Knee Injections to Treat Osteoarthritis
A doctor may perform injections of gel into your knees to ease osteoarthritis. These procedures are quick and typically require only a few minutes of downtime. While you undergo the procedure, your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and check your general health. Your physician will then anesthetize the knee with local anesthetic. The doctor will then put an extremely small needle into the knee joint, using ultrasound and xray.
After a successful procedure the doctor is likely to recommend a few additional treatments. Your doctor might recommend the use of platelet rich plasma or a different treatment if you are experiencing severe pain following the injections. Depending on your needs the injections could be repeated up to six months later. You can receive it in the physician`s office. It is crucial to be aware that viscosupplementation is not treat osteoarthritis. Your doctor will give you specific guidelines regarding your treatment.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis, you might need to go through several treatments. Physical therapy is often your first choice. You can also think about corticosteroid injections in your treatment program. However, gel injections are typically the last option. A doctor can perform the injections to lessen knee pain and enhance the knee`s natural shock-absorbing capability. Injections of gel could be the best option for your specific situation.
One of the brands of gel injections is Synvisc-One. The majority of Synvisc-One injections are used for those suffering from osteoarthritis in the knee, which does not be treated with other options. Infections in the knee joint or surrounding the injection site should be treated before you receive Synvisc-One. It is also recommended to consult with your doctor if there is swelling of your legs as a result of osteoarthritis. Gel injections are best if you consult your doctor to select the appropriate one for you.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that cushions joints. When knees are affected by arthritis it is normal for hyaluronic acids to decrease as time passes. Consequently, less of it can be found in the knee. Gel injections improve the natural cushioning function of hyaluronic Acid on the joint`s surface, decreasing pain and increasing mobility for as long as six months. Brad was treated with injections for about two to four weeks.
Gel injections are included in Medicare. Some physicians do not require a referral. Patients who are unable pay for a procedure can opt to have it performed at an established medical clinic in the area they live in. A doctor might recommend this procedure for patients who are unable to respond to more conservative treatment options, like prescription pain medications and over-the counter anti-inflammatory medicines. Doctors may administer gel injections to treat osteoarthritis and improve your quality of life.
Medicare Part B benefits pay for 80 percent of cost of an injection of knee gel. After the Part B coinsurance and deductible, you`ll pay the remainder. Medicare Advantage plans generally require their beneficiaries to visit doctors, hospitals and pharmacies that are within their network. If they do not however, you might have to pay for the entire cost yourself. Make sure to read the policy attentively and ask the representative of your health care provider whether they`re 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 to treat knee arthritis remain unclear however, the majority of patients have a good experience with them. Most adverse effects disappear within two or three days. Some sufferers get an inflammatory reaction which may lead to lower blood pressure, fever as well as severe joint pain. It is however rare. Gel injections may improve the quality of life for certain patients. Gel injections are also a possibility in the case of an inflammatory condition.
Gel injections can provide many benefits. They might not be suitable for you. Certain people experience swelling or an increase in grumpiness after the procedure. These injections can prove to be dangerous in the event that your immune system is prone to steroids. They might not be suitable for you if you suffer from an allergy to hyaluronic acid or PRP. However, if you`re allergic to steroids, you can opt for the different types of injections.