How Often Are Subchondral Injections Recommended for Managing Knee Arthritis?
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Dealing with knee arthritis can be frustrating and discouraging, especially when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief. If you've been exploring minimally invasive options for treating knee arthritis, you may be excited to learn more about subchondral injections. At Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta, led by Atlanta, GA orthopedic specialist Dr. Christopher Williams, our team provides advanced treatments for knee arthritis that don't require surgery.
Subchondral injections can help alleviate knee arthritis pain, restore mobility, and improve overall quality of life. In some cases, patients experience noticeable results after just 1 – 2 injections, though regular knee arthritis injections may be recommended for the most consistent, long-term relief possible. Take a closer look at how often you may need subchondral knee injections below.
What causes knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis develops when the cartilage in the knee joint begins to wear down, causing pain, swelling, and limited movement. While aging is a significant risk factor for knee arthritis, several other variables can contribute to arthritis in the knee, including:
- Injury
- Torn ligaments
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Overuse
- Repetitive movements
The most common type of arthritis affecting the knee is osteoarthritis, but other forms, like rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to joint degeneration. Understanding the root cause of your knee arthritis is the first step in determining the most appropriate and effective course of treatment possible. For many patients, subchondral knee injections for arthritis can be a convenient and even life-changing solution.
How do injections work for knee arthritis?
Subchondral injections are a targeted therapy designed to deliver healing substances directly into the subchondral bone, which refers to the layer of bone directly beneath the cartilage. This area is rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, making it an ideal site for pain relief and promoting healing. Dr. Williams may recommend regenerative medicine products like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in subchondral injections to help reduce inflammation, encourage tissue repair, and improve overall joint health.
What are the reasons to get injections vs. surgery for knee arthritis
Subchondral injections offer multiple benefits for patients suffering from knee arthritis. Compared with oral medications, surgery, and other treatment options, knee arthritis injections may offer:
- More immediate pain relief
- Improved mobility
- Faster recovery
- Reduced inflammation
- Minimally invasive option
Because injection therapy for arthritis focuses on healing the underlying cause of joint pain rather than just masking symptoms, it often provides longer-lasting relief than traditional treatments.
How often do you need to get injections for knee arthritis?
The frequency of subchondral injections depends on several factors, including the severity of your knee arthritis and how well your body responds to treatment. Many patients experience significant relief after just 1 – 2 injections, but ongoing treatment may be necessary for long-term management. Dr. Williams will tailor your injection schedule to align with your individual needs, potentially recommending injections every few months based on your progress and symptom relief. Regular follow-ups will also allow us to monitor your condition and make adjustments as needed.
Do knee arthritis injections really work?
When compared to other treatment options for knee arthritis, subchondral injections are often preferred for their ability to promote healing at the source. Traditional treatments like medications and physical therapy primarily focus on symptom management. Corticosteroid injections, for instance, provide temporary pain relief but don't address the underlying damage.
Surgery may be a more lasting solution, but it comes with longer recovery times and higher risks. Subchondral injections bridge the gap by offering a minimally invasive alternative to knee surgery that not only provides pain relief but also helps restore function and improve joint health. Still, Dr. Williams understands that everyone's symptoms, conditions, and preferences are unique, and he will work closely with you to develop a knee arthritis treatment plan that is personalized to help you achieve your goals.
Improve your mobility and relieve knee arthritis pain with subchondral injections in Atlanta, GA
If knee arthritis is affecting your quality of life, subchondral injections at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta may be the answer you've been searching for. Not only that, but many patients enjoy lasting relief even with months between treatments. Take the first step toward regaining your mobility and comfort by calling our friendly team to schedule your Atlanta, GA knee arthritis treatment consultation with Dr. Christopher Williams today.