Osteoarthritis Knee Injections

Regenerative Medicine is a revolutionary and innovative branch of the medical field that is providing therapeutic pain relief to Northeastern Pennsylvania. When it comes to dealing with Osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain, there are a lot of treatment options available. The four most common types of injections are outlined here. Each has the potential to relieve pain and in some cases, can even address the symptoms at the source.

Osteoarthritis Knee Injections Types

• Corticosteroid
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Platelet-Rich Plasma
• Stem Cell

The first line of defense for osteoarthritis is a corticosteroid injection, such as Zilretta. Corticosteroid injections offer targeted relief for up to two or three months by reducing the inflammation in and around the knee. These injections offer extended relief for up to three months and are only intended for single use, which means you could find pain relief with one trip to the office!

The second line of defense for OA knee pain is a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection into the knee, such as Supartz FX. A hyaluronic acid injection can offer targeted relief for up to a year or more by replacing the missing synovial fluid in your knee. These injections are also commonly known as viscosupplmentation, gel shots, and Rooster Comb injections. The OA pain in your knee occurs when the fluid becomes watery or breaks down entirely, leaving the joint unlubricated. Generally, hyaluronic acid is injected into the knee joint in a series of injections. Depending on the severity of the Osteoarthritis, many patients have even experienced lasting relief after only three of the five injections.

The third line of defense for OA knee pain is a platelet-rich plasma injection into the knee using special medical equipment like a centrifuge and your own blood cells. A platelet-rich plasma injection can offer targeted relief (similarly to that of a hyaluronic acid injection) by increasing the growth factors naturally produced by the blood. This process begins by having your blood drawn and run through a centrifuge, causing the platelets to pull to the plasma of the blood as it separates, and then the platelet-rich plasma is injected into the knee to promote targeted healing. Initial relief can be noticeable within a few short weeks and can last for over a year or more. Many patients that have benefited from PRP injections have found permanent relief, though it varies for each patient and condition.

The fourth and final line of defense for OA knee pain is a stem cell injection into the knee, such as BioBurst Rejuv. A stem cell injection can offer targeted relief (similarly to that of a PRP injection) by creating the potential for new cells to generate and heal from within. The stem cells are derived from the umbilical cord blood or placenta after a healthy birth from healthy parents. (For additional information on the collection of stem cells, click here to read more). Stem cell injections have the potential to regenerate new healthy cells and promote healing from within.

At Northeast Knee and Joint Institute, we pride ourselves in only using products that have been thoroughly researched, tested and follow all required FDA standards. Our offices also utilize a Fluoroscope for a clear picture of the injection site for precision and accuracy of every injection.

If you are looking for more information on any of these products and how they are helping to improve the quality of life of our patients, call us today or come by our offices to learn more about the healing potential these injections can provide.

Please be advised that all of these injections have the potential to promote healing, they are not a cure. We offer these injections as a part of a treatment plan and are not intended to be a cure.