Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Alpha Blockers Types, Benefits, and Side Effects

Alpha-Blockers can reduce urinary symptoms by relaxing the muscles in specific areas of the urinary tract, such as the bladder and neck. This makes them a useful medication for treating urinary issues caused by an enlarged prostate.

The alpha-blocker that is most commonly used for bph urinary issues is Tamsulosin. Which is also known by its brand name Flomax.

Tamsulosin, as well as the alpha-blockers alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and silodosin (Rapaflo), are known as selective alpha-blockers that focus primarily on relaxing the tissues of the urinary tract. Whereas doxazosin (Cardura), and terazosin (Hytrin), are non-selective alpha-blockers that can affect both the urinary tract and other tissues located elsewhere in the body.

One of the benefits of using alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin (Flomax) is that they work quickly.

In fact, some patients taking tamsulosin may notice a difference within days of starting the medication. However, for those that are prescribed non-selective alpha-blockers like doxazosin and terazosin, their effectiveness can take time, as these medications have to be started at a very low dose and slowly titrate up so as to avoid causing low blood pressure.

Like all medications, alpha-blockers do come with their share of side effects.

The most common side effect reported is dizziness, however, this usually passes once the body adjusts to the medicine. That being said, it is wise to refrain from driving or using any heavy machinery while first adjusting to alpha-blockers due to this common side effect.

  • Other common side effects may include:
  • feeling dizzy or sick (nausea)
  • having a headache when you stand up
  • tiredness or fatigue
  • reduced libido
  • pounding heartbeat
  • a blocked nose
  • problems getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction)
  • dry orgasm (where little or no semen is released during orgasm)

Because alpha-blockers lower blood pressure, there is also the risk of experiencing the side effects associated with this, especially if the dosage is too high.

  • Symptoms of low blood pressure from alpha-blockers include:
  • Nausea
  • Dehydration
  • Unusual thirst
  • Poor concentration
  • Blurry vision
  • Shallow breathing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Pale skin

Patients taking alpha-blockers to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate also risk experiencing sexual side effects from the medication. Though sometimes alpha-blockers can improve erectile function if the dose is too high and as a result blood pressure is too low, erectile dysfunction can occur.

Alpha-blockers can have dangerous interactions with many other medications. Alpha-blockers should not be taken with beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, medications for erectile dysfunction, and more.

It’s also important to note that while alpha-blockers lower blood pressure and have been shown to improve total cholesterol- some research has found that these medications can actually increase the risk of heart failure. So be sure to talk to your doctor about any of these concerns.

When it comes to taking medication to reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate it’s important to make sure the benefits outweigh the potential side effects and risks involved.

Some men find medication to be very beneficial, while for others, a more permanent solution is preferred- such as surgery or a non-invasive procedure such as Prostate Artery Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

For those men that do choose to take medication, alpha-blockers are not the only option. In our next article, we will take a look at another class of medications used to treat an enlarged prostate, 5–alpha-reductase inhibitors.

Categories
Fibroids

Hysterectomy: Is This Treatment Option Right For You?

Depending on the severity of the fibroids and fibroid-related symptoms, some women may still opt to have a hysterectomy.

Though hysterectomy surgery was once common practice for women with fibroids, today there are many different options. However, depending on the severity of the fibroids and fibroid-related symptoms, some women may still opt to have a hysterectomy.

Therefore, today let’s dive deeper into this surgical procedure, and cover the different types of hysterectomies, as well as reasons why some women might elect to have this operation.

There are three different types of hysterectomies, and they are:

  • Supracervical hysterectomy: During this procedure, surgeons remove the uterus but not the cervix. A doctor may also refer to this procedure as subtotal or partial hysterectomy, it is most often used to treat conditions such as endometriosis.
  • Radical hysterectomy: This surgery removes the uterus, cervix, and surrounding support tissue. Doctors often recommend this type of hysterectomy for people with cancer.
  • Total hysterectomy: This surgery involves the complete removal of the uterus and cervix. This can be used to treat many conditions, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, and uterine fibroids.

It’s also important to note that depending on the circumstances surrounding the need for a hysterectomy, the surgeon may also remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) and the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy).

