One of the common complaints among patients is finding an effective treatment for their knee and joint pain. Standard medicine often only masks pain and symptoms with addictive drugs and corticosteroid injections, and many times unnecessary surgery is recommended. The good news is, there are ways to treat knee and joint pain without using drugs and steroids.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee and Joint Pain
When all else has failed, it is important to know that there are other treatment options available. One such option is hyaluronic acid injections—a knee and joint pain treatment often used when other options, such as the use of pain relievers, have been proven ineffective.
Hyaluronic acid molecules serve as a lubricant and shock absorber within your joints. It’s already found naturally within the body, although large amounts are often broken down and lost in individuals with osteoarthritis. Your body, and more specifically your joints, need hyaluronic acid for optimal functionality. If your joints do not have enough of it, the absence of an effective shock absorber means you can expect to experience regular stiffness and joint pain. Hyaluronic acid in the form of a solution or gel is injected in the same way a normal shot would be, and is injected directly into the knee joint. In an effort to gauge their efficacy, injections are generally given one week apart. In most cases, you will receive a series of shots over a two- to five-week period.
The overall effectiveness of these injections varies from patient to patient, so it is difficult to say exactly how well this particular knee and joint pain treatment will work for you. Based on past studies and the wide use of the method, however, most patients find that these injections work wonders to significantly reduce pain and stiffness within their joints.
Stem Cell Allograft Therapy
Stem cell allograft therapy is a minimally invasive way to heal the underlying causes of your knee pain, rather than treating the pain alone. It can slow down degenerative conditions and, in some cases, help new tissue grow. At Feel Amazing Institute, we use stem cells sourced from the umbilical cord from healthy mothers and are screened in FDA-approved labs before being sent out to practices like ours.
Stem cell therapy includes injections into the affected joints. Each stem cell is a “blank slate” that can emulate others in the vicinity, making it possible to regrow and heal damaged tissues that cannot regenerate on their own. The discomfort is minimal and there is little recovery time involved. Stem cell joint therapy is important because once the body starts to degenerate, it will not stop. It is estimated that once degeneration starts, you will continue to lose 4% to 6% of the cartilage each year until it is gone and results in bone on bone (approximately 15 to 25 years) unless it is regenerated.
Other Options for Joint Healing
- Platelet-Rich Plasma. PRP speeds natural healing and reduces inflammation.
- Ozone Therapy. Computer imaging guides the needle used to deliver the ozone/oxygen treatment to the joint, which promotes regenerative healing.
- Viscosupplementation. Hyaluronic acid injection treatments such as Hyalgan, Supartz, Euflexxa, and Orthovisc. Hyaluronic acid molecules add padding and lubrication to the knee or shoulder for up to six months. (Insurance will often cover viscosupplementation.)
- Manual therapies and/or exercises.
- Bracing and kinesiotaping.
We proudly serve the Naples area with comprehensive physical medicine, regenerative medicine, and chiropractic services since 1998. Our office strives for excellence and we are consistently furthering our education and techniques to improve the care you receive in our office. Whether you suffer from chronic pain, are recovering from an injury, or are seeking overall improved health and performance, we have the skills and experience to help you work toward your goals.
If you are looking for treatment of bulging discs and/or herniations, neck or back pain, spinal misalignment and correction, sciatica, neuropathy (numbness and/or burning and pain in feet and hands), you have found the right place for your health care needs. We have comprehensive programs for injuries sustained in an auto accident or at work, if you have peripheral neuropathy or balance disorders, or if you need VAX-D spinal decompression treatments.
Dr. Richard Hiler, DABCN and his medical team offer a complimentary telephone consultation. For questions or to schedule an initial consultation the office can be reached at 239.330.1000. www.FeelAmazing.com.
3031 Airport-Pulling Rd N., Naples. Feel Amazing Institute has proudly served the Naples area with comprehensive Physical Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, and Chiropractic services since 1998.