Total Health Breakthroughs: Free Natural Health Newsletter and Alternative Health Articles

In This Issue:

Why Arthroscopy Is NOT the Answer for Arthritis

By Dr. Bill Stillwell

Considering arthroscopic surgery for that persistent arthritic knee pain that just won’t leave you alone? Maybe you should think again. And I’m a former knee surgeon, telling you this. The truth is, you may do just as well with conventional, alternative, or complementary conservative treatments and save yourself pain, risk, and money.

In a study published in the September 11th, 2008 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, a group of Canadian researchers from the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Center of the University of Western Ontario compared two groups of patients with known moderate to severe osteoarthritis.¹

One hundred seventy-eight (178) patients were randomly assigned to receive either surgery (arthroscopic lavage — a washout of the joint by saline and debridement — essentially a “clean out” of the joint), followed by optimized physical and medical therapy, or non-surgical treatment, i.e., physical and medical therapy alone.

After comparing the results of each group at two years, it was objectively documented that patients treated by arthoscopy, medication, and physical therapy did no better than those that had no surgery and were treated only with conservative measures.

Their conclusion was that arthroscopic surgery of the knee for osteoarthritis (degenerative or “wear and tear” arthritis) “provides no additional benefit to optimized physical and medical therapy.” In other words, there was NO DIFFERENCE between those who were treated surgically and those who were NOT. This, of course, suggests that surgery done strictly for arthritis pain is not warranted.

Their study confirms the findings of an earlier study done in 2002 that compared arthroscopic surgery with sham surgery (i.e., skin incisions were made that mimicked true arthroscopic portals, but instruments were not introduced into the joint).² Short term pain relief in BOTH groups (real surgery versus sham or fake surgery) was the SAME! This result was attributed to a placebo effect in the sham surgery group.

This result was so impressive that Medicare used it as a basis for their determination to refuse to pay for arthroscopy for the treatment of arthritis pain.

And this study was a reinforcement of an even earlier study that compared arthroscopic surgery with merely lavage (injecting and extracting saline or salt water into and out of the knee joint, to wash it out). Here, too, there was NO DIFFERENCE between the surgery and the wash-out groups.³

So this most recent study is just more evidence of what you know instinctively — letting the body heal itself is the best course, except in advanced or end-stage osteoarthritis.

In my years of practice, it was my experience that if a patient had full-blown arthritis, there was little reason to perform arthroscopy unless they had a sudden increase in very specific joint line pain or a joint giving way or locking (so-called mechanical symptoms).

That’s because these problems suggest a displaced or entrapped tear of joint cartilage or extreme synovitis(inflamed lining membrane of the knee, as in rheumatoid arthritis) that would not respond to less invasive medical treatment or call for  major joint surgery (like a total knee replacement).

But, there are times when surgery is needed. To deny this, or make frankly stupid statements that “;surgery is NEVER warranted,”; is to deny the facts.  Surgery however, should be the last, or the best option — not the first line of defense.  In short, when it comes to arthritis, as with any other medical problem, you want to AVOID the UNNECESSARY SURGERY.

So, what to do? There are a number of things that you can control that will give you relief:

• First, lose weight. Every pound you lose reduces stress across the knee by 3-4 pounds, even higher if you climb stairs or attempt to run. Don’t run, jump, or do anything that involves impact to your knee.
• Avoid red meat — it’s a source of arachidonic acid, a chemical precursor of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins, that stimulate pain receptors.
• OTC pain relievers Advil or Aleve may be helpful, but must be taken with food to protect your stomach from the side effects.   These NSAIDs should be avoided if you have ulcers or acid reflux.
• Natural remedies like fish oil, lyprinol (a marine extract), willow bark, and devil’s claw are effective and may also be helpful.

But the best long-term method to relieve pain and restore function is consistent low impact exercise. Exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles around the knee, not only provide support and maintain motion of the joint, but stimulate endorphins and intrinsic growth hormone release — both of which help to relieve the pain of arthritis.

You can’t cure arthritis, but with these and other non-operative measures, you can relieve your pain and delay surgery — perhaps indefinitely.

References

1. Kirkley, A.et al.  NEJM 359:1097-1107, Sept 11, 2008, Number 11.
2. Mosely, J.B. et al. NEJM 347:81-88, July 11, 2002, Number 2.
3. Kalunian, K.C. et al.  Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2000; 8:4, 12-8.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Bill is the online handle for William T. Stillwell, MD, FACS, FICS, FAAOS, FAANAOS, FAAPGS, a highly credentialed, board-certified orthopaedic surgical specialist, now President & CEO of Dr. Bill's Clinic, Inc. and author of How to Avoid  Knee Surgery. To learn more, click here.]

