Joint Lubrication for Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent reasons for foot pain. When the smooth cartilage of the joint wears, pain in the joint is usually the end result. Treatment of arthritis is concentrated on making an effort to alleviate pain while trying to keep treatment methods as easy as possible. The non-operative treatments of arthritis are centered on the minimization of pain, predominantly with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, activity adjustments, ambulatory aids, and cortisone shots.

However, these solutions might not be enough for eliminating the pain in all people. When non-surgical treatments fail to deliver sufficient pain relief, a surgery might be needed. Knowing when the timing is best to have surgery can be a complicated choice to make. Joint lubrication injections are a treatment that is aimed at relieving the symptoms of arthritis and postpone the need for surgery.

Benefits of Joint Lubrication

  • Simple in-office procedure
  • Instant pain relief
  • Not a painful procedure, requires only an injection
  • Fast, non-invasive
  • Can resume high-impact activity in 1-2 days

Lubricating the painful joint allow for instant return to normal activity levels, unlike surgery which requires several weeks of recovery and often extended time off work.

What is used to lubricate the joints

Hyaluronic acid, a lubricant applied to manage knee arthritis, can also contribute to managing arthritis of the foot and ankle. This compound is present naturally in a large number of tissues of the body for example, cartilage, skin and the vitreous humor of the eye.

About Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid, the name of the solution in viscosupplement injections, appears in natural joint fluid and is responsible for the lubricating characteristics of natural joint fluid. The lubricating benefits of joint fluid enable the cartilage surfaces of joints to slide on top of one another in an effortless manner. Hyaluronic acid has likewise been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory qualities and may help shield remaining cartilage in the joint.

Ready to See if Joint Lubrication is Right for You?

Dr. Titko has more than 20 years of medical and surgical experience treating foot and ankle conditions. Call today and see why The Center for Foot Care is the leader in foot care in Cincinnati!