Archive for Knee Injections
Scientists Think Protein in Knee Joint May Ease Arthritis Knee Pain
Scientists Think Protein in Knee Joint May Ease Arthritis Knee Pain
In healthy knees, synovial fluid is the lubricant that allows the joint to glide. In an unhealthy arthritic knee there are decreased amounts of synovial fluid. In the past few years pharmaceutical companies have come out with rooster comb injections (aka gel injections, hyalgan injections, hyaluronic acid injections) to try and replicate the effects of synovial fluid. However, research indicates that the active protein or molecule in those injections only lasts for a few days in the knee joint before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
That is why Saleem Abubacker, a 23 year old PHD student at the University of Calgary in Canada and his colleagues have been researching a different molecule then the one found in current knee injections. Abubacker and his team are studying the effects of lubricin, a protein found in synovial fluid and on the surface of the knee joint. They are injecting lubricin in unused cow joints from butcher shops and putting them in a machine that pushes them and twists them like human knee joints. Preliminary studies suggest that lubricin lasts for longer periods of time in the knee joint (28 days) compared to the current molecule used for injections on the market, and it has shown to slow down the breakdown of cartilage. They are also finding that the molecule forms building blocks, so as it grows it makes a difference in lubricating the knee. Abubacker thinks that some patients with arthritis knee pain may have more of the single molecule then the long chain and that by restoring that balance of lubricin they may have less arthritis knee pain.
Obviously, more advanced studies need to be completed with lubricin, especially on human knee joints, but who knows this may be the next type of knee injection in the future.
If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and you are searching for a painless, non-surgical knee treatment then consider Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program™. Contact the DFW Spine & Joint Center at 214-596-1051 or visit Dr. Schnee’s website at http://www.HelpMyKneePain.com
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, D.C.- Non-Surgical, Painless, Cold Laser Knee TreatmentDoctor for the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Metroplex- “ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program™ Has Been Helping Knee Pain Sufferers With Knee Pain Relief Without Knee Injections or Surgery Since 2001.”
Jamie Komarnicki. U of C Scientists Make Strides Toward Easing Arthritis Knee Pain. Calgary Herald.
Scientists Think Protein in Knee Joint May Ease Arthritis Knee Pain
Scientists are studying protein in knee joint in hopes to ease arthritis knee pain in the future. Dallas-Fort Worth knee pain blog by Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C.
Cortisone Knee Injections for Knee Pain-What You Need To Know…
Cortisone Knee Injections for Knee Pain-What You Need To Know…
Cortisone knee injections are commonly prescribed by orthopedic doctors as a means of providing temporary relief to knee pain sufferers. In this blog, I’m going to discuss cortisone injections for knee pain: when to get them, when and why you should avoid them, and why it’s important to consider other knee treatment alternatives.
Cortisone Knee Injections:
Cortisone is considered a steroid that is naturally produced by our bodies (our adrenal glands) in times of stress. However, the cortisone that is injected into the knee joint is not natural it is man made. It is synthetically produced by pharmaceutical companies to help temporarily relieve inflammation and swelling. For example, Kenalog, and Celestone are all name brands of synthetic cortisone injections.
Cortisone Is NOT A Pain Reliever
A common misconception is that cortisone relieves knee pain. It is NOT a pain reliever it simply reduces inflammation and swelling in the knee joint. As a result of there being less fluid in the joint, the pressure is alleviated around the sensitive nerve endings and a patient will experience knee pain relief.
When You Should Consider Getting A Cortisone Knee Injection:
Individuals in acute knee pain (those who’ve had a recent sports injury, a car accident, a fall) should consider getting a cortisone injection since it does help temporarily relieve swelling and inflammation in the knee. The effects of the knee injection can help you get through those first few days or weeks until you can find a REAL SOLUTION to your problem.
Why You Should Avoid Cortisone Knee Injections:
- Some patients mistakenly think that they are ‘cured’ after getting an injection, and it gives them a false sense of security since they usually experience pain relief. Since the relief is just temporary patients should be even more cautious with their knee so as to not injure it further.
