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What are the Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Recommended Read: Rheumatoid Arthritis: 14 Most Frequently Asked Questions

Nobody knows the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, we do know, in RA the immune system, which usually fights foreign invaders in the body, attacks healthy tissue, such as cartilage and bone.

Here are some of the risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis:

  1. Smoking: Smoking contributes to rheumatoid arthritis in several ways. The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products reduces blood flow in the hands and feet. This can reduce the effectiveness of medications that treat RA. Smokers also have higher levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) antibodies in their blood than nonsmokers do. RFs are proteins that sometimes accompany RA and other autoimmune disorders, but doctors do not know what role they play in autoimmune diseases.
  2. Family history or genetics: People with a parent or sibling with RA have an increased risk of developing the disease themselves. Scientists have identified certain genes that may increase the likelihood a person will have RA. However, having these genes does not mean that a person will definitely get the condition. Although doctors still do not fully understand what causes RA, they believe it develops as a result of both genetic and environmental factors.
  3. Gender: The majority of people with RA are women. The female hormone estrogen may play a role in this imbalance. Doctors are not sure why, but they do know that estrogen affects the immune system.
  4. Age: RA can affect people at any age, but it is most common in middle-aged adults. It affects women three times more often than men and usually starts between the ages of 30 and 60 years old.
  5. Obesity: Obesity is a known risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis, but the mechanisms behind this association have been unclear. There are several theories about how obesity contributes to RA. One hypothesis is that fat cells release chemicals that cause inflammation, which increases the risk of developing an autoimmune disorder. Another theory is that extra body weight may trigger stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, wrists, and hands. This wear and tear may result in joint damage and make RA more likely to develop.

Final words

While RA is not an easy condition to diagnose, an examination of the joints and a review of symptoms can help with diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of RA are important for controlling joint damage and slowing the progression of disability. The best rheumatoid arthritis treatment may involve prescription medications, physical therapy, and eating a healthy diet.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of RA or have any questions, consult a specialist and seek the best arthritis treatment in Kolkata.

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Types of Bone Fractures

There are various types of fractures that depend on the patterns, severity, and type of bones. In fractured bones, reparation is also different depending on these factors. The two main classifications of fractures are complete and incomplete fractures. A complete fracture involves a break in the bone with a clear separation between the broken ends. This includes open fractures that show exposed bone in an injured part of a limb or body. An incomplete fracture (also called greenstick) is cracks and bends in bones that aren’t completely broken.

In general, here are five common types of bone fractures:

1. Stable fracture

Stable fractures are, as the name implies, stable. They occur when an injury causes the bone to break clean. Often, this means there is little or no movement of the broken ends. These types of breaks usually don’t require surgery and can be treated with a cast or splint followed by physical therapy to help regain strength and improve function.

2. Comminuted fracture

A comminuted fracture is a bone broken into more than two pieces. Usually, part of the bone will have shattered into several fragments. A comminuted fracture requires special treatment. The pieces of bone must be put back together to allow the bone to heal. If the pieces are not reduced, or put back in place, they will not heal correctly. To accomplish this, it is necessary to use some form of internal fixation to hold the pieces together while they heal.

3. Compound fracture

A compound fracture is a break in the skin and bone. Compound fractures are often caused by high-energy trauma, such as a car crash or a fall from a height. The appearance of a compound fracture can vary widely depending on the injury, but there are some universal traits that set them apart from other types of fractures. These include an open skin wound, bleeding, and bone protruding from the wound.

4. Transverse fracture

A transverse fracture is a type of break that happens in a straight line across the bone. It can affect any bone in the body and may result from a sudden accident or injury, such as a fall or car accident, or from repetitive stress over time. This type of break is relatively stable, meaning that it is unlikely to cause any further damage because the pieces are lined up correctly. A transverse fracture can also be called a horizontal fracture.

5. Spiral fracture

A spiral fracture is a kind of fracture where the bone has broken and twisted around itself. The twisting is usually caused by a direct blow to the bone or when a person falls on their arm or leg with their weight twisted. A spiral fracture may be caused by direct or indirect force. A person may also suffer this fracture if they fall on an outstretched arm, with their hand planted on the ground and their palm facing up. Spiral fractures can damage the periosteum, the vascular layer that surrounds the bone.

