Radio
Alternate Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Source: NBN/CP RadioWire
Jan 10, 2005, 11:26

Recent reports about prescription anti-inflammatory medications have left many people uncertain.  If you or someone you know is among the ten million Americans with osteoarthritis of the knee, we have some news for you about a non-drug treatment that�s safe and effective.

�You know just walking a block or two can really cause a throbbing pain in my knees.�

He has osteoarthritis, a common condition for people over age 45.  Protective fluid becomes altered in the knee joint, and in severe cases, the bones grind together.  The pain can be excruciating.  But while prescription osteoarthritis medications are available, some people have stopped taking them.  Doctor David Neustadt is a rheumatologist and clinical professor of medicine at the University of Louisville.  He says Orthovisc(R) should be considered for patients who don�t get adequate relief from medications like acetaminophen or from exercise and physical therapy:   

�Non-drug treatments, such as a product called Orthovisc(R), have been approved by the F-D-A.  They�re useful additions to the medical treatment of knee osteoarthritis.  When Orthovisc(R) is injected into the knee, it may relieve pain and help restore normal lubrication of the knee joint.�

The treatment consists of three or four injections in a doctor�s office and it�s proven to help relieve knee pain.

Fair balance: Orthovisc(R) is used to relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis (o-a) in patients who do not get relief from simple pain relievers and physical therapy/exercise. Orthovisc(R) is proven safe and effective.  In studies the most commonly reported adverse events were joint pain, back pain and headache. Other side effects included temporary pain at the injection site.  Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to products from birds, such as eggs, poultry or feathers.  Orthovisc(R) should not be injected in patients with infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site or joint.  Ask your healthcare provider if Orthovisc(R) is right for you.  Please see enclosed/accompanying Orthovisc package insert/brief summary.