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Polio Affected Lower Limbs. Developed Type 2 Diabetes And Affecting Strength In Limbs. Any Proper Cure?

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Posted on Thu, 30 Aug 2012
Question: I am from India. I got polio in my childhood - 9th month. both lower limbs affected. I was able to do all my work, walk etc. While walking both the legs bend back little bit. I got used to walk like that. I was not using calipers or any other helping instrument till now. I came from poor family and I have completed Engineering - EEE and M.S Computer science. I worked for about 10 years in software development. Now I started my own company. I am able to drive car with automatic gear. I have been driving since 2005.

Now I am 37 years old and I started facing problems with both lower limbs. Recently i have developed type 2 diabetes and after that the food control affected the strength in my both lower limbs. I am not able to full fill the increased responsibilities . My legs are paining while walking at the knee joints and my consulting doctor suggested a x-ray which revealed early stages of osteoarthritis.

Please help me on the following queries
1. What is the best strategy to cope with this changing health conditions. (diabetes , post-polio affects, osteoarthritis ) . How do I improve the strength in my lower limbs. What medicine/food will really improve my condition with out increasing sugar levels

2. What are all the future problems I may possibly face. I can do static cycling. will it damage the knee or will it helpful to build the muscle.

3.basically, I am a positive thinker. Is there any new developments which can correct my disability now or in future , anywhere in the world. I want a detailed explanation on this question no# 3 please. I read so much on the internet about advancements in medicine , cell therapy, regenerating any organ , etc...

These are some of the questions i am not getting clear or no answer. Please help me. I would be grateful to you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ram Choudhary (2 hours later)
Hi XXXXXX,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic!
I must congratulate you for accepting and solving the challanges of life.
Osteoarthritis in Polio limb is a bad development and has developed due to increased load on the knee.
May be you have gained weight excessively that is too much for your weak limbs.
You should cut down on the excess body weight, get a diet planned by a dietician and follow it.
With increased weight and diabetes you can develop neuromyopathy related weaness to add on the already Polio limb.
You must keep a strict control of diabetes.
You shoul avoid static cycling it will be harmful for osteoarthritic knees.
Rather learn isometric exercise plan for lower limbs from a qualified physiotherapist and regularly exercise them.
Up to now much research has been done on restoration of muscle power, nerve weakness, in regenerative medicine through cell therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy but none has shown promise in real world till date.
May be some good news be round the corner but we have to wait.
I hope the advise would be helpful for you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ram Choudhary (19 hours later)
Hi sir,
Thanks for the quick response.

Additional info:
1. I am 65kg, 5 ft 8inches height
2. I born and brought up in Andhra Pradesh- vijayawada
3. I am currently located in bangalore, india.

I have attached a scan if right leg knee, report and the diabetes doctor prescription of medicine. as I am going to use this medicine every day i would like to cross check with a orthopedic doctor. Will this medicine create any problems to the knee in future?

Osteoarthritis :
===========
Please check the x-ray and the report . Is it a confirmed osteoarthritis? if it is just started, is it possible to avoid it. if yes how?
Do I need to give up static cycling. As I am not able to walk right now this is what i have as an exercise to control diabetes . Is it ok if I do cycling for about one or 2 days 30 min per week?
What food is recommended/ IS there any specific food i can take that would add little value to the situation control.

Weight:
======
My weight is 65 Kg and my height is 5 feet 8 inches. Am I considered as overweight with polio limbs? what would be the ideal weight . to control weight if i stop eating taking only protein XXXXXXX food how do i get strength in the limbs? If I control weight, and sit idle with out proper exercise such as cycling or walking, would that non-movement create more problems in the knee?
My office is in first floor. I am able to climb steps with railing support. Is it OK or do I need avoid climbing steps?
just to tell you, my cholesterol levels are under control.


Medicine:
*******
1) Galvus met 50/500 mg ( Validagliptin and metaformin HCI tablets) - from Novartis
2) Dfriz - one tab contains ( Diacerein-5omg, Glucosamine Sulphate-750 mg , MathylSulphonyl Methane-250mg)
3) Tayo calcium & Cholecalciferol tab
4) Ultracet ( Acetaminophen & Tramadol hydrocloride Tablets USP)

Please let me review this prescription in light of my current situation and let me know any of these drugs cause problems in long term. Please feel free to suggest any other medicine, you may feel, helpful to me. I understand i should not directly use what ever you suggested in this forum. I will ask my consulting to doctor to consider the recommendation you give.

calipers / any helping apparatus:

Do I suggest calipers or any other apparatus which can delay the onset of osteoarthritis.

Consulting Doctor Names:
Please suggest at least two famous orthopedic doctor names where I can get detailed examination of my situation. I want some one to spend time to do detailed examination , measure muscle power, suggest good diet, other means of coping with the disability I have. Doctor can be anywhere in india. I am ready to pay for his valuable time, advice, and help.


Research :
Could you point me to some links where i can read about the current research finding related to my situation. what are the keywords i need to use, to search in google , to get the info related to my health condition.

I understand that I have raised so many questions to you. kindly spare few extra minutes and guide me in proper direction. I would be grateful to you. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ram Choudhary (42 hours later)
Hi XXXXXX
Welcome back to healthcare magic Physician's desk!
Your osteo-arthritis is in very initial stages, you should be proactive in managing it.
About your weight- the less the better, your weight of 65kg is okay for your height but heavy for for Polio legs.
I would suggest to revert to a body weight say 10year back rather slightly lower than that because it kept you fine over the years.
Take a balanced diet with good quality and quantity of proteins like egg, meat, fish, milk, soya, mixed pulses etc. on daily basis.
Loosing weight is okay if you loose it over 6 month to 1 year horizon and would not increase osteo-arthritis.
Your diabetes medicines are okay and would be safe to use for your knees also.
You need to consult an orth-physiotherapist to learn isometric exercises to save your knee joints.
You should use Orthosis to decrease the burden on the knees and avoid climbing stairs categorically.
I do not know any orthopedician at your place but I have worked in NSCB medical college, Jabalpur, MP in 2003 at Orthopedics department.
There were good Orthopedic surgeons if you can trace them in the city now.
Dr HK Taqi XXXXXXX Dr. HS XXXXXXX Dr Jamdar(Jamdar Hospital) all the three are equally competent.
Mr. Sahu makes Orthoses on tailor made basis- you can get the supportive orthosis made by him at Jabalpur.

I think the advise would be helpful for you.

If you still have queries if any, please feel free to communicate back.

And if satisfied with my solution then please accept the answer and take a moment to express your feelings in the Review Section about my Clinical skills!
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ram Choudhary

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 2270 Questions

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Polio Affected Lower Limbs. Developed Type 2 Diabetes And Affecting Strength In Limbs. Any Proper Cure?

Hi XXXXXX,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic!
I must congratulate you for accepting and solving the challanges of life.
Osteoarthritis in Polio limb is a bad development and has developed due to increased load on the knee.
May be you have gained weight excessively that is too much for your weak limbs.
You should cut down on the excess body weight, get a diet planned by a dietician and follow it.
With increased weight and diabetes you can develop neuromyopathy related weaness to add on the already Polio limb.
You must keep a strict control of diabetes.
You shoul avoid static cycling it will be harmful for osteoarthritic knees.
Rather learn isometric exercise plan for lower limbs from a qualified physiotherapist and regularly exercise them.
Up to now much research has been done on restoration of muscle power, nerve weakness, in regenerative medicine through cell therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy but none has shown promise in real world till date.
May be some good news be round the corner but we have to wait.
I hope the advise would be helpful for you.