Basically, derangement refers to the abnormal or impaired functioning of a body part or organ. We will examine two common types of derangement in this article: internal knee derangement and liver derangement. They can affect many parts of the body, including the knee, the liver, the brain, or the heart.
A knee derangement occurs when the structures inside the knee joint, such as ligaments, meniscus, and cartilage, are damaged or torn. This can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and instability.
The main cause of internal knee derangement is physical trauma, such as a sports injury, a fall, or a car accident. Other factors that can increase the risk of internal knee derangement include:
Age: As people get older, their knee tissues become weaker and more prone to injury.
Obesity: Excess weight puts more pressure on the knee joint and can cause wear and tear.
Previous knee injuries: Having a history of knee injuries can make the knee more vulnerable to further damage.
Medical conditions: Some diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes, can affect the health of the knee joint and its structures.
The symptoms of internal knee derangement depend on the type and severity of the injury. Some common symptoms include:
Knee pain, especially when moving, bending, or straightening the knee
Knee swelling and inflammation
Knee stiffness and reduced range of motion
Knee instability and difficulty bearing weight
Knee locking or clicking sensations
Knee deformity or change in shape
The doctor will examine the patient's knee and ask about their medical history and symptoms to diagnose internal knee derangement. To confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the damage, a doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, an MRI, or an ultrasound.
The treatment of internal knee derangement depends on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the patient’s age, health, and activity level. Some possible treatment options include:
Rest: Avoiding activities that put stress on the knee and allowing it to heal.
Ice: Applying ice packs to the knee for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and swelling.
Compression: Wrapping the knee with an elastic bandage or a brace to provide support and stability.
Elevation: Keeping the knee elevated above the level of the heart to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.
Medication: Taking over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: Doing exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve its function and mobility.
Surgery: Repairing or replacing the damaged structures inside the knee through arthroscopy or open surgery.
To prevent internal knee derangement, it is important to take care of the knee and avoid activities that can injure it. Some preventive measures include:
Warming up before exercising and cooling down after exercising
Wearing protective gear, such as knee pads, when playing sports or doing physical activities
Avoiding sudden twists, turns, or jumps that can strain the knee
Maintaining a healthy weight and a balanced diet
Treating any underlying medical conditions that can affect the knee
When the liver is damaged or diseased, it cannot filter toxins, produce bile, and regulate metabolism, resulting in various symptoms and complications.
There are many causes of liver derangement, such as:
Viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E
Alcohol abuse or alcoholism
Drug or medication overdose or misuse, such as acetaminophen, antibiotics, antidepressants, or herbal supplements
Exposure to toxins, such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, or mushrooms
Autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, or primary sclerosing cholangitis
Genetic disorders, such as hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, obesity, or high cholesterol
Cancer or tumors that affect the liver or spread from other organs
The symptoms of liver derangement vary depending on the cause, the stage, and the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes
Dark urine and pale stools
Abdominal pain and swelling
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Itching and skin rashes
Bleeding and bruising easily
Confusion and mental changes
Edema, or swelling of the legs and feet
Ascites, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen
Portal hypertension, or high blood pressure in the veins that carry blood from the digestive organs to the liver
Varices, or enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach that can rupture and bleed
Hepatic encephalopathy, or brain damage caused by toxins that the liver cannot remove
Liver cancer or liver failure
A doctor will examine the abdomen and ask about the patient's medical history and symptoms in order to diagnose liver derangement. It may also be necessary to order some blood tests, such as liver function tests, viral tests, or genetic tests, to determine the cause of the condition and check the health and function of the liver. The doctor may also order some imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI, to visualize the liver structure and size and detect any abnormalities. A small sample of liver tissue may also be taken and examined under a microscope by the doctor in some cases.
The treatment of liver derangement depends on the cause, the stage, and the severity of the condition, as well as the patient’s age, health, and preferences. Some possible treatment options include:
Medication: Taking antiviral drugs, antibiotics, steroids, or immunosuppressants to treat infections, inflammation, or autoimmune diseases that affect the liver.
Lifestyle changes: Avoiding alcohol, drugs, or toxins that can harm the liver and following a healthy diet and exercise regimen to improve liver function and prevent complications.
Surgery: Removing part of the liver or the whole liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor (liver transplant) in cases of severe liver damage or failure.
To prevent liver derangement, it is important to protect the liver and avoid factors that can damage it. Some preventive measures include:
Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
Practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles or other personal items that can transmit hepatitis viruses
Limiting alcohol intake and avoiding binge drinking
Following the directions and warnings of any drugs or medications and avoiding mixing them with alcohol or other substances
Being careful with herbal supplements and checking their ingredients and safety
Avoiding exposure to toxins and wearing protective gear when handling them
Getting regular check-ups and blood tests to monitor liver health and function
Seeking medical attention if any symptoms of liver derangement occur
