Managing Knee Pain From Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common causes of physical disability in the U.S. The condition results from a breakdown of fluid within the knee joint, which can lead to pain, swelling, limited joint mobility, and potentially a wearing away of the cartilage and bone within the knee joint. Osteoarthritis of the knee has no known cure, but the pain and symptoms associated with OA can be managed through a variety of non-surgical methods, especially if treated early.
The pain and other symptoms experienced in those with osteoarthritis of the knee are due to the breakdown of joint fluid within the knee joint. Joint fluid acts like a shock absorber in the knee, and when that fluid breaks down, it reduces the amount of cushioning between the bones of the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can be very painful and can limit mobility. For most people, however, an active lifestyle can still be enjoyed with proper treatment.
The first course of treatment for OA of the knee typically includes lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight reduction (if overweight), and may also include nyc physical therapy, OTC and prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, and massage. If those treatments are unsuccessful, corticosteroid injections may help with the pain.
If conservative treatments for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis are not successful in providing relief, there are still non-surgical and non-drug treatment options available. One such option is Joint Fluid Treatment. This treatment works by re-introducing joint fluid into the knee joint to replace the fluid that has deteriorated, with the intention of providing relief of the symptoms associated with OA. The joint fluid replacement that is injected into the knee joint provides the cushioning and lubrication lost by the deterioration of the body’s own natural joint fluid, generally allowing the knee joint to function better and reducing pain.
Joint fluid treatment, or visco supplementation as it is also known, is a relatively simple procedure that can provide lasting relief. The procedure replaces joint fluid through a series of three injections made directly into the knee joint that are each spaced a week apart. Joint fluid treatment can provide pain relief for up to six months, and pain relief may even be experienced following the first injection. Joint fluid treatment includes minimal, if any, side effects, with the most common complaint being temporary pain experienced at the site of the injection.
If you experience knee pain due to osteoarthritis and have found conservative treatments unsuccessful in reducing your symptoms, then joint fluid treatment may provide the pain relief you need - and can help you get back to the active lifestyle you enjoy - without the need for surgery.
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