- Long term and repeated use of cortisone will cause bone loss, weakening of tendons, and cartilage loss in the knee joint. This is why doctors only allow a maximum of three injections per year.
- Cortisone injections WILL NOT help you if you don’t have swelling or inflammation in the knee joint.
- Infections are also possible since the needle is injected into the joint.
- Diabetics have to be monitored when getting cortisone injections since it can spike blood sugar levels.
- Injections can be painful.
- Finally, cortisone is not a long term solution to relieving chronic knee pain since it is not repairing or healing the tissue in the joint causing the pain.
Acute Knee Pain VS. Chronic Knee Pain
In my opinion, if you’ve recently injured your knee and you have swelling, inflammation and pain then a cortisone injection may help you. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that the effects from the injection will last forever. During that time you should be searching for a REAL solution to your problem.
On the other hand, if you suffer from chronic knee pain for example from bone on bone, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, a baker’s cyst, a degenerative meniscus tear, than cortisone should NOT be considered as an option. After all, cortisone causes cartilage and bone loss, and weakening of the tendons. The last thing you want to do is to trade one chronic knee problem for another. I can recall a case where a patient came to see me with a torn patellar tendon. It tore because it weakened due to the multiple cortisone injections he had over a period of two years (he had a total of six injections- three injections a year) to relieve tendonitis in his knee. The injections helped relieve some of his knee pain but what he didn’t realize was that the steroid was damaging and weakening the tendon, and it eventually tore. By the time he came to see me it was too late… he was a surgical case.
If he only knew about cold laser therapy for tendonitis knee pain he probably could have avoided the cortisone injections…
Which Knee Treatment is a Better Alternative…
In my clinical experience, (and I’ve treated hundreds of patients with chronic knee pain) cold laser therapy is typically more effective and safer than a cortisone injection. It is a painless, non-invasive treatment tool that allows physicians to eliminate swelling and pain in the knee, but more importantly it is used to help stimulate and accelerate the healing process to repair damaged tissue.
Cold laser therapy is a better, safer alternative then cortisone because you will experience all of the upsides but none of the side-effects that you would experience with cortisone injections. In addition, since cold laser therapy works on a cellular level to heal injured, irritated and damaged tissue the results are typically NOT temporary. On the other hand cortisone does nothing to help tissue repair so even after the injection the problem is still there. Again cortisone only temporarily relieves knee pain by reducing swelling it does nothing to treat the cause of the problem.
If you’re looking for a better alternative to knee injections then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program™ is a non-invasive, painless treatment option for patients who want to experience knee pain relief, and improved function-without any of the side effects. If you are experiencing knee pain and live in the Dallas-Fort Worth or surrounding areas call the DFW Spine & Joint Center at 214-596-1051. Visit http://www.helpmykneepain.com/ to order a free report.
If you would like to find out how cold laser therapy can help relieve shoulder pain, low back pain, or neck pain click on the link above.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Doctor for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Cortisone Knee Injections for Knee Pain-What You Need To Know…
Find out when to get cortisone knee injections for knee pain and when to avoid them. Also find out about a safer more effective knee treatment alternative.
The Differences Between Knee Injections, And Cold Laser Therapy
- There are over 2,500 published studies on the topic of cold laser therapy. This is not the case with Synvisc, or any of the other hyaluronic acid injections. For example, there were only three clinical studies completed before Synvisc was FDA approved. Two were conducted in Germany and one was performed in the US. All three had very small study groups. The study conducted in the US, with 90 subjects, concluded that there were no significant differences between the group treated with arthrocentesis (joint aspiration aka fluid removal) and those who had a Synvisc injection.
- Cold laser therapy is painless, and non-invasive there are NO documented side effects from treatments. Whereas, Cortisone injections and hyaluronic acid injections are painful and there documented side-effects from the treatments.
