Osteoarthritis Knee Injections
Gel injections can be done on the knee by a physician to treat osteoarthritis. These procedures are fast and typically require only a few minutes of downtime. Your healthcare provider will examine your condition and evaluate the general health of your body during your procedure. Once you feel comfortable, your doctor will numb your knee with an local anesthetic. After that, he`ll insert tiny needles inside the knee joint by using ultrasound or the x-ray technique.
The doctor you see will probably suggest some additional options following a successful procedure. If you`re experiencing severe pain after the injections, your doctor may recommend platelet-rich plasma therapy, or another course of injections. The injection procedure can be repeated as long as 6 months depending on your specific needs. It can be done in the physician`s office. It is vital to remember that viscosupplementation will not heal osteoarthritis. Your doctor will give you specific directions regarding your treatment.
It is possible that you will need several treatments if have osteoarthritis. Physical therapy is often the first option. There is also the possibility of corticosteroid injections as part your treatment strategy. However, gel injections are typically the last option. A doctor may administer the injections to lessen pain and improve the knee`s natural shock-absorbing ability. Gel injections could be the best option for you.
Synvisc-One is among the many brands that offer gel injections. It is a treatment for people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knees. Synvisc-One has not shown any response to any other treatment. Infections of the knee joint or surrounding the injection site should be treated before you receive Synvisc-One. You should consult with your doctor if there is leg swelling as a result of osteoarthritis. When considering gel injections ensure you consult with a health care provider to determine which would best suit your specific condition.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that cushions joints. In arthritic knees the amount of hyaluronic acid reduces naturally with time. This means that less is found in the knee. Gel injections can restore the natural cushioning effect that hyaluronic acids provide to the joint`s surface. This improves mobility and pain over a period of up to 6 months. In Brad`s instance, the injections lasted from 2 to 4 months.
Medicare may pay for gel injections. Some physicians do not require a referral. Patients who cannot pay for surgery may opt to have it performed by an established medical clinic in their region. A doctor may recommend this treatment for patients who haven`t successfully reacted to other conventional treatments such as pain medication or over-the-counter antiinflammatory drugs. Doctors may administer gel injections to treat osteoarthritis , and enhance the quality of your life.
Medicare Part B benefits cover 80 percent of the price for a knee gel injection. You are responsible for the remaining 20 percent after the Part B deductible and co-insurance. Medicare Advantage plans generally have beneficiaries using hospitals, doctors and pharmacies within their network. If they don`t, you may have to pay the full cost yourself. Make sure you study the policy and verify with the agent to find out if they are included in the network. You should contact your health insurance company to determine if knee gel injections are covered under your policy.
While the benefits of gel injections for knee arthritis aren`t known but most patients can have a good experience with them. The majority of side effects subside after one or two days. A few people be afflicted with an inflammation that could cause severe joint pain, lower blood pressure, fever and even low blood pressure. It`s very rare. For some patients the gel injection can enhance the quality of life. Gel injections are also possible in the case of an inflammatory condition.
The advantages of gel injections are many. The main downside is that they might not be effective for you. There are some who experience discomfort and even grumpiness following the procedure. These injections can prove to danger when your immune system is sensitive to steroids. If you are allergic to PRP or hyaluronic acids the injections might not be suitable for you. You may opt to have your injections performed with other methods if you are allergic to.