Knee Injections for Osteoarthritis
Gel injections can be done on the knee by a physician to alleviate osteoarthritis. The procedure is usually fast and require little downtime. In the course of your procedure, your healthcare physician will examine the symptoms you are experiencing and evaluate your general health. The doctor will then anesthetize your knee with local anesthetic. The doctor will then place an extremely small needle into the knee joint using ultrasound and xray technology.
Your doctor will most likely recommend a few additional procedures following the successful treatment. Your physician may suggest platelet rich plasma therapy or another course if you experience severe pain or discomfort after injections. The injection procedure may be repeated up to six months, in accordance with your needs. It can be performed at a medical office. However, it is important to note that viscosupplementation can not treat osteoarthritis. Your physician will provide with specific instructions regarding the treatment.
There is a chance that you`ll need some treatments if you have osteoarthritis. Physical therapy is usually your first choice. You may also consider corticosteroid injections to help with your treatment plan. The use of gel injections is usually reserved for last-resort scenarios. These injections may be prescribed by a doctor in order to ease discomfort and improve knee`s shock-absorbing capabilities. Injections of gel could be the best option for your particular circumstance.
One of the brands of gel injections is Synvisc-One. It is used for those suffering from osteoarthritis in the knee that is unable to react to other treatment alternatives. Before Synvisc-One can be administered, you must treat any infection around the injection site or the knee joint. Also, consult your doctor if you are experiencing swelling in your legs due to osteoarthritis. Gel injections are best for you if you consult with your physician for the most appropriate treatment for you.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that cushions joints. In knees with arthritis the amount of hyaluronic acid reduces naturally in time. Therefore, less is found in the knee. Gel injections can restore the natural cushioning function that hyaluronic acids has on the joint surface. This can improve mobility and pain for up to six months. Brad was treated with injections for approximately two to four months.
Medicare may cover gel injections. Some physicians do not require a referral. Patients who are unable to afford surgery can opt to have it done in a local clinic. A doctor might suggest this procedure to those who cannot respond to more conservative methods, including the use of pain medications or over-the-counter antiinflammatory medications. A doctor could administer gel injections to treat osteoarthritis and improve your quality of life.
Medicare Part B benefits cover 80 percent of the expense for knee gel injections. After the Part B Co-insurance and deductible, you`ll take the remainder. Medicare Advantage plans generally require their members to use providers, medical facilities, and pharmacies in their network. If they are not, you may have to cover the entire cost yourself. Check the policy attentively and ask the health care professional representative whether they are in the network. You should contact your health insurance company to determine if knee gel injections are covered by your policy.
Gel injections to treat knee arthritis aren`t proved to be effective, but most patients find they are comfortable. The majority of side effects go away within one to two days. A few people suffer from an inflammatory reaction which could cause severe joint pain, low blood pressure, high fever and possibly lower blood pressure. However, this is rare. For certain patients, a gel injection will increase the quality of life. Gel injections can also be beneficial when the patient`s condition is one of inflammation.
The advantages of gel injections are numerous. However, they may not be the right choice for you. Some people experience swelling and grumpiness after the procedure. But, these injections may be harmful if you`re allergic to steroids. They may not be appropriate for you if an allergy to hyaluronic acid or PRP. It is possible to have injections with different methods if you are allergic.