Final words

These are five common types of bone fractures. If you have fractured your bone, consult a specialist fracture treatment doctor in Kolkata. If you’re dealing with other orthopedic, consult the right specialist; for osteoporosis, reach out to the best osteoporosis surgeon.

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What Factors Increase the Risk of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in your joints breaks down, leading to a breakdown of the smooth surface that normally allows bones to glide. With less cartilage, bones begin to rub together when you move, creating more friction and pain. Osteoarthritis can cause mild to severe symptoms in your hands, fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees.

Osteoarthritis typically begins in middle age, but it can strike at any age. While anyone can get osteoarthritis (OA), there are certain factors that increase a person’s risk. Let’s take a look at some of these risk factors and learn how they impact a person’s chance of developing osteoarthritis.

Age: Aging plays a big role in osteoarthritis because it increases the wear and tears on joints. The more you use your joints, the more wear and tear they get. Moreover, as you age, your joints lose their shock-absorbing ability. This causes stress on your joints from weight-bearing activities such as walking or standing.

Obesity: Excess weight causes stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. For every pound gained, there is a four-pound increase in the load across your knee joint when you walk or exercise. Losing some extra pounds can help reduce pain and improve function in people with knee OA.

Old injuries: Previous joint injury may trigger osteoarthritis later in life because damaged cartilage may not heal completely. Injuries that may place you at higher risk include broken bones around a joint or injuries that affect ligaments, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Genetics: Osteoarthritis sometimes runs in families. Experts think that several genes are involved in the development of OA, but they don’t know which ones. They also don’t know how many genes it takes to cause the disease. This type of genetic involvement is called polygenic inheritance.

(Note that even if you have a family history of osteoarthritis, but you take good care of your body, you may be able to prevent or slow down its progression. You can do this through exercise, weight loss, and other lifestyle changes.)

Gender: Osteoarthritis affects men and women equally. Women, however, are at greater risk for developing knee osteoarthritis. The higher risk for women may be related to changes in the hormone estrogen during menopause, which can lead to bone thinning. Hormone changes also may affect the cartilage in joints.

Final words

Osteoarthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition to suffer through, but there are a few measures individuals can take to prevent and manage it.

Several osteoarthritis treatment options are available, but the use of certain treatments may vary among patients depending on their risk factors. As you learn about all your treatment options, focusing on preventing osteoarthritis is as important as managing the condition.

If you need to consult a specialist, get in touch with the best osteoarthritis doctor in Kolkata.

If you’re dealing with other orthopedic conditions, contact the right specialist. For instance, if you’re dealing with knee pain, get in touch with a ligament specialist doctor in Kolkata.

Recommended Reads:

Everything You Should Know About Osteoarthritis

What Are The Four Stages of Osteoarthritis?

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Hip Replacement Surgery: All You Need to Know

Hip replacement surgery is a treatment option for those with severe hip joint disease, often caused by arthritis.

Hip replacement is an excellent procedure for reducing pain and increasing mobility in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip joint.

A total hip replacement involves replacing the patient’s natural hip joint surfaces, specifically the femoral head (upper-ball part) and the acetabulum (socket). Both these parts are replaced with metal, plastic, and ceramic components.

As hip joint pain is commonly suffered by older adults, and as the population continues to grow, the demand for hip joint surgery is expected to grow in the future. Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure already and is performed millions of times every year.

How Hip Replacement Surgery is Performed?

A couple of days before your operation, you will usually be asked to stop taking any medicines that thin your blood. These include aspirin, warfarin, and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Your surgeon or anesthetist will give you advice on any other medicines you need to stop taking prior to the operation.

On the day of your operation, you will have a chance to talk to the surgeon again about what is going to happen. You may also see an anesthetist at this time.

You’ll have several tests beforehand, including a blood test and an electrocardiogram (ECG) – where electrodes are attached to your chest to monitor your heart’s activity. The results of these tests help the surgical team assess your general level of health and decide whether it is safe for you to have an anesthetic. Any concerns should be raised with your doctor or nurse at this point.

During the surgery, your surgeon will make a cut on the side of your thigh and move muscles away from your hip joint to reach your femur (thigh bone). Your surgeon will then prepare the surface of your femur for an artificial stem that will fit inside it. They’ll then place this stem into your femur and secure it with either cement or screws.

