More than 54 million adults in the U.S. are affected by arthritis, with joint pain being a common symptom that disrupts daily life. Finding a personalized treatment plan is key, especially as new therapies emerge.
At Modern Edge Sports & Orthopedic Medicine, we provide patient-focused care to help manage joint pain and improve your quality of life. From diagnosis to advanced treatments like viscosupplementation, corticosteroid injections, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, our Pennsylvania team designs tailored solutions that work for you.
Take the first step toward relief by scheduling an appointment with our expert team.
Each treatment has its benefits—read on to learn how these cutting-edge options compare.
How Viscosupplementation Lubricates Joints
Viscosupplementation is designed to improve joint health by restoring lubrication in joints affected by conditions like osteoarthritis. The treatment involves injecting hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in joint fluid, directly into the affected joint. This method of knee gel injections helps to replenish the joint's natural cushioning, reduce friction, and ease pain, ultimately enhancing mobility.
Viscosupplementation Procedure
Viscosupplementation injections help restore hyaluronic acid levels in the affected joint, typically the knee. By injecting a gel-like form of this substance into the joint space, the treatment enhances the viscosity of the synovial fluid, reducing friction, cushioning the joint during movement, and treating discomfort. This often results in less knee pain and better mobility for patients.
The quick outpatient procedure is minimally invasive and allows patients to return to daily activities with improved comfort. This injection therapy is often recommended for sports injuries or chronic pain in other joints as part of physical medicine or sports medicine practices.
Benefits of Viscosupplementation for Patients with Osteoarthritis
- Provides pain relief by improving joint lubrication and reducing friction with gel injections.
- Enhances joint mobility, making daily activities easier and more comfortable.
- Minimally invasive procedure with a quick recovery time.
- Reduces dependency on oral pain medications, lowering the risk of side effects.
Benefits and Limitations of Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections, often referred to as cortisone shots, work by delivering powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint, reducing swelling, alleviating knee pain, and improving mobility. The medication targets inflammation at the injection site, providing rapid relief for many patients. Though the effects are temporary, they can offer significant comfort and help manage chronic pain effectively.
Key benefits:
- Provides immediate and short-term relief for inflammatory joint conditions.
- Reduces swelling and alleviates pain effectively, helping to treat arthritis in the knees or other joints.
- Improves joint mobility and functionality.
- Targets inflammation directly at its source.
- Minimally invasive with a relatively quick procedure that often involves a local anesthetic for comfort.
Who Might Benefit Most?
This treatment is ideal for individuals suffering from inflammatory joint conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis. Patients experiencing significant pain, swelling, or restricted mobility that affects their daily activities may find this option especially helpful. It is also suitable for those seeking a minimally invasive solution to manage their symptoms effectively, especially when other treatments have not shown sufficient results.
The Healing Potential of PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative injection treatment that uses a concentrated solution of a patient’s blood platelets to stimulate and enhance the body’s natural healing process. Platelets contain growth factors that aid in tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote cell regeneration. By injecting PRP into injured or damaged areas, such as the knee, spine, or other joints, this therapy helps accelerate recovery and improve overall function in a safe and minimally invasive way.
Steps of the PRP Process
- Blood Draw
A small sample of the patient’s blood is drawn, typically from the arm, similar to a routine blood test.
- Centrifugation
The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed to separate the platelets from other components of the blood.
- Preparation of PRP
The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is carefully extracted and prepared for use.
- Injection into Target Area
The PRP solution is injected directly into the injured or damaged area, such as the knee or other joints, to support healing and regeneration.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
- Promotes tissue regeneration and accelerates the body’s natural healing process.
- Effectively reduces pain and improves mobility in chronic joint conditions like osteoarthritis.
- Provides a non-invasive alternative for long-term relief.
- Useful in sports medicine for treating sports injuries.
- It can be used as a treatment for knee pain and discomfort.
Considerations Influencing Treatment Selection
Individual conditions and medical history are key in choosing the right treatment. Factors like symptom severity, health issues, and past treatments are assessed to tailor therapy. Consulting an arthritis doctor, PRP specialist, or PA in Pittsburgh ensures the approach meets the patient’s needs, maximizing effectiveness and safety. Whether you’re exploring steroid injection options, knee gel injections work to treat arthritis, or seeking regenerative injection treatment for injury recovery or other treatments, the right care can help restore mobility and improve quality of life.
Move Forward on Your Journey to Pain Relief
The right treatment depends on your needs, with options like viscosupplementation, corticosteroids, and PRP therapy available. Modern Edge Sports & Orthopedic Medicine offers expert care and advanced treatments to guide you.
Don’t wait to take control of your joint health—schedule an appointment with Modern Edge Sports & Orthopedic Medicine today. Our specialists are ready to help you find the best path to relief with cutting-edge treatments that suit your lifestyle.
