Services | Orthopedics and Pain Medicine Physician located in Edison, Clifton, Hazlet, Jersey City and West Orange, NJ | Garden State Pain & Orthopedics

What types of injections are used to relieve knee pain?

The doctors at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics use several types of injections to give you long-lasting relief from knee pain. Two injections that benefit many patients include:

SYNVISC injections

SYNVISC is a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid that works as a lubricant and shock absorber when it’s injected into your knee. It’s used to alleviate pain and improve knee movement in people with osteoarthritis who haven’t achieved pain relief with other treatments.

Steroid injections

Steroid injections are guided by ultrasound to ensure the needle is in the proper location. The medication alleviates pain by reducing inflammation and swelling, an improvement you’ll feel in about 24-48 hours. Most people continue to have significantly diminished pain for six to 12 weeks.

How can nerve signals be blocked to stop knee pain?

Some interventional procedures work by stopping nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. Two examples of this type of knee pain treatment are:

Genicular injections and ablation

A genicular injection contains a local anesthetic that’s used to test whether you’re a good candidate for genicular ablation. Using X-ray guidance for accurate needle placement, the anesthetic is placed on genicular nerves surrounding your knee.  

If the injection effectively relieves your pain, then you’re a good candidate for genicular radiofrequency ablation. In this procedure, the same nerves that were injected are cauterized using radiofrequency heat. This interrupts nerve signals and diminishes your pain for about 12-18 months.

DRG spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation uses a medical device placed under your skin to send mild electrical current to nerves. This interrupts pain signals so you feel less pain.

DRG spinal cord stimulation follows the same process, but the electrical stimulation specifically targets the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which is a cluster of nerve cells. Pain signals must travel through the DRG on their way to the brain. Since each vertebra has a DRG, this therapy is more targeted than general spinal cord stimulation.

When should you consider knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and restore normal function to the knee joint.

During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged surfaces of the knee joint, including the cartilage and bone, and replaces them with the artificial joint components. The artificial joint is designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee joint, allowing for improved range of motion and stability.

Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe arthritis or other conditions that cause chronic knee pain and limited mobility. The surgery can significantly improve quality of life for these patients, allowing them to return to normal activities with less pain and greater mobility. However, like any surgical procedure, knee replacement surgery does carry some risks, and patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks with their doctor before deciding whether to undergo the procedure.

Sign you’ll benefit from a knee replacement 

There are several signs that may indicate that you need knee replacement surgery. These can include:

• Persistent knee pain: If you have persistent knee pain that doesn't respond to other treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, this could be a sign that your knee joint is severely damaged and may require replacement surgery.
• Limited mobility: If you find that your knee pain is limiting your ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair, this could be another sign that you need knee replacement surgery.
• Stiffness and swelling: If your knee joint feels stiff and swollen, and you have difficulty moving it through its full range of motion, this could be a sign that the joint is severely damaged and may require replacement surgery.
• Reduced quality of life: If your knee pain is significantly affecting your quality of life, and you are unable to enjoy activities that you once did, this may be a sign that knee replacement surgery could improve your condition.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to talk to your doctor, who can evaluate your condition and help you determine if knee replacement surgery is the right treatment option for you. At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics our Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Deepan Patel specialized in knee, hip, and shoulder replacement surgeries. Select “Book Now” to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Patel.

How long is the recovery for knee replacement surgery?

The recovery time for knee replacement surgery can vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient's overall health, age, and the extent of the surgery. However, most patients can expect to spend several weeks to several months in recovery.

Typically during the first few days after surgery patients will typically stay in the hospital to receive pain medication and begin physical therapy. They will be encouraged to start moving their knees as soon as possible, with the help of a physical therapist. That is not the case for our knee replacement surgeries at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics. Our patients are out of bed and walking the same day as surgery. Patients are out of our surgical center and back home by dinner. 

After leaving the surgical center patients continue with physical therapy at home and with a trusted physical therapist . Physical therapy is extremely important and will involve exercises to improve strength and range of motion.Most patients are able to return to light activities, such as walking and driving, within a few weeks of surgery. However, it can take several months to fully recover and return to more strenuous activities, such as sports or heavy lifting.

Overall, the recovery time for knee replacement surgery can be significant, but most patients are able to regain mobility and enjoy a better quality of life after the procedure. It is important for patients to follow their doctor's instructions and stay committed to their rehabilitation plan in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

Knee Pain from ACL Tears

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the major ligaments in the knee. It is a tough band of tissue that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint. The ACL helps control the back-and-forth movement of the knee and provides stability during activities like running, jumping, and changing direction.

Why are ACL tears common amongst athletes? 