- Besides reducing inflammation, and pain in the knee; Cold Laser Therapy is a treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to interact with damaged and irritated tissue, on a cellular level, to help repair it by ‘jump starting’ and accelerating the healing process. Whereas, the purpose of hyaluronic injections is not to treat inflammation. Instead, Gel injections are used to help lubricate the joint to temporarily relieve osteoarthritis knee pain. Both hyaluronic acid and cortisone injections do nothing on a cellular level to reinvigorate tissue; therefore the results with injections are often temporary in nature.
I realize there is no magic cure for arthritis knee pain and injections alone will not cure your problem. I am not suggesting that Cold laser therapy is a cure-all either; however, it is safe, and painless. In addition, since 2001, I’ve been successfully helping severe knee pain sufferers avoid knee surgery, medications, and knee injections. So I know firsthand that cold laser treatments are effective.
I you’re experiencing knee pain and you want to treat the problem conservatively then consider my Cold Laser Knee Program first.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Dallas-Fort Worth Cold Laser Therapy Knee Doctor specializing in knee pain using cold laser therapy-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Major Differences in Cold Laser Therapy and Knee Injections | Dallas-Fort Worth
Irving Cold Laser Knee Doctor, Dr. Schnee, D.C. Discusses Cold Laser Therapy and Knee Injections, the Differences Between Them and Knee Pain Relief Dallas-Fort Worth.
Different Types of Knee Injections
There is so much confusion out there regarding the different types of knee injections available. In general there are two key categories: cortisone injections and joint viscosupplementation. Cortisone injections are obviously made up of the medication cortisone; whereas, hyaluronan is the medication found in joint viscosupplementation injections. Cortisone is used as an anti-inflammatory, versus hyaluronan is used to help temporarily relieve arthritis knee pain.
Cortisone Knee Injections:
Cortisone is a steroid that is naturally produced in times of stress by our adrenal glands. However, cortisone can also be synthetically produced. If you’ve ever visited your knee doctor for a cortisone injection he is injecting synthetic cortisone into your knee joint. For example, Kenalog, and Celestone are name brands of synthetic cortisone injections.
A common misconception is that cortisone injections are pain relievers. In fact, cortisone injections are used to get rid of inflammation they do not directly treat pain. Of course, if the injection is effective, and the inflammation dissipates this indirectly helps relieve the pain.
The Upside To Cortisone Injections:
Cortisone knee injections are very effective at temporarily relieving swelling and inflammation.
The Downside To Cortisone Injections:
- Cortisone injections for knee pain will be ineffective if there is no swelling or inflammation in the knee.
- If the area isn’t numbed properly the injection can be painful.
- Doctors typically only allow three injections a year since long term and repeated use can cause bone loss, weakening of tendons, and cartilage loss in the knee joint.
- Infections are also possible since the needle is injected into the joint.
- Moreover, cortisone injections can spike blood sugar levels in diabetics, so they have to be carefully monitored.
- Most importantly getting a cortisone injection is not a long term solution to relieving chronic knee pain since it is not repairing or healing the tissue in the joint causing the pain.
Joint Viscosupplementation:
Also known as: Gel Injections/ Rooster Comb injections/Intra-Articular Injections/Hyaluronan injections/Joint-Fluid Therapy
Hyaluronan is the name of the medication found in gel injections, and it is made from chicken combs (hence the name rooster comb injections). It is injected into the knee joint to help temporarily relieve symptoms of arthritis knee pain.
It is thought that hyaluronan, a gel like substance, works by mimicking synovial fluid found in the joint; therefore, lubricating the joint allowing for pain relief. These injections are supposed to act like WD-40 for your knee joint.
Hyaluronan is found in the following brand names: Hyalgen, Synvisc, Euflexxa, Orthovisc and Supartz.
- Euflexxa, and Orthovisc are given in a series of three injections and are injected over a three week period of time.
- The ‘old’ version of Synvisc was also given in a series of three injections over a period of three weeks. Recently, though Synvisc-One replaced the ‘old’ Synvisc injections and just like the new name implies only one injection is required.