Though there are some promising medications available, such as the Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex which can shrink fibroids and reduce fibroid-related heavy bleeding- some women would prefer a permanent surgical procedure such as a hysterectomy, so as to avoid having to take these medications due to their side effects and risks.

In fact, it is estimated that 40% of women taking GnRH agonists experience side effects such as:

  • hot flashes
  • mood changes
  • increased sweating
  • muscle stiffness
  • vaginal dryness

And the most concerning side effect of GnRH agonist therapy,  osteoporosis.

Other medications that are used to treat fibroids are:

  • Birth control: Birth control can also be used to help with symptoms of fibroids — specifically heavy bleeding during and between periods and menstrual cramps.
    – Given that some of the most commonly prescribed birth control pills can increase estrogen and therefore increase the size of fibroids, birth control is not always the best solution.
  • Progesterone-containing agents: Pills, implants, injections, or an intrauterine device (IUD) — may also control bleeding.
    – If the fibroids are small, and the symptoms are mild, a progesterone-containing birth control pill may be beneficial in reducing symptoms. However, they come with their own set of side effects, and they can sometimes mask the severity of fibroids and other underlying conditions.
  • Elagolix: A combination of a GnRH agonist, estradiol, and norethindrone that has proven to be effective at reducing fibroid symptoms with a lower risk of adverse problems that can come from GnRH agonists alone.
    – Elagolix interacts with several other medications, and if taken long-term can cause permanent bone loss.
  • Tranexamic acid: An antifibrinolytic oral drug that’s indicated for the treatment of cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding in women with uterine fibroids.
    – Though it is a nonhormonal option to reduce menstrual blood loss, it does not affect or address the underlying cause of the bleeding- which is the fibroids themselves. It is also expensive.

Medications can be effective at managing fibroid symptoms, however, they do so, as a temporary solution. Medications do not fix the problem and sometimes they can even make things worse.

Therefore the main benefit of having a hysterectomy is that it doesn’t just manage fibroid symptoms, but by surgically removing the uterus, it removes the fibroids completely.

Not only does a hysterectomy remove fibroids and eliminate any possibility of them returning, but it also eliminates any possibility of having children.

For women that would like to have children, medication may be a good option to help manage fibroid symptoms allowing them to postpone a hysterectomy.  Or they may opt to have a uterine-sparing procedure done such as a myomectomy or Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

The Bottom Line: For women with severe fibroids, fibroids that keep coming back, and fibroids that haven’t responded well to medication or other procedures, a hysterectomy may be an option worth considering. That being said, just like with medications, having a hysterectomy isn’t without its own set of side effects and risks. In our next article, we will take a look at what those are.

 

Categories
Knee Osteoarthritis

Soda and Knee Osteoarthritis

There is a connection between the development of knee osteoarthritis and the regular consumption of soft drinks.

Research has shown a connection between knee osteoarthritis and the regular consumption of soft drinks.

In one of the studies that found this connection, the researchers kept track of the amount of soda consumed by 2,000 men diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, over a four-year period.

After years of regularly measuring their cartilage and accessing their knees health, the team of researchers found that the men with the fastest progression of knee osteoarthritis were indeed those that drank the most soda.

It’s easy to assume that the connection between drinking soda and worsening knee osteoarthritis is related to the connection that drinking soda has to weight issues and obesity. Of course, there is a research-backed connection between soda consumption and obesity. And, there is a research-backed connection between obesity and an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. However, the results of the aforementioned study found that amongst the 2,000 men with knee osteoarthritis that drank soda, the men with the worst progression, were not necessarily overweight or obese. In fact, weight had little to do with it.

Most researchers purport that the reason behind the adverse relationship between soda drinking and worsening knee problems is the amount of refined sugar in these beverages. The high sugar content in soda causes a spike in blood sugar which creates stress on the body and as a result, triggers inflammation. In the case of daily soda drinking, this inflammation can become chronic.

At this point, you might be thinking, “Ok, that all makes sense, but this study looked only at men. So what about women with knee osteoarthritis that drink soda? Does it adversely affect them as well?”

Why, yes. Of course, it does. Furthermore, thanks to the research studies that looked at the impact of soda drinking on women’s health, we now have a better understanding of the intricacies of the relationship between high sugar content and inflammation. It involves a little something called uric acid.