ACL tears commonly occur during sports activities due to a combination of factors including:

• Sudden Stops and Changes in Direction: Sports that involve abrupt stops, rapid changes in direction, or pivoting movements put significant stress on the knee joint. These actions can strain or twist the knee, leading to an ACL tear.
• Jumping and Landing: Jumping and landing, especially with poor technique, can cause excessive force on the knee. Awkward landings or incorrect positioning of the leg upon landing may result in ACL injuries.
• Contact Sports: In sports where there is a risk of collision or direct impact to the knee, such as football or soccer, there is an increased likelihood of ACL injuries due to external forces applied to the joint.
• Muscle Imbalances and Weakness: Weakness or imbalances in the muscles surrounding the knee can contribute to ACL injuries. Proper strength and conditioning, especially in the quadriceps and hamstrings, are crucial for stabilizing the knee.
• Biomechanical Factors: Individual factors, including anatomical variations, joint laxity, and alignment issues, can influence the risk of ACL injuries.
• Gender Differences: Studies have shown that females are more susceptible to ACL injuries than males. This is attributed to differences in anatomy, hormonal factors, and neuromuscular control.

It's important for athletes to engage in proper training, conditioning, and injury prevention programs to minimize the risk of ACL injuries. Additionally, education on proper techniques and awareness of body mechanics can contribute to injury reduction during sports activities.

How long does it take to recover from an acl injury? 

The recovery time for an ACL tear can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the individual's overall health, the chosen treatment approach, and the extent of rehabilitation. In general, ACL tear recovery involves multiple stages:

1. Immediate Post-Injury Period: During the first few days after the injury, the focus is on reducing swelling and inflammation. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are commonly recommended.
2. Pre-Surgery Rehabilitation: If surgery is chosen as the treatment option, pre-operative rehabilitation is often conducted to improve range of motion, reduce swelling, and strengthen the surrounding muscles.
3. Surgery (if applicable): ACL reconstruction surgery may be recommended, particularly for athletes and individuals with severe injuries. The surgery is typically followed by a recovery period.
4. Post-Surgery Rehabilitation (4-6 months): Rehabilitation after ACL surgery involves a structured program to regain strength, stability, and range of motion. Physical therapy sessions are crucial during this phase.
5. Return to Sport or Normal Activities (6-12 months or more): The timeline for returning to sports or normal activities varies. Athletes may require a longer recovery period, often around 6-12 months or more, before safely returning to competitive sports. Modern innovation with remedies such as PRP-Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma), stem cell therapy, and other regenerative medicine have shown to increase recovery speed. 

It's important to note that not all ACL tears require surgery, and some individuals may opt for non-surgical approaches, especially if the tear is partial or the individual's lifestyle doesn't demand a high level of knee stability.

Recovery is highly individual, and factors such as compliance with rehabilitation exercises, overall health, and the extent of the injury influence the timeline. It's crucial for individuals to work closely with healthcare professionals, including orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists, to create a personalized rehabilitation plan and monitor progress throughout the recovery process.

How does platelet-rich plasma alleviate knee pain?

Platelets are found in your blood, where they help stop bleeding. They also contain growth factors that stimulate cell growth and promote healing. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is blood plasma that contains a higher concentration of platelets.

The doctors at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics use ultrasound to guide PRP injections. Once PRP is in your knee, the platelets do what they’re supposed to do -- they speed up healing and trigger the growth of new cells to replace damaged tissues. PRP is used to treat knee problems such as osteoarthritis and tendon, ligament, and meniscal injuries.

How can Garden State Pain and Orthopedics help? 

Garden State Pain and Orthopedics is a group of Orthopedic and Pain Management Physicians located in Clifton, Edison, Hazlet, West Orange, and Jersey City who have provided the highest quality healthcare since 1994. Garden State Pain & Orthopedics is on the cutting edge of technology in pain medicine with expertise across diverse pain conditions and treatment modalities, including interventional pain techniques, minimally-invasive surgeries, medical management, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and behavioral therapy. You can schedule an appointment with their pain doctors by selecting the “Book Now” button. 

Locations:

Clifton

Address: 1117 Route 46 East, Suite 301, Clifton, NJ 07013

Phone: 973-777-5444

Edison

Address: 25 South Main Street, Suite 12, Edison, NJ 08837

Phone: 732-376-0330

Jersey City

Address: 631 Grand Street, Suite 2-100, Jersey City, NJ 07304

Phone: 973-777-5444

West Orange

Address: 443 Northfield Ave West Orange, NJ 07052

Phone: 732-376-0330

Hazlet

Address: 226 Middle Road, Suite 4, Hazlet, NJ 07730 

Phone: 732-376-0330