There are several types of prosthetic joints that can be used. These include:

    1. Metal on plastic – ball is metallicand socket is made from plastic
    2. Metal on metal – both the ball and socket are made from metal alloy
    3. Ceramic on ceramic – both the ball and socket are made from ceramic material

It’s Safe (And Assure Successful Outcome)

The long-term safety and effectiveness of hip replacement operations are well established. Most people who have the operation will benefit from it in terms of reduced pain and increased mobility.

If you or your loved ones have a hip problem, consult a specialist that offers the best orthopedic treatment in Kolkata. First, they will recommend conservative options to treat your hip problems, which can include medications, lifestyle changes, and physiotherapy.

If none of these work, they will recommend a hip replacement. Get in touch with the best hip replacement surgeon in Kolkata, talk to them about the procedure, and move forward with the surgery and towards better orthopedic health.

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Does Summer Bring Joint Pain?

Everyone knows: cold weather comes with knee pain. Your parents or you yourself may have complained about joint pain during the winter. But what about during summer?

Does the joint pain go away in warm weather? Or do people experience more pain and orthopedic problems during this season? We’ll answer these in this post.

(Please note, no matter the season/weather, if you’re experiencing any form of orthopedic issues, it’s important that you visit the best bone doctor in Kolkata. Ignoring the problem and hoping it would get better on its own can make things worse. Early intervention is the biggest determining factor in the success of treatment.)

Warm Weather Causes Joint Pain

Summer brings more than just sunshine and warm weather. It can also bring joint pain and discomfort.

In the summer, heat and humidity can cause tendons, ligaments, and muscles to expand. This expansion can stress your joints. At times, the pain may be severe enough that it’s difficult to move around. This non-use of your joints will cause them to stiffen.

Joints damaged by arthritis or other conditions may have exposed nerves that are irritated by changes in the air pressure around you — which is caused by rising temperatures and humidity levels. This irritation can make your pain worse when the weather changes.

The increased humidity during the summer months also causes your body to lose water, which can leave your joints feeling dry and achy.

So, when the atmosphere is stable, meaning there are no major changes in temperature or humidity, those with arthritis may find themselves with less joint pain. But when the barometric pressure drops and a storm is on the way, their joints can ache without warning.

How to Manage Your Joint Pain During Summer?

Although heat can aggravate joint pain symptoms, there are ways you can minimize any pain or stiffness so you can still enjoy the summer months.

  1. Remain inside when you can; this is especially true when it’s very hot outside. Staying indoors during extreme heat, when possible, will help prevent your joints from swelling up in the heat. If you must venture outside, try to limit your time outside and seek out ways to stay cool (i.e., hydrate, wear loose clothing and find shade).
  2. Keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration can worsen joint pain symptoms. It’s recommended that adults drink at least 8 cups of water daily; in hot weather and after exercise (when sweating), more may be needed to replenish fluids lost through sweat. Keep an eye on the color of your urine — pale yellow means you’re well-hydrated while dark yellow indicates dehydration. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they are diuretics that cause further fluid loss through urine and sweat.
  3. Don’t overexert yourself. If you have arthritis or another condition that causes joint pain, summer is not the best time to start a rigorous exercise routine or take on other strenuous tasks. Your body is already working harder because of the warm weather and excessive activity can cause further damage to joints that are already in pain.

Consult a Joint Pain Specialist

If you or your loved ones are dealing with joint pain, get in touch with an orthopedic specialist. Consult the best knee replacement surgeon and start an effective treatment plan immediately. As mentioned, refusing to address the problem can only worsen joint pain. Starting the treatment as early as possible is very important.

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Hip Fracture: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatments

Fractures are the second most common musculoskeletal problem and hip fractures are the most common type. Hip fractures should be considered a medical emergency.

A hip fracture is a type of broken bone. A hip fracture may happen for several reasons, including osteoporosis, trauma such as a fall, or developmental disorders. A broken hip is the most common long-bone fracture in adults over 60 years old. Both women and men can get hip fractures. The chances of getting a hip fracture increase with age.

Causes of Hip Fracture

In most cases, the cause of a hip fracture is a fall from a standing height on to a hard surface, or from falling forward while walking. Fractures can also occur as a result of high-impact car accidents or after a direct blow to your hip.

