It’s no surprise that osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. As fast-paced Americans, we are constantly straining and overusing our bodies to better assimilate our lifestyles. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 26.7 million adult American suffer from osteoarthritis. Currently, patients can receive treatment in the form of medication, therapy, injections, and surgery.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, patients receive incomparable care coupled with numerous treatment plans catered to their specific condition. The team at Southwest Spine and Pain implement effective pain management strategies to return patients back to a mobile lifestyle.
Researchers at Boston University have developed a new joint lubricant that they say is more effective than any other treatment currently used for osteoarthritis patients. The new synthetic polymer synovial fluid could bring longer relief to millions of sufferers.
The product and the researcher’s findings were recently featured in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Professor Mark W. Grinstaff and Dr. Brian Snyder, Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center orthopedic surgeon, put together a team to advance the synthetic synovial fluid.
Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Injection therapy, one of the most utilized therapies, has two types: cortisone shots and lubricating injections. The current synovial supplements only offer patients temporary relief. They do not withstand further breakdown of the cartilage that cushions joints. The research team confronted both of these issues and accomplished that with the unique polymer.
This polymer resembles some properties of natural polysaccharides, which are compounds found in sugar molecules. Since the lubricant is large, it doesn’t seep out of the arthritic joint. This provides long-lasting protection that current injectables can’t do.
Osteoarthritis is most common in the knees, hips, and spine, and will gradually worsen over time if not treated immediately. Southwest Spine and Pain Center continues to follow research and development on current osteoarthritis treatments to better assimilate new and beneficial practices.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2013
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2013