big medicine money making wheel? It sure feels like it. So I now have to make an appointment, got set in a room, the doctor and a nurse walks in, nurse takes my BP, the doc looks at me, ask nothing as far as pain level or how I feel, then leaves. Granted it is an every 3-month visit but it just seems so unnecessary.

Sounds like something from the insurance company, rather than the physicians.

 

[Dirty Dog]

That is a good point, I do tend to deflect/hide/mask my issues when at the docs office. If I think about it, it is easy for me to get appalled about the amount of time I have spent in a doctor office or hospital. It is easy to take that mindset of "I will work through it" and end up with a chronic issue. It is wise to remember that a doctor is an investigator of sorts; the more quality information a patient gives them the easier and more accurate the diagnosis.
On a side not I will rant about the health system a little. I take a NSAID call Diclofenac. About a year ago I was told I have to go to a pain medicine clinic to get my prescriptions. Part of the big medicine money making wheel? It sure feels like it. So I now have to make an appointment, got set in a room, the doctor and a nurse walks in, nurse takes my BP, the doc looks at me, ask nothing as far as pain level or how I feel, then leaves. Granted it is an every 3-month visit but it just seems so unnecessary.

It's an attempt to get things treated by the proper specialist. Chronic pain is best treated by someone who specializes in chronic pain. Just as chronic GI problems are best treated by a Gastroenterologist. Or cardiac arrhythmias by a Cardiologist.

If your visits are as you describe, then I'd recommend changing providers. The specialist should be examining your specific case and trying to find alternative, more effective treatments. If all that's being done is continuing your prior treatment without considering further options, then you're not getting what you're paying for.

I'd also question the need for a 3 month follow up with the pain management clinic. Frequent, close monitoring is necessary for patients on treatments that are prone to abuse, but not for diclofenac (although obviously I don't know what else you're taking, and that could have an impact on the need for frequent follow up).

 

[dvcochran]

It's an attempt to get things treated by the proper specialist. Chronic pain is best treated by someone who specializes in chronic pain. Just as chronic GI problems are best treated by a Gastroenterologist. Or cardiac arrhythmias by a Cardiologist.

If your visits are as you describe, then I'd recommend changing providers. The specialist should be examining your specific case and trying to find alternative, more effective treatments. If all that's being done is continuing your prior treatment without considering further options, then you're not getting what you're paying for.

I'd also question the need for a 3 month follow up with the pain management clinic. Frequent, close monitoring is necessary for patients on treatments that are prone to abuse, but not for diclofenac (although obviously I don't know what else you're taking, and that could have an impact on the need for frequent follow up).

I get a 90 day supply so the 3-month visit is for the refill. As far as pain meds that is it.

 

[dvcochran]

Sounds like something from the insurance company, rather than the physicians.

I do wonder. Makes me worry who is steering the boat when I go for a doctor visit sometimes.

 

[Gerry Seymour]

I do wonder. Makes me worry who is steering the boat when I go for a doctor visit sometimes.

As an example, with my foot surgery, I had to have a visit with the orthoped within 35 days before the surgery. He told me that if I scheduled the surgery further out, they'd work with me to get a visit scheduled within the necessary timeframe before the operation. It'd be a visit just to check the box for insurance purposes.

 

[Jeff_Beish]

Learn the correct way of ukemi. Judo done incorrectly leads to joint problems. While I have not practiced Judo in many years and at age 78 I had my knees replaced in 2009 and am walking just fine. My hips still hurt from arthritis. I practiced Judo from 1952 until 1989, but could have gone on. It got boring.

 

[dvcochran]

Learn the correct way of ukemi. Judo done incorrectly leads to joint problems. While I have not practiced Judo in many years and at age 78 I had my knees replaced in 2009 and am walking just fine. My hips still hurt from arthritis. I practiced Judo from 1952 until 1989, but could have gone on. It got boring.

My radar goes off every time I hear someone talk about knee replacements. If I may ask you a few questions:
Did you have both knees done at the same time?
Do you know the kind or name of the hardware used?
Would you do it again?

Thank you

 

[Jeff_Beish]

Yes, both against the doctors advice; however, since both were completely shot and bone against bone he did it anyway. It was not all that difficult and yes, I would do it again. I have forgotten what material joints he used, sorry. Going on a decade so my memory is foggy.

 

[Gerry Seymour]

What is the expected lifespan of replacement knees these days?

 

[dvcochran]

It seems to be around 5-15 years based on personal health factors and use. I have been reading how big a factor circulation plays in joint health and leg issues. It has been some interesting research. Very much akin to my understanding of hydraulics. I am planning to setup some screening to measure the circulation flow/pressure in my upper leg compared to my lower leg on vein and artery (supply/return). This was a big issue for my mother (lifetime smoker) who had an artificial Aorta Y where it splits at your lower abdomen to go to each leg. Before I go down the surgery road with my knees I want to make certain my circulation it good.

 

[Tez3]

they have an ordinary degree in joints,

Oh there's so many jokes there I can't even begin.....


The 40% pass rate thing, you need to read the regulations.
"A degree is made up of a number of individual modules. Each module is worth a set number of credits (please refer to regulation 1.2.2). Undergraduate students must register on modules worth 120 credits per stage (i.e. per academic year, if studying full-time). To progress to the next stage or be awarded a degree, undergraduate students must achieve 120 credits in the stage, as well as the required stage mean (40% on foundation and undergraduate courses at FHEQ levels 3-6 and 50% on undergraduate integrated masters courses at level 7, unless there is a higher progression threshold). (Please refer to regulation 1.4.3). The exam board may award up to 30 credits per stage via compensation, trailed credit or condoned credit. (Further information is provided below)."

Examination and Assessment Regulations FAQs for Undergraduate Students : Examinations and Assessment : ... : Academic Development and Quality Enhancement : University of Sussex

 

[Gerry Seymour]

Oh there's so many jokes there I can't even begin.....


The 40% pass rate thing, you need to read the regulations.
"A degree is made up of a number of individual modules. Each module is worth a set number of credits (please refer to regulation 1.2.2). Undergraduate students must register on modules worth 120 credits per stage (i.e. per academic year, if studying full-time). To progress to the next stage or be awarded a degree, undergraduate students must achieve 120 credits in the stage, as well as the required stage mean (40% on foundation and undergraduate courses at FHEQ levels 3-6 and 50% on undergraduate integrated masters courses at level 7, unless there is a higher progression threshold). (Please refer to regulation 1.4.3). The exam board may award up to 30 credits per stage via compensation, trailed credit or condoned credit. (Further information is provided below)."

Examination and Assessment Regulations FAQs for Undergraduate Students : Examinations and Assessment : ... : Academic Development and Quality Enhancement : University of Sussex

I'm still not clear what that 40% is, Tez. Did it make actual sense to you? Maybe I need to read it with a British accent?

 

[Tez3]

I'm still not clear what that 40% is, Tez. Did it make actual sense to you? Maybe I need to read it with a British accent?

It's actually the minimum number of credits you need to pass each module of your course. Exams are in January and May, often also in July. Most courses carry 120 credits per year, so three lots of exams will give you a pass, there's also assessments. You will never get much higher than probably 70-75% though this American says he was told 60% but as he said uni here is very different from your unis.
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