Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is avascular necrosis?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of avascular necrosis?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes avascular necrosis?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for avascular necrosis?
- Medicines & Medicines
- How is avascular necrosis diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for avascular necrosis?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat avascular necrosis?
Definition
What is avascular necrosis?
Avascular necrosis is a condition in which bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood, resulting in bone damage and even bone destruction.
Avascular necrosis is also known as osteonecrosis, aseptic necrosis, or ischemic bone necrosis.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of avascular necrosis?
In the early stages of avascular necrosis, you may not notice obvious symptoms. However, as the process goes on, the pain will start to appear. At first, you will only feel the pain when you put weight on the affected bone.
The pain will become constant when the bones and their surroundings fuse together. Due to the intense pain, you can no longer use your joints.
For example, if avascular necrosis develops in your hip, you will not be able to walk. It can take anywhere from 1 month to 1 year from the first symptoms appearing until the bone is completely destroyed.
When should I see a doctor?
When you feel consistent pain in your joints, you need to seek medical help as soon as possible.
Cause
What causes avascular necrosis?
Avascular necrosis can be caused by trauma, such as a displacement of a joint that can destroy a blood vessel. In addition, the fat deposits present in the small blood vessels can limit the intake of blood flow to the bones.
Other conditions (sickle cell anemia or Gaucher's disease) and some medications (radiation from cancer treatment) can be responsible for bone weakness and damage to blood vessels. If left untreated, avascular necrosis can not only destroy bone but also lead to severe arthritis.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for avascular necrosis?
There are many factors that increase your risk of developing avascular necrosis, such as:
- Cholesterol levels
- Drink alcohol
- Use of steroids
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is avascular necrosis diagnosed?
Avascular necrosis is diagnosed using a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-Rays, MRI, CT Scan, and bone x-rays.
What are the treatments for avascular necrosis?
Although treatment cannot restore the bone to its previous state, it will prevent further bone damage. Depending on the damage to your bones, your doctor will provide a treatment plan that suits you. Available options include:
- Medications to relieve pain and slow down the process, such as reducing obstruction in blood vessels
- Physical therapy to treat joint flexibility
- Surgery: bone transplant, bone formation, joint replacement and more.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat avascular necrosis?
In fact, you can reduce your risk of developing avascular necrosis by controlling your cholesterol levels so that your fat doesn't block blood flow. You can also limit your alcohol consumption as heavy drinking is one of the major risk factors, as is taking steroids, which can lead to bone damage from high doses.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.