Orthobiologic Treatment Options for Managing Arthritis Pain

If you turn to Google for quick and easy ways to treat arthritis pain, you’ll likely find suggestions like:

1. Protect the joint with a brace or wrap.
2. Rest the joint, avoiding any activities that cause you pain.
3. Ice the joint for about 15 minutes, several times each day.
4. Compress the joint using an elastic wrap.
5. Elevate the joint above the level of your heart.

Or the common “RICE method”: rest, ice, compression and elevation.

All are good treatment options. But sometimes, pain caused by arthritis needs elevated solutions beyond the RICE fix that are still considered non-operative treatment options. Orthobiologic injections fall under this category.

What Are Orthobiologic Injections?

Orthobiologics are innate tissue-derived products that a trained physician may use to aid in pain reduction and function restoration and potentially avoid or delay major procedures. The orthobiologic substances consist of cells, proteins, glycoproteins and other substances that are naturally found in the body.

What Conditions Are Orthobiologics Used to Treat?

There are a variety of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions that orthobiologics are being used to treat, such as mild-to-moderate arthritis. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is made from your own blood. Blood is drawn and then prepared by spinning in a centrifuge where the platelets with proteins with anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects are separated. The platelets are injected back into your arthritic area. This procedure is performed by Forté specialists.

Other Treatment Options for Arthritis

There are several different treatment options for osteoarthritis. Some of the more beneficial treatments can be lifestyle modifications including weight loss, dietary changes and implementing an exercise routine. Physical therapy, topical or oral NSAIDs (naproxen, acetaminophen) and bracing are also often used. There are also other injection options. The most common type of injection is a corticosteroid injection, often referred to as a “cortisone” injection. 

If non-surgical treatment options have failed, learn more about our joint replacement program at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. Orthobiologic treatments have not been authorized by the FDA and are considered experimental by the FDA.

Looking for Relief?

Request an appointment with a Forté orthopedic physician to learn what treatment options are right for you.