- Hyalgen and Supartz injections are a series of five injections that are given over a five week period of time.
According to the FDA it has approved all five of these injections to be used in patients for the temporary relief of arthritis knee pain, and have failed to respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, physiotherapy, and over the counter pain killers.
The Upside to Joint Viscosupplementation Injections:
Most of the time, orthopedic surgeons will suggest these injections to patients who want to postpone knee replacements hoping that it will provide them enough relief to delay surgery.
The Downside to Joint Viscosupplementation Injections:
- The downside to these types of gel injections are side-effects like itching, increased fluid, redness, rashes, stiffness, swelling, and increased knee pain and changes in gait (limping).
- Gel injections just add lubrication to the knee joint. GEL INJECTIONS DO NOT GROW OR ADD CARTILAGE IN THE KNEE.
- Studies have indicated that hyaluronan injections work as well as placebo injections. While other studies (funded by the same pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the injections) suggest that they provide temporary relief for 6 months.
- When these injections are administered properly the first thing the doctor will do, prior to the injection but after disinfecting the area is to drain excess fluid from the knee. Interestingly, according to a several studies this step, the draining of the excess fluid, is thought to be the reason patients said they experienced relief -and not from the injection itself.
Unfortunately, the jury is still out on whether gel injections actually work since there are no long term studies (over a year) that have been conducted on a large number of patients. The last thing anyone wants is years from now to find out that the injections have been recalled (much like the Vioxx scandal and Zimmer knee replacements) all because the pharmaceutical companies pushed them through the FDA approval process without doing their due diligence.
Where Does This Leave You?
I believe that if your condition can be treated conservatively you should avoid knee surgery. This means you should exhaust every viable option before considering knee surgery. This includes getting knee injections, cold laser therapy, exercises, and other forms of physiotherapy.
Knee injections don’t work for everyone, and many don’t want to deal with the pain or side-effects that are associated with them. If you’re looking for an alternative then my Cold Laser Knee Program offers a non-invasive, painless treatment option to patients who want to experience knee pain relief, and improved function-without any of the side effects.
If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth or surrounding areas call the DFW Spine & Joint Center at 214-596-1051 or visit http://www.HelpMyKneePain.com
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Knee Doctor Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Different Types of Knee Injections| Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas cold laser expert, Dr.Schnee,D.C. discusses different types of knee injections and alternative knee treatments for knee pain Dallas-Fort Worth.
Knee Pain Sufferers Consider Knee Injections Painful and Ineffective Compared to Cold Laser Therapy for Treating Knee Pain
Most patients suffering from chronic knee pain have tried at least one cortisone injection and a series of SYNVISC™ or some other type of gel injections with little to no long term results. The most common injection given to patients with knee pain is a steroid or cortisone shot. Cortisone injections usually work to help decrease pain and inflammation but the results are often temporary. Since there are long term side effects with the use of cortisone injections patients are limited to three injections per year. Gel injections are also available such as SYNVISC™, Hyalgen™, Euflexxa™, Orthovisc™, Supartz™ (otherwise known as cox comb, or rooster comb injections). These injections are usually performed in a series over the course of a few weeks, and just like cortisone injections gel injections only ‘cover up’ or treat the symptoms not the cause of the problem. Knee pain sufferers consider gel injections painful and ineffective compared to cold laser therapy for treating knee pain.
Recently, Linda P., a realtor from North Richland Hills completed Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program in Irving, Texas after initially complaining of very severe knee pain. The following is what she said about her experience with knee injections versus cold laser treatments.
“I sought medical help [from an orthopedic doctor for my knee] and was first given a steroid injection [cortisone injection] in the knee and later I was given a series of cox comb shots. THEY WERE EXTREMELY PAINFUL. I felt relief, but it wasn’t permanent and certainly not as effective as the cold laser treatments have been. My medical doctor never recommended knee surgery because I was not a candidate for it. The only solution I was given (which was not even a solution) was to have a series of cock’s comb shots twice a year and to just learn to live with the knee pain. I am so pleased that I completed Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program. I am 100% better and I intend to keep coming back so that I can stay that way!”
