Viscosupplementation
Are you considering viscosupplementation injections for knee osteoarthritis? Let’s delve deeper into this treatment option. Viscosupplementation, also known as gel therapy, involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. But what exactly does this procedure entail, and how does it work to alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms? Knee osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. One of the contributing factors to these symptoms is the depletion of hyaluronic acid, which normally provides lubrication and cushioning within the joint. Viscosupplementation injections aim to replenish this diminished hyaluronic acid by introducing hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body, particularly in the synovial fluid and connective tissues. It has a viscous, gel-like consistency, which helps lubricate and cushion the joint surfaces, reducing friction and allowing for smoother movement. By injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint, viscosupplementation injections work to: While the effectiveness of viscosupplementation injections may vary from person to person, many individuals experience significant relief from pain and improved function following treatment. If you would like to learn more about viscosupplementation at the Joint Relief Institute, please call 1-800-238-9307 for a no obligation consultation.
Read MoreSeveral studies demonstrate significant efficacy of viscosupplementation, particularly for knee osteoarthritis. One study in particular shows that viscosupplementation offers pain relief and enhances the functioning of the knee joint by up to 70% compared to the placebo group. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877056814003235 ) Viscosupplementation can help to reduce the administration of opioid analgesics and NSAIDs. It also helps to delay or avoid joint replacement. The 2006 Cochrane comprehensive review of the efficacy of viscosupplementation in osteoarthritis of knees revealed that the procedure is beneficial for improving physical function and reducing pain in the knees. Some of the studies revealed that viscosupplementation is more effective compared to NSAIDs and has prolonged effects than corticosteroids. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8567800/) Overall, the success rate of viscosupplementation varies from patient to patient. How long relief from the gel injections lasts depends on the severity of osteoarthritis and overall health condition.
Read MoreBone on bone is a condition whereby osteoarthritis has progressed to advanced stages resulting in the cartilage thinning out excessively. As a result, there is limited cushioning on the knee joint causing the bones to rub against each other. Bone on bone knees often cause excruciating knee pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Living with these symptoms can be daunting. Hence, if you are seeking a no-surgery treatment option for managing it, you may be wondering if gel shots help with bone-on-bone knees? The good news is that many of our patients have bone on bone knees and report excellent pain relief! Every person is different so how long the results last also varies from patient to patient. Some patients get long lasting results with 3-5 series of gel injections. On the other hand, some patients have to repeat the gel injections every 6 months for sustainable results. How Do Gel Injections Work for Bone on Bones? Gel therapy for bone on bone involves injecting a gel-like substance in the knee joint. The gel, made of hyaluronic acid, substitutes the synovial fluid that is naturally found in the knees. It provides lubrication to the knee joint, reducing friction between the bones and alleviating pain. Hyaluronic acid injections also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can further contribute to pain relief and improved joint function. Benefits of Gel Injections for Bone-on-Bone knees? Gel injections offer numerous benefits for bone-on-bone knees as follows: If you have bone on bone knee arthritis, PLEASE call a friendly new patient specialist at the Joint Relied Institute to book your initial consultation. Our specialists will examine your knees and recommend a personalized treatment plan, taking into account the severity of osteoarthritis, your overall health, and mobility goals. Please call us at (708) 722-7514 in Chicago or (952) 214-4278 in Minneapolis for more information and to book your initial consultation.
Read MoreInsurance coverage for knee injections varies from one provider to another. Most private insurance companies cover these injections if they deem them medically necessary. However, coverage policies can differ, and some insurance plans may have specific criteria that must be met before they will cover the cost of knee gel injections. For example, the insurance company may require documentation of the severity of osteoarthritis or evidence that other conservative treatments have been attempted without success. Or, there may be pre-authorization required. Does the Joint Relief Institute Take Insurance? Our knee injections are covered by Medicare and most private insurance. In fact, many insurance companies will ask you to have knee injections before considering surgery. (Insurance companies understand how effective this treatment is compared to risky knee surgery, so they usually provide the coverage for it.) Contact us today to speak to our insurance specialist and they will confirm if your insurance will cover your treatment instantly on the phone. Please call us our Chicago office at (708) 722-7514 or Edina (952) 214-4278 office if you live in Minneapolis!
