Knee Injections to Treat Osteoarthritis
A doctor can administer injecting gels into your knee joint to relieve osteoarthritis. These procedures are usually quick and require minimal downtime. While you undergo the procedure, your health care doctor will assess the severity of your symptoms as well as assess your general health. Your doctor will then anesthetize the knee with local anesthetic. The doctor will then insert an extremely small needle into the knee joint using ultrasound and x-ray technology.
Following a successful treatment, your doctor will likely recommend a few more treatment options. The doctor might suggest the use of platelet rich plasma or another treatment in case you experience severe discomfort following the injections. Depending on your needs the procedure can be repeated up to six months later. It can be performed in a doctor`s clinic. It is important to keep in mind that viscosupplementation is not a cure for osteoarthritis. Your physician will provide you with specific instructions regarding your treatment.
If you have osteoarthritis, you might need to go through some treatments. Physical therapy is often your first choice. You can also think about corticosteroid injections in your treatment program. Injections of gel are generally reserved for last-resort situations. Doctors can administer these injections to reduce discomfort and increase the knee`s natural shock-absorbing capabilities. Injections of gel could be the ideal option for your particular situation.
One of the most popular brands of gel injections is Synvisc-One. It is used for patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee who are unable to respond to other treatment options. Infections that affect the knee joint and around the injection site should be treated prior to receiving Synvisc-One. If you are experiencing swelling in your legs as a result of osteoarthritis or other conditions, talk to your doctor. If you`re considering injections with gel ensure you consult with your doctor to determine which would work best for your specific situation.
Hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally created substance that cushions joints, is an example of hyaluronic acid. In knees with arthritis the hyaluronic acid levels decrease naturally over time. Therefore, hyaluronic acid is lower in knees. Gel injections can improve the natural cushioning action that hyaluronic acids exerts on the surface of the joint. This improves mobility and reduces pain over a period of up to 6 month. In Brad`s case, injections lasted from two to four months.
Medicare could cover gel injections. Some physicians do not require a referral. Patients who are unable pay for surgery may opt to undergo it at the medical facility in the area they live in. A doctor may recommend this treatment to patients who have not been able to respond to other treatments such as pain medication or prescription anti-inflammatory medications. Gel injections are administered by a doctor to relieve osteoarthritis pain as well as improve your general health.
Medicare Part B benefits cover 80 percent of the cost of a knee gel injection. After you have paid the Part B co-insurance and deductible, you`ll be responsible for the remaining. Medicare Advantage plans generally require that their beneficiaries use medical facilities, providers as well as pharmacies within their network. If they don`t, you may have to pay for the full amount yourself. Make sure you review the policy, and also check with the agent to find out whether they`re part of the network. It`s recommended to speak with your health insurance provider to determine whether knee gel injections are covered under the plan you have.
While the benefits of gel injections to treat knee arthritis are not known but most patients can have a good experience with them. Most adverse effects disappear within one or two days. Certain people may experience an inflammatory reaction, that can lead to the development of fever, low blood pressure, and severe joint discomfort. However, this isn`t common. For some patients it is possible to improve the quality of life. Also, if you have an inflammatory condition, gel injections can aid in the recovery of the joint.
Gel injections` benefits are many. It is possible that they are not right for you. Many people experience swelling and grunting after their treatment. These injections can prove to risky If your immune system responds to steroids. They may not be the right choice for you if an allergy to hyaluronic acid or PRP. You can opt to get the injections by other methods in case you are allergic.