Linda’s experience is not unique.
Jill V., 62 years young, from Plano Texas is another example of a patient who recently completed cold laser therapy for knee pain with Dr. Schnee. Before coming in for treatments with Dr. Schnee she tried cortisone injections, physical rehabilitation, a knee brace, and a series of three Euflexxa injections. Ms. V. stated, “I had zero results from the knee injections. The Euflexxa did not work for me, the pain never lessened.” She continued to say, “[Since completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program I am walking without knee pain, I don’t wake up at night whenever I move my leg. There are times I even forget my knee ever hurt so badly. [Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Program] has helped me get back on track. Anyone who has knee issues, needs this program.”
If you have had knee injections including cortisone, SYNVISC™, Othovisc™, Euflexxa™, Supartz™, Hyalgen™, rooster comb, cox comb etc. and they did not work for you then call our office at 214-596-1051 to find out if you are a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program at the DFW Spine & Joint Center in Irving, Texas.
If you would like more information about cold laser therapy for knee pain fill out the form on the right side of the screen and a free 16 page report will be mailed to you within 72 hours.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Dallas Fort Worth’s Cold Laser Doctor for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain -“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Cold Laser Therapy Program | Alternative to Knee Injections | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr.Schnee,D.C. offers a Better Alternative to Knee Injections with Cold Laser Therapy Program,and shares a testimonial from Dallas-Fort Worth resident who agrees.
Knee Pain Eased and Mobility Improved with Dallas Cold Laser Doctors’ Knee Therapy
“Before starting treatments with Dr. Alexandra Schnee I had arthroscopic knee surgery done for both knees. I also had cortisone injections, and I was taking pain medication but nothing helped relieve my knee pain. I was unable to walk at a normal pace, and I waddled and limped when I walked because my knee pain was so severe.
Since completing knee treatments at the DFW Spine & Joint Center with Dr. Alexandra Schnee I estimate that I am 50% better in mobility and my knee pain has reduced by 50 percent. I can also stand for a longer period of time. My walking is better and easier, and stairs are easier to climb.”
Delores C., 53 years young, Secretary, Arlington, Texas
If you are an individual that is still suffering with knee pain after having both knees scoped then you may benefit from Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.”
Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C. practices in Irving, Texas at the DFW Spine & Joint Center. Find out if you are a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program by calling her office at 214-596-1051, or fill out the information on the right side of this screen to get a FREE 16 page report mailed to you about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Doctor for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Cold Laser Knee Therapy Program Helped When Knee Injections Did Nothing | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr.Schnee,D.C. shares another testimonial from a patient who first tried using knee injections for knee pain, but only Cold Laser Knee Therapy helped.
What is the Most Effective, Non-Invasive Treatment Option Available for Knee Pain Relief?
After reviewing the pros and cons of cold laser therapy and comparing them to the most commonly prescribed non-invasive treatment options available for knee pain relief I am sure you will conclude that cold laser therapy is the most effective non-invasive treatment option available.
Let’s begin by discussing the various non-surgical options to treat knee pain:
Cortisone Injections or Steroid Injections :
Besides anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections are one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for knee pain. Unfortunately, the effects of a cortisone injection are temporary in nature and often times a patient will further injure their knee because the injection masks the pain but does not fix the problem. Once the cortisone injection wears-off the pain comes back, and sometimes worse than it was prior to getting the injection. In addition, a doctor will only prescribe three cortisone injections a year because the injections are known to deteriorate bone. Beware of getting cortisone injections if you are a diabetic it may cause havoc on your sugar levels.
Conclusion: Painful, Short-term and long term side-effects, not safe for long term use, Temporary Relief, Treats symptoms, Diabetics and patients with brittle bones beware.