Read MoreWe’re proud to announce some incredibly exciting news for seniors with osteoarthritis living in the greater Minneapolis area. In October, the Joint Relief Institute will be opening a location in Edina, MN – just southwest of Minneapolis. We’ve been injecting hope and providing relief for thousands of patients monthly in the Chicagoland area, and we cannot wait to meet our new patients in Minnesota! For those of you who are just hearing about us for the first time, allow us to introduce ourselves. Since 2015, we have been administering viscosupplementation (more commonly known as gel shots) to patients who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. The injection of hyaluronic acid helps increase mobility and flexibility in patients who suffer from even advanced stages of bone-on-bone osteoarthritis. This procedure is non-invasive, fast-acting, painless, and affordable! Patients often will come in, receive their injection, and then walk out of the office to continue their day. The Joint Relief Institute has over 10 different gels to inject, in case of potential allergy, and we also use fluoroscopy – an advanced x-ray imaging technique that ensures accurate and effective injections. Without the use of fluoroscopy, even experienced providers can miss the joint 1/3rd of the time. An inaccurate injection may result in the medicine being ineffective – the Joint Relief Institute corrects this with accurate and safe injections. Our founder, Dr. Michael Hana, MD, dedicated his medical career to studying gel injections after witnessing the post-op difficulties that many patients who receive surgeries face. Considering that knee surgeries come with very serious risks and are often performed unnecessarily (up to 1/3 of knee surgeries are performed on patients that do not need them!), he sought out to spread awareness and adoption of viscosupplementation, which does not come with the serious risks and life-altering consequences that a knee replacement surgery would. The help and relief that gel injections can provide to patients in pain is inspiring to see firsthand. We’re known for keeping a close relationship with the folks who come in to receive our treatments, and we’ve been blessed to hear so many stories of amazing recovery. That is why we cannot wait to see you in Minneapolis, and show our patients that they, too, can conquer knee pain without knee replacement surgery!
Read MoreIntroduction Living with osteoarthritis can be challenging, as it often brings discomfort and limits mobility. However, viscosupplementation has been shown to achieve incredible strides in increasing mobility, flexibility, and durability. In this article, we’ll explore how viscosupplementation can enhance your ability to perform everyday activities with ease, including walking, bending, stretching, exercising, and doing chores. 1. Walking with Ease For individuals with osteoarthritis, simple tasks like walking can become painful experiences. Viscosupplementation involves injecting a lubricating fluid into the affected joint, which helps reduce friction and cushion the joint, providing enhanced mobility. As a result, you can enjoy walking without the fear of discomfort or stiffness, allowing you to maintain an active lifestyle. At the Joint Relief Institute, we often see patients walking right out of the office after their injection is complete! 2. Bending without Discomfort Bending down to tie your shoelaces or pick up something from the floor might seem like a daunting task when you’re dealing with osteoarthritis pain. Viscosupplementation aids in replenishing the natural synovial fluid in the joint, promoting smoother movement and improved flexibility. This means you can bend and move more comfortably, regaining control over your daily activities. 3. Stretching for Flexibility Maintaining joint flexibility is crucial for managing osteoarthritis. With viscosupplementation, the added lubrication in the joint allows for better range of motion. This makes stretching exercises more effective and less uncomfortable. Regular stretching can help improve joint health over time, reducing stiffness and promoting joint longevity. 4. Exercising with Reduced Pain Staying active is essential for overall health, but osteoarthritis can make exercising painful. Viscosupplementation can make a significant difference here. By providing a cushioning effect within the joint, it minimizes impact during physical activities. This means you can engage in low-impact exercises, like swimming or cycling, with reduced pain, allowing you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 5. Tackling Chores with Confidence Daily chores can become a chore in themselves when you’re dealing with joint pain. Viscosupplementation empowers you to take charge of household tasks again. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or gardening, the improved joint lubrication facilitates smoother movements, enabling you to tackle chores with confidence and without excessive strain. Conclusion Osteoarthritis doesn’t have to limit your ability to enjoy life and perform essential tasks. Viscosupplementation is a promising solution that can enhance joint relief and improve mobility. From walking and bending to stretching, exercising, and doing chores, this treatment opens doors to a more active and pain-free lifestyle. If you’re seeking effective ways to manage osteoarthritis and regain control of your daily activities, call the Joint Relief Institute today to schedule an in-person consultation. Embrace the possibilities of improved joint health and enhanced quality of life.
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.