Office Procedures

Viscosupplementaion

Viscosupplementaion is an injection of hyaluronic acid gel into the knee for the treatment of early to moderate arthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a normal component of articular cartilage and joint fluid. Viscosupplementation provides temporary relief or reduction in pain by restoring the quality of the fluid in the joint to near normal levels, reducing the effects of the pain mediators. Most individuals experience significant or complete pain relief for at least six months. It can be given in the office with a single large dose or the traditional means of three weekly smaller injections. We use Synvisc® predominately because it is the only supplement manufactured by cross-linking the hyaluronic acid chains to create a longer lasting and more viscous gel. Synvisc^® is derived from chicken combs, and in very rare instances can cause an inflammatory reaction in patients sensitive to chickens. We also offer other brands of viscosupplements when Synvisc is not indicated for a particular patient.

Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a newer way of treating many sports injuries to speed the natural healing ability of the body. It is most often used for soft tissue injuries and tendonitis, but its use is being expanded daily into other areas such as fracture healing. Blood is withdrawn from the patient, spun down to concentrate the healing mediators, and injected into the site of concern. The concentrated mediators then speed the healing process by inducing a more rapid response of the body's own healing mechanism. No drug side effects.

Steroid Injections

Soft tissue pain can usually be treated with an injection of localized steroid. It is most often used to reduce the inflammation in synovial tissue sites, such as bursitis, arthritis, tendonitis, and cysts. It can also be injected in a limited amount at tendon insertion sites for treatment of tendonopathy diseases such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis, etc.