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Alleviating Knee Pain

Due to an injury I sustained nearly nine years ago, I sometimes experience knee pain. I’m constantly researching new ways to treat my pain. Have you dealt with aggravating knee pain for an extended period of time? Consider visiting an orthopedic doctor near you. This individual can likely diagnose what is causing your discomfort. Depending on your unique situation, your physician might recommend you undergo physical therapy. Your doctor may also prescribe you an anti-inflammatory drug. Changing your diet might also help you feel better. On this blog, I hope you will discover ingenious ways to help you recover from constant knee pain. Enjoy!

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Alleviating Knee Pain

Hernia Surgery: Wait And See Or Schedule Surgery?

by Roberto Morales

There are only a few inguinal hernia treatments available. Patients can choose to avoid all lifting and strenuous activity, they can wear a truss for support and relief from the pain, or they can undergo surgery. The idea of surgery is frightening to many people who envision serious potential complications and a lengthy recovery period. This image may have been reality years ago when all hernia surgery was relatively invasive. Today the process is made easier through the minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Here is why so many doctors recommend their patients do not wait, as well as when waiting may be a better option. 

Why Surgery is Recommended

  • Hernias will never heal on their own. 
  • Over time, the hernia will almost always get larger. 
  • A hernia may stay the same for years and then suddenly worsen without warning.
  • Strangulated hernias, when the bowel is stuck and loses its blood supply, are a life-threatening possibility.
  • Repairing a smaller hernia has fewer risks than waiting until it is large.

Almost all patients undergoing hernia surgery are able to do so on an outpatient basis and the surgery normally takes less than one hour to perform. Recovery time takes a few weeks but patients are usually able to be back to their normal schedule within six weeks. Only small incisions are needed if laparoscopic surgery is performed. This reduces discomfort after the surgery, reduces the size of any post-surgery scarring, and lowers the infection risk. 

When Waiting is Preferred

Most physicians agree that patients should only delay surgery if their hernia is small, only slightly uncomfortable and is not causing any physical side effects like constipation or nausea. They do recommend waiting occasionally if the surgery is more of a risk to the health of the patient than their hernia happens to be. 

  • Patients that are too elderly or ill to undergo surgery or recovery comfortably. 
  • Someone currently on a medication that may complicate the surgery or their recovery. 
  • If the patient is pregnant or obese. 
  • Bleeding disorders, like hemophilia, that make surgery dangerous.
  • Additional medical problems that require treatment before a hernia surgery. For example, an enlarged prostate. 

Avoiding surgery is usually only a temporary delay. It is possible for people to have hernias for years without developing life-threatening complications but it is unusual for a hernia to not enlarge over time. Active individuals will want to have the freedom to return to their normal lifestyle and surgery is the only solution that offers that option. Contact a company specializing in hernia treatments, such as Natural Tissue Hernia Repair Associates, to learn more about whether or not you should pursue surgery for your hernia.

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