The cause of knee pain varies from person to person. Knee pain may be the result of an injury such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, gout and infections may cause knee pain. Mechanical problems such as a dislocated knee cap or being overweight can also result in knee pain.
Symptoms
- Swelling and stiffness
- Redness and warmth to the touch
- Weakness or instability
- Popping or crunching noises
- Inability to fully straighten the knee
- Inability to bear weight on the knee
Treatment
Minor knee pain can easily be treated with physical therapy, pain killers and knee braces. However, in some cases, you may require surgical repair or help from a Pain Specialist to alleviate pain.
The Visco supplement (Synovial fluid replacement)
At our Pain Clinic, we use a specialised gel-like mixture called Visco supplement (Synovial fluid replacement). The mixture is injected into your knee to provide relief from pain. The supplement is made up of Hylan A fluid, Hylan B gel and saltwater. Hylan A and Hylan B are made from a substance called hyaluronan. Hyaluronan is a natural substance found in very high amounts inside the joints. The body's own hyaluronan acts like a lubricant and a shock absorber in the joint. Hyaluronan is needed in the body for the joint to work properly.
The supplement is mainly used for the treatment of pain derived from osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. It is most effective with patients who failed to respond adequately to conservative non-pharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics.