New book offers alternatives to surgery or medication for knee pain

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.
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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