Uric acid is a waste product found in our blood, that usually dissolves and passes through the kidneys, and then leaves the body through urine. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down chemicals called purines, which are found in some food and drinks.

Soda is high in purines due to its high fructose content, which causes the body to respond by creating more uric acid. Too much uric acid in the body leads to the production of crystals that are deposited in the joints, resulting in inflammation, increased pain, and can even cause gout, which is a form of very painful arthritis.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, women who consume soda on an almost daily basis, have a 75 percent higher risk of experiencing inflammation and even joint damage from uric acid.

And it gets even worse.

A study conducted at Tufts University found that women who consume three or more sodas a day have a bone density that is nearly 4% lower than those who do not drink soda. Not only does this decrease in bone density exacerbate osteoarthritis, but it also greatly increases the risk of osteoporosis. Yikes.

So what does this mean? No more soda…ever?

Though that’s probably a good idea, depending on your particular health issues, most doctors will agree that drinking soda on occasion is usually ok. However, for those of us with knee osteoarthritis, soda consumption should be extremely limited and exist only as a very minor part of an overall healthy diet.

That being said, given the connection between soda and obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and increased knee osteoarthritis, the best bet for all of us may be to reach for a cool crisp glass of water instead.

 

Categories
Fibroids

Is a Hysterectomy an Option

Treatment options for women with uterine fibroids used to be very limited. One of the first lines of treatment was a hysterectomy.

In the past, treatment options for women with uterine fibroids were very limited. In fact, more often than not, one of the first lines of treatment was a hysterectomy.

Though there are now many different treatment methods for women with uterine fibroids, a hysterectomy is still an option to consider, and sometimes it is necessary. Therefore today, let’s take a look at what a hysterectomy is, and why it can be a potential treatment option for women with uterine fibroids.

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus and the cervix. The procedure is usually done through either an incision in the abdomen or belly button, or it is done vaginally.

One of the benefits of having a hysterectomy is that in removing the uterus, the fibroids are also removed. In doing so, not only are the fibroids eliminated but so is the possibility of them growing back. To put it frankly, no more uterus, no more fibroids.

Another benefit of a hysterectomy is that because the operation removes the uterus, menstruation, and fibroid-related bleeding are stopped entirely.

Though there are several medications that can halt menstruation and stop or lessen fibroid-related bleeding, these medications are not without their issues. In fact, some women will opt to get a hysterectomy as a permanent fix to avoid having to use these medications long-term, which can increase the risk factors involved in taking them.

Some of the side effects and risks associated with medications for uterine fibroids that women may wish to avoid are:

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex

  • These medications are used to shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding but can cause an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Tranexamic Acid: Lysteda

  • This medication is used to ameliorate fibroid-related heavy bleeding, however, it is expensive and it interacts with several other medications which as a result, can be potentially harmful.

Birth Control Pills: Lo Loestrin FE, Norethindrone

  • Given that some of the most commonly prescribed birth control pills out there can increase estrogen and therefore increase the size of fibroids, unless the birth control is the right balance of hormones, it could make the fibroid situation much worse. Also, using birth control is known to mask the severity of fibroids and other underlying conditions.

Combination therapy of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and birth control: Oriahnn

  • This medication can reduce period bleeding, but its treatment is limited to 24 months due to the risk of it causing permanent bone loss. It’s also expensive and interacts with many other medications.

A hysterectomy is an option for women with fibroids that would like to avoid having to take medication and experience the side effects associated with them, as well as avoid the risk of fibroids returning following some of the other treatment procedures available.  However, a hysterectomy is a major surgery, and it is not without its own side effects and risks.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the potential side effects and risks associated with having a hysterectomy, as well as what can be expected in regard to the recovery period following the procedure.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Treating BPH Symptoms with Alpha-Blockers

Today we will begin our series exploring all of the treatment options available for men with benign prostate hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate.

Here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, we specialize in treating an enlarged prostate through a procedure called Prostate Artery Embolization. Using state-of-the-art technology, this non-invasive outpatient procedure is done by our highly skilled expert radiologist, Dr. Rishi Sood.

