Searching for effective non-surgical treatment for knee pain in the Fullerton, CA, area? Many people suffer from ongoing knee pain from osteoarthritis. While some opt for knee replacement surgery or other invasive treatment, there are several non-surgical options that do not involve surgery. At Full Range Spine & Ortho, serving Fullerton and the surrounding areas, Dr. Nini is focused upon non-surgical, non-invasive treatments for joint pain, and may recommend “viscosupplementation” to aid a patient to achieve better knee mobility without pain.
What is Viscosupplementation?
This procedure is an innovative approach to resolving knee joint pain. It involves injecting a lubricating fluid into the joint. The injections are a substance that occurs naturally in the body: hyaluronic acid. Unfortunately, this component of the joint fluid is far lower in patients who suffer from osteoarthritis. Adding this supplement to the joint aids in range of motion, pain reduction, and may even slow the progression of the disease.
How Does Viscosupplementation Work?
The procedure is simple and takes only a few minutes to complete. Hyaluronic acid is a very slippery substance and aids the joint structure to move more easily. The lack of adequate levels of hyaluronic acid and the resulting friction between the joint components is believed to accelerate the degeneration of the joint; viscosupplementation is a non-surgical alternative that can help the joints function properly and stay healthier by reducing friction and adding a protective cushion for greater comfort in walking. To find out if viscosupplementation is an option for you, contact our Fullerton office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nini.
Hip, Shoulder, and Ankle Pain Relief and Improved Range of Motion with Viscosupplementation
While viscosupplementation may often be used to bring relief for knee pain by producing greater flexibility and motion, it can also be an effective treatment for the hips, shoulders, and ankles. If you live in the Fullerton area and are suffering from ongoing joint pain, we urge you to request a consultation to determine if viscosupplementation will bring you relief. It is only one of a wide range of non-surgical treatments offered by Dr. Nini at Full Range Ortho.
Pain Relief with Viscosupplementation
Many Fullerton patients experience a significant decrease in pain with this treatment, which continues for months, or up to a year. When the condition once again requires the addition of this highly viscous, slippery substance, another treatment can be performed.
Candidates for Viscosupplementation
Some derivatives of HA are called “hylans,” which are also used in this treatment. The injections may be HA or hylans. The goal of injecting the substance is to reduce pain and give the patient better flexibility and comfort. Candidates for the treatment can be those living with:
- Pain impacting daily activities, including standing and walking.
- A sensitivity to painkillers, or who are not achieving enough pain relief with these medications.
- Steroid injections have not produced enough relief, or the patient wants to avoid the use of steroids.
- Want to avoid more joint damage to help avoid undergoing surgery in the future.
Viscosupplementation: The Treatment
The treatment is not lengthy but must be performed with great precision and accuracy. To ensure the product is injected correctly, Dr. Nini uses a visual imaging system. The HA must be injected into a tiny space within the knee joint in which the joint fluid is contained. In the treatment, the patient is lying on his or her back with the knee either straight or bent. Local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area. A small quantity of HA is then injected into the correct location, as guided by the imaging system. The treatment is now completed.
Trigger Natural Spine Healing With Spinal Decompression In Fullerton
If you live in the Fullerton area and suffer from chronic back pain or have been injured and live with a level of discomfort that is affecting your quality of life, we urge you to seek the least invasive, most effective alternatives before choosing to undergo surgery. For some, surgery may be the only option, but regenerative medicine has made great strides in recent years.
Professional athletes seek out the most effective treatments for musculoskeletal issues – and you can have the treatments used by the top athletes at our clinic. Contact Full Range and Ortho in Fullerton, CA, to schedule a consultation and find out about innovative non-surgical treatments we offer.