Osteoarthritis is a prevalent and debilitating medical condition affecting millions of people globally. In the United States, over 32.5 million adults have been diagnosed with this degenerative joint disease. While it can impact any joint, osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
Viscosupplementation is a medical treatment for osteoarthritis that injects a gel-like substance, hyaluronic acid, directly into the joint. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the joint fluid and acts as a lubricant, enabling bones to move smoothly over each other, and as a shock absorber for joint loads. In individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the joints tends to decrease. Viscosupplementation seeks to restore the joint’s hyaluronic acid concentration, improving mobility and reducing pain. Although it’s not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. For more information, please visit the CDC page about osteoarthritis.
Causes and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones wears down over time, causing the bones to rub against each other. This process leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint. Common risk factors include:
- Aging: As people age, their body’s ability to heal and regenerate cartilage decreases, leading to gradual wear and tear.
- Genetics: Osteoarthritis can be hereditary. Specific genes may make individuals more susceptible to developing the disease.
- Joint Injuries: Injuries to a joint, whether from sports, work-related activity, or an accident, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the future.
- Obesity: Extra weight puts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, accelerating cartilage wear and tear.
- Joint Overuse: Overusing certain joints due to repetitive motion can lead to osteoarthritis. This is often seen in individuals with certain occupations or sports that involve repeated stress on a particular joint.
- Other Diseases: Certain diseases can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic disorders that alter the joint makeup and surrounding tissue.
Understanding these factors can help in the early detection and management of osteoarthritis, potentially slowing its progression and enhancing the quality of life for those affected.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis may vary from person to person but typically include:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Bone spurs
- Cracking or clicking sound when the joint moves
- Limited range of motion
- Pain during movement
- Pain when performing weight-bearing activities
- Sensation of bone rubbing on bone
- Swelling in the area around the joint
- Stiffness; inability to move in the same way
If you recognize any osteoarthritis symptoms, it’s crucial that you seek treatment as soon as possible. Contact Phoenix Integrated Medical for a complimentary consultation.
Treating Osteoarthritis with Viscosupplementation
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, the good news is that the symptoms can be effectively managed. Lifestyle changes, such as being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking specific therapies, can slow the disease’s progression and provide pain relief and better joint function.
One such therapy making waves in the treatment of osteoarthritis is viscosupplementation Phoenix Integrated Medical in Winter Park, Florida, offers this cutting-edge treatment to help osteoarthritis patients find relief and regain mobility.
Benefits of Viscosupplementation
Viscosupplementation involves injecting a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid into the affected joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the synovial fluid that helps cushion and lubricate the joints. This treatment aims to supplement the deficient hyaluronic acid in your joints, providing the following benefits:
- Reduced joint pain and stiffness
- Improved joint mobility
- Slowed progression of osteoarthritis
- Minimal side effects compared to other treatments
Getting Viscosupplementation
If you’re considering viscosupplementation for your osteoarthritis, follow these simple steps:
- Book a consultation: Schedule an appointment with our experienced medical professionals
- Attend the consultation: Discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment options with our team, who will determine if you’re a good candidate for viscosupplementation.
- Undergo the treatment: If you’re a suitable candidate, our medical team will perform the viscosupplementation procedure, injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the affected joint.
- Follow-up appointments: Depending on your specific case, you may need additional injections. Our team will monitor your progress and provide additional support as needed.
Our viscosupplementation and osteoarthritis treatments contain only the most effective FDA-approved supplements. In addition, the procedure itself is different at Phoenix Integrated Medical. We utilize fluoroscopic guidance, which enables our team to accurately guide the injections so that the fluid supplement is directed precisely where it needs to be into the knee joint, with a 99% success rate. This makes the viscosupplementation as effective as possible. When the procedure is performed without guidance, even the most experienced provider can miss the knee joint up to 30% of the time. Accuracy is crucial for the procedure to be effective and obtain your desired results.
Take Action Now: Schedule a Consultation at Phoenix Integrated Medical
Don’t let osteoarthritis control your life! Experience the benefits of viscosupplementation and rediscover your freedom from joint pain. Contact Phoenix Integrated Medical in Winter Park, Florida, today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards regaining pain-free mobility and improved joint function.