Our organs are like machines; as they are used continuously, they inevitably wear out, become stiff, or get damaged, requiring care and maintenance, not to mention age-related degeneration. Therefore, we must regularly observe, check, and repair them.
“Knees” are one of the organs that gradually degenerate and wear down, especially as we age. We need to take care of them to ensure they last long without stiffness, obstruction, or pain. Normally, the lubricating fluid in the knee joint decreases in production and deteriorates with age and time. “Knee joint fluid injection” to treat “osteoarthritis” is therefore a good option to support and slow down the progression of knee joint degeneration.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage on the surface of the knee joint slowly wears down and degenerates, commonly found in the elderly. The lubricating fluid in the knee joint, which helps reduce friction, also deteriorates, causing the surfaces between the joints to become uneven. When moving the knee, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, difficulty moving the knee, and inability to bear weight on the knee as before.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
When a patient has osteoarthritis, the following symptoms can be observed:
- Pain when moving, such as walking, standing up, or sitting down, with pain felt in the knee joint.
- Stiffness in the knee, unable to fully bend or straighten the leg, causing difficulty in movement.
- Clicking sounds in the knee when straightening, bending, or moving the leg.
- Some patients may have swollen knees or bowed, deformed knees.
Get to know… knee joint fluid or artificial joint fluid first
Normally, the knee joint contains lubricating fluid mainly composed of Hyaluronic Acid , which is thick, viscous, and clear. It functions to lubricate the joint surfaces and reduce impact, allowing us to walk or run smoothly without painful friction. However, in osteoarthritis, the body produces less joint fluid, making the knee less able to absorb shocks as before. This results in pain and stiffness in the knee, known as ‘osteoarthritis.’
The popular early-stage treatment for osteoarthritis is “knee joint fluid injection” to increase flexibility, enhance the function and use of the knee joint, and help slow down excessive wear and tear.
What are the benefits of “artificial joint fluid” or “knee joint fluid”?
“Knee joint fluid” or “artificial joint fluid” has properties similar to the natural joint fluid produced by the body, so there is very little chance of allergic reactions or rejection. Due to its thick and viscous nature, it supports friction and absorbs shocks well, reducing inflammation and irritation. It also contains substances that stimulate the joint lining to produce joint fluid more effectively.
Benefits of “knee joint fluid injection”
“Knee joint fluid injection” is another option for patients with osteoarthritis that helps relieve the pain and suffering experienced during movement.
- Reduces pain and inflammation in the knee joint.
- Helps lubricate and reduce impact on the knee joint, preventing stiffness and allowing easier movement.
- Stimulates the joint lining to resume normal production of joint fluid for a period of time.
Who should receive “knee joint fluid injection”?
Not all osteoarthritis patients are suitable for knee joint fluid injections. Specialists will carefully evaluate symptoms and disease severity. Generally, it is suitable for:
- Patients with early to moderate osteoarthritis.
- Patients who do not respond to medication and show no improvement with physical therapy.
- Patients with mild symptoms not requiring surgery, or those with severe symptoms who cannot undergo knee surgery due to health or other issues.
Simply by consulting a specialist for diagnosis and advice, patients will receive the correct treatment plan and timely care, which helps reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Dr. Kobsak Udomdej
Orthopedic and Joint Surgery Specialist
Muscle, Bone, and Joint Center Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
