Joint replacement is not compulsory

[Reg1]

Okay so it takes a long time for cartilage to regenerate and one needs to provide conditions conducive to said regrowth; in my case it took the better part of ten years of study and self treatment but I am happy that I did it the natural way. I kept in mind that natural healing uses natural methods whereas a surgeon will use surgery. There is a choice

[carolen]

Hi, Have to ask - how do you do that ?

[dinahgale]

I'd love to know how you did it. Congratulations. I agree that the natural way is best if you can do it.

[Steve2002]

Which joint?

[Reg1 in reply to Steve2002]

Hello Steve. I trained as a Remedial Therapist in addition to being a weight-training instructor many years ago. I was told by a consultant in 1988 that he wanted to fuse my lumbar vertebrae. I refused. I was then told approx. 1995 that I would need my left knee replaced soon. Again I dismissed the notion. A few years later I was told the same about my right knee. Some time after this my right hip decided to join the fray. Anyway, long story short; I dealt with it. I am not 100% but I'm around 90% . I can use a trampoline again. I cycle with no problems and my walking distance is now around the 4 mile mark. It's my COPD that restricts that.

Currently I am working on my recently diagnosed scoliosis. I might not be able to straighten my spine fully but I will improve it and I will reduce the pain.

For the past year I have been working with the NHS and Arthritis Care and I have found that most people believe that surgery is the only answer. A holistic approach can be equally successful and in some cases is to be preferred.

All the best, Reg .

[Steve2002]

I've avoided surgery on lower back problems for more than 30 years mostly with regular swimming and yoga. Now, I've got arthritis of the left hip, so I'm looking for tips on how to deal with that. I agree that surgery is a last resort.

[Reg1]

Hi Steve. It's not necessarily the case with yourself but may I suggest that it might be worth your while to measure both legs from hip to ankle . In my case I have a discrepancy of close to 1.5 inches. I removed the orthotics from the shoe of my longer leg and doubled up on my other shoe with almost immediate relief . It made a big reduction of pain and instead of the few hundred yards I could manage before I had to stop; I am now able to walk the couple of miles down to Tesco and back (with shopping bags). Good luck and take care, Reg