Brief Summary
This YouTube video features a conversation with Dr. S.K.S. Marya, a top orthopedic surgeon, discussing joint health, arthritis, and related issues. The discussion covers various topics, including the changing doctor-patient relationship, different types of joint problems, preventive measures, the role of mindset in recovery, and surgical interventions like knee replacement. Lifestyle and diet recommendations for healthy joints are also discussed, along with ideal postures and the impact of technology in orthopedic surgery.
- The doctor-patient relationship has evolved due to increased access to information.
- Arthritis has many causes, including age, trauma, metabolic issues, and autoimmune disorders.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and controlling underlying diseases can help prevent age-related joint pain.
- Mindset plays a crucial role in recovery, with positive and humorous patients often faring better.
- Lifestyle and diet significantly impact joint health, with moderation being key.
Teaser and Intro
The video starts by questioning common advice given to people over 60, such as avoiding fast walking, running, or stairs. It also touches on whether joint pain is an unavoidable part of aging and how to control it. The right sleeping posture and mattress are discussed, along with joint-friendly exercises like swimming. The intro highlights the mission of the podcast to provide credible information from top Indian doctors for free, encouraging viewers to subscribe.
Patient before vs now
Dr. Marya discusses the biggest change he has observed over the past 40 years, which is the doctor-patient relationship. Earlier, patients would completely trust the doctor's judgment, but now, with easy access to information via mobile phones, patients often come with preconceived notions, creating a barrier. Technology has advanced significantly with new medicines, research, gadgets, and life-saving products. There are also better hospitals and training facilities available now.
Types of joint issues
Dr. Marya explains that joint problems are generally termed "arthritis," which means inflammation of the joints. Arthritis can be caused by over 100 reasons, but the most common is old age, where joints naturally wear down. Other causes include traumatic arthritis (due to injury), metabolic arthritis (like gout), and autoimmune arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis). Skin conditions like psoriasis can also lead to arthritis. The doctor notes that while age-related arthritis is inevitable, the other causes can occur at any age.
Prevent age-related arthritis
Dr. Marya emphasizes that age-related joint pain can be controlled through maintenance. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, keeping muscles strong through exercise, controlling diseases like diabetes, and avoiding stressful activities that are disproportionate to one's age. For example, squatting may not be advisable for someone over 60, as cartilage elasticity decreases with age.
Squatting in 60s
The doctor suggests that even if someone is fit enough to do squats in their 60s, it's better to avoid them, especially if they are experiencing changes or discomfort. There are many other exercises that can be done without exacerbating joint issues.
Fast running, stair climbing, etc. in old age
Dr. Marya advises that as long as there is no pain, weight is under control, and the body allows it, fast walking, running, and stair climbing are fine. The body will signal when it's time to slow down. While age can be a factor, pain is the key indicator. Activities like swimming, walking in water, and stationary cycling are good options as they don't put pressure on the joints. Walking is always beneficial, regardless of age.
Traumatic arthritis
Traumatic arthritis results from injuries that damage the cartilage, the smooth layer covering the joints. Direct trauma, like accidents, or indirect injuries, like ligament tears in football players, can cause this. Ligaments protect and balance the joints, and when they are damaged, the joint can become unstable, leading to cartilage damage.
Advice for athletes and gym-goers
To prevent injuries, especially for those involved in sports or gym activities, Dr. Marya advises warming up for at least 10 minutes before any activity. Strengthening muscles can also help prevent further damage if an injury occurs.
Warm up
Warming up increases blood flow to the muscles, providing them with necessary nutrients. This makes the muscles stronger and tighter, which can act as an external brace to protect the joint and reduce the chances of injury. Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle strength.
Can dehydration cause injuries?
A dehydrated body is a weak body, and dehydration increases the risk of injuries. It's important to stay hydrated, especially during physical activities, to replace lost fluids.
Role of proper form
Proper form and posture are important, especially for gym-goers. It's crucial not to exceed one's capabilities and to stick to what is expected at a certain age. Trainers should also have a limit to how much they train individuals, and periodic evaluations and education are important for trainers. If something doesn't feel right, it's important to stop and seek advice.
Common joint problems in athletes
Athletes often want quick fixes to get back in the game, but rushing recovery is not advisable. Rehabilitation is essential, and it's important to be patient and allow the body to heal properly.
Mindset during recovery
Mindset plays a significant role in recovery. Patients who are determined to get better often do. Sense of humor is also important, as those who can laugh tend to recover better. Realistic expectations are crucial for both the patient and the healthcare provider.
Role of a nurse
Nurses play a crucial role in a patient's recovery. While doctors perform the necessary procedures, nurses provide the care, confidence, and emotional support that patients need. They are often more crucial than the doctors themselves.
