A Non-Invasive Option for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Your OIP doctors may offer you the newest non-invasive remedy for osteoarthritis of the knee - viscosupplementation.
Osteoarthritis causes the smooth articular cartilage of the knee to gradually change.
Osteoarthritis causes the smooth articular cartilage of the knee to gradually change. This cartilage will harden, crack, and become less elastic leaving it more vulnerable to injury. Because the bones of the knee can no longer move smoothly over the roughened cartilage, they thicken and form bone spurs. The fluid which surrounds the knee joint will thin out and no longer provide an appropriate cushion.
Viscosupplementation is a natural substance which is very much like the healthy fluid that normally surrounds the knee joint. Injected directly into the knee, viscosupplementation lubricates and cushions the knee joint relieving pain and allowing the knee to move freely for up to six months.
osteoarthritis of the knee?
Yes, helps mild to advanced cases.
Viscosupplementation treatment lasts up to six months. At that time your doctor may recommend you return for another treatment. Many patients receive regular viscosupplementation treatments
every six months.
a steroid injection?
No - Viscosupplementation actually lubricates
the joint space in the knee. Steroid injections
do not do this.