Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis that develops in our joints. OA often involves the hips, knees, neck, lower back, or small joints of the hands. It is estimated that 80% of people suffer from knee osteoarthritis. In an osteoarthritic joint, the joint fluid loses its ability to effectively lubricate the joint. As the fluid thins, this causes joint friction - wearing away at the cartilage and bone. You may notice your knee becoming stiff and painful. Affected joints may also become enlarged, as bone grows laterally. This then, affecting fine motor skills and leading to difficulty in performing everyday activities.
Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic acid injection)
Viscosupplementation is a simple medical procedure which works at lubricating affected joints. Also called hyaluronic acid injections, these are commonly used to treat symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a key component of the joint fluid in healthy joints, but is found in lower concentrations in osteoarthritic joints. By adding hyaluronic acid to osteoarthritic joints we can assist with the symptoms of OA, the goal is to: - Promote movement and function - Reduce inflammation and pain - Slow osteoarthritis progression
Who can have this treatment?
Viscosupplementation are people with osteoarthritis (primarily knee) who have failed to improve with other non-surgical treatments.
How Viscosupplementation works During viscosupplementation a small amount of hyaluronic acid, is injected directly into the joint, giving the joint fluid its viscous and good quality, providing the following: Enables joint cartilage to better glide against each other, therefore reducing joint friction. It’s also adds further cushion to protect joints during impact and compression.
Joints affected by osteoarthritis have lower concentrations of hyaluronic acid than healthy joints, and therefore less protection against joint friction and impact. This is thought to accelerates degenerative changes, leading to pain and disablity.
Viscosupplementation is man made and non-drug based. Here st Dynamic Osteopaths & Regenerative Medicine, our clinics in Solihull and Birmingham are offering high quality Hyaluronic Acid treatments with great clinical outcomes. Better still we are often combining this with platelet rich plasma PRP treatment for optimal results.
Find out more on how this treatment can help you, or schedule a FREE consultation to see if you are suited.
Dynamic Osteopaths & Regenerative Medicine
01564330773