How can Arthroscopic Surgery relieve arthritis pain-Part 3?
In the conclusion of our discussion of arthroscopy… How long does it “last”? Because osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative problem, we don’t yet have a cure. We don’t yet have the magic wand that can restore worn-out cartilage. Nonetheless, arthoscopic surgery is an effective way to ease your pain, improve your finction and buy time. Every patient is different, every joint is different. If your joint isn’t badly worn, and if your pain is coming from loose junk inside the joint that needs to be removed, arthoscopic “clean out” should help for several years. Your results will last longer if the joint isn’t overloaded: if we’re talking about a knee or an ankle, keep your weight under control. If we’re talking about a wrist, elbow or shoulder–be respectful about how you use it afterward. If your joint is really worn out, if your pain is coming from bones grinding together, and’or you’re heavier than you ought to be, then you’ll probably be disappointed by arthroscopy. Even so, if yo
