A place to learn more about me as a person and practitioner.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain and stiffness as we age. It results from gradual wear of the joint cartilage, leading to inflammation, swelling, and reduced mobility. While surgery—like knee replacement—can help in advanced cases, many people manage OA symptoms effectively without it.
This blog explores when nonsurgical treatments are appropriate, who can benefit, and what evidence-based options are available.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections have become an established treatment option for managing joint pain, particularly in osteoarthritis. Understanding how HA works, the conditions it best treats, who should consider it, and the associated risks can help patients make informed decisions about this therapy.
As a naturopath, I always look for the most natural options for treatment. Sometimes this is looking at overall diet and lifestyle changes that can modify inflammation in the body. Sometimes this is looking at regenerative injections like prolotherapy or platelet-rich plasma. And other times, corticosteroids are the best option.
I can’t remember the last time I was this busy! While I tend to do my best work when I am overburdened and scheduled to the max, I can’t help but ask myself if I’m running from something or trying too hard. I have to say that all of these things have flowed so naturally and easily that I didn’t really question them until my mentor pointed out how attractive it is for the world to bring so many things to me… rather than allow the world to unfold for me.
Last week was rough finding time for all of my passion projects… as in I didn’t find as much as I needed. I officially started as a fourth-year naturopathic medical student, which means I began my internship. Unlike medical doctors who get four years of medical training and then multiple years of residency (the first of which is known as their internship year), we get three years of medical training and then a year of internship, all within the context of our four-year doctorate level of education.
The intern year for naturopaths is where we get to see patients and work under licensed naturopathic doctors and learn through hands-on experience. It’s also known as our clinical year, which is meant to prepare us for working as independent, licensed naturopathic doctors within a year and a half’s time.
