COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Answered by Dr. Kevin Yip)
1. Q: Is it true for knee replacement; after you insert the metal, it will become loose & rusty?
A: It definitely won’t become rusty. It does however become loose, but only after 20-25 years or so.
2. Q: Does strict exercise regime, increases the damage to knee cartilage?
A: Our knee will respond to stress of strain and will react accordingly. The more you exercise, the better it will be. To not exercise at all however, will damage the cartilage.
3. Q: My X-Ray showed I have nerve impeachment in L4 & L5, is going to chiropractor recommended?
A: Chiropractor could be an alternative medium, if it works go ahead. If it doesn’t, you can try physiotherapy.
4. Q: I have degenerative of the bone on L4 & L5 that caused impeachment on the nerve, is surgery recommended?
A: Surgery should be your last option. It is advisable to go through a period of medicine, resting, change of lifestyle, better weight management, injections and physiotherapy, before you consider the option of surgery.
5. Q: For weak knees; should a knee brace be worn? If yes, how often? In addition, I was told that wearing a knee brace all the time would result in the weakening of the knee muscles.
A: It’s not a problem, if you find it comfortable, but from time to time you might want to take it off & see if there’s any difference. If there aren’t any, chances are you probably don’t need it.
6. Q: I have severe leg pain which result in slight bow legged- ness. Is it treatable?
A: Bow legged-ness is a knee problem where one is more severe than the other. It can be straightened by going for operation.
7. Q: Is there any side effects for a diabetic patient who wants to go for a knee replacement surgery?
A: More precaution will be taken such as antibiotics, etc.
8. Q: By having an injection to the knee, how long can it last compared to knee replacement surgeries which can last 20-25 years?
A: It varies from 4-6 months and it depends on how an individual respond to the injection
9. Q: How does one reduce the stiffness of neck?
A: Stiff neck is rampant in today’s society due to most of us having a “desk bound job”. Thus, to reduce stiff necks, it is essential to maintain a good posture, daily exercise regime, and reduce or avoid stress.
10. Q: What causes frozen shoulders?
A: There are no obvious causes to frozen shoulders; but some factors might attribute to it, such as diabetic & gall bladder problems
11. Q: How to prevent heel pain and frozen knees?
A: Stretching, using heel cup, therapy or medication