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Will only surgery help my aching and arthritic knee?

Pain is a common complaint when someone suffers from knee osteoarthritis. X-rays may show significant arthritis and many resign themselves to putting up with the pain until they are ready for surgery. It may surprise you to know that orthopedic surgeons will often use surgery as a last resort. They want to try everything possible to delay surgery until they are confident that surgery is the best alternative. You may have tried ibuprofen, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical analgesics, cortisone injections, and physical therapy and been disappointed with only temporary results. Is there anything else that can help?

For some, the answer may be found in viscosupplementation. Think of “visco” as meaning liquid or lubricant and the more familiar “supplementation” meaning in addition to. So, viscosupplementation treatments add a lubricant liquid to the knee. Recent advances in science have allowed for accurate reproduction of the fluid that is inside the knee joint. This fluid, referred to as synovial fluid, often becomes diminished in an arthritic knee. Viscosupplementation injections, such as Synvisc or Euflexxa, can be given to patients to restore the fluid within the knee and temporarily relieve pain.

The injection is a man made version of the substance that makes up the majority of the synovial fluid in the joint. It is called hyaluronic acid. In some circumstances, as is done with Euflexxa, the injections are given as a series of three injections; one injection per month. At Agility, we most often use a product called Synvisc One. This product allows patients to get the entire three month regimen of the treatment in a single dose injection. Abraham Shurland, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Agility, describes, “We have found patients are provided with about 6 months relief with a Synvisc One injection”. He continues, “The convenience for the patient of not having to come back for multiple injections combined with the clinical outcomes has been advantageous”.

The process of receiving an injection is straight forward and is completed in just a few minutes. First, the area around the knee is cleaned with an iodine solution. To reduce pain, a local anesthetic is often used just prior to the injection. Then, the needle is positioned properly in the knee joint and some of the synovial fluid is removed. Lastly, the hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the knee joint. The pain relieving benefit of the injection does not start immediately. As a matter of fact, patients may notice an initial period of increased pain and warmth in the knee. An ice pack can help get you through the first 48 hours after the injection. It is during this time that you are asked to avoid prolonged standing, jogging, or even heavy lifting.

Gradually, you should come to feel less pain and tolerate a higher level of activity. Generally, the benefits are significant but temporary. The long term plan to address your knee osteoarthritis is something we are happy to discuss with you.

To learn more about Viscosupplementation, Synvisc, and Euflexxa injections, listen to a brief Podcast that will provide further information to help you decide if this type of procedure is right for you.

What Our Patients Have to Say

I can not stop raving about how good this place is for healing and getting your mobility back after an injury. You will make a good decision to attend this place of business and you will be in good, qualified hands to regain your strength back. Everyone is extremely nice and professional. I would recommend it to anyone who is in need of physical therapy. They do a terrific job and leave you feeling as though you can overcome any obstacle.

Kristen B.

If you’re an athlete this is the place to go. These people really know what they’re doing. I went here for a torn MCL a month ago. They x-rayed my knee as soon as I got there. Dr. Zahner is as professional as they come, very straight forward and helpful. Would’ve been a very long road to recovery had I not found this place.

Austin S.

Agility Orthopedics are great! I followed Dr. Zahner to Agility from where he was before at North Suburban Orthopedics! Everyone at Agility is very professional and very nice and are willing to answer any questions you may have! This was not the case at the other place! I would recommend Agility to anyone!

Judy W.

I was treated by Chase Conway for an issue with my elbow, and I can confidently say he was extremely professional throughout the entire process. He was direct and focused on exactly what I needed, always demonstrating precision and a clear understanding of what he was doing. He took great care of my elbow, which was a major concern for me, and his expertise made all the difference.

Kesia L.

First visit. Dr. Sherman was kind, compassionate, an active listener to my concern/issue, and had excellent patient/provider relations. He discussed the treatment plan and walked me through the whole procedure. Above and beyond his knowledge, his exemplary bedside manner should be an example to others.

Rob Q.

As always, I enjoyed my visit with Dr Kapassi. He took the time I needed, to listen to my issues, from the last visit I made last year. After asking several questions related to my health, he gave me a few options regarding treatment. I told him I'd like to consider those options. He agreed. At no time did he rush me or made me feel as if I wasting his precious time.

Janice H.

Very pleased with the prompt scheduling and medical guidance from Dr. Zahner, I've been having left hip issues for some time now, 3 months ago I visited a different Dr and was not happy so I went to Dr Zahner for 2nd advice. He was very thorough and offered several helpful scenarios, (not a potential hip replacement) 5 Stars and 2 thumbs up from this 63 year old triathlete!

Bob B.

I have been going to Agility Orthopedics for years now. As a Disabled Veteran, I refused to be seen at the VA. These are the people I trust to complete their due diligence when helping patients, taking our concerns to heart and ensuring patients safety/health are priority 1!! Highly Recommend!!

David B.

Dr. Anderson was able to see the actual problem I had within minutes that other doctors I had seen were unable. He's super friendly and the physical treatments he had me doing has helped me enormously. I can't say enough nice things about the man.

Brian R.