Osteoarthritis Management

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What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis found in the knee. It is degenerative, “wear and tear” type of arthritis that occurs mainly in people 50 years of age and older, but may occur in young people too. In Osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away. Therefore, the Cartilage becomes frayed and rough, causing the protective space between the bones to decrease. This can result in bone rubbing against bone and produce painful bone spurs.
(Source: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org)

Signs & Symptom

Pain. Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.

Stiffness. Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.

Tenderness. Your joint might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near it.

Loss of flexibility. You might not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.

Grating sensation. You might feel a grating sensation when you use the joint, and you might hear popping or crackling.

Bone spurs. These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.

Swelling. This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation
around the joint.

Treatment Options

Medication. Pain killers, Anti-inflammatory agent, supplements, Steroid injections.

Therapy. Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Viscosupplement injections . (Eg: Monovisc, Cingal, Orthovisc).

Surgical. (if other treatment options failed)

What is Viscosuppliment Injection?

Viscosupplement injection involves injecting Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance found in the joint, to improve the quality of the joint fluid.

Viscosupplement is Injections containing Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which is a gel-like substance, that is injected into the painful joint affected by Osteoarthritis. It acts as a lubricant to enable bones to move smoothly over each other and as a shock absorber for joint loads. Thus it is important for viscosupplements to be vicious.

How is the injection being performed?

Depending on the product used, you will receive one to five shots over several weeks.
The injection has to be carried out by a qualified Healthcare Professional to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.