OSTEOARTHRITIS Archives - Best DOL Doctors for OWCP Federal Workers Compensation

Hyalgan Injections at ARITX in Dallas

Andrew Little — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 15:13:38 +0000

At ARITX there are a variety of services to treat osteoarthritic pain of the knee. Initial forms of treatment are simple painkillers, prescription painkillers, physical therapy, and exercise. While we do offer those, Hyalgan injections delivered at our office by our medical specialists are a more novel form of treatment. Though you may seem apprehensive to the thought of an injection at first, it may actually be the ideal choice for you that will provide a return to normal joint function and mobility allowing you to return to your favorite everyday activities, thus promoting a better quality of life for you in the long-term.

There are two main types of knee injections: corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid (Hyalgan). While corticosteroids work faster than Hyalgan injections, their effects do not last as long, and many do not find pain relief from these injections at all. On the other hand, many will find their pain alleviated via Hyalgan injections.

Hyalgan injections are indicated for those who haven’t responded to pain medication, physical therapy, or exercise. These injections are also a good choice for those looking to avoid surgery. Because they do not pass through your bloodstream, Hyalgan injections limit the side effects found with typical oral pain medications. [3] In addition, Hyalgan injections do not interfere with other medications one may be taking for osteoarthritis; they can be taken in addition to your prescription pain relievers.

Typical pain relief for Hyalgan is up to 6 months. And it can be used safely for up to 30 months. [3]

The active ingredient in Hyalgan injections, hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance that is naturally present in the synovial fluid surrounding your joints. This synovial fluid helps to lubricate and cushion your joint. One of the effects of osteoarthritis is the breakdown of this fluid. Injection of this natural hyaluronic acid restores the synovial fluid back to a healthier state. [2]

The protocol for Hyalgan injection treatment is fairly simple. The doctor may perform an aspiration first, removing some of the fluid from the knee joint to reduce swelling. [5] Following that, five injections are given at weekly intervals by a healthcare provider. Side effects are minor if any: any pain, swelling, skin irritation, or tenderness are typically mild and short-lasting. [4]

Hyalgan injections work best for those with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. [5] While a doctor will best know if Hyalgan injections are right for you, if you do not get adequate relief from simple painkillers, exercise, or physical therapy, you may be an ideal candidate. [2]

People typically notice improvements at different rates and this depends on many individual factors. Though typically, it may take several weeks for the pain of osteoarthritis to lessen.

Knee pain can be debilitating to your physical as well as mental quality of life. If the afflictions of osteoarthritis are keeping you from doing all of the things you used to enjoy, Hyalgan injections offered at ARITX may be an effective treatment to allow you those memorable experiences with your loved ones as well as better overall well-being.

Sources

[1] https://hyalgan.com/

[2] https://hyalgan.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/HyalganPatInfoPDFupdate513.pdf

[3] https://hyalgan.com/patients/why-hyalgan/benefits-of-hyalgan/

[4] https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/cortocosteroids-hyaluronic-acid-injections-osteoarthritis

[5] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310557.php

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What Foods Can Improve Arthritis Pain?

Andrew Little — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 14:58:41 +0000

We all know that a balanced diet is important. We need to eat the right amount of fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains to live a healthy life. But certain types of foods can also be beneficial for joints. If you suffer from osteoarthritis, then you know that inflammation, stiffness of the joints, or other types of arthritis pain can bring lots of discomfort and pain. The knee is one of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis pain as wear and tear takes its toll over time. Knee pain doctors can do a lot in the way of providing treatment for osteoarthritis pain, but eating specific food rich in certain types of nutrients can also improve joint health. Be aware of what foods can help ease arthritis pain and do your part to follow a joint healthy diet for positive results for joint health and knee pain relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. Here are some diet recommendations to follow if you want to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms and increase joint mobility and health.

Foods That Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is one of the biggest stressors on the knee joints. It can lead to joint stiffness and overall discomfort. Vitamin D along with Omega 3 fatty acids are two nutrients that help reduce inflammation for knee pain relief. Foods rich in these types of nutrients include fish like salmon or cod, nuts and seeds such as walnuts or flax seeds, or certain types of healthy oils like coconut oil or olive oil. Other fruits and vegetables with a low glycemic that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation include pears, apples, oranges, asparagus, artichokes, and cauliflower. The Mediterranean diet full of these types of foods lends itself nicely to a diet focused on reducing osteoarthritis knee pain. Other ideas for incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such can include making smoothies packed with kale, oranges, apples, or even spices like turmeric or ginger that can also reduce inflammation. Focusing on your diet can be just one small way that you can control joint health to bring about knee pain relief.

Foods to Avoid

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are types of foods that can be damaging to joint health. Knee pain specialists recommend that you avoid foods that can increase inflammation such as dairy, sugar, alcohol, soda, fried foods, salt, white flour, or red meats. If you eat a lot of fast food or processed foods, foods that are high in trans fats or Omega 6 fatty acids, you may be contributing to inflammation instead of working to alleviate it. Work with a knee pain doctor to relieve osteoarthritis knee pain, but also do your part to reduce inflammation by watching what you eat. An anti-inflammatory diet can go a long way towards providing knee pain relief.

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The Dos and Don’ts of Living with Arthritis of the Knee

Andrew Little — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 14:55:33 +0000

Arthritis, more specifically osteoarthritis, is one of the most common causes of knee pain. Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of joints over time. A lack of cartilage to cushion the joint as well as a decrease of synovial fluid to lubricate joints can cause immense arthritis pain in the knee such as stiffness, soreness, or even swelling. Over 100 million Americans suffer from knee and joint pain each year. And while it can seem like the end of the world, especially for those who love physical activity, there are ways to make living with arthritis of the knee easier. You can still manage knee pain and do the things you love. Here are some dos and don’ts for living your best life even with arthritis knee pain.

Do exercise regularly. Exercising after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee can seem counterproductive. After all, it can be difficult to exercise with knee pain. But exercise and movement are great for strengthening muscles and keeping joints mobile and flexible.

Don’t participate in exercise activities that are hard on the knee joint. Avoid such exercises as running, jumping, or sports that involve a lot of starting and stopping. Activities such as swimming, walking, or cycling are low impact exercises that are easy on the knees.

Do get relief from hot and cold treatments to ease discomfort. Knee pain doctors suggest both hot and cold compresses for knee pain relief from arthritis. Heat will increase the blood flow to the knee which can provide relief from pain and stiffness. Hot baths and showers can also help. Cold packs are a great way to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Don’t try to ignore arthritis pain. Not treating joint pain can lead to more damage from joint inflammation. Seek treatment for knee pain related to arthritis and get ahead of the problem before it worsens. Know what options are available to you to treat arthritis pain and bring about relief. Knee pain specialists at Arthritis Relief Institute can pinpoint arthritis pain and discuss the best treatment options for knee pain relief.

Do eat right. Certain types of foods have been known to be beneficial for those who suffer from arthritis pain. For example, foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin C, or fruits and vegetables can help alleviate arthritis pain. Spices such as turmeric also have inflammatory properties that can ease arthritis pain.

Find relief from chronic arthritis pain of the knee by following these tips and consulting with knowledge knee pain doctors at the Arthritis Relief Institute to improve quality of life and be able to enjoy your life to the fullest.

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