Knee pain is a severely disabling condition that can affect daily living. One of the most common causes of knee pain is osteoarthritis (OA). This is a condition that affects over 27 million people in the U.S. OA is a “wear and tear” of the natural cushioning between the knee joint. Normally this cushioning provides support and acts as a shock absorber. However, as it is worn down, the result is bone rubbing on bone, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Some of the people at risk for developing OA include those over the age of 45, more commonly women over 55, athletes, and people with a family history of OA. Although there is no cure for OA there are many options to manage your pain including: oral medication, physical therapy, joint injections, and surgery. Physical therapy and oral anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, naprosyn, and celecoxib are usually first-line treatments for managing knee pain secondary to OA. Other treatment options for these patients include knee injections.
At Garden State Medical Center, we use Hyaluronan, a naturally occurring substance found inside the knee joint. This substance has been found to be very effective in providing long lasting pain relief from OA.

Under fluoroscopic image guidance, a gel-like substance containing hyaluronan is injected into the knee creating a lubricating effect, thereby imitating your natural joint fluid. These injections are performed in a series of 3-5, which have been shown to provide pain relief from OA for up to 6 months, allowing you to perform your daily activities and return to your life before OA. These injections are covered by Medicare and many private insurances.

Those who have been evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon and told they need joint replacement surgery but are too young or do not want to go through surgery and recovery are perfect candidates for knee joint injections. Not all patients will be a candidate. Our physicians will evaluate your knee pain and offer you the best treatment options available.

Garden State Medical Center is staffed with the area’s leading pain management specialists. We can work with you to help take better care of your body by staying pain free and becoming more active.

For more information about knee pain, call us at 732-202-3000.