Yes, that’s true. The sad part is, it’s the philosophy of many medical practitioners when it comes to chronic pain. Instead of taking the aspirin, how about stop standing on the tack? And why are you standing on the tack? It makes more sense to find out what the cause of the pain is, rather than to just stop the symptoms with aspirin or any other artificial pain reliever that causes even more problems in your body.
Here in the new year, a lot of us like to start fresh. A lot of the fresh starts begin with diet and weight loss. This year, I’d like to help you to start with less pain, and more of a healthy life to live without that pain. My purpose is to help people live long, happy and healthy lives without drugs or surgery. This can allow you to enjoy the activities you’ve loved for so long. There should be no reason you have to stop these activities because of pain. I’ll tell you how that can happen for you right now.
Let’s talk about probably the most common of all joint pain. Chronic knee pain. This is generally the most common, other than hip pain, which I’ll write about in another article.
In many cases, I’m finding that patients are having injections and they don’t even know what’s in them! Please promise me, from now on, you’ll ask the practitioner, no matter what the reason, what EXACTLY is in the injection. Now that we’re talking about knees, lets talk about what is detrimental to the cartilage in any joint.
Steroids, like cortisone may actually break down cartilage, and therefore set you up for a potential knee replacement in the near future. I’m concerned as to why practitioners still inject products like this that will tear down the cartilage in the joint, therefore potentially causing a bone-on-bone condition. Just one cortisone injection can reduce cartilage regeneration for up to 16 weeks. This is unnecessary in this day and age of modern medicine.
Promoting the body’s ability to regenerate cartilage should be the goal whenever possible. There are other injections that are covered on Medicare, that do not tear down cartilage, although they do not assist in regenerating cartilage. Hyaluronic acid is the gel that can be injected into the knee joints and will lubricate and cushion the joint. This, in turn, lubricates the joint.
It is not regenerating, or assisting in regenerating the joint, however, it is a great way to start feeling better quickly without destroying the regenerative process. Many patients ask how long the results will last. Some report that it lasts more than a year or more.
What I’m finding is it depends on the product type of hyaluronic acid that is used. It also depends on the injector’s skills. It is important to be sure the injector is proficient, and has a long history of these types of injections. Hyaluronic acid is used when other treatments like acetaminophen, exercise, and physical therapy have not worked.
Once you receive the injection, it is recommended you do not stress your knees. Running, and physical exercise should be avoided for about 48 hours. This, once again, is one of the easiest and quickest ways to get back to your activities while down here in Arizona. In my next article, I’ll explain other options you may have available instead of surgery.
For any questions regarding knee or any other joint injections, please call my office for a complimentary consultation with me.
Questions regarding my articles may be emailed to [email protected]
Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Accurate Care Medical Wellness Center
18261 N. Pima Rd. Ste # 115
Scottsdale AZ 85255
480-594-3955
