Knee Gel Injections in Nashua NH

Your knees have been aching for weeks and hurt when you get out of a chair, walk up or downstairs, and anytime you bend your knee. Maybe it doesn’t hurt 24/7, but you know something isn’t right with your knee.

Knee pain in Nashua NH can range from minor discomfort that acts as a mere nuisance, to excruciating debilitation. Mobility generally decreases as the severity of knee symptoms worsens. Various types of arthritis, meniscus tears, mechanical problems, and other interacting factors can all play a role in determining the extent and duration of the knee symptoms experienced by each person.

---

Knee Arthritis in Nashua NH

Although there are over 100 varying types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common. This form of arthritis results from gradual deterioration as age and use start to wear away at the cartilage of the knees.

Other types of arthritis, such as the autoimmune condition known as rheumatoid arthritis, may pose more debilitating concerns than osteoarthritis. More people are affected by osteoarthritis of the knees than other types of knee arthritis.

Meniscus tears create inflammation in the knee as arthritis does can be alleviated with similar treatments mentioned below.

Additionally, mechanical problems can affect knee pain, as well. Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome is a common mechanical issue that frequently plagues endurance runners. The IT band originates on the outside of the pelvic bone and inserts on the outer portion of the tibia. It can become excessively tight and begins to rub against the femur.

Hip or foot pain can indicate mechanical issues related to knee problems. Discomfort in these connecting body parts can cause the sufferer to compensate accordingly with altered movements, which may impose more significant stress on the knee joint.

One of the most common mechanical issues related to knee pain is a misaligned kneecap in which the triangular patella which covers the front of the knee is jarred out of place. This patellar slippage usually occurs to the lateral or outside region of the knee joint. And can often be readily observed as a dislocation as the kneecap remains displaced from its proper position in front of the knee. Correcting knee tracking issues can make a big difference in reducing pain and improving range of motion.

Now, let’s discuss possible treatment and what the process is for those suffering from knee pain.

---

Where do we start?

We start by asking you questions, such as how long have you had it? How did you hurt it? Was it a specific incident, or did it come gradually? Where is the pain located? When does it hurt? What makes it hurt? Does it feel unstable? Does it click or lock?

We will perform a physical examination evaluating your knee. Many times, the practitioner will assess your hips and spine if they feel that the pain was originating from another area. Arthritis in the hip joint, for example, can refer to the knee joint, if it is pinching a nerve from your spine.

Knee pain usually is from the knee, but if the doctor cannot mechanically reproduce your pain, then it may be coming from somewhere else.

Symptoms may include:

• Can’t bear weight on your knee or it feels unstable and gives out
• Swelling and stiffness
• Redness and warmth to the touch
• Weakness or instability
• Popping or crunching noises
• Inability to fully straighten the knee
• Have a fever in addition to redness, pain, and swelling in your knee

Your doctor may start with some tests such as:

• X-ray – is a cost-effective way to evaluate the bony structures of the knee or adjacent areas that can refer to the knee, but will not show a meniscus or ACL tear.
• MRI – This uses powerful magnetic and radio waves to produce a cross-sectional view of the knee to evaluate soft tissue structures such as a meniscus, ACL, cartilage, and other soft tissues around the knee.
• CT – CT uses x-ray imaging to create a cross-sectional view of the knee and is excellent for ruling out small fractures and identifying bone spurs that could be causing your pain.
• Blood tests – if they feel that your knee pain is from an infection or inflammatory disease.

---

How do we treat your knee pain?

Physiotherapy Exercises

These are essential for treating knee pain. To help eliminate your knee pain. You will be prescribed these exercises to do in the office and at home for best results.

Reduce inflammation

Reducing inflammation is one of the first steps with a knee treatment program.

Class 4 laser

We offer class 4 laser therapy for mild to moderate knee pain. This reduces the inflammation within the knee joint. This feels like a warm light on your knee and doesn’t require an injection to administer the treatment.

Hyaluronic Acid Joint Treatments

We offer synovial fluid, joint treatments. This can be referred to as a ‘gel shot’ because hyaluronic acid is injected into the knee by your medical provider. This fluid reduces inflammation over several months and this has been proven to be effective for moderate to severe knee pain through double-blind studies.

This has been injected into millions of knees around the world with rare adverse effects which include knee discomfort at most.

Q: Will my insurance cover this procedure?

Yes, most insurance carriers and Medicare cover hyaluronic acid injections.

Q: Is there any pain or downtime after the procedure?

It is recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise, deep squats, running, and any pounding on the knee joint for at least 48 hours after receiving the injection. Your provider will advise you about the level that is appropriate for you after your evaluation.

There are many research articles like this one, which is why virtually all insurances cover this procedure.

Loosen up tight muscles and tight joints

Tight muscles and tight joints will restrict movement and create altered biomechanics in how you walk and will create more rubbing and more inflammation. Loosening up tight muscles and joints around the knee and adjacent joints such as the ankle or hip will also benefit the knee.

Joint Rejuvenation Therapy

If those insurance-covered services are not enough to eliminate your knee pain, there are some joint rejuvenation therapies that your medical provider can discuss with you if you are a good candidate.