Non-Surgical Osteoarthritis TreatmentOoltewah, TN

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease, and wear-and-tear arthritis. It is the leading type of chronic arthritis, affecting millions of people around the world. This condition results from deterioration of the cartilage between the bones. As a result, the joints become swollen, painful, and hard to move. It can affect any joint; however, it is most common in the hands, hips, knees, lower back, and neck.

More than 32.5 million U.S. adults are affected by osteoarthritis. While it can happen to adults of any age and gender, it most frequently begins by targeting women in their 50s. Other risk factors for developing osteoarthritis include:

• Genetics
• Joint injury or overuse
• Obesity
• Repetitive movement

What Are the Signs of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disorder, meaning symptoms set in slowly and only get worse over time. It is characterized primarily by joint pain, which may be dull and aching or sharp and piercing. This pain is typically most noticeable upon waking or after periods of inactivity. Joints may also be tender to the touch or if any pressure is applied. Additionally, affected persons may also experience the following:

• Bone spurs
• Grinding or crunching sensation
• Joint deformity
• Joint stiffness
• Loss of function
• Loss of range of motion
• Referred pain
• Swelling

Chiropractic Care for Osteoarthritis

According to WebMD, chiropractic care can sometimes address the cause of osteoarthritis. For instance, joints may become damaged over time because they are out of alignment. They may also become damaged because of the way one stands, sits, or walks. By addressing these issues, chiropractic care can help keep osteoarthritis from becoming worse.

Chiropractic is one of the safest types of therapies for back or neck pain due to osteoarthritis. Just treating the surrounding tissues may exponentially reduce osteoarthritis pain. However, it may not be appropriate for patients with active inflammation, as any adjustments may be dangerous.

Regenerative Medicine for Osteoarthritis

Regenerative medicine for osteoarthritis is a new and exciting burgeoning field of research. At the moment, researchers believe that applying stem cells to an arthritic joint may cause them to develop into necessary cartilage cells and reduce inflammation. It is also believed that stem cells may slow down cartilage degeneration or alleviate pain through the release of cytokines.

Most forms of stem cell therapy utilize stem cells taken from the patient themselves, which reduces the risk of any unwanted reactions. Therefore, the procedure itself is generally considered safe, with temporary swelling and pain being among the most common side effects. Still, it carries the same set of risks as any other medical procedure — including a small risk of infection. This risk may be greater if the stem cells are cultured or mixed with other chemicals. It may also increase if a different type of stem cell (i.e., not adult stem cells) is used.

Stem cell treatment is also sometimes used in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment. This type of treatment uses a sample of the patient's own blood in hopes of healing the affected joint. In the body, platelets help regulate cell division, promote healing, and stimulate tissue regeneration. When used in conjunction with stem cell treatment, it is believed that PRP may maximize the healing potential of the therapy.

Hyaluronic Acid Injection Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance that can be found in the body. It is a vital part of the fluid that lubricates and cushions the joints. Osteoarthritis thins the hyaluronic acid in the affected joint. Hyaluronic acid injection treatment can make up for this lack by adding to the body's natural supply. Hyaluronic acid injection treatment is also known as viscosupplementation.

Hyaluronic acid injection treatment may particularly benefit those with knee osteoarthritis whose symptoms persist after painkillers or non-drug treatments. Patients who cannot take painkillers and cannot (or do not want to) have total knee replacement surgery may also want to consider hyaluronic acid injection treatment.

Call Us Today

Safe and effective non-surgical osteoarthritis treatment can help you manage your pain in your everyday life. We at Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine can help. Call us today at 423-424-1529 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective is hyaluronic acid injection treatment for osteoarthritis?

According to WebMD, studies have shown that hyaluronic acid injections may be more effective than painkillers for some patients with osteoarthritis. Other studies have also shown that hyaluronic acid injection treatment may work as well as corticosteroid knee injection treatment. Older patients or patients with more severe osteoarthritis may need to consider a combination of different treatment modalities for the most effective results.

What is it like to get hyaluronic acid injection treatment for osteoarthritis?

First, the practitioner will clean the area that needs to be injected. If there is excess fluid in the knee, he may also inject a local painkiller before withdrawing the excess fluid. Then, he will inject the hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint. You should avoid doing any hard weight-bearing activity for the next day or two. Otherwise, you should be able to return to your daily activities.

Why should I consider regenerative medicine over surgery for osteoarthritis treatment?

Surgery can often help with more advanced or severe spine and joint problems. However, regenerative medicine is a relatively low-stakes alternative that does not require the risks of anesthesia, scar tissue formation, and blood loss. 

Can regenerative medicine help me regrow my damaged tissue?

It varies on a case-by-case basis. While it is certainly possible for regenerative medicine to help regrow cartilage or damaged tendon tissue, this may not occur in situations with more severe damage. Alternatively, repeat treatments may be necessary to see improvement.

Is chiropractic care really effective for osteoarthritis?

Yes, and the studies show it. According to a 2017 review in the Journal of the American Medical Association, spinal manipulation was found to reduce lower back pain. Another 2013 study in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that 12 chiropractic treatments combined with patient education reduced hip osteoarthritis pain more than a patient education or daily stretching program alone.