Some tips to manage Avascular Necrosis

What is avascular necrosis?

• Avascular necrosis is a medical condition that is characterized by lack of blood supply or interrupted blood supply to a bone is reduced or interrupted. Due to reduced supply of blood, the tissue in the bone dies. This leads to tiny breaks in the bone, which further cause eventual collapse of the bone. If avascular necrosis occurs in a bone near a joint, then can affect the joint surface also.
• This condition can occur in any bone or can affect any joint, but most commonly it affects the ends of long bones, like the end of the femur (where it connects to the hip). This condition is also referred to as aseptic necrosis, ischemic bone necrosis and osteonecrosis.

At-home treatment options

In addition to medications or other therapies for AVN, there are some at-home treatments that can help to reduce symptoms and prevent further bone damage.

• Rest

It is very essential to take proper rest or give rest to the affected bone or joint. Sports or activities that put extra stress on the joint, like running, football, basketball, volleyball etc., all should be avoided. Some Low-impact exercise like swimming or yoga can be possible. Avoid putting extra weight on the affected joint.

• Plan your meals and snacks 

Be conscious about your meals and snacks ahead of time. You can make diet plan with the help of dietician. Some like to plan for a whole week. Plan your meals and snacks so that you have something to get to when you are hungry. Healthy eating is very important. You can avoid eating highly processed, high fat, high sugary food that is not good for overall well-being. Add more whole grains, fresh fruits, and green leafy veggies that are anti-inflammatory foods to your diet.

• Temperature therapy

When there is joint pain, application of ice or heat may help to reduce pain. Heat stimulates blood supply to the bone, increases range of motion and reduces stiffness in painful joints. Ice numbs painful joints and reduces inflammation.

• Physical activity

Some type of physical exercises are helpful to maintain or improve the range of motion in an affected joint. Regular exercise for half an hour daily will help to improve blood circulation in your body. Doing yoga poses can also be good option.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking can be risk factor for developing AVN.
• Cholesterol control. Extra amounts of fat in your body can obstruct the blood supply to your bones.
• Don’t smoke. It increases your AVN risk.
• Use steroids carefully. Use of steroids over and over again can worsen bone damage.

Risk factor reduction

Many Dietary and lifestyle factors are associated with avascular necrosis. Decrease alcohol intake, lowering high cholesterol levels and Avoid smoking may help to prevent the AVN from worsening or from developing in other parts of the body.