Though we highly recommend a consultation to see if PAE would be best for your prostate condition, we also believe that it’s important to be informed as to all of the treatment options available. This way you can have an informed conversation with your doctor, and our team here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, in order to determine which treatment would be best for you.

Today we will begin by looking at medications used to treat an enlarged prostate, starting with the commonly used class of medications called Alpha-Blockers.

Alpha-Blockers are a type of blood pressure medication, that has been found to be useful in treating some of the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia. These medications work by “blocking” the hormone norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) and thereby prevent the muscles in the walls of veins and smaller arteries from constricting. In doing so, this allows these vessels to remain open and relaxed, and as a result, blood flow is improved and blood pressure is lowered.

Alpha-blockers can also be an effective medicine to treat some of the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Due to their ability to relax the muscles in the prostate and around the bladder, men taking this medication may have an easier time urinating.  In fact, according to some studies, it is estimated that around 3 out of 5 men that take alpha-blockers find that their urinary symptoms improve within the first month of treatment.  Even better, for men that are responding well to the medication, alpha-blockers may continue to work for several years thereafter.

Alpha-Blockers typically work best for men experiencing moderate to severe benign prostate hyperplasia, and men who are experiencing the irregular flow of urine. By improving the flow of urine, alpha-blockers can also reduce the risk of bladder infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial prostatitis.

Though alpha-blockers can help increase urine flow and relieve tension in the bladder neck and prostate, they do not cure an enlarged prostate. And, like all medicines, alpha-blockers do come with their side effects and risks.

In our next article, we will take a look at the most commonly prescribed alpha-blockers. And, we’ll look at the side effects and risks associated with alpha-blockers as well.

Categories
Knee Osteoarthritis

Pain from Soda?

Soda, diet soda, and its many flavors and brands are not only unhealthy, but they can cause increased knee pain.

Most of us know that soda, diet soda, and the many flavors and brands of it, are not considered to be a part of a healthy diet. In fact, far from it. And, for those of us with knee osteoarthritis, it may be best to avoid it altogether.

If you’ve read some of our previous articles that took a look at the connection between being overweight and knee osteoarthritis, you may think that the issue with soda is the potential for weight gain.

Yes, that is true, as sodas a packed full of sugar- and when consumed in excess it can lead to obesity, diabetes, and even osteoporosis- however, there is more to it than that.

According to a recent study conducted at Harvard University, drinking too much soda can increase knee pain, especially in men. Researchers kept track of the soft drink consumption of more than 2,000 men who had a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. These men were asked to come in regularly over a four-year period, where the researchers studied the progression of their knee osteoarthritis and measured their cartilage in order to check for any changes in thickness. Upon analyzing all of the data collected, the study found that the men with the fastest progression of knee osteoarthritis were indeed those who drank the most soda.

This information probably isn’t too surprising. It makes sense that men who drink a lot of soda are more likely to do so along with a not-so-healthy diet. In the western fast food diet, soda tends to pair well with foods that are high in trans fats, red meat, and sugar- Think of a McDonald’s value meal.

So yes, that makes sense. However, believe it or not, that wasn’t what the research found. In fact, the men who were the heaviest did not have the most knee arthritis. Those with the greatest progression of knee osteoarthritis were the soda drinkers that were thin.

What??

You read that right.

The study found that the impact of soda intake on knee osteoarthritis is independent of the wear and tear on the joints that are caused by simply being overweight. So what is causing it then? What is it about soda that could increase the progression of knee osteoarthritis in men?

Inflammation.

When a soda, which is high in refined sugar, is consumed this causes a major spike in blood sugar, which creates stress on the body and triggers inflammation. Add up that response to drinking soda several times a day, and you’re looking at a case of chronic inflammation and of course, increased knee pain and injury.

So does this mean that men with knee osteoarthritis can never drink soda again?

Though that would be a great idea, it’s not entirely necessary as long as your soda intake is very limited and is only an occasional part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. That being said, when it comes to your knee health, you may want to think twice before popping that can of soda and opt for a nice cool glass of water instead.

Categories
Fibroids

Tranexamic Acid for Fibroids

Control heavy bleeding from fibroids, with oral contraceptives or GnRH agonists. Another option is the use of tranexamic acid.

