DON'T GO UNDER THE SURGICAL KNIFE UNTIL YOU READ THIS.

ANY SURGERY IS DANGEROUS

The body consider an operation a serious insult, and even some minor procedures come with major risks, such as bleeding, blood clots infection, and damage to other organs. So, it's essential to know if surgery is necessary-- or beneficial. The following four operations are over performed for a variety of reasons: Some are moneymakers for hospitals and doctors, others are expedient, and still others seems to work, at least in the short term. But evident shows that all have questionable long-term outcome for treating certain conditions, and some may even cause harm. Here's what to do if doctor recommends one of them.

KNEE ARTHROSCOPY - FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

With this procedure a surgeon places a tiny camera in the knee, then inserts small instruments through other incisions to repair torn or aging cartilage. Studies show the operation works well when patients have in fact torn their meniscal tissue, but it is no more successful than non invasive remedies in treating osteoarthritis of the knees. In a 2008 study, 178 patients with osteoarthritis received either physical and medical therapy without surgery, or therapy, or therapy plus surgery, after two years the groups had nearly identical outcomes, reporting less pain and stiffness and more mobility.

KNEE PAIN

Knee pain can be caused by a sudden injury, an overuse injury, or by an  underlying condition, such as arthritis. Treatment will vary depending on the cause. Symptoms of knee injury can include pain, swelling, and stiffness.

ALTERNATIVES TO SURGERY

If you have knee pain, start with the least harmful and invasive treatment and work your way up the ladder. This includes life style changes such as exercise, as well as medication and cortisone injections. 

Home treatment may help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Rest and protect an injured or sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness.When resting, place a small pillow under your knee.

Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day.

• For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
• After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between heat and cold treatments.

compression, or wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling.

• Don't wrap it too tight, since this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increase pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage.
• Don't expect the bandage to protect or stabilize a knee injury.
• Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours 
• . A more serious problem may be present

Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart tp help minimize swelling. 

Reduce stress on your sore knee (until you can get advice from your doctor)

use a cane or crutch in the hand opposite your painful knee.

Use two crutches, keeping weight off the leg with the sore knee.

You can get canes or crutches from most pharmacies. Crutches are recommended if a cane cause you to walk with a limp.

Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the injured area if it causes pain.

Try the following exercise to maintain flexibility;

HAMSTRING STRETCH

KNEE TO CHEST EXERCISE.

Avoid high impact exercise, such as running, skiing, snowboarding, or playing tennis, until your knee is no longer painful or swollen.

DO NOT SMOKE. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.