Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in your knee joint gradually deteriorates, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. At Carolina Specialty Care, we understand knee OA’s impact on one’s quality of life. We are committed to offering comprehensive treatment options, including the advanced Gelsyn-3 injections, to help manage disease symptoms.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the smooth, protective tissue at the ends of bones. Cartilage in a healthy knee joint allows for smooth movement and acts as a shock absorber. However, in osteoarthritis, this cartilage wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other. This friction leads to pain, swelling, and reduced joint flexibility.
Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can vary in severity but typically include:
- Pain: A common early symptom, often worsening with activity and improving with rest.
- Stiffness: Especially noticeable in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
- Swelling: Caused by inflammation and excess fluid in the joint.
- Decreased Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee.
- Crepitus: A grinding or clicking sensation when moving the knee.
- Joint Deformity: In severe cases, the knee may appear misshapen due to bone spurs and cartilage loss.
Who is Affected?
Knee osteoarthritis can affect people of all ages but is most common in individuals over 50 years old. Risk factors include:
- Age: The risk increases with age.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop OA, especially after menopause.
- Weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joints.
- Injury: Previous knee injuries can increase the risk.
- Genetics: A family history of OA can predispose individuals to the condition.
- Occupation: Jobs that involve repetitive knee stress can contribute to OA development.
Treatment Options
At Carolina Specialty Care, we offer a range of treatments to manage knee OA, tailored to each patient’s specific needs:
1. Medications:
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen).
- Topical Analgesics: Creams or gels applied to the skin over the knee.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
2. Physical Therapy:
- Exercise Programs: Designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Movement Techniques: Such as range-of-motion exercises to maintain joint function.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Weight Management: Reducing body weight to decrease stress on the knees.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables.
- Movement: Regular low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, and walking.
- Assistive Devices: Knee braces or shoe inserts to support the joint.
- Yoga: Improves flexibility and reduces pain through gentle stretching and strengthening.
Advanced Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid (Gelsyn-3)
Carolina Specialty Care offers Gelsyn-3, a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection, as an advanced treatment option for knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in joint fluid that helps lubricate and cushion the joint.
What is Gelsyn-3?
Gelsyn-3 is a series of three injections administered directly into the knee joint. It contains a highly purified form of hyaluronic acid that supplements the natural HA in your joint fluid. This treatment is designed to improve lubrication, reduce friction, and enhance shock absorption in the knee joint.
How Does Gelsyn-3 Help?
- Pain Relief: Gelsyn-3 can relieve pain by restoring the joint fluid’s natural cushioning and lubricating properties.
- Improved Mobility: Patients often experience better joint function and an increased ability to perform daily activities.
- Reduced Inflammation: The injection can help decrease joint inflammation and possibly help slow down cartilage degradation.
Duration of Relief
The effects of Gelsyn-3 can vary from patient to patient, but many individuals experience pain relief for up to six months following the series of injections. Some patients may require repeat treatments to maintain the benefits.
Conclusion
Knee osteoarthritis can be painful and challenging, but you may significantly improve your quality of life with the right management strategies and treatments. At Carolina Specialty Care, we offer a comprehensive approach to knee OA, including medications, recommendations for lifestyle adjustments, and advanced treatments like Gelsyn-3. If you are experiencing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, contact us to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve better joint health and an improved quality of life.
Every patient is different, and we customize our treatment options accordingly. We welcome new patients, and you do not have to be a current patient of Carolina Specialty Care to find out if HA injections or other options may help with your knee pain. Click here to message us online, and we’ll have someone contact you to schedule your appointment.
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