BONN: National Bone And Joint Day: Steer Clear Of Alcohol To Protect Your Bones After Recovery From Covid-19

BONN: Health and fitness have become a top priority, like
never-before, for everyone now. The covid pandemic has brought to fore the
importance of health the hard way. Recent reports on increasing instances of
avascular necrosis (AVN) among covid-recovered patients has got many worried
for themselves and their loved ones.

AVN that
is bone death, especially in the hip, is a condition where disrupted blood
supply to the bone tissue, causing the femur head of the hip to fracture or
collapse. More common amongst men than women, those in the age group of 25-60
are usually prone to the condition. Its symptoms include mild and constant pain
in the groin and buttock area as pressure is exerted on the hips; stiffness and
inflammation around the hip joint; as the condition progresses, it can get
excruciatingly painful to use the hip joint which affects the quality of life.

Several
studies have found that excessive steroid intake may lead to necrosis or death
of the bone tissue. While AVN has been prevalent in the pre-covid era as well,
there has been increased interest around the condition recently due to it being
considered as one of the post-covid complications. The surge in AVN cases is
concerning, however one needs to understand that steroids taken in limited
quantity aren’t harmful. Steroids should be used judiciously. It should be
noted that steroid abuse can have various side effects with reduced blood
supply to the joints and weight gain being the most prominent ones. Therefore
it is essential to take medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Excessive
alcohol consumption can shrink the veins that circulate blood to the bone tissue,
causing AVN which can eventually lead to joint deterioration and destruction.

Indulgence
in alcohol, smoking, processed junk food, staying indoors with little physical
exercise puts the young at the risk of painful hip conditions. Covid-recovered
patients should include regular walks and exercise in their regime to keep
their joints healthy.

In its
early stages of AVN, the goal is to slow the progression of the bone damage
therefore anti-inflammatory and pain meds are prescribed to relieve pain and improve
joint functioning. At times, the doctor might suggest core decompression, where
a surgeon drills one or more holes to core of the bone to ease joint pressure
and makes way for new blood vessels. Sometimes an osteotomy, where dead bones
are removed and remaining healthy bone is re-shaped, may be recommended to
improve joint support.

But in
chronic AVN cases, when the pain becomes unbearable and the patient’s quality
of life is severely impacted, a hip replacement surgery might be the most
viable option. During the surgery, the damaged joint is removed and replaced
with artificial prosthesis to restore mobility.

An
informed mind is any day better than an ignorant one. It is of utmost
importance to be aware of one’s body and ailments one is suffering from, but it
is equally important to know extensively about the treatment options and
prevention techniques of the disease. Timely intervention in any disease can
help in leading a healthy life. Therefore, avoid excess consumption of alcohol
consult your doctor about the symptom to keep AVN risk at bay.

(Dr.
Narayan Hulse is a Director – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement Surgery
Department at Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru)