Osteoarthritis Viscosupplementation May Provide Relief

By Scot Paris, MD

Pain & Arthritis Relief Center

. http://advancedwellnesssystems.com/

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Osteoarthritis Viscosupplementation May Provide Relief

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects more than 27 million Americans. OA is most commonly found in the knee and the pain associated with it can make everyday activities, like walking around the house, incredibly painful. While there is no cure for OA there are treatment options that can help reduce the pain of OA.

In the past, most doctors have recommended complete knee replacement surgery for patients with knee OA, but surgery shouldn't be your only option. There are always risks associated with surgery. It is never guaranteed to eliminate the pain of OA and in some cases, patients experience more pain after surgery than they did before. It is also an incredibly expensive option.

A less invasive, more effective, and cost efficient option is available for the treatment of OA Viscosupplementation. Viscosupplementation, which is FDA approved, is done in a doctor's office, there are very few side effects and most patients have immediate pain relief. With Viscosupplementation treatments a synthetic synovial fluid is injected into the knee to help provide cushioning between the knee bones eliminating the pain of bone-on-bone contact.

Viscosupplementation is a great alternative to surgery, but even it can become more successful when coupled with physical therapy and bracing. With Viscosupplementation alone, you're getting rid of the swelling and inflammation caused by the bones rubbing together, which will provide pain relief. However, when you add physical therapy to Viscosupplementation you'll not only reduce the swelling but also strengthen the knee to prevent future injury.

Not many offices couple Viscosupplementation with physical therapy, which is unfortunate for those suffering from OA because treatments that include physical therapy have a higher success rate.

Our physical therapy program focuses on not only strengthening the knee, but the entire lower body. By focusing on the low back, hips, knees, and ankles you are able to ease the pressure put on the knees, allowing the treatment to last longer.

Physical therapy is especially important to help correct overcompensation from OA. If people experience pain only on one side then they tend to put more pressure on the pain-free side causing an imbalance. Physical therapy can be extremely useful in re-training your body how to use both of your knees effectively so that you don't cause injury to your “good” side.

Be wary of other treatments that don't include physical therapy. Without the training provided by physical therapy your injections may not last as long and you will continue to misuse the knee never fully healing it. The best chance you have at eliminating your knee pain is through Viscosupplementation and physical therapy.