Osteoarthritis
What are Fluoroscopy-Guided Injections? Fluoroscopy is a real-time imaging technique that allows healthcare providers to visualize the internal structures of the body. In the context of joint injections, fluoroscopy guides the needle’s placement, ensuring accurate and targeted delivery of the medication. Fluoroscopy enhances accuracy so well that the Joint Relief Institute offers a100% Accuracy Guarantee. Hyaluronic Acid Injection success rate is greatly improved by the Fluoroscopy-Guided injection process. When considering knee or shoulder gel injections for pain relief, be sure to seek out a provider that uses the process. The Benefits of Fluoroscopy-Guided Injections Enhanced Accuracy: Fluoroscopy provides real-time visualization, minimizing the risk of misplacement and ensuring that the medication reaches the intended target. Reduced Complications: Accurate needle placement reduces the risk of side effects, such as pain, swelling, and infection. Improved Patient Outcomes: Precise delivery of medication can lead to more effective pain relief, increased joint mobility, and a longer duration of benefit. The Importance of Precision in Gel Injections Hyaluronic acid injections have become a popular non-surgical treatment for osteoarthritis. However, the effectiveness of these injections depends largely on precise needle placement within the joint. This is where fluoroscopy-guided injections are greatly beneficial. Fluoroscopy-Guided Injections: A Study in Effectiveness A study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports (PMCID: PMC4190177) examined the effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided hyaluronic acid injections for hip and knee osteoarthritis. The study found that patients who received fluoroscopy-guided injections experienced significant pain relief and improved joint function compared to those who received traditional blind injections. Furthermore, according to another study, non-guided injections missed the joint up to 30% of the time. When injections miss, the treatment is completely ineffective, making fluoroscopy essential for the success of injections. Does the Joint Relief Institute Use Fluoroscopy-Guided Injections? Yes. At The Joint Relief Institute, we prioritize patient care and utilize fluoroscopy to ensure the highest level of accuracy and effectiveness in our gel injection procedures. By using this advanced technology, we can help patients achieve optimal results and experience significant relief from joint pain. Contact Us Today To learn more about knee gel injections, their costs, and insurance coverage, please contact us: Chicago Office: (708) 722-7514 Edina (Minneapolis) Office: (952) 214-4278 Fluoroscopy-guided injections represent a significant advancement in the field of joint pain management. By ensuring precise needle placement, this technique can improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. If you’re considering hyaluronic acid injections, consider seeking a provider who utilizes fluoroscopy to maximize the benefits of your treatment.
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Living with osteoarthritis can be challenging, especially when it affects weight-bearing joints like the knees. Thankfully, medical advancements have introduced various treatment options to alleviate pain and improve joint function. One such treatment gaining popularity is knee gel injections, also known as viscosupplementation. We’ll delve into some frequently asked questions surrounding knee gel injections and provide insightful answers to help you make an informed decision about your osteoarthritis treatment. What are Knee Gel Injections and Viscosupplementation? Knee gel injections, or viscosupplementation, involve the injection of a gel-like substance into the knee joint to provide lubrication and cushioning. The gel, typically made of hyaluronic acid, mimics the natural joint fluid found in healthy knees. The Joint Relief Institute carries over ten different types of gels for the viscosupplementation procedure. This procedure aims to reduce pain, inflammation, and improve joint mobility for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. How do Knee Gel Injections Work? When knee osteoarthritis occurs, the joint fluid’s viscosity and cushioning properties diminish, leading to friction, inflammation, and discomfort. Viscosupplementation works by replenishing the hyaluronic acid in the knee joint, restoring its lubricating and shock-absorbing capabilities. By improving the quality of joint fluid, knee gel injections help reduce pain and enhance joint function. Who is a Suitable Candidate for Knee Gel Injections? Knee gel injections are typically recommended for individuals with knee osteoarthritis symptoms that haven’t responded well to conservative treatments like over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections. It is important to consult with a licensed provider who can evaluate your condition and determine whether viscosupplementation is appropriate for you. At The Joint Relief Institute, our providers will be able to do this evaluation during your first consultation. What can I Expect During the Knee Gel Injection Procedure? The knee gel injection procedure is a relatively simple outpatient process that can be performed in a doctor’s office. Your provider will clean the injection site, apply a local anesthetic if necessary, and then insert a needle into the joint space. Using a technique called fluoroscopy, the gel-like substance will be injected