Treatment for Knee Injuries in Dothan, AL
Avoid knee-replacement surgery and enjoy faster healing.In the United States, knee pain is one of the leading causes of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 25% of adults report experiencing knee pain within the past month. The prevalence of knee pain increases with age, with older adults being more likely to experience chronic knee pain. Over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain with knee pain being the second most common cause of severe discomfort. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic knee pain, which is a degenerative joint disease that occurs because of wear and tear on the joints.
Chronic knee pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. The pain can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and bending down. It can also lead to sleep disturbances and depression and may limit a person’s ability to work or engage in physical activities. Knee replacement surgery is an option for many patients, but the invasive nature of surgery makes it highly risky, and recovery can take anywhere from 3 months to a year. Having to be dependent on taking regular medication is also not an attractive option for most people.
Regenerative Medicine of Alabama presents a non-surgical approach to help knee conditions for patients that cannot or do not want surgery. This begins with a detailed consultation and medical history with our physician, followed by a thorough examination and X-rays to determine the amount of joint damage and what type of treatment would provide the best chance of improvement.
We offer a variety of advanced therapies in the treatment of chronic pain which includes:
Joint Injections
Our medical physicians provide various types of knee (and shoulder) injections for our patients. If it is determined that you are a good candidate, our doctor may recommend either a Hyaluronic Acid or Platelet Rich Plasma joint injections. Cortisone joint injections are an option for short term pain relief, but our doctors typically do not prefer to use steroids for various reasons.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance found in the synovial fluid of the knee joint. It acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, helping to cushion the joint and reduce friction between the bones. In people with osteoarthritis, the concentration of HA in the joint decreases, leading to pain and stiffness. Hyaluronic acid knee injections involve the injection of a gel-like substance containing HA into the knee joint. The injections are given over a period of several weeks, typically 3 to 5 injections, and the treatment may need to be repeated every 6 months or as long as a year or two, depending on the individual case. The goal of HA knee injections is to provide lubrication and cushioning to the joint, reducing pain and improving mobility. Research has shown that this treatment can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Your insurance may help pay for these injections so you can check with our staff about your coverage.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated solution of platelets and growth factors obtained from a patient’s own blood. The platelets contain proteins that stimulate tissue regeneration and healing. PRP injections involve the collection of a small amount of the patient’s own blood, which is then processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The resulting PRP solution is then injected into the knee joint. This can also be injected into a shoulder if a patient suffers from chronic shoulder pain and they have been determined to be a good candidate. Our medical physician will discuss with you if he thinks you need multiple injections. The goal of PRP injections is to promote healing and regeneration of damaged tissues in the knee joint. The growth factors and other proteins in the PRP solution can help to repair damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. Clinical studies have shown that PRP injections can be an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis, reducing pain and improving function.
Schedule a consultation to begin your healing journey.