Complete Information on Avascular Necrosis

The initial symptoms of the disorder known as avascular necrosis are pain and ache in the affected areas that increase while doing physical work. Pain is also felt in the groin if the hip is affected. The hip is one of the more common areas where this disease has been reported. The stiffness accompanying the pain increases with time. This makes it difficult to walk and complete basic chores. If the hip is affected, the movement around the hip may be restricted and there may be thinning and weakening of the muscles around the affected joint.

Sometimes children are affected by this condition and then this disorder is known as Perthes’ disease. This condition has been reported more in boys than in girls. Children who are small for their age and lead an active lifestyle are known to be affected by this disorder. Treatment is symptomatic and there is no cause for concern as the disorder heals itself quickly in children. The children should be administered bone supplements to ensure the health of their bones and to prevent a reoccurrence of this disorder.

Causes

The major risk factors of avascular necrosis are high doses of corticosteroids. These are powerful drugs used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions and if continued on a long term basis, side effects can develop. Other possible causes include disease of the arteries, sickle cell disease, kidney or liver disease.

Symptoms

Early symptoms of avascular necrosis are often mild. Children find it difficult to describe the pain especially if it comes from the knee joint. If the symptoms of this disease are ignored, it may lead to osteoarthritis. A physical examination may be followed by an x-ray that may reveal the extent to which the affected joint is affected.

Treatment

The usual treatment program for avascular necrosis combines drugs and physiotherapy. A course of medication should begin as soon as possible to reduce the risk of long term damage to the affected joints and the surrounding connective tissues. A therapist may also advise you to strengthen the muscles that move and support the affected joints. The exercise regimen may also help you relieve the pain and stiffness associated with this disease.

Swimming also keeps the joints flexible and supple making them more receptive to the treatment that is administered to cure avascular necrosis. With early detection and treatment it is possible to prevent damage to the bone. The treatment for this disorder is fast improving and the sufferers can look forward to getting back to their active lifestyles sooner than before.