Osteoarthritis Knee Injections
A doctor may perform gel injections in your knee to help relieve osteoarthritis. These procedures are quick and usually require minimal downtime. The health professional will review your medical condition and check your general health prior to the procedure. The doctor will then anesthetize the knee with local anesthetic. The doctor will insert a small needle through the knee joint, using ultrasound and xray.
After a successful procedure, your doctor will likely recommend a few additional treatment options. If you are experiencing significant discomfort following the injections, your doctor may recommend platelet-rich plasma therapy, or another course of injections. Depending on your needs the injections may be repeated as long as six months after. You can have it done in the doctor`s office. It is vital to be aware that viscosupplementation won`t heal osteoarthritis. Your doctor will provide you with specific directions for your treatment.
You may need to have a few treatments if you suffer from osteoarthritis. Physical therapy is usually your first choice. You can also think about corticosteroid injections as part of your treatment program. However, gel injections tend to be a last resort. A physician can administer the injections to lessen pain and improve the knee`s shock-absorbing capacity. The injections of gel may be the ideal option for you.
One of the brands of gel injections is Synvisc-One. It is usually used in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee that is unable to be treated with other options. Before Synvisc-One can be given, you must treat any infection surrounding the injection area or the knee joint. If you have swelling in your legs as a result of osteoarthritis consult your physician. When you think about gel injections make sure you consult an expert in health care to determine which will be the best option for your particular condition.
Hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally produced substance that cushions joints is an example of hyaluronic acids. Hyaluronic acid decreases naturally in knee arthritis. This is why hyaluronic acid becomes not as common in knee joints. Gel injections can help restore the natural cushioning effect that hyaluronic acids provide to the surface of the joint. This can improve mobility and pain for up to six month. Brad received the injections over a period of two to four weeks.
Gel injections are covered by Medicare. Some physicians do not require a referral. Patients who are not able to afford surgery may choose to have it performed by the medical facility in their region. However, a doctor can suggest this procedure to patients who are unable to react to other treatment options, like prescription pain medications and over-the counter anti-inflammatory medications. The doctor can 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 pay the remainder of 20 percent after paying the Part B co-insurance and deductible. Medicare Advantage plans generally require that their beneficiaries use medical facilities, doctors, and pharmacies that are part of their network. If they do not, you may have to pay for the entire cost yourself. Make sure to read the policy in detail and ask the representative from your health provider whether they`re in the network. It`s recommended to speak with your health insurance provider to determine whether knee gel injections are covered under your policy.
Gel injections for knee arthritis aren`t proved to be effective but many patients find them to be comfortable. The majority of side effects go away within one or two days. There are some who get an inflammatory reaction which can cause lower blood pressure, fever, and severe joint pain. This is very rare. For certain patients the gel injection can enhance the quality of life. Gel injections are also a possibility if the condition is inflammatory.
The benefits of gel injections are numerous. However, the main drawback is that they may not work for you. There are some who experience swelling or an increase in grumpiness after the procedure. But, these injections may be hazardous if allergic to steroids. If you`re allergic to PRP or hyaluronic acid These injections may not be suitable for you. It is possible to have your injections performed by other methods in case you are allergic.