As mentioned, age and osteoporosis are two big risk factors for hip fracture. Other risk factors include sedentary lifestyle, gender, excessive alcohol consumption, body weight, medicines causing bone loss, and more.

Symptoms of Hip Fracture

A hip fracture may cause pain in your groin, upper thigh and lower back. You may feel numbness and tingle in your feet or hands. There may be swelling around your hips, too. You might not want to walk on a fractured hip because of pain and/or trouble balancing. This could leave you limping or unable to walk at all.

If you’re noticing the symptoms of a hip fracture, it’s essential to seek immediate medical help.

Diagnosis of Hip Fracture

X-ray and MRI scans are used to confirm that the break is not displaced and that there are no additional injuries. The treatment depends on how severe the injury is. Doctors will use a CT scan or an MRI with contrast if they think that there is bleeding into the bony tissue surrounding the hip joint (called hemarthrosis).

Treatments of Hip Fracture

When you have a hip fracture, you are likely to need surgery. In fact, most people with hip fractures will need surgery. Without surgery, your recovery may take longer and you might not get back as much range of motion in your hip. A few people can recover from a hip fracture without surgery if they are young and healthy.

In general, treatment for hip fracture generally involves reducing pain and swelling of the injured area through medication or surgery.

Again, in many cases, surgery will be performed to realign the bones back into their proper position. After surgery, it is important to take steps to prevent another fall from occurring by exercising regularly and getting regular checkups from an experienced fracture treatment doctor in Kolkata.

Final words

People with hip fractures often suffer from impaired mobility, increased need for assistance with activities of daily living, and depression. The key to avoiding a hip fracture is staying as bone-healthy as possible. So, keep your bones strong and active on a regular basis. If you find yourself with a broken hip, it is essential to seek proper care from any of the best orthopedic doctors in Kolkata who specialize in fractures.

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Fibromyalgia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes a person to feel weakness and fatigue. It affects the muscles and soft tissues throughout the body.

People with fibromyalgia often have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep. They also have pain throughout their body.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the joints and muscles. The cause is unknown. Research points to problems with the central nervous system, which includes the spinal cord and brain, and the immune system. These are systems in the body that are supposed to be working together to keep you healthy. The trouble with these systems may cause fibromyalgia symptoms and make it hard for people who have this condition to feel good.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which pain and stiffness in your muscles cause many other symptoms. The pain may be felt all over the body or in particular areas, such as your neck, shoulders, or hips. You may also have problems sleeping.

Fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person. If you have fibromyalgia, you may have all of these symptoms or none of them. The symptoms may come and go and be mild or severe over time.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include anxiety, headaches, restless legs, painful menstrual periods, irritable bowel symptoms, and more.

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

There aren’t any specific lab tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based on your medical history, a physical exam, and tests that rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Because the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, doctors are not always able to diagnose it in the early stages.

Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Treatment for fibromyalgia often involves a combination of medicines, exercise, and self-care. Lifestyle changes and stress reduction can also be helpful.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce pain and improve sleep.

Treatment and management of fibromyalgia are ongoing processes. You may need to try combinations of treatments before you find the ones that work best for you.

Each person responds differently to treatments. The amount of time it takes to ease symptoms varies from person to person. You should expect ups and downs along the way. With time, you may experience fewer flare-ups and your symptoms may improve.

Treatment is usually long-term. The goal is to control symptoms so you can do the things you enjoy doing and be as active as possible in daily life.

Have orthopedic problems?

With over a decade of experience, Dr. Manoj Kumar Khemani is considered the best bone doctor in Kolkata. He specializes in a wide range of general and elderly orthopedic areas. Owing to his expertise and experience, he is a life member of the Indian Medical Association and Indian Orthopedics Association. So, whether you’re looking for the best osteoporosis doctor in Kolkata, a hip replacement surgeon, or some other orthopedic specialist, connect with Dr. Manoj Kumar Khemani today.

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Scoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is shaped like an “S” or “C”. It affects all age groups.

Scoliosis is a major medical problem and the most common type of spinal deformity among adolescents. It is defined as a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees beyond the vertical plane of symmetry.

Scoliosis can lead to pain and other health problems that interfere with normal movement and quality of life.

What are the causes of scoliosis?

