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New book offers alternatives to surgery or medication for knee pain

Robin Wulffson MD's picture
By Robin Wulffson MD Dec 15 2012 - 5:47pm
rheuatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, knee injury, pain relief
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Knee pain is a common human ailment due to a variety of factors such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and injury. Because of pain and/or mobility issues, knee pain sufferers take a variety of prescription and over-the-counter medication. Some individuals resort to orthopedic surgery procedures ranging from relatively simple procedures up to a total knee replacement. Many individuals benefit from these treatments; however, some do not. Medication can produce untoward side-effects, which can be severe. Even a minor surgical procedure is associated with risks, even death. In some cases, knee pain sufferers report no significant pain relief for these treatments. In his new book, “Knee Deep in Pain,” Zafar Hayat Khan offers an alternative to medication or surgery for knee pain.

Mr. Khan is not a healthcare professional; rather, he is an individual who suffered a knee injury and concomitant pain. Thus, he had a personal interest in knee problems and embarked on a research project with the goal of combatting knee pain and loss of function. His research culminated in complete resolution of knee pain—and his book.

In my opinion, the heart of this book is contained in his chapter on flenching. He notes that flenches are not exercises per se; rather, they are physical actions that may improve knee function and mobility as well as reduce pain. A number of flenching exercises are presented with complete instructions on how to perform them. Also included are cautionary notes regarding preparation for and performance of the exercises. Included in the book, is a thorough discussion of the anatomy of the knee, the structures contained therein, and how they interact. Mr. Khan also discusses obesity, which is known to aggravate knee pain. Many individuals who resort to complex procedures such as a total knee replacement are overweight or obese. Many could avoid the surgery if they simply lost weight; however, as many dieters have lamented, successful weight loss is not simple to accomplish.

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The book also broaches the topic of pain perception and how it varies between individuals and situations; thus, allowing the reader to consider pain management without resorting to pharmaceuticals.

When the topic of arthritis is raised, rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease, and osteoarthritis, which is related to the wear and tear as one ages, come to mind. The book includes a discussion of these two conditions and a brief mention of some of the other types of arthritis.

Although many readers of “Knee Deep in Pain” who follow the advice given will not achieve complete pain relief as Mr. Khan did, a number of them may benefit from flenching and other advice contained in the book. In these instances, flenching can complement medical and/or surgical therapy. Mr. Khan notes that he holds degrees in physics and finance; thus, it is written from a patient’s perspective. He explains that his book is focused on strengthening the knee and prevention of problems rather than a cure for any disease.

Knee Deep in Pain [Kindle Edition] on Amazon
ISBN-10: 0988228912 316 Pages

See also:
New study compares long-term benefits from etanercept and adalimumab for rheumatoid arthritis
Xeljanz may help rheumatoid sufferers not helped by methotrexate
Caution advised for rheumatoid arthritis patients considering hip or knee replacement
Tofacitinib monotherapy reported to benefit rheumatoid arthritis patients

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Comments

Jodoco Rique wrote on December 31, 2012 - 11:56pm
One of the main issues with orthopedic surgery is that it attempts to treat a symptom rather than a cause. The knee, like every other joint is held in alignment, by muscles and if one of those muscles malfunctions and foreshortens it can pull the knee out of its proper alignment. To give you an example: The quadriceps in the front of the upper leg pull the tibials in a forward and upward direction. and the hamstrings in the back of the upper leg pull in an upward and backward direction Muscles work antagonistic, which means one needs to turn off and the opposing muscle needs to turn on. If the quads are in under energy, they will tighten significantly, and pull the patella upward continually and this means the hamstrings can not pull back and the knee changes it position. This stresses the meniscus and cruciate ligaments The Cruciates, iliotibial band and patellar tendons are all part of connective tissue, and connective tissue thrives on Vitamin C. The muscle that pulls you leg lateral is the Tensor fascia lata. It literally means 'Tightener fleece on the outside'. The insert is just below the knee. on the tibials, on the outside of the leg, and the origin is on the outer edge of the hip bone. Malfunction of this muscle pulls the tibials sideways, also stressing the knee joint You can do all sorts of operations on this but the weak muscle that caused the issue in the first place, is still a weak muscle and continues to pull the knee out of alignment, After the first surgery you can expect 85% mobility, after the second one, a possible 50%, after which, if you are smart, you give up on your primary or secondary, or even tertiary surgeon, and he on you.
Kathleen Blanchard wrote on January 1, 2013 - 4:20pm
It is an issue, but not with orthopedic surgery in general. It depends on what the surgery is trying to remedy. It's important to engage a physical therapist who can observe tendencies in movement and gait that can lead to other injuries from guarding after surgery. But the same thing happens when we're injured. That's why it's important to scrutinize elective surgery choices.
Robin Wulffson MD wrote on January 1, 2013 - 8:34pm
Orthopedic surgery can correct some but not all injuries or damage to joints. It can sometimes make the problem worse. Some orthopedic surgeons are too aggressive and some patients suffering from pain press for the surgery even if the surgeon does not recommend it. These patients often "doctor shop" until they find an orthopedist willing to perform the surgery. Many patients with knee problems are given advice regarding weight loss and/or exercise programs; however, many do not comply and request the surgery instead.
julianswilson wrote on February 4, 2013 - 10:58pm
I would rather love to read this book and find the new things that have been researched for the persons suffering from severe knee pain that is caused due to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
Joann Coy wrote on November 16, 2016 - 11:23pm
I have severe knee pain.Have had cortisone shots and symvast & supartz. They are wonderful for about 3 months then pain returns.My insurance will only Kay for them every six months so u have to tuff out the last 3. At this time I am in agony with my knees hurting just below the knee. At my wit's end ! Please help :( I think I have injured my knee stretching it out too far , doing exercises .