Treating Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Hyaluronic Acid Injections
In Canada, 10 percent of adults are living with osteoarthritis, and osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common types of osteoarthritis, making life for those who struggle with this degenerative disease that much more difficult.
Osteoarthritis of the knee, or osteoarthritis in general, occurs when the natural cushioning (cartilage) between joints wears away, causing the joints to rub together without the necessary protective layer, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and the decreased ability to move fluidly. This can flare up on occasion or constantly present problems, making even the most mundane daily activities difficult.
What causes osteoarthritis of the knee? It is difficult to determine the cause, but osteoarthritis is typically attributed to wear and tear on the knee joint. However, there are actually many different contributing factors which can lead to this condition, which whether hereditary, or resulting from trauma suffered to the knee, can include:
- Trauma to knee joint, including tearing of the meniscus
- Recurrent patellar dislocation or patella fracture
- Ligamentous instability, such as an ACL injury
- Fractures of the knee or knee dislocation
- Various genetic factors, including the presence of arthritis in family medical history
One of the most effective methods for relief of this painful condition is hyaluronic acid injections. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring fluid in your body, one that helps to lubricate the joints, allowing them to move smoothly, as well as acting as a shock absorber. When you suffer from osteoarthritis, this fluid is thinned, meaning that protective layer is compromised.
For those unfamiliar with the process, hyaluronic acid treatment involves the injection of this substance directly into the cavity around the knee joint, helping to add to your body’s natural supply. Following an injection, your doctor might suggest taking it easy for a few days, but after that things should start to improve. Also called viscosupplementation, this can significantly increase your body’s ability to combat the symptoms of this condition.
Depending on your unique situation, your doctor might use a combination of treatments to deal with your knee osteoarthritis along with the hyaluronic acid injections. This may include custom knee bracing to help provide stability, or physiotherapy to assist in increasing movement and reducing pain.
For more about the benefits of hyaluronic acid injections to soothe your osteoarthritis of the knee please contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 416 800 0800 or visit us online at www.aesmphysiotherapytoronto.ca.