Viscosupplementation
Knee injections are a common medical procedure for treating various knee conditions. The treatment involves injecting medication directly into the knee joint to enhance lubrication and relieve pain or inflammation. Knee injections can be used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, knee injuries, and osteoarthritis. They are typically preferred to knee replacement surgeries as they are less invasive. Your doctor may recommend knee injections as an alternative or to delay knee replacement surgery. Types of Knee Injections The four most common types of knee injections are corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and stem cell injections. Below is an overview of each. Corticosteroid Injections Corticosteroid injections contain corticosteroid medication. They are used to reduce inflammation in knee joints, consequently reducing knee pain. They are typically used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory arthritis. In some cases, they are used to treat knee swelling or pain due to knee injuries. The effect can last from six weeks to six months. On the downside, corticosteroid injections have several risks, including (but not limited to) cartilage damage, damage of nearby bones, nerve damage, tendon weakening or rupture, temporary increase in blood sugar, and joint infection. Hyaluronic Acid Injections Hyaluronic acid injections are another common type of knee injection. They are mainly used to treat osteoarthritis. The injections contain a synthetic version of the natural hyaluronic acid found in the knee joint. The gel-like fluid improves lubrication, reducing pain and stiffness. Hyaluronic acid injections are given as a series of injections over several weeks or months. They provide relief for up to six months, after which you would need to retake the treatment procedure. Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections (PRP) Platelet-rich plasma injections are a newer type of knee injection, and they’ve quickly gained popularity. During treatment, a blood sample is taken to the lab to separate the platelets. The platelets are then injected into your knee joint over a few weeks or months. Platelets contain healing properties, which reduce inflammation and promote healing. Platelet-rich plasma injections provide relief for up to six months. Stem Cell Injections Stem cell injections are another recent knee injection therapy. The treatment procedure involves injecting stem cells into the knee joint. The procedure works on the premise that the stem cells differentiate into different cell types, including cartilage cells. The differentiated cell repairs worn out cartilage cells or other damaged knee joint tissues, slowing down the progression of conditions such as osteoarthritis. On the downside, stem cell injections are expensive, and most health insurance plans do not cover them. Conclusion Knee injections are a less invasive knee treatment alternative to knee replacement surgery. The right type of knee injection depends on your specific knee condition, medical history, and budget. Efficacy varies depending on the condition and recipient. Consult a specialist if you have a knee injury or other knee conditions; they will assess your knee condition and advise on the most suitable treatment option.
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Understanding Knee Gel Injections Gel injections, also known as Viscosupplementation, are a non-surgical treatment option for knee osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. How Do Knee Gel Injections Work? Gel injections involve injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that lubricates and cushions the joint. By revitalizing this fluid, knee gel injections can alleviate pain and improve joint function. Think of it like this: would you rather change your oil every six months (knee gel injections) or wait until the engine doesn’t run anymore and get a new one (knee replacement surgery)? Benefits of Gel Shots for Knees Pain Relief: Gel injections can significantly reduce knee pain with 9 out of 10 patients reporting noticeable pain relief. Improved Mobility: By lubricating the joint, these injections can enhance flexibility and range of motion. Non-Invasive: Gel injections are a minimally invasive procedure with minimal recovery time. Delaying or Avoiding Surgery: In some cases, gel injections can delay or even avoid the need for knee replacement surgery. Studies also show gel injections can delay the progression of osteoarthritis. Effectiveness of Knee Gel Injections Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injections for knee osteoarthritis. However, the degree of improvement can vary from person to person. Factors such as the severity of osteoarthritis and individual response to treatment can influence the outcome. While the effectiveness and length of efficacy varies from person to person based on physical activity and other factors, positive results are reported across the board by patients. Potential Side Effects of Knee Gel Injections While generally safe, gel injections can cause some minor side effects, including: Temporary pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Mild bruising. The most common side effect is mild pain and swelling at the injection site, which typically resolves on its own. In rare cases (about 1% of people), a more severe reaction known as an injection flare may occur. This can cause significant swelling and pain due to fluid accumulation in the joint. Your healthcare provider can alleviate this by draining the excess fluid. Are You a Candidate for Knee Gel Injections? If you’re experiencing knee pain due to osteoarthritis, consult with our doctors to determine if gel injections are right for you. We’ll consider factors like the severity of your condition and your medical history to give you a non-biased assessment and recommend treatment options. We’re confident in our knee gel injections. If they provide relief, you may find them beneficial enough to consider twice-yearly treatments. Overall, gel injections are a low-risk option that may help you delay or avoid knee surgery. 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 By understanding your options, you can make informed decisions about your knee health.
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Although knee arthritis is not curable, there are a variety of options for managing it and slowing down its progression. The main goal of the various treatment options is to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance mobility in the affected knee. Below, we explore the various treatment options for knee arthritis. Lifestyle Modification and Physical Therapy Lifestyle modifications and physical therapy are the first set of options for managing knee arthritis. They work best for treating and managing early signs of knee arthritis and can help to slow down the progress of the condition. Some key lifestyle modifications include incorporating regular exercise, weight loss, and healthy eating. Medical Therapy If lifestyle modification and physical therapy do not work, the second line of intervention is medical treatment. Doctors often recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the initial medical treatment for osteoarthritis – it is safe and helps to relieve pain. Topical pain medications are also great options. They can be used independently or alongside acetaminophen. The next line of medical treatment is NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Although they are more effective than acetaminophen for pain relief, they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. For patients who do not respond to acetaminophen or NSAIDs, a doctor may recommend Tramadol and Duloxetine. Viscosupplementation Viscosupplementation involves the injection of hyaluronic acid in the form of a gel-like fluid into the joint capsule. The hyaluronic acid substitutes the depleted synovial fluid, reducing friction, relieving pain, and enhancing joint mobility. Most patients benefit from a trial of viscosupplementation before surgery. Surgery Surgery is the last resort for treating knee arthritis. It should only be considered for patients with irreversible joint damage or those who do not respond to six months of non-pharmacological medical treatment (or viscosupplementation). There are different surgical procedures and your doctor will advise on the most suitable one for you. Options include arthroscopy, osteotomy cartilage grafting, and total or partial knee replacement. Conclusion The first line of intervention against knee arthritis includes lifestyle modifications and physical therapy. The second line includes medication and viscosupplementation, and the last resort is surgery. Intervention may also include different treatment options. Your doctor will monitor your knee joint health over time and advise on the best treatment plan based on severity, age, overall health, and lifestyle.
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.