Knee Injections for Osteoarthritis
A doctor can perform gel injections in your knee joint to relieve osteoarthritis. The procedure is quick and generally require little downtime. Your health care provider will evaluate your health and assess your overall health during the procedure. The doctor will then anesthetize the knee with local anesthetic. The doctor will insert small needles through the knee joint, using ultrasound and xray technology.
After a successful procedure your physician will probably suggest a few follow-up treatments. If you`re experiencing severe pain following the injections your doctor might recommend platelet rich plasma therapy or another course of injections. The procedure of injection can be repeated as necessary for up to 6 months, depending on your specific requirements. The procedure can be done at a medical office. However, it is important to note that viscosupplementation can not cure osteoarthritis. The doctor you consult with will provide 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. There is also the possibility of corticosteroid injections as part your treatment strategy. The use of gel injections is usually reserved for situations that require last resort. A physician can administer the injections to lessen inflammation and improve knee`s natural shock-absorbing capabilities. Gel injections could be the best choice for you.
Synvisc-One is among the numerous brands that provide gel injections. It is a treatment for people suffering from osteoarthritis on their knees. Synvisc-One has not shown any response to any other treatment. Infections in the knee joint and around the injection site should be treated prior to receiving Synvisc-One. Also, consult your doctor if you experience leg swelling as a result of osteoarthritis. When considering gel injections be sure to talk with an expert in health care to determine which will be the best option for your particular condition.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that cushions joints. In arthritic knees the hyaluronic acid levels decrease naturally over time. This means that less is present in the knee. Gel injections restore the natural cushioning properties of hyaluronic acids on the joint`s surface, alleviating mobility and pain as long as six months. In Brad`s case, the injections lasted from two to four months.
Gel injections may be included in Medicare. Some physicians do not require a referral. Patients who are unable to afford surgery might opt to have it done in a medical facility near them. A doctor may suggest this procedure to patients who have not been able to respond to other treatments including pain medications or over-the-counter antiinflammatory drugs. A doctor may perform gel injections to treat osteoarthritis and increase your quality of life.
Medicare Part B benefits pay for 80 percent of cost of a knee gel injection. The remaining 20 percent after the Part B co-insurance and deductible. Medicare Advantage plans typically require their members to use medical facilities, providers, and pharmacies in their network. If they do not it could mean that you have to pay the full cost yourself. You should carefully go through the policy and then check with the representative to see if they are included in the network. To determine whether knee gel injections will be covered by your insurance plan, it is best to call your insurance company.
While the benefits of injections of gel for knee arthritis are unknown, most patients are able to tolerate them. The majority of side effects are gone within a couple of days. Certain people may have an inflammatory reaction which could cause high blood pressure, fever and severe joint discomfort. It is however rare. In some patients the gel injection can enhance the quality of life. Gel injections may also be a solution when the patient`s condition is one of inflammation.
Gel injections have many benefits. They may not be right for you. There are some who experience swelling or feeling grumpy after their procedure. These injections can prove to risky if your immune system reacts to steroids. If you`re allergic to PRP or hyaluronic acids, these injections may not be suitable for you. However, if you`re allergic to steroids, you may prefer different types of injections.