directly and accurately into the knee joint. The entire procedure usually takes about 15-20 minutes, and you can return to normal activities right after! Are Knee Gel Injections Painful? The knee gel injection procedure is generally well-tolerated, and any discomfort is usually minimal. The Joint Relief Institute uses a numbing cold spray and lidocaine so that patients don’t experience anything more than a small pinch. How Long Does it Take to Experience the Benefits? Viscosupplementation knee injections provide immediate pain relief in three ways. Firstly, the injection quickly soothes distressed cartilage, offering instant relief. Secondly, it delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory effect that continues to work over the next few days, alleviating knee inflammation. Lastly, the gel forms a cushioning pillow inside the joint, reducing friction and providing long-term relief. Experience youthful, pain-free knees for up to several years with this rejuvenating treatment. What are the Potential Side Effects of Knee Gel Injections? Knee gel injections are generally safe, and serious complications are rare. However, like any medical procedure, there can be some potential side effects. These can include localized pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the injection site. In rare cases, an allergic reaction or infection may occur. It’s crucial to discuss any concerns or pre-existing conditions with your healthcare provider to ensure the treatment is safe for you. Conclusion Knee gel injections, or viscosupplementation, offer a promising treatment option for individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis. By replenishing the joint fluid with a gel-like substance, these injections can reduce pain, inflammation, and improve joint mobility. The Joint Relief Institute takes extensive measures to ensure that this procedure is completed with the utmost care and accuracy. If you have been struggling with knee osteoarthritis and conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief, knee gel injections may be worth considering. Consult with a Patient Care Specialist to discuss your individual condition and determine the best treatment approach for you.
Read More If you’re living with osteoarthritis, you most likely spend time looking for ways to ease the inflammation and joint pain that osteoarthritis brings. Common sources of pain relief may include heating packs, cold compresses, and heated blankets. In addition to these helpful aids, doctors and physicians often recommend gentle, low-impact exercises that promote mobility and flexibility. These exercises include: Exercise, while being incredibly helpful for seniors with osteoarthritis, should be maintained carefully as to not over-exert the person practicing. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends “starting low and going slow”. Similarly, activities should be slowed down or ceased if severe inflammation occurs. Seniors may want to monitor for worsening pain and modify their exercises accordingly. While not a full replacement for treatment, aerobic and osteo-arthritic friendly exercises are a powerful method of keeping your joints limber, flexible, and relatively pain-free. If you’re interested in introducing an increased amount of exercise to your life, talk to your doctor about trying these recommended exercises.
Read More The ability to move pain-free is one of life’s greatest privileges. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis can take that away; it is the leading cause of work disability, affecting 57.3% (32.5 million) of American adults. On top of that, one out of every five patients with osteoarthritis experiences depressive symptoms. This further affects their physical, social, and financial well-being. With that said, managing osteoarthritis is simpler than you may think (without resorting to surgery). The process begins, though, by learning more about it. Seen (and Unseen) Osteoarthritis Suffering What is Osteoarthritis and The Science Behind It? Osteoarthritis refers to a joint degenerative process. Normally, cartilage (specifically hyaline cartilage) and fluid (namely synovial fluid) help lubricate and reduce friction between the bones that comprise a joint. Damage to the hyaline cartilage sets off an inflammatory cascade that reduces synovial fluid production and damages cartilage-producing cells (chondrocytes). This increases bone friction, leading to bone remodeling (scarring and overgrowth) and degeneration. What Joints are Affected by Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis commonly affects weight-bearing joints (given their susceptibility to wear and tear) and other joints prone to injury. These include (percentage in brackets refers to the frequency of joint involved): Types of Osteoarthritis There are two types of Osteoarthritis: Primary and secondary. Primary Osteoarthritis and its Risk Factors Primary osteoarthritis refers to joint degeneration without any history of trauma or a known medical cause. It primarily affects large weight-bearing joints (such as the knee and hip) and has many risk factors: Secondary Osteoarthritis and its Causes Secondary osteoarthritis is joint degeneration due to a known medical cause, for example: Osteoarthritis Treatment: Is It Curable? Many osteoarthritis treatment options exist. Let’s discuss these further. Exercise, Diet and Physical Therapy: First-Line Treatment for Osteoarthritis Medical Therapy for Osteoarthritis: Second-Line Treatment Doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the initial medical treatment for osteoarthritis. This is because it’s safe to use and helps relieve pain. For the same reasons, topical pain medications are a great option. For example, 47,113 patients with osteoarthritis, in an analysis of 122 trials, reported pain relief with acetaminophen and topical medication. NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the next line of medical treatment, offer more significant pain relief and quality of life improvements than acetaminophen. However, they also increase the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. For patients who do not respond to acetaminophen or NSAIDs, a doctor may try: Viscosupplementation: Surgery is Not Your Only Option Viscosupplementation is the introduction of hyaluronic acid, a gel-like fluid, into the joint capsule. This helps reduce friction between bones and, thus, relieves pain and limits joint degeneration. A systematic review of 25 clinical trials shows viscosupplementation is a safe and effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Another large study, including 4,866 patients with osteoarthritis, corroborates this. Thus, in view of the overwhelming evidence, the EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology) recommends viscosupplementation for all patients with osteoarthritis who do not benefit from medical therapy. Surgery for Osteoarthritis: The Last Resort Research shows that ⅓ of all patients with osteoarthritis who undergo surgery do not need it. This is concerning due to the surgery-associated risks: Thus, most patients benefit from a trial of viscosupplementation before surgery. This is why doctors recommend surgery only for patients:
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The most common type of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis of the knee. It is a condition that causes inflammation of the knee joint. It is a degenerative disease that typically develops over time and results in the wear and tear of the knee joint. Other types of knee arthritis are post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis. Thinning is caused by trauma such as injury from contact sports, falling, or a car crash. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that triggers inflammation on the knee joint, causing the cartilage to wear away. In a healthy knee, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage, which acts as a cushion to absorb shock and allow for smooth movement. If you have knee arthritis, the cartilage wears out, causing the bones to rub against each other. This causes symptoms such as stiffness, pain, and difficulty moving the knee joint. Below is a look at 7 common symptoms of knee arthritis. Pain Pain in the knee joint is the most common symptom of knee arthritis. The level of pain may vary from mild to severe. The pain can manifest as an ache, or as a sharp or burning sensation that you feel during movement or while at rest. It may get worse when you move the knee, or if you attempt to stand after sitting for a long time. Stiffness Knee arthritis often causes stiffness in the joint, making it difficult to move the knee freely. Patients often describe the stiffness as a feeling of tightness, discomfort, or resistance when trying to move the knee joint. It may be worse in the morning, or after periods of inactivity, such as sitting or standing for a long time. Over time, if left untreated, knee stiffness can lead to muscle weakness and even further joint damage. Swelling Swelling around the knee joint is another common symptom of knee arthritis. It is typically caused by inflammation. The swelling may be mild or severe. It can cause the kneecap to appear larger than usual. In some cases, the swelling can cause the skin around the knee to become tight and shiny. Limited range of motion Range of motion refers to the extent to which a joint can be moved in different directions, such as bending or straightening the knee. Inflammation, pain, and stiffness can lead to a loss of flexibility and a limited range of motion in the knee joint. Tenderness The knee joint may be tender to the touch, especially when pressure is applied. Tenderness may be felt in the front, back, or sides of the knee, and it may be more pronounced in areas where there is significant joint damage or inflammation. Cracking or popping sounds Some people with knee arthritis may hear cracking or popping sounds when they move the knee joint. Since the cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones in the knee joint, the bones can rub against each other when the cartilage wears away, causing the popping or cracking sound. Weakness Knee arthritis can cause weakness in the muscles around the knee, making it harder to support the joint during movement. You may experience the weakness as a wobbly feeling, like the knee is giving out. Conclusion Knee arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, injury, obesity, and overuse. While there is no cure for knee arthritis, there are a variety of treatment options available to help manage symptoms, such as medications, physical therapy, and surgery.
Read MoreAbout Dr. Hana
Mike Hana is triple board certified in Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Interventional Pain Practice. He completed his fellowship at the University of Texas, where he also served as an assistant professor training and teaching other physicians the science and the art of performing Image-guided interventions for pain management.