Heavy menstrual bleeding from fibroids is often accompanied by heavy cramping, both of which leave those inflicted, fatigued, and sometimes unable to work and fully participate in their lives.

In the earlier stages of fibroids, some physicians will try to control the common symptoms of heavy bleeding with oral contraceptives or GnRH agonists and will treat pain and discomfort with anti-inflammatory drugs. However, if this isn’t working, another option your doctor may try is the use of tranexamic acid.

For several decades the medical field has relied on tranexamic acid to help blood clot in order to reduce blood loss during surgery, or as a result of trauma, childbirth, and more. Belonging to a category of drugs called antifibrinolytics, tranexamic acid works by preventing the breakdown of a protein called fibrin, which is the main protein in a blood clot.

The history of using tranexamic acid in the treatment of heavy bleeding caused by menstruation, trauma, and childbirth, is a rather interesting one. It all started in Japan in the 1950s, at a time when postpartum hemorrhage was a leading cause of maternal death.

Utako and Shosuke Okamoto, a Japanese husband, and wife, both biochemists in Tokyo, had been working diligently to identify a drug that could reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhaging and save more women. The couple knew that there was an enzyme in the blood that breaks down blood clots, and sought to discover a medicine that would inhibit this action. What they discovered was the bleeding reduction effect of tranexamic acid.

In 1962, Utako and Shosuke Okamoto, published their findings in The Keio Journal of Medicine. Though at first, practitioners were slow to start using tranexamic acid, eventually it caught on as a useful treatment to control bleeding during routine procedures such as tooth extractions.

Following a few years of further research regarding the effectiveness of tranexamic acid, the medical field finally began to utilize this form of treatment. As a result, tranexamic acid is now used to treat bleeding-related issues in everything from that of trauma patients, pregnant women, hemophiliacs, and women experiencing too much blood loss during menstruation due to fibroid-related heavy bleeding, as well as other uterine conditions.

Though tranexamic acid is effective in controlling blood loss during surgery or as a result of trauma, the only FDA-approved usage of tranexamic acid is for heavy menstrual bleeding ( caused by fibroids or other conditions) and hemophiliacs.

Tranexamic acid comes in a tablet form and is usually taken with or without food three times a day for up to 5 days during monthly menstruation, starting on the first day of a period. These tablets need to be taken at around the same time every day of a menstrual period.

Though it is effective at reducing menstrual bleeding, tranexamic acid isn’t without its problems.

For starters, it’s expensive.

Sold under the brand name Lysteda, tranexamic acid can cost around $170 for 30 tablets of 650 mg. Not only is it a little pricey, but it can also have the following side effects:

abdominal or stomach pain, discomfort, or tenderness
fever or chills
difficulty with moving
headache, severe and throbbing
joint or back pain
muscle aching or cramping
muscle pains or stiffness
stuffy or runny nose
fatigue

Tranexamic acid also has many drug interactions that are not safe, and it can not be taken with any of the following medications:

estrogens
birth control pills, patches, injections, rings or other devices that contain both estrogen and a progestin
certain medicines used to help your blood clot
tretinoin (taken by mouth)

The Bottom Line:

Tranexamic acid is a nonhormonal option that reduces menstrual blood loss in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids. Though it is more expensive than oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatory drugs, and hormone therapies- it is an option when those treatments are not recommended or desired. That being said, tranexamic acid may reduce fibroid-related heavy bleeding, however, it does not affect or address the underlying cause- The fibroids themselves.

In order to truly eliminate fibroid symptoms, fibroids need to be treated directly. In our next article, we will begin to look at surgeries and non-invasive procedures that can shrink and/or eliminate uterine fibroids.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Treatment Options for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia/Enlarged Prostate

Here at MidAtlantic Vascular & Interventional, we specialize in a non-invasive procedure to treat an enlarged prostate, called Prostate Artery Embolization. Though this method is highly effective and definitely worth your consideration, it is important that you are aware of some of the other treatment options available. Knowledge is key, and by understanding your options for treating an enlarged prostate, you can work with your doctor and make an informed decision as to which treatment would be best for your particular situation.

Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at what these options are. We will cover the following:

Medications to Treat Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)/ Enlarged Prostate
     – In many cases, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can be treated with medication. Though these medications do not cure the condition, oftentimes they are able to slow the progression of prostate growth. Some of the medications used to treat enlarged prostate are:

Alpha-blockers: Such as tamsulosin (Flomax) or terazosin (Hytrin).
– These medicines are used to relax muscle tissue.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Such as dutasteride (Avodart) and finasteride (Proscar).
– These medications are used to shrink the prostate.

A combination of the Alpha-Blockers and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
– Over time, this combination has been found to help control symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, more than either medicine alone.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors: This includes vardenafil (Levitra), sildenafil (Viagra), and tadalifil (Cialis). However, only tadalifil (Cialis) is also FDA approved to help relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
– These medications increase blood flow to the penis, while also relaxing muscle cells in the bladder and prostate. As a result, it can ease urinary symptoms associated with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

Supplements
Though this form of alternative therapy is not necessarily recommended by physicians, it is out there, and some people do find it to be effective. That being said, these forms of treatment aren’t as closely regulated as the FDA-approved medicines, which means their safety, efficacy, and quality can be inconsistent. The most commonly used supplements to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate that we will look at are:

– Saw palmetto
– Beta-sitosterol
– Pygeum
– Rye grass

Surgeries to treat an enlarged prostate:

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
– During this procedure, a urologist will insert a resectoscope into the urethra and will use it to remove excess tissue that is blocking the urine from leaving the bladder.

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
– This is a similar procedure to Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), however, instead of prostate tissue being removed, the bladder neck and prostate are cut to relax the bladder opening, allowing urine to flow more freely.

Prostatectomy:
– This is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made through the abdomen or is performed laparoscopically and is done to remove the inner portion of the prostate gland.

GreenLight™ laser:
– This treatment vaporizes prostate tissue in order to create a channel in the urethra for free urination.

Plasma button electrovaporization:
– In this procedure, prostate tissue is removed using low-temperature plasma energy.

Non-invasive surgical treatments available to treat an enlarged prostate:

Water vapor therapy (Rezum):
– Water vapor therapy is an office-based procedure where water vapor is directly delivered to the prostate tissue, in order to destroy the excess tissue.

UroLift:
– This is an outpatient procedure whereby implants are used to pin the lateral prostate lobes out of the way in order to reduce obstruction.

Prostate Artery Embolization:
– This non-invasive procedure is one that we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional. Using catheters to deliver microscopic beads that block blood flow to the prostatic artery, and as a result, shrinks prostate tissue and thereby reduces symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

In our next article, we will begin our series on the various treatments for an enlarged prostate, starting with a deeper look at the medications used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia. The first medication we will look at belongs to a group of medicines called Alpha-Blockers.

Categories
Knee Osteoarthritis

Alcohol Use and Knee Osteoarthritis

When consumed too often, or in excess, alcoholic beverages can have serious effects on your brain, your overall health, and...your knees.

When consumed in moderation, a glass of wine with a nice meal or an ice-cold margarita on the beach can be an enjoyable treat. However, when consumed too often, or in excess, alcoholic beverages can have serious effects on your brain, your overall health, and…your knees.

Yes. You read that right. Too much alcohol can adversely impact your knees, especially in those of us already diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis.

The problem with alcohol is that it can trigger an inflammatory response in the body which can aggravate joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Too much alcohol can also adversely affect immune function, which can inhibit the joints from healing.

In 2019 a study at the University of California took a deeper look at the link between alcohol consumption and knee osteoarthritis. The researchers measured the effect that a 12-month period of alcohol consumption had on the knees of 2,061 participants.

Using MRI imaging, and T2 mapping- which provides more sensitive information on the cartilage including its collagen fiber orientation, the scientists were able to determine that there is indeed a connection between alcohol consumption and knee issues.

In fact, they found that those participants that consumed 1-7 drinks per week, on average, had worse cartilage biochemical composition. And, in addition to that, they found that alcohol use was also negatively associated with cartilage and meniscus joint morphology.

Though this and other studies back the claim that alcohol use has a negative effect on knee health, the predominant information available to us seems to say the opposite. Even the American Heart Association has stated that “drinking alcohol in moderation is associated with a reduced rate of heart disease-related mortality in some patients”. This claim has led many people with various ailments including osteoarthritis, to think that drinking alcohol will actually help them. Especially drinking red wine.

