JOINT FLUID INJECTIONS:
If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, you may have osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee:
- Is your knee stiff in the morning?
- Does your knee hurt even when you are not active?
- Do you hear a crackling sound or have a grating feeling?
- Is the skin around your knee red and swollen?
What is OA of the knee?
Osteoarthritis (ah-stee-oh-ar-THRY-tis) or OA of the knee results from a low level of a lubrication substance (hyaluronan) in the fluid that cushions your knee (synovial fluid). Without enough hyaluronan, the bones of your knee begin to rub against each other, causing erosion, bone spurs and pain.
Common risk factors for OA of the knee are being overweight, joint injury, overuse of the joint, weak muscles, nerve injury, having other forms of arthritis, having family members with arthritis, and simply being over 55.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. Nothing can cure OA, but it can be treated effectively with proper physician care. Many people with OA live happy, healthy and active lives.
COMMON TREATMENTS FOR OA KNEE PAIN INCLUDE:
Non-drug treatments:
- Avoiding activities that cause excess pain in your joints
- Exercise
- Physical therapy
Drug Therapy:
- Painkillers such as acetaminophen and narcotics
- Drugs that reduce inflammation, such as aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- Corticosteroids that are injected directly into the joint.
JOINT FLUID THERAPY MAY BE THE SOLUTION:
You may be a candidate for non-surgical, non-pharmacological, pain-relieving joint fluid therapy: a safe, effective treatment for OA of the knee. Call our office and schedule an appointment with our medical doctor to help you decide if Joint Fluid Therapy is right for you.