Osteo-arthritis & Viscosupplementation
What is osteo-arthritis?
Knee problems after age 40 are usually due to wear-and-tear of cartilage which covers the end of the bones in the joint. A normal knee joint contains thick fluid which acts like a "shock absorber". When the cartilage gets damaged, the knee becomes stiff and "creaky". The knee often pops; it may lock up or give way. This is osteo-arthritis (OA). OA sometimes shows up in those 25+ who have a family history of "bad knees", or heavy participation in high school and college sports.
During the early stages of OA, most people try over-the-counter medicines, heat, cold, or muscle rubs. Weight loss, physical therapy, or strength training may help relieve knee pain. When these do not help, the next steps may include knee bracing or viscosupplementation (visco).
What is involved in viscosupplementation?
Visco -- sometimes called "gel shots" or "rooster comb shots" -- is the use of a thick fluid to improve the cushioning and ease the knee pain. Visco treatment is applied as one injection in each knee every week for 3-5 weeks.
Does it hurt?
A cold spray is used to numb the site to make the process more comfortable. A thin needle is skillfully placed into the joint and the visco fluid is smoothly injected.
How soon will it feel better?
Most people report the greatest relief about the 8th week after beginning treatment. Some begin to feel better as early as the 3rd week. The majority report pain relief lasting 6 to 18 months.
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on our speech services.
“Patterson Physical Therapy has worked on my leg, my hips, my neck, and my speech. I have had a number of issues and they have been able to identify and work on the many diffferent issues.
I have worked with most of the therapist and they are all friendly and helpful. They identified my walk was very abnormal and they concluded my hip to heal was out 10%. They inserted orthotics in my shoes and all my knee and hip pain went away instantly.
I would recommend anyone to Patterson PT and I am thankful that they identified why my leg and hip had hurt for 5 years."
"Way to go Patterson PT.”
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