Reverse Aging:

Make It a Beautiful Holiday Season

By Jackie Silver

It’s been said that our personalities show our real beauty to the world, but looking the best we can on the outside can certainly add to the overall package. As we age, noticeable changes take place on the face, neck, chest and hands, and we’re at the mercy of many factors such as sun, diet, genetics, lifestyle, harsh weather, and our own bad habits.

For example, smoking ages you and shortens life expectancy by seven to 10 years.¹ According to Stopsmokingtoday.com,² as early as the mid-nineteenth century it was observed that smoking could cause visible changes in a person’s complexion, such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity and rough, reddened or orange complexion.

Overexposure to the sun is another way to accelerate the aging process. A very high percentage of age-associated cosmetic skin problems can be attributed to the sun. Chronic overexposure changes the texture of the skin and weakens the elasticity.

The outer layer of skin, or epidermis, thickens and becomes leathery. Wrinkles, furrows, easy bruising, brown spots, pre-cancerous lesions and even skin cancer can result from sun exposure. The good news is, because photo aging of the skin is cumulative,³ it’s never too late for a person to start a sun protection program.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with family, friends and co-workers. Everyone wants to look and feel great, so, how can that be accomplished despite all the factors that are working against us?

Aging Backwards Holiday Beauty Tips

1. Start with a good skin care program.  There are numerous skincare lines with all natural ingredients that will keep your “largest organ,” your skin, looking youthful and vibrant. Look for products that address your particular skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, normal, or combination skin.
2. Choose the right makeup. As we age, we tend to want to cover up the crow’s feet, deep creases and age spots that appear on our faces. Caking on makeup is the very thing that will make any woman look older than she is. For aging skin, we should actually use a lighter touch when it comes to cosmetics, according to Bruce Grayson, Hollywood “;makeup artist to the stars”; and head of the Primetime Emmys’ Makeup Department.³. Use a humidifier. During the winter, heaters draw the moisture out of the air and the skin. Using a room humidifier can help keep your skin from drying out.
3. Try something new. It’s not necessary to keep up with every fashion trend and fad, but try not to fall into the rut of always using the same type, style and colors of makeup. For a quick and easy way to make changes, look at fashion magazines and web sites to see what’s new.
4. Lose the fuzz. Unwanted facial hair growth is very common among women over age 35.⁴ Consider laser hair removal, waxing, electrolysis, shaving or bleaching to regain that youthful, supple, hair-free look.

So, this holiday season, give your inner beauty an extra boost by putting your most beautiful face forward.

References

1. Arto Y.et al.  Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(18):1968-1974.
2. http://stopsmokingtoday.com/
3. Gary J. et al. Arch Dermatol. 2002;138:1462-1470.
4. http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/women/9911/29/excess.facial.hair.wmd/

[Ed. note: Jackie Silver is aging backwards. She shares her secrets, tips, and shortcuts in her new book, Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young, on her web site, AgingBackwards.com, on the syndicated TV show, Daytime, on Clear Channel radio's Mix 100.7, and as a sought-after speaker. For more information, click here.]

Healthy Recipes:

South of the Border Turkey Tacos

By Laura LaValle, RD, LD

If you’re tired of turkey sandwiches, turkey salads and other “usual leftover” turkey fare, here’s a flavorful and different way to use up turkey leftovers.

Time to table: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

Healing Nutrient Spotlight

Excellent source of vitamin B-12
Good source of vitamin C

Ingredients*

2 T. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
2 T. chili powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 lb. cooked turkey breast, chopped
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 tomatoes, diced
2 cups shredded leaf lettuce
1/2 cup chopped red onion
12 black olives, sliced
8 taco shells

*Choose organic ingredients for optimal nutrition

Preparation

Saute¢ onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.  Add cumin, coriander, chili powder, oregano, and paprika.  Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes.  Add turkey and sauté for another 5 minutes.  Taste and adjust seasonings.  Add water and cook mixture for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through.  Add sea salt to taste and stir in cilantro.  Serve in taco shells with lettuce, tomato, red onion and olive toppings.   For a lower carb version, serve as lettuce wraps instead.

Nutrition

220 calories, 13 g protein, 15 g carb, 13 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 4 g monounsaturated fat, 2 g polyunsaturated fat, 33 mg cholesterol, 3 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 380 IU vit A, .42 mg niacin, .17 mg pantothenic acid,  23 mcg folate, 1.37 mcg vit B-12, 7 mg vit C, 65 mg calcium, .94 mg iron, 20 mg magnesium, .13 mg manganese, 160 mg potassium, 1.9 mcg selenium, 350 mg sodium, and .27 mg zinc

[Ed. Note: Laura B. LaValle, RD, LD is presently the director of dietetics nutrition at LaValle Metabolic Institute (formerly part of Living Longer Institute).  She offers personal nutritional counseling at LMI for clients who need help with their diet in relation to illness or disease. Laura also provides educational services in the areas of health promotion, wellness, and disease prevention.  To learn more, click here.]