Synvisc™, Orthovisc™, Hyalgen™, Euflexxa™, AKA: knee gel injections, AKA: Rooster comb injections for the knee:
Rooster comb injections are given in a series of 3 or 5 injections over the course of several weeks, and the series can be repeated every 6 months. If you ask just about any knee pain sufferer that has had these painful injections most will tell you that the injections did NOTHING to help relieve their knee pain. Unfortunately, if you do notice any knee pain relief it will typically last only 6 months. Most patients who choose to undergo the series of injections every 6 months over the course of a few years may eventually experience an allergic reaction. There have been no long-term studies completed so long-term side-effects are unknown.
Conclusion: Painful, Short-term and long-term side-effects, unclear how safe it is for long term use, Temporary Relief, Treats symptoms, Series of injections
Anti-Inflammatory
The results from anti-inflammatories are temporary in nature and patients need to continue taking them on a daily basis in order to feel any results. In addition, over the long run NSAIDS can cause ulcers and ibuprofen can cause liver problems.
Conclusion: Not painful, Short-term and long term side-effects, not safe for long term use, Temporary relief-needs continuous use to be effective
Cold Laser Therapy (Class IIIB lasers)
Cold Laser Therapy has been around for over 35 years in Europe and Asia, and 15 years in the United States. There are over 2,500 published studies on the topic of cold laser therapy and (many of them are double blind, placebo controlled studies). The treatment is FDA cleared, safe, painless, and there are no side-effects with treatments. Unfortunately, cold laser therapy is not a quick fix especially when treating chronic knee pain. Even though patients may notice improvement after just a few treatments most patients undergo a series of treatments over a 5-10 week period depending on the severity of their knee problem. Once the treatments are completed most patients will notice that the results are not temporary in nature. It is not uncommon that as a result of cold laser treatments symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, immobility may be completely eliminated or substantially reduced. Patients suffering with severe and chronic knee pain may need periodic maintenance treatments. Also make sure you choose a doctor that specializes in using cold lasers to treat knee pain otherwise you make not get the results you deserve.
Conclusion: Safe, painless, no side-effects, typically knee pain relief is NOT temporary in nature, takes a series of treatments and then possible periodic follow ups are needed, to get the best results pick a doctor that treats only knees and specializes in cold laser therapy.
Cold Laser Therapy is the optimal choice for treating severe knee pain non-invasively.
Since 2001, Dr. Alexandra Schnee, B.S., D.C. has been getting knee pain sufferers out of pain so that they can avoid unnecessary knee surgery. Dr. Schnee, in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex, exclusively treats knee pain using cold lasers in her unique Cold Laser Knee Program.
If you are suffering from knee pain due to arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed condition and you live in the Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding areas call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.
Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Doctor for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Most Effective Knee Treatment for Knee Pain Relief | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr.Schnee,D.C. of Dallas TX shares information on Cold Laser Therapy and why it is the most effective option for Knee Pain Relief in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Why Are Knee Doctors Still Prescribing Ineffective Treatments for Arthritic Knees?
Why is it that arthroscopic knee surgery and gel injections are recommended by orthopedic surgeons for arthritis knee pain even though there is overwhelming proof that these procedures DON’T WORK?
It is common knowledge in the medical field that arthroscopic knee surgery for arthritic knees is a useless procedure that clean outs and removes the cartilage/meniscus in the knee joint. The surgery actually contributes and exacerbates the very condition it’s supposed to treat….ARTHRITIS.
I believe that if patients diagnosed with arthritic knees fully understood the consequences of arthroscopic knee surgery they would not consent to undergo this procedure. Instead, they would demand safer alternatives- that made sense.
Knee Injections are also another option orthopedic surgeons offer patients suffering from arthritis knee pain. But the results from SYNVISC and other gel injections are questionable and the results are not much better than arthroscopic knee surgery. (Lately, the injections are losing popularity because patients are discovering that they are useless, and multiple studies have long proven them to be ineffective. Just ask patients who’ve undergone a series of them.)
