Hyaluronic Acid for Knees
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases in the world today, and the knee is among the most commonly involved joints, seriously affecting the patient's quality of life. Factors that may play a role in the development of osteoarthritis include overuse of joints, job or sports-related injuries, prior surgery, being over-weight, poor bone positioning, and family history.
Osteoarthritis may cause the fluid that normally protects the joint to lose its cushioning and lubricating abilities. This causes the wearing away of the cartilage, resulting in knee pain, stiffness, limitation of joint motion, and some inflammation, such as redness and swelling.
Osteoarthritis of the knee cannot be cured and orthopedic surgery was previously the only way of treating this disease, but now there are simpler and less expensive methods. The current mainstay of non-operative treatment for osteoarthritis is focused on the reduction of pain, primarily with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications and over-the-counter supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
These approaches, plus weight loss and increasing knee exercises, are very effective to a point. Unfortunately, these drugs are not ideal for many patients because of side effects; furthermore, there is a suggestion of possible progression of disease with these medications, especially the NSAIDS.
One very successful alternative method for treating osteoarthritis of the knee, without performing surgery, has been with an injectable medication. Hyaluronic acid is one of the major molecular components of joint fluid. This fluid, also known as synovial fluid, is secreted by cells in the cartilage of joints and aids in joint motion. Because of its viscous quality, it allows cartilage surfaces of joints to glide upon each other in a smooth fashion.
This procedure involves injecting Hyaluronic acid into the space between the knee joint every week for 3 weeks. The length of relief from pain varies per individual, but commonly lasts for up to 6 months. The area of injection is slightly numbed with a spray. Then a numbing agent, such as Procaine or Lidocaine, is injected into the knee followed by the Hyaluronic acid injection, which would be like adding a total volume of a teaspoonful to the knee joint.
The procedure takes approx 10-15 minutes per knee, and the patient can walk immediately. There are less than 1% side effects per injection, which consist of mild swelling of the joint with mild pain and slight warmth of the injected area. No generalized side effects are to be expected.
For more information, a phone consultation or to setup an appointment, please contact our Patient Care Coordinator, Beverly Brown-Osborn by email or by calling 972-239-6317 x134. |
