Treating Osteoarthritis for Primary Care Providers 2
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility in the affected joints. One of the most common types of osteoarthritis is osteoarthritis of the knee, which affects a significant portion of the aging population. In this blog, we will discuss the prevalence of osteoarthritis of the knee and the opportunity for primary care doctors to treat it with viscosupplementation.
Prevalence of Osteoarthritis of the Knee:
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a major public health issue that affects a large proportion of the population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 32 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis, with the knee being one of the most commonly affected joints. It is estimated that 10% of men and 13% of women aged 60 years and above have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis increases with age, with women being more commonly affected than men. The risk factors for developing knee osteoarthritis include obesity, prior joint injury, age, and genetic predisposition.
Opportunity for Primary Care Doctors to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis with Viscosupplementation:
Primary care doctors are often the first point of contact for patients with knee osteoarthritis. They can play a crucial role in managing the condition by providing a timely and accurate diagnosis, educating patients about the condition, and offering appropriate treatment options.
One of the treatment options that primary care doctors can offer for knee osteoarthritis is viscosupplementation. Viscosupplementation involves the injection of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the joint fluid, into the knee joint. This helps to lubricate and cushion the joint, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Viscosupplementation has been shown to be an effective treatment option for knee osteoarthritis, with multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrating its efficacy in reducing pain and improving function. It is a relatively safe procedure, with few adverse effects.
Primary care doctors can perform viscosupplementation in the clinic setting, making it a convenient and accessible treatment option for patients. They can also provide ongoing follow-up care to monitor the patient's response to treatment and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Conclusion:
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Primary care doctors have an opportunity to play a crucial role in managing the condition by offering effective treatment options such as viscosupplementation. By providing timely and appropriate care, primary care doctors can help improve the quality of life of their patients with knee osteoarthritis.
About our osteoarthritis protocol
The Advanced Arthritis Relief Protocol was designed for providers to treat and reverse OA symptoms in-house, avoiding referrals to orthopedic surgeons, and adding a new stream of revenue to their practice.
Contact Shephard Group Healthcare Partners to learn more, infor@sghealthcarepartners.com
