What causes osteoarthritis?
Some people who have constant pain in their knees have a condition called osteoarthritis (“wear-and-tear” arthritis). Unlike the temporary pain and inflammation caused in a joint by an overactive immune system response, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease.
Osteoarthritis mostly affects the cartilage. Cartilage is the tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. When healthy, cartilage allows bones to glide over one another and provides a “shock absorber” function. The normal knee joint also contains a small amount of fluid called synovial fluid, which is a thick, gel-like substance that cushions the joint and provides lubrication to reduce friction.
Treatment for advanced osteoarthritis
When painkillers and steroids are no longer effective for alleviating knee pain and keeping up daily routines, there are a number of different options for treatment. At this stage, some patients elect for knee replacement surgery. Since surgery is the riskiest approach to treating OA, patients often pursue various non-surgical alternatives. Viscosupplementation (Visco-3) is a safe and proven technique that has helped many patients with knee osteoarthritis. This procedure has been in use in the United States since 1997.
How VISCO-3 is used to relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis
Hyaluronan is a natural substance found in the body and is observed in particularly high amounts in joint tissues and in the fluid (synovial fluid) that fills the joints. The body’s own hyaluronan acts like a lubricant and shock absorber in synovial fluid of a healthy joint. People with osteoarthritis experience a reduction of synovial fluid, losing the body’s natural ability to protect and lubricate joints.
If your doctor has determined that your knee pain is caused by osteoarthritis then you may be a candidate for VISCO-3’s non-surgical, non-pharmacological, pain-relieving therapy. VISCO-3 Sodium Hyaluronate is a solution made of highly purified, hyaluronan. Patients receive a 2.5 mL injection of VISCO-3 Sodium Hyaluronate once a week for 3 weeks (a total of 3 injections).
What should you expect following your series of injections?
The goal of treating knee discomfort with VISCO-3 injections is lasting relief of pain. Some patients experience pain relief even before the full series of 3 injections are given. The actual amount and duration of pain relief varies from patient to patient, but results tend to be long lasting – up to six months. Following an injection and for the next 48 hours, activities such as jogging, tennis, heavy lifting or standing on your feet for a long time must be avoided. Please note that no treatment, including VISCO-3, helps in every single patient.
We Keep You in Motion.
SRO is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities that keep abreast of continuing technological and research developments in the field. Visco-3 injections are a valuable treatment option for patients with osteoarthritis. If you are experiencing joint pain or stiffness, give us a call to see if Visco-3 injections may be right for you.
