Treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee often begins with conservative approaches such as medication and physical therapy. When these fail to provide relief, many opt for knee replacement surgery. However, don’t assume that undergoing surgery will solve everything once and for all! Clinically, many patients neglect post-surgical medication and rehabilitation follow-ups, leading to complications like swelling, redness, pain, bruising, and inflammation at the site, and even generalized body aches as sequelae. This is something to be particularly cautious about.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, about one in five people over 60 years old in the country suffers from osteoarthritis of the knee, with a prevalence rate as high as 15% and a trend toward younger ages. So why does osteoarthritis occur? Dr. Sheng-Pu Lee, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor, explains that osteoarthritis is often a result of aging. As the body withstands gravity, the bones endure pressure, leading to gradual wear and narrowing of the joint space due to decreased pressure and hydraulic support in the ligaments and joints.
While aging is a significant factor in the development of osteoarthritis, poor posture and sports injuries leading to bone spurs can also trigger joint inflammation. Dr. Sheng-Pu Lee points out that the so-called bone spurs form when intervertebral discs shrink, and joint bones have protective membranes and cartilage. Taking Chinese herbal medicine beneficial for bones and cartilage may support the health and regeneration process of joints.
Dr. Sheng-Pu Lee further notes that, in TCM, treatment for muscle and joint pain does not involve painkillers, hormones, or steroids. Instead, TCM uses the principles of promoting blood circulation and relieving muscle tension by prescribing appropriate herbal medicine to support joint health and alleviate discomfort. For instance, Dr. Lee mentions cases where patients with limb numbness and even paralysis, including one who was unable to walk and another paralyzed after a car accident, saw significant improvements after months of TCM treatments such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage). Remarkably, the paralyzed patient was able to walk again and later went on to marry and start a family.
When it comes to bone and joint maintenance, paying attention to the body’s osmotic pressure is essential. Dr. Sheng-Pu Lee, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, explains that osmotic pressure is key to maintaining joint health. This is because the body’s blood vessels function as a chemical system that requires stable internal temperature and continuous energy flow in the blood. If osmotic pressure within the blood vessels drops due to exposure to cold, blood circulation slows, causing congestion in the abdominal area and poor peripheral blood flow. Consequently, when blood reaches the joints, the reduced osmotic pressure can lead to increased wear and tear during physical activity.
Dr. Sheng-Pu Lee stresses that poor osmotic pressure can even contribute to brain degeneration. The brain reflects the state of the body’s blood flow, which carries oxygen. Drinking cold beverages can lead to eye fatigue, which indicates insufficient blood supply to the brain. Therefore, to maintain healthy osmotic pressure, it is best to avoid cold drinks and focus on preserving the body’s internal balance.
Originally from: Healthnews.com.tw
Healthnews/ Reporter Ka-Ching Kwan reports
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