We’ve all heard the many health benefits of antioxidant, reservatol, and flavonoid-rich red wine. We’ve heard that it’s “heart healthy” and can reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol, and even help reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, the reality is, for many of us, the risks associated with consuming alcohol, even red wine, may outweigh the benefits.

Some of the most common adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption include, but are not limited to:

Accidents, violence, and suicide
Certain types of cancer
Heart failure
High blood pressure
Liver and pancreas diseases
Stroke
Weight gain and obesity

Alcohol can also interact with many medications that are used to treat and reduce knee osteoarthritis pain. These interactions can not only inhibit the efficacy of the medicine but can also cause serious, even life-threatening health complications as well.

The Bottom Line: Though consuming alcohol, particularly red wine in limited amounts may have its health benefits, it is not a recommended part of any treatment plan for knee osteoarthritis or any medical condition for that matter.

Consuming even a moderate amount of alcohol can have an inflammatory effect that can aggravate degenerative joint pain and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Alcohol can also inhibit healing in the body, and, in particular, the knees.

Therefore, if you do choose to drink alcohol it should be done so as a very small and occasional part of a healthy diet, and a healthy lifestyle.

Categories
Knee Osteoarthritis

The Connection Between Diet and Knee Pain

Losing weight through proper dieting and exercise can decrease knee pain, and increase your quality of life.

Losing weight through proper dieting and exercise can decrease knee pain, and increase your quality of life.

In previous articles, we’ve taken a look at helpful knee-safe exercises, as well as stressed the importance of having a healthy diet. Today we are going to take a look at the connection between dietary choices and inflammation, which can increase osteoarthritis pain and decrease knee mobility.

Researchers have been studying the relationship between nutrition and osteoarthritis for quite some time. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is just one of many that have found a connection between following a western diet and increased progression of osteoarthritis. In this particular study, a “western diet” was defined as a diet high in red meat, sugar, salt, fat, and refined grains.

So let’s take a look at this western diet, and see what it is about these foods that are problematic when it comes to osteoarthritis of the knee.

Red Meat

Though lean red meat on occasion can be beneficial for our health, eating too much red meat can make arthritis symptoms worse.
The problem is that animal products contain saturated fats that can actually increase inflammation. So when it comes to eating red meat, it’s best to choose leaner cuts and limit the amount consumed.

Sugar

Though every diet involves limiting your sugar intake- when it comes to those diagnosed with osteoarthritis- this is a must.

Research has shown that there is a relationship between excessive sugar intake and increased knee osteoarthritic inflammation. In fact, according to a recent study,  researchers found that it only takes 40 grams of sugar, which is roughly the amount found in one can of soda, to trigger this response. Not only that, but too much sugar can also increase the likelihood of weight gain, which can be extremely detrimental to your joints.

Salt

Studies have found that cutting back on salt is a good choice for people with osteoarthritis. Research has shown that a high salt diet can increase the severity of osteoarthritis, and contributes to cartilage breakdown and bone destruction. There is also a link between a high-sodium diet and an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease.

Though salt is a necessary part of our diet, as it helps the body to function properly- too much salt can cause swelling and water retention which will worsen the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Fat

There are good fats, like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and avocadoes, and there are bad fats, such as trans fats found in processed foods and saturated fats found in animal products.

These “bad fats” can increase inflammation and contribute to a slew of other health problems such as heart disease and an increased risk of stroke.

Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates are grains that are processed in order to remove their natural nutrients and fiber. This process decreases their nutritional value and makes them more easily digestible. It also makes it easy for them to be absorbed into the bloodstream which causes a spike in blood sugar.

These foods, such as baked goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, and snacks with added sugar, salt, and fat- all greatly contribute to osteoarthritis pain, by triggering inflammation as well as weight gain.

The Bottom Line: By simply avoiding or at least limiting your intake of these foods, you can decrease the amount of inflammation in your body, and as a result, decrease osteoarthritic knee pain.

In our next article, we will look at some common beverages that should be limited or altogether avoided because they can increase inflammation and knee pain.