Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.
One of the most common surgeries performed by orthopedic
surgeons is a meniscectomy – or trimming of the torn meniscus and smoothing the
jagged edges of what remains. Most times, it is just assumed that this tear is
what is causing the pain.
This arthroscopic surgery is performed some 700,000 times a
year costing $4 billion. Several studies over the last 10 years have given rise
to the question of necessity of this surgery for the most common cause, wear
and tear. 80% of meniscal tears develop
over time from simple wear and tear.
The latest study out of Finland, examined 146 people with
degenerative meniscal tears (caused by wear and tear, not acute injury). One
group received standard surgery and the other a “sham” or fake surgery. After
one year, both groups reported equally favorable outcomes, which was primarily
less knee pain. In the end, the researchers concluded that the real
arthroscopic surgeries had no better outcome than the fake ones.
In 2013, researchers compared the functional outcomes of
physical therapy (exercise) versus arthroscopic surgery for patients with
meniscal tears. They found that surgery followed by therapy was no better
benefit over therapy alone. This study says that if you have pain in your knees
from ordinary activities or arthritis, you are probably better off skipping the
surgery and going right to exercise therapy. There are several options when trying
to deal with a wear and tear meniscal problem. The most effective of which are
simple exercises and laser treatment. Rehabilitation using specific quad and
hamstring exercises for strengthening is the key to recovery. Using the laser
speeds healing by increasing blood supply to the areas of damage, and reduces
pain by stimulating the pain killing chemicals released by the brain and
tissues.
For most medical doctors, the common prescriptions of
anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDS and analgesics like Tylenol are their go to
pills. I prefer you stay away from the major side effects caused by overuse of
these pills, such as liver and kidney damage. There are safer and more
effective natural options for relieving joint pain, and not just knee joint
pain. These natural remedies are backed by good science and studies.
Vitamin D is a major player in cartilage health. Low levels
have been associated with loss of cartilage in the knees especially.
Organic Sulfur is essential for joint health. Taking sulfur
crystals regularly helps those with osteoarthritis of any joint. Things made
from organic sulfur such as MSM are also a helpful supplement; although it is
not as effective as pure organic sulfur crystals.
Infrared laser or the K-Laser which I use in the office, is
especially beneficial as previously mentioned.
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that affects a wide range of
inflammation mediators, without the side effects of steroidal or NSAID drugs.
Hyaluronic acid, Boswellia, Turmuric/curcumin and Krill oil
are all great for arthritis pain and inflammation reduction.
If you have a tear in the meniscus from an accident or sport injury, the course of
action may need to be different. There is always a time and a place for
surgical intervention, but that doesn’t mean every time and all over the place!
Even with injurious tears of the meniscus, a second opinion and trial of
therapy should be considered prior to surgical intervention. No surgery comes
without risks, and there is no need to expose yourself to those risks
unnecessarily.