Autoimmune-related joint pain
The root cause of autoimmune-related joint pain, like rheumatoid arthritis, is not fully understood, but genetic factors and viral infections may play a role. There is no definitive cure, but medications can modify and reduce the disease.
Lifestyle and diet for healthy joints
For joint health, Dr. Marya recommends maintaining a healthy weight and focusing on exercises that target the affected area. If a patient is overweight, losing weight is crucial.
Exercises recommended by doctor
The most important exercises are those that focus on mobility and strengthening. Cardio is secondary, but still beneficial.
Swimming for joints?
Swimming is one of the best exercises for joints because it allows you to exercise in weightlessness. Stationary cycling is also a good option as it doesn't put weight on the joints.
Joint-friendly exercises
Walking is a great joint-friendly exercise that provides both cardio and joint benefits. Joint-specific exercises, like neck, back, shoulder, and knee exercises, can also be done. For those with joint pain, it's important to avoid squatting and getting up repeatedly, as this puts a lot of weight on the knees.
Recommendations from YouTube
While yoga can be beneficial for healthy people, it's not advisable to rely on YouTube videos for treatment if you have a specific problem. It's best to seek professional advice.
Diet for healthy joints
Dr. Marya advises eating anything you can burn off. The key is to burn more calories than you consume. It's important to maintain a healthy weight and get 40 minutes of exercise or enjoyment each day. Anything in moderation is not bad, but anything in excess is not good.
Precautions for gym goers
Gym-goers should assess their potential and not exceed their capabilities, even after warming up. It's preferable to exercise under supervision. Dr. Marya also advises against wearing earphones while weightlifting, as it can disconnect you from reality.
Hot pack vs Cold pack
For acute or fresh problems, use a cold pack to reduce inflammation. For chronic problems, use a warm pack to increase blood flow.
Oils for massaging
Any ointment or oil can be used for massage. The massage itself helps increase blood supply.
Post knee replacement surgery
Dr. Marya explains that knee replacement involves placing caps on the upper and lower bones of the knee, with a high-density polyethylene insert in between to reduce friction. Research focuses on improving the polyethylene material.
Knee replacement works every time?
Knee replacement generally works well because the materials used are inert and don't react with the body. After surgery, patients should be able to live a normal life, but with some limitations, such as avoiding sitting on the floor.
Precautions for standing up
It's important to use support when standing up, especially if you have knee problems, to reduce the pressure on the joints.
Robotic technology
Robotics can help less experienced doctors achieve better alignment in knee replacements. However, for experienced surgeons, there is not much difference between robotic and manual procedures.
Manual or robotic surgery?
Robotics can be helpful in certain cases, such as when there are old fractures or implants in the bone. The newer generation of surgeons will likely be more comfortable with robotics.
Success rate
Currently, the success rates of robotic and manual knee replacements are similar. Long-term results are needed to determine the true benefits of robotics.
Ideal sitting postures
The ideal sitting posture is to keep your knees straight and maintain a 90-degree angle. It's also important to keep your back straight and supported.
Ideal sleeping posture
The mattress is more important than the sleeping posture. The mattress should not be too hard or too soft, and it should take the shape of the spine.
Best mattress
Memory foam mattresses are good, as are spring mattresses with a foam layer on top. An orthopedic mattress is a good option.
Ideal sitting
For those who sit for long hours, it's important to get up and move around every 40 minutes to improve circulation and relax the muscles.
Lifestyle for healthy joints
Dr. Marya advises walking for 40 minutes each day. It's important to find something you enjoy, as this will make it easier to stick to the habit.
Walking on treadmill
Walking on a treadmill is a good alternative when outdoor walking is not possible due to air pollution. Avoid putting the treadmill on an incline and keep the speed moderate.
Dysplasia of the hip in babies
Congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) is a condition where the hip is not properly located in the socket at birth. This can be due to the baby's posture in the uterus or genetic factors. It's important to examine the hips of newborns and avoid tight swaddling.
Swaddling and harms on baby’s joints
Tight swaddling can harm a baby's joints. It's important to dress babies appropriately for the weather and avoid overdressing them.
Height increasing surgery
Limb lengthening surgery, using the Ilizarov technique, can be used to increase height by cutting the bone and gradually lengthening it. However, this is a dangerous procedure and should only be done for medical reasons, such as when one leg is shorter than the other.
Limb lengthening surgery
Limb lengthening involves cutting the bone and using a frame to gradually lengthen it. This can increase height by up to 4 inches, but it's a risky procedure.
Wolff’s Law and “bone-smashing” trend
Wolff's Law states that bone will be laid down where there is stress. The "bone-smashing" trend, which involves creating micro-tears in the bone to increase height, is experimental and not recommended.
