Treatment Options

Knee Arthritis Program (KnAP)

CareFirst physicians utilize the most advanced combination of treatments for eliminating or reducing your knee pain fast.
A relatively newer method of treating osteoarthritis of the knee involves the injection of a lubricant type gel into the knee, a technique called viscosupplementation. It is safe, effective, and FDA approved. Injections are visually guided by a live motion X-ray unit to ensure minimal discomfort and maximal injection accuracy.

The non-operative, KnAP™program is designed for the patient with knee pain that has been bothersome for some time. This type of pain typically makes you “sore” or “stiff” in the morning, is painful after standing, getting up from a sitting position, and sometimes limits your ability to participate in your normal activities. Medication may help you, but the discomfort returns. Knee pain of this type is difficult to manage and alleviate, but it can be done. This type of pain usually comes from “arthritis” of the knee. Although you cannot get rid of your arthritis, you can get rid of some or all of your pain.

The KnAP™ program at CareFirst has been tailored for these patients. This program is very effective in alleviating or significantly decreasing knee pain that is caused by arthritis. What makes the program so successful is that the joint injection procedures re-lubricate the knee adding the “cushion” needed for weight bearing activities, like standing and walking. For many years CareFirst physicians have used the viscosupplement brand Hyalgan with excellent results for many individuals. We have found that patients have responded to Hyalgan and comfortably get more active, begin an exercise and weight loss program and improve their overall knee function. Many have been able to delay or totally avoid knee replacement surgery. The treatment is well tolerated and involves 5 office visits (spaced one week apart) for the Hyalgan injections. Hyalgan does not interfere with any medications or other treatments you might be receiving.

The KnAP™ Program at CareFirst Medical Associates is a unique, advanced knee arthritis program that maximally enhances the lubricating and shock absorbing effect of Hyalgan injections. In addition, the injections will stimulate the cartilage in the knee to start producing more of the needed fluid, the “cushion.” The injections are combined with Medical Rehabilitation strategically designed for each patient. While your pain is controlled and your knee is re-lubricated by the injections, you are able to move, stretch, and participate in the exercises needed to strengthen and stabilize the knee. This program is specifically designed for decreasing your knee pain, reducing your need for medication, and improving your activity levels so that you can return to an overall better quality of life.