When you hear the word “arthritis,” you might envision an elderly, hip or knee replacement candidate, but arthritis is actually a broad term that defines “joint pain or joint disease” according to the Arthritis Foundation. An increasing percentage of the 50 million Americans with painful joint symptoms are athletes, for whom the “wear and tear” of their high impact activities is catching up, and it’s taking them off the field and onto the couch. When conservative treatments for pain aren’t enough and surgery isn’t an option, are joint injections for athletes the new alternative?
Why Are Athletes Prone to Joint Pain?
Many factors contribute to the onset of joint pain and inflammation, but athletes can expect the added impact of overuse and strain to increase their risk of developing it. Trauma, overuse and previous injury contribute to the “wear and tear” condition of Osteoarthritis (OA), which is the most common form of arthritis, resulting in the breakdown of joint cartilage.
Why Seek Non-Surgical Alternatives?
Why do so many athletes want alternatives to surgery?
- While the pain may be significant enough to limit activities, the joint degeneration may not be severe enough to actually warrant surgery.
- Surgical procedures, including injury repairs and full joint replacements, are expensive and not as effective as were once thought. A Finnish study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that of 146 patients, who received either “real” or “sham” surgery for cartilage tears, there was literally no difference in their evaluations following the procedure. Surgery for most knee issues is likened to “taking antibiotics for the common cold.”
- Recovery from surgery can be a lengthy and painful process, keeping an athlete on the sidelines indefinitely.
- Patients are becoming more educated about medical advances and are more interested in biological treatments that work with the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Helping the Body Heal Itself
In the last decade, new, non-operative therapies called “orthobiologics” have been developed and designed to harness the body’s own healing capacity to heal. Hyaluronic Acid Injections, also referred to as viscosupplementation, have played a great role in treating joint pain, especially for athletes. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial fluid surrounding joints. It acts as a lubricant, enabling bones to move smoothly over each other and as a shock absorber for joint loads.” Using image-guided technology, this gel-like fluid is administered directly into the joint capsule, and the theory is that adding the fluid will facilitate movement and reduce pain. Combined with supportive repair measures, including bracing, orthoses, and physical therapy for strengthening and stability, joint injections for athletes can help temper the further breakdown of cartilage and facilitate a return to play.
Does Knee Pain Have You Sidelined?
Joint injections for athletes are an effective, non-surgical alternative when incorporated with complementary treatments, and can provide more substantial pain relief, better mobility and better long term results. Contact Flexogenix today to learn more about the Knee-Flex 5-Step Protocol, and get back in the game.