Why is it that cold laser therapy which has been around for over 30 years, used all over the world, has thousands of double blind research studies proving its effectiveness, and does not have any side effects is hardly ever offered by an orthopedic surgeon as an option to arthritic knee pain?
Just follow the money…
There are some surgeons that don’t refer patients out for cold laser therapy because patients never return to them for surgery after completing cold laser treatments.
It’s a shame.
My belief is knee doctors should work as a TEAM to provide patients the VERY best care. I am NOT against knee surgery.
I AM against needless knee surgery.
There are times patient’s have no other choice, but to have knee surgery. If a patient needs surgery and understands the consequences of knee surgery they should have it done. However, if a patient does not WANT or NEED knee surgery then ALL options should be reviewed – including cold laser therapy.
Often patients have the perception that if their doctor doesn’t offer cold laser therapy or doesn’t know about it then it must be ‘quackery’. Cold laser therapy is based on decades of proven science and is not ‘quackery’. The results of cold laser treatments are far more impressive then injections or arthroscopic knee surgery. Honestly, as a patient you should be more skeptical about arthroscopic surgery for arthritis knee pain then cold laser therapy. Just read the studies. Furthermore, there are thousands of published, double blind research studies proving cold laser therapy’s effectiveness.
For years, I’ve had patients complete care in my office for arthritic knee pain, and I have not had one person tell me that arthroscopic knee surgery or rooster comb injections provided them any significant knee pain relief. Yet everyday in my practice I have patients with arthritic knees undergo our Cold Laser Knee Program and get considerable pain relief. Most patient’s notice enough knee pain relief, and an increase in strength in their knee joint that they are able to avoid further knee surgery.
If you don’t believe me just read the hundreds of testimonials on my website from satisfied patients that have been able to avoid knee surgery.
At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we incorporate multiple painless modalities to get you out of pain. Our office is unique because we utilize several different FDA cleared cold lasers that actually heal, repair and stimulate damaged tissue (cartilage, meniscus, muscle, tendon, and ligaments). Besides using multiple cold lasers, we combine other safe modalities to reduce/eliminate tissue swelling, knee pain, and strengthen the knee joint.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis knee pain, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tear pain, bursitis knee pain , tendonitis knee pain, a Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program may be able to help you.
If you live in the Dallas – Fort Worth area call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.
Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!
At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C. practices in Irving, Texas at the DFW Spine & Joint Center,-Your Cold Laser Doctor for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas /Fort Worth Area Since 2001.”
Why Knee Doctors Still Prescribe Ineffective Treatments for Arthritic Knee Pain | Dallas-Fort Worth
Some knee doctors are still prescribing ineffective knee surgeries for knee pain relief and why cold laser therapy SHOULD be offered as a treatment choice.
Do The Series of ‘Gel Like’ Injections for Knee Pain Really Work?
I’m referring to Hyaluronic acid injections aka rooster comb, gel injections, viscosupplements, SYNVISC®, Hyalgen®, Euflexxa®, Supartz®, Orthovisc®, etc.
In my opinion the answer to this question is NO, NOT REALLY. Ultimately though you have to decide for yourself… Let me explain…
I have personally treated and talked to many patients who have had the series of three to five injections listed above (3-5 injections are usually administered over the course of a few weeks. Recently, SYNVISC® came out with one injection). Most patients noticed little to no knee pain relief after the injections. Some noticed that their knee pain and swelling got worse after the injections and they developed what’s known as a ‘hot knee’. Others developed an allergic reaction to the shot and were unable to complete the series. Of the few that responded favorably to the injection theyonly noticed temporary pain relief (which in all fairness the injections do claim that the relief is only temporary and usually lasts for up to 6 months).
There are multiple studies indicating that Hyaluronic injections are as effective as placebo injections,[1] [2] [3]and that the effect of anti-inflammatory drugs is 48 times greater than the effect of Hyaluronic acid injections (or rooster comb injections).[4]
One study indicated that the immediate pain relief patients experienced was not due to the injection itself, but from draining the fluid in the knee, a step doctors take prior to administering the injection to prep the knee.
