Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and the most common joint condition worldwide. In the U.S. alone, over 14 million people suffer from pain associated with OA in one or both knees.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease which causes the cushioning tissue between the bone joints (cartilage) to wear away. This disease also causes the thick fluid that helps lubricate and nourish the knee joint, known as synovial fluid, to become thinner and less effective. When the deterioration of cartilage becomes severe, the bones grind together. This leads to friction in the joint, which causes pain and stiffness.
To lean more about the causes of OA, symptoms, and diagnosis, read our Knee Pain FAQs.
Treating Knee Osteoarthritis
When you have knee osteoarthritis it can take over your life, removing you from activities you love. Getting diagnosed while knee osteoarthritis is still in the early stages increases your treatment options and can improve outcomes.
Contrary to what you may have been told by your surgeon, there are several, non-surgical, options available to treat osteoarthritis. At Reflex, our physicians will create a personalized treatment plan that is best suited, and most effective, for your specific case.
The treatment plan our knee specialists recommend could include any of the following:
PRP therapy
PRP is a state-of-the-art regenerative treatment, in which the body’s potent healing attributes are concentrated and re-injected into a damaged or injured area (i.e. knee joint). Patients typically undergo 1-2 PRP treatments a few weeks apart, to reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, and improve joint function.
Stem Cell Transplantation
Stem Cell Transplantation is the newest regenerative treatment available. This procedure uses the body’s own regenerative mechanisms to not only slow down the inflammation process but also potentially heal damaged tissue through cartilage repair. This breakthrough technology involves harvesting stem cells from one part of the body and transplanting them to another.
Joint fluid therapy
Joint fluid therapy, also known as viscosupplementation, is a breakthrough procedure for knee osteoarthritis that relieves pain and increases joint mobility by helping to replace the Hyaluronan in the knee joint. We’ll perform a series of injections to help cushion, lubricate, and protect your knees. Studies have shown that most patients can achieve significant reduction in pain for 6 to 12 months after a single series (3 injections).
See the full list of treatments Reflex offers HERE.
Call us today to schedule an initial evaluation at (503) 719-6783.