Viscosupplementation Treatment for Knee Arthritis Hillsboro, OH
Viscosupplementation treatment for knee arthritis is helping patients find relief where other methods have failed. Arthritis is common, especially in the knees, causing pain, discomfort, and mobility loss. Luckily, this treatment uses injections to the knee joint to provide much-needed relief to those struggling with arthritis pain.
Viscosupplementation treatment for knee arthritis is available in Hillsboro, OH, and the surrounding areas. If you have tried other treatments and are still not getting the relief you need, Restoration Wellness can help. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (937) 661-6060.
The Problem: Knee Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, OA, is the most common form of arthritis in the United States, affecting 22.7% of the adult population—that is over 54 million Americans. The knee is a complex joint and the most common joint affected by OA. With osteoarthritis, the knee cartilage that cushions and helps the joint move smoothly breaks down, causing the bones to scrape together. In addition, those with osteoarthritis usually have less lubricating hyaluronic acid in their knee joints than normal. These two factors lead to troubling symptoms, including pain, stiffness, inflammation, and lack of mobility. Osteoarthritis in the knee is a serious condition that can severely interfere with the life of those who suffer from it.
What is Viscosupplementation Treatment for Knee Arthritis
Viscosupplementation aims to reduce the symptoms of OA by replacing hyaluronic acid in the knees of those suffering from the condition. The procedure is a minimally invasive one in which the doctor injects hyaluronic acid into the joint using a local anastatic to minimize discomfort. The practitioner may use imaging tests to pinpoint the right spot for the injection.
If there is excess fluid in the joint, the doctor may drain that before administering the hyaluronic acid injection. After this quick procedure, the practitioner applies a small bandage to the injection site, and the patient can go home. Patients usually receive three to five injections, each spaced a week apart.
Benefits of Treatment
Viscosupplementation is a simple procedure involving little to no discomfort. When other methods have failed, this treatment can help patients delay or avoid more invasive surgical interventions. In addition, this treatment is usually well tolerated involving few side effects and rare adverse reactions.
This treatment has demonstrated moderate but significant effectiveness when compared with placebo in those with osteoarthritis in the knee. Though not all patients find relief after these injections, those that do have reported symptom relief lasting six months or more. Viscosupplementation may even help patients reduce or avoid the need for opioid painkillers and NSAIDs.
Who is a Candidate
Knee osteoarthritis is most common in those over 50 years of age. However, young people can be affected as well. Other factors, such as genetic predisposition and obesity, may contribute to this condition as well.
Viscosupplementation appears to be most effective for those with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. The ideal candidate has tried other treatments that have failed. Patients who have tried treatments like lifestyle changes, over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections and still have not found significant relief are encouraged to ask their doctor about viscosupplementation for knee arthritis.
How Treatment Works
During the consultation, we will review the patient’s symptoms and medical history when deciding on a customized treatment plan. The practitioner will give the patient instructions on preparing for the procedure. Specific directions may vary by patient but often include wearing loose-fitting clothing that easily exposes the knee joint. Patients can eat and drink and take their medications as usual unless the doctor instructs them otherwise.
OA cannot be cured, and relief from viscosupplementation treatment is not instant. However, patients have reported experiencing relief from symptoms after the third or fifth week of treatment, with maximum relief beginning after eight to 12 weeks. After the procedure, the patient should check with the doctor if driving is okay. Also, the patients should avoid excessive walking, jogging, weightlifting, or standing for long periods for 48 hours after a treatment session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are there any side effects to this treatment?
A. Side effects are mild and serious ones are rare. Some patients have slight pain and swelling at the injection site, but this tends to fade quickly. Patients should call us if the symptoms do not fade quickly or if the symptoms worsen or come with a high fever.
Q. What aftercare instructions should I follow?
A. Aftercare instructions vary by patient. However, following them is crucial for the success of the treatment. Besides limiting activity 48 hours after a session, maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated.
Q. What can I do in addition to treatment for my knee arthritis?
A. The success of any treatment is aided by a healthy lifestyle. Those struggling with this condition should maintain a healthy weight, exercise, and try to relieve pressure on the knee when possible. Cold and hot packs may also help manage discomfort.
Q. When should I consider viscosupplementation?
A. Healthcare professionals may recommend this treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis when other methods have not given the patient significant relief. The doctor may first try to treat the patient with anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. A doctor may suggest this treatment if these other methods fail and a patient wants to avoid or delay knee surgery.
Q. Will insurance pay for viscosupplementation?
A. It depends on the insurance company and how the treatment is used. Many times insurance will cover viscosupplementation to treat the knee joint. However, we always suggest that patients check directly with their insurance provider for the specifics of their plan.
Helpful Related Links
- Academy of Chiropractic. Academy of Chiropractic. 2022
- American Chiropractic Association. American Chiropractic Association, ACA Blog. 2022
- WebMD, Chiropractic Care for Back Pain. WebMD, Chiropractic Care for Back Pain. 2022