Your blood supplies nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and major organs, keeping them alive and functioning. Now, imagine what happens if the blood supply is cut off. Your tissues or bones will be deprived of the vital nutrients needed for their function and will eventually die. The term used to define this condition is avascular necrosis.
The condition occurs gradually. Without proper blood supply, bones might lose their strength and ability to function normally. It mainly affects hip joints. See a doctor for avascular necrosis in Mumbai to determine an appropriate treatment.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to spot any tenderness in the affected joint. They will also ask you to move the joint in different directions to see if movement is reduced. X-rays, MRI, CT scan, and bone scan are a few reliable imaging tests that can detect avascular necrosis.
Treatment for AVN focuses on slowing bone loss and managing symptoms. You need to start NSAIDs, blood thinners, and osteoporosis drugs to manage pain and bone loss associated with the condition. Rest and exercise can improve flexibility and help restore your normal range of motion. Surgery is also an option. Hip replacement surgery can replace damaged joints with healthier ones, improving function and flexibility.
Factors Influencing Life Expectancy
AVN is not an emergency. If diagnosed early and managed well, you can live a fulfilling life. Here are some factors that affect the life expectancy of people with avascular necrosis.
- The severity of the Condition: If AVN is diagnosed in the early stages, medication, therapy, and other non-invasive treatments will be enough to slow its progression and preserve joint function. At stages 3rd and 4th, the joint might collapse, which may significantly affect your quality of life.
- Age: Younger people with AVN are likely to respond better to treatment because they have healthier joints than older people.
- Lifestyle: Those who smoke and drink alcohol might experience a fast progression of AVN, as these habits can negatively affect the blood supply to the bones.
Management and Coping Strategies
AVN doesn’t show symptoms initially, but as your bones weaken, they might hurt a lot, even when you are resting. Living with the condition can be challenging, as avascular Necrosis can diminish your quality of life by limiting your range of motion. However, with early treatment and some management techniques, you can live a possibly long and healthy life. These steps will help:
- Quit smoking and alcohol right away
- Try physical therapy and exercises to strengthen your muscles
- Take pain-relief medication
- Eat a balanced diet that is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D.
- Maintain a healthy weight
Long-term Prognosis
AVN can damage your joints, making your routine tasks difficult. But the condition can be managed. You can live for decades with AVN if it’s diagnosed early and treated promptly. Certain lifestyle adjustments also play a part in making it bearable. See a doctor for avascular necrosis in Mumbai, discuss your symptoms, and choose an appropriate treatment plan based on your health, age, and goals.
