FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Osteoarthritis?

Also known as Dejenerative Joint Disease, osteoarthritis can affect the young and the aged alike. The joints' cartilagenous degradation can have several sources but the result is the same. Limited range of mobility and even stiffness.

Does my insurance cover my medical costs for this kind of treatment?

Most major insurance carriers as well as Medicare cover these treatments. We are more than able to act as an intermediary for your carrier and determine the extent of your coverage.

How does this treatment differ from traditional surgical techniques?

Surgical solutions usually employ a kind of deep incision into the joint and the introduction of a prosthetic device in place of the damaged joint. We guide a hypodermic needle by X-ray directly to the spot where your joint needs an infusion of hyaluronic acid to aid in lubricating the cartilage and avoid further damage to your joint.

What kind of recovery time can be expected with Hyaluronic Acid injections?

Compared to the three months to a year of recovery time with traditional surgical options, Hyaluronic acid injections could begin to cause relief within 2 to 4 weeks. The time for treatments to be fully effective are six to eight weeks.

Which joints can this treatment help improve?

Primarily, this kind of treatment is most beneficial to the knee joint. Hyaluronic Acid injections have also been used on the hip joint.

How does Hyaluronic Acid compare to Corticosteroids employed in the same way?

Multiple steroid injections may have the effect of weakening joint tissue whereas Hyaluronic Acid injections can be repeated without bad effects. In fact the palliative effects of HA have longer lasting effects than corticosteroids.

How is it that Osteoarthritis can be confirmed as a diagnosis?

A doctor will usually look at one's medical history and make a determination after employing an MRI or X-ray to visually inspect the damage. Blood tests are then used to rule out the possibility of another source for your joint pain.

What are the treatments for Osteoarthritis?

Aside from the injections, we employ therapeutic sessions that help to spread the application of the gel-like Hyaluronic Acid. These therapies are designed according to each patient's individual needs. We also encourage our patients to employ a vitamin regimen and hot soaks when ever possible. Most importantly, be aware of pain and ease off overly strenuous activity.