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World Arthritis Day 2018

The 12th October is World Arthritis Day 2018 and Pain Relief Ireland is delighted to help raise and promote awareness of the symptoms connected to rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Dr. Dominic Hegarty (Clinical Director) highlights the importance of gaining early diagnosis and access to care. He supports the campaign embraces all three pillars of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR): People against rheumatism in Europe (PARE), health professionals and scientific societies.

In this months’ issue of “GP Ireland” the official publication the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP), with a circulation of 2,500 per issue, Dr. Hegarty highlight the role of pain management in controlling Osteoarthritic Knee Pain.

In fact, Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a major cause of disability. The most prevalent OA localisation is the knee joint, and symptomatic knee OA affects 24% of the general population. In the article Dr. Hegarty highlighted 4 simple steps to help organise the management which were:

Step 1

Establish baseline core therapies.

Step 2

Initiate analgesic management. Basic and advanced options.

Step 3

Pain interventions:
Intra-articular injection; Peripheral nerve blocks; Advanced Pulsed Radiofrequency Denervation

Step 4

Surgical review.

 

Dr. Hegarty Clinical Director, Pain Relief Ireland) uses this technique for OA knee pain used or after knee replacement. It offers a reliable and practical solution helping to minimise oral analgesics and optimise mobility.

 

Contact Pain Relief Ireland and let us help to get you moving again!
- Dr. Dominic Hegarty

 

Dr. Hegarty specialises in providing advance pain procedures to deal with individuals who have failed conservative therapy or for whom knee, hip or shoulder surgery is not an option. For example the technique of genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can provide an effective treatment option for chronic knee pain in patients who have failed other conservative or surgical treatments. The articular branches of the femoral, common peroneal, saphenous, tibial, and obturator nerves supply the sensory innervation of the knee. The culminations of these articular branches are referred to as the genicular nerves and this is proposed as the reason for the positive outcome.

RFA of the genicular nerves can provide on average greater than 60% pain relief in patient population for as long as six months. This can provide adequate pain relief for many, it can be repeated as necessary and it may potentially reduce the need for surgery (see Figure 1).

Similar techniques can be used to deal with chronic OA hip and Shoulder pain and Dr. Hegarty considers Pulse radiofrequency denervation as a “ safe, effective and reliable option” for many individuals with chronic symptoms.

Conclusion

As with any recommendations, the specific need of each individual should guide all options. The choice of pain treatment should be based on the assessment of the patient, considering patients' needs and preferences. By getting a referral to Pain Relief Ireland you will be assured of a receiving the best advice from our pain consultant. This simple step could make a significant impact on the quality of life for those with chronic knee, hip and shoulder pain.

Every individuals pain is unique so a unique plan must be designed to meet each individual’s needs. At Pain Relief Ireland we not only focus on improving your pain but also on improving you work-life balance.

Call Pain Relief Ireland on 021 235 5500 to make an appointment.

Find out more about World Arthritis Day

www.worldarthritisday.org