Combining Steroid Supplement Injections And Sodium Hyaluronate To Relieve Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
Knee pain can be debilitating, affecting everyday activities such as walking and sitting down. Knee pain from sports injuries can improve, but osteoarthritis pain has no cure. While many treatments are available to ease the pain, some patients may benefit more from combining steroid supplement injections with sodium hyaluronate to relieve their knee pain. Here's a closer look at how this combination works to fight osteoarthritis.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis in older adults. It is the result of a lifetime of wear and tear on the cartilage in a joint, a 'pad' that covers the ends of bones inside joints, allowing them to move smoothly. Knees are commonly affected by osteoarthritis. The symptoms can range from mild swelling to immobilizing pain.
What Are Steroid Injections?
Steroid supplement injections are shots of corticosteroids (a type of steroid hormone) directly into the knee joint for the treatment of inflammation. Corticosteroids act quickly to reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint, providing fast relief from pain. However, one downside is that the effects of steroid injections typically only last for a few weeks or months before needing to be repeated.
What Is Sodium Hyaluronate?
Sodium hyaluronate is a naturally-occurring substance found in the human body that helps keep joints lubricated by providing cushioning between bones. It also helps with tissue repair and regeneration. When injected into an affected joint, it can reduce friction and improve mobility, which, in turn, relieves the pain. The effects of sodium hyaluronate injections can last for several months or longer before needing another injection.
How Does Combining Treatments Net Better Results?
When combined, however, steroid supplements and sodium hyaluronate injections can provide even better results than either treatment alone for knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Steroid supplement injections work quickly to reduce inflammation and swelling in the joint, while sodium hyaluronate provides long-term lubrication and cushioning between bones and helps with tissue repair and regeneration over time.
The National Institutes of Health reports that using a combination can be more effective for both short- and long-term pain reduction. It ensures that the osteoarthritis knee pain is effectively treated so you can get back to your daily activities quickly and comfortably.
Combining steroid supplement injections with sodium hyaluronate is an effective way to treat chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis. For patients suffering from chronic knee pain, this combination therapy could help them get back on their feet faster. For more information on sodium hyaluronate, contact a doctor near you.
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