Most patients mistakenly think that the knee injections add ‘cushioning’ or cartilage to their knee. Unfortunately, this is not the case! IF the injections are successful the theory behind them is that they help lubricate the knee joint. The injections do NOT stimulate cartilage or increase the amount of cartilage in the knee.
Based on my personal experience and the multiple studies I have read (not the ones funded by the pharmaceutical companies, but ones written by a third party) about the injections. I believe that there isn’t any real evidence that proves their effectiveness in the treatment of osteoarthritis knee pain.
On the other hand, I do believe that an individual should leave knee surgery as their very last option, so it’s certainly worth giving gel injections a ‘shot’.
If you suffer from knee pain due to cartilage loss, ‘bone on bone’, or osteoarthritis of the knee and you want to avoid a total knee replacement or you cannot undergo a total knee replacement due to other health problems then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program™ may be the answer to your knee problem. Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program™ is considered a complete treatment plan that combines low-level laser treatments (cold laser treatments, cold laser therapy), and other modalities that promote rehabilitation of the knee. Every patient’s program is different depending on whether they suffer from knee pain due to arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, a Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions. If you live in the Dallas /Fort Worth area call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program or visit http://www.HelpMyKneePain.com
Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!
At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…
Dr. Robert Hanson,D.C. an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers non-surgical cold laser therapy programs for the treatment of shoulder, neck and low back pain. He also offers programs that combine both cold laser therapy and spinal decompression therapy for the treatment of herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves in the low back and neck.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C. practices in Irving, Texas a the DFW Spine & Joint Center,-Your Cold Laser Dallas Doctor for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area Since 2001.”
Source:
1. Brandt KD, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2000; 43: 1192-1203
2. Lo GH, et al. JAMA. 2003; 290: 3115-3121.
3. Karlsson J, et al. Rheumatol. 2002; 41:1240-1248.
4. Archives of Internal Medicine February 11, 2002; 162:292-298.
Do Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Arthritis Knee Pain Really Work?
No! Not according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Researchers found that hyaluronic acid injections (rooster comb injections) given in the knee joint (for instance Hyalgan, Synvisc, Artzal, Suplasyn, BioHy, or Orthovisc) at best, had a small effect in the treatment of knee OA (osteoarthritis) compared with a placebo injection … Approximately 80% of the treatment effect of intra-articular hyaluronic acid was accounted for by the placebo effect of an intra-articular injection.
The study concluded that there was no real evidence to show that hyaluronic acid injections are more effective than placebo injections.
Even though the US Food and Drug Administration approved hyaluronic acid injections for the treatment of arthritis knee pain its effect is still controversial. Unfortunately, the reason that hyaluronic acid injections are controversial is that most of the research studies published about the injections have been funded by the developers of the drug and therefore are considered bias.
The study mentioned above was performed by a third party, and to our knowledge was not funded by a drug company.
If you are suffering from osteoarthritis knee pain then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is considered a complete treatment system that combines low-level laser treatments (cold laser treatments), and other non-invasive modalities that promote rehabilitation of the knee.
Every patient’s program is unique depending on whether they suffer from knee pain due to arthritis, ‘bone on bone’ knee pain, meniscus tears, bursitis knee pain, tendonitis knee pain, a Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions. If you live in the Dallas -Fort Worth area call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.
Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief o visit http://www.helpmykneepain.com
At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…
Dr. Robert Hanson, a Dallas cold laser chiropractor,and an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers various non-surgical programs for the treatment of low back and neck pain. His cold laser programs address neck and back pain from herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Doctor for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area Since 2001.”
Source:
Grace H. Lo, MD; Michael LaValley, PhD; Timothy McAlindon, MD, MPH; David T. Felson, MD, MPH Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. JAMA. 2003;290:3115-3121.
Arthritis Knee Pain Not Helped by Hyaluronic Acid Injections | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Schnee,D.C., Dallas Cold Laser Therapy Doctor shares study about Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections, stating they work just as well as a placebo.