The cause of scoliosis is not known in most cases. However, sometimes it can be linked to other health problems in your family or improper posture. Scoliosis can be caused by other spinal abnormalities, like kyphosis or lordosis. It also may result from neuromuscular problems with muscles that support the spine.

In rare cases, scoliosis can be caused by a tumor or infection in the spine or nervous system. Sometimes it is associated with other diseases, like cerebral palsy.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

The main symptom of scoliosis is a curvature or “bend” to one side of the spine. Other symptoms can include pain, muscle weakness or numbness in the back, and difficulty breathing. Scoliosis does not always cause symptoms, so it may not be noticed until there is a significant curve in the spine. Scoliosis can affect the spinal cord, muscles, and nerves which can cause long-term nerve damage or other conditions such as leg length discrepancy or shortness of breath. These conditions need to be treated by specialists.

How to diagnose scoliosis?

The first step in diagnosing scoliosis is a physical exam. Your doctor will ask about your medical history. They will give you a physical exam. You will have X-rays to look for the curvature of the spine. If you have scoliosis, you will probably need additional tests to determine how bad it is and to help plan treatment. These tests include computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scans, and blood tests.

What is the treatment for scoliosis?

Scoliosis treatment depends on the severity of the curve. If you have mild scoliosis, your doctor may recommend exercises and a back brace to help keep your spine aligned while it grows straight.

Treatment for more severe curvatures includes bracing as well as other treatments such as surgery to stabilize your spine, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen muscles in the torso. Surgery may be recommended if other treatments failed to yield the desired outcome.

Surgical treatment for scoliosis includes spinal fusion. During spinal fusion for scoliosis, the surgeon removes the damaged bone and fuses the healthy bone together with metal rods, hooks or screws. The surgery takes place through incisions made on both sides of the spine.

Struggling with orthopedic problems?

Dr. Manoj Kumar Khemani is one of the most trusted orthopedic surgeons, trusted by thousands of people. He specializes in a wide range of bone and joint-related problems. So, whether you’re looking for the best gout treatment in Kolkata, hip replacement, arthroscopy treatment in Kolkata, or something else, Dr. Manoj Kumar Khemani assures you of personalized care and a satisfying experience.

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Torn Meniscus: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

The knee is one of the most complex joints in the human body and can be a site of a number of different problems. Among these problems is the torn meniscus. A meniscus can tear in many ways, either by an injury or simply by degeneration caused by aging and repetitive stress.

What are the causes of a torn meniscus?

A meniscus tear is caused by a twisting movement that pulls or stresses the meniscus. The knee joint is formed by a thigh bone (femur) and a shinbone (tibia). These bones are connected to each other by strong ligaments and surrounded by muscles, which help move the joint. A fibrous band of cartilage called the meniscus lies between these two bones and helps absorb shock during movement. Tears can be either traumatic or degenerative. People suffering from degenerative tears are over 40 years of age, have active lifestyles, and have had previous injuries to the knee area. Traumatic tears can occur in younger people with no history of knee pain.

What are the symptoms of a torn meniscus?

The symptoms of a torn meniscus can range from mild to severe and can even affect one knee differently than the other. You may have mild pain or swelling, or your knee may feel unstable. The pain may be constant or infrequent. There may be no symptoms until you try to walk or put weight on your knee.

How to diagnose torn meniscus?

A torn meniscus can be diagnosed with a physical examination and history of symptoms. An X-ray may show a swollen area around the joint that was injured (a hemarthrosis). Further testing such as an MRI or CT scan may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.

What is the treatment for a torn meniscus?

Tears can be treated conservatively or with arthroscopic surgery. Conservative treatment includes physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. If these measures fail or if you have a significant amount of pain, a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon may be recommended. If your meniscus tear is severe and/or you experience chronic pain, surgery may be recommended to remove or repair any damaged tissues.

Grade III tears are complete tears and require surgery to repair. Surgery is recommended because there is a high risk of developing arthritis in joints above and below the knee, as well as early degeneration of the articular cartilage if left untreated.

Have orthopedic problems?

Consult Dr. Manoj Kumar Khemani, one of the leading orthopedic doctors and surgeons. From the best arthritis treatment in Kolkata to the best rheumatoid arthritis treatment, hip replacement, and more, he has extensive expertise in different areas, assuring you of personalized treatment and an exceptional experience. Get in touch today and address all your orthopedic problems.

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