讀後心得

Mr. Li, 64 years old, sought medical attention due to instability and pain in his left knee. Examination revealed swelling in the knee and multiple injuries, including mild degeneration and a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Dr. Jian Zhi-Hsuan from Tzu Chi Hospital in Taipei pointed out that ligament injuries are common knee joint issues that can lead to long-term discomfort and joint degeneration. Standard treatments include anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy, and if symptoms persist, consideration may need to be given to regenerative therapies, such as high-concentration glucose solution and PRP. Dr. Jian emphasized that if knee pain persists for more than two weeks without improvement, one should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid worsening the condition.

Mr. Li, 64 years old, has experienced long-term instability in his left knee, often accompanied by pain. Recently, he sought medical attention again due to swelling and pain in his knee, and an ultrasound examination revealed severe joint effusion, leading to the extraction of 50cc of synovial fluid. Subsequent X-rays and MRI scans indicated that Mr. Li has mild degeneration and a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, along with damage to the meniscus and collateral ligaments.

Experts point out that tears or ruptures of the cruciate ligaments are common knee injuries, with over 200,000 people undergoing surgery each year due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries. After an injury, the muscles in the leg become the primary reliance for stabilizing the knee joint, which can lead to soreness. Prolonged knee instability accelerates joint wear and degeneration, with typical severe symptoms including limited knee movement, difficulty in mobility, and swelling, along with redness, warmth, and pain during the acute phase.

Generally, patients visiting rehabilitation departments undergo routine examinations including ultrasound, X-rays, and MRIs. If soft tissues are damaged, prolotherapy is commonly used for treatment. Experts explain that traditional treatment methods primarily relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy while providing exercise training to strengthen the leg muscles to stabilize the knee. If the damage is more severe and no improvements are seen after two weeks of treatment, prolotherapy, such as high-concentration glucose solution or PRP, may be considered.

High-concentration glucose solution does not contain growth factors and aims to alter the concentration of cellular tissue fluid at the injection site, encouraging the patient's growth factors and cells to gather in the injured area for repair. PRP treatment involves drawing about 10cc of the patient's own blood, which is then separated to inject platelets into the injured area to utilize the growth factors in the platelets to promote cellular proliferation, cartilage repair, and angiogenesis. Since PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, it is considered a safe treatment option and is widely used for repairing joints, tendons, and ligaments; however, it is not suitable for patients with chronic diseases affecting blood, autoimmune diseases, or those taking antiplatelet medications.

In terms of treatment frequency, it is usually recommended to inject every 2 to 6 weeks, with 3 to 4 injections needed based on the condition. After the injection, the affected area may experience soreness and swelling, so continuous rehabilitation and regular follow-up visits are necessary. Adequate nutrition, protein, and water intake, along with maintaining good sleep, are essential to achieve favorable treatment outcomes.

Experts remind that the human body has its compensatory mechanisms; even if walking is temporarily impossible after an injury, the body can still resume walking after a brief rest. However, this often causes the severity of the injury to be overlooked. Many people delay treatment as a result, leading to worsening conditions or premature joint degeneration. Therefore, if knee pain persists for more than two weeks without relief, it is advisable to seek medical help promptly to prevent further deterioration of symptoms.

• Recommended self-improvement exercises by experts: Start with daily life and choose suitable exercises.
• Not just running, but other types of exercises can effectively protect the knees.