top of page
Search

Why Treating the Whole Joint Matters: A Comprehensive Approach to Knee Pain

cassis101



Dr. Deborah Westergaard


When it comes to knee pain, not all treatments are created equal. Many patients seek out regenerative medicine hoping for a non-surgical solution, but the results often depend on the quality and thoroughness of the treatment. A story from a recent patient highlights why treating the whole joint—and its supporting structures—is crucial for achieving lasting results.


The Problem: Cutting Corners in Knee Treatment


An older patient recently came to me, eager to avoid knee replacement surgery. She had already undergone PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections in both knees with another doctor.


Curious about her experience, I asked her to describe the treatment. She explained that the doctor had:

• Used only 40 ml of blood to prepare PRP for both knees, despite her age and need for higher concentrations.

• Injected solely into the joint space without addressing other damaged or inflamed structures.

• Skipped reviewing her MRI or conducting additional diagnostics, like ultrasound stress tests for ligament laxity.


When I reviewed her MRI, it was clear there was more going on:

• A partially torn ACL.

• Tears in both medial and lateral menisci.

• Symptomatic Popliteus tendon tears.

This incomplete treatment approach left significant issues unaddressed, likely limiting her results.


The Solution: Comprehensive Joint Care


In my practice, I take a very different approach. Treating the entire joint complex—not just the joint space—is critical to maximizing outcomes. Here’s what I would have done differently:

1. Review the MRI: An MRI is a roadmap. By identifying all structural damage, I can develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy and based on her symptoms.

2. Target All Key Structures: Using both fluoroscopy and ultrasound, I would have injected PRP into:

• The joint space.

• The partially torn ACL (under fluoroscopic guidance).

• The medial and lateral menisci.

• Politeus tendon tears and any other areas showing symptomatic damage or laxity.

3. Adequate PRP Volume and Concentration: For a healthy but older patient, I would draw more blood to prepare a higher concentration of PRP, ensuring the treatment is as effective as possible.

4. Orthoshockwave Therapy: To complement the PRP, I would have started a 6-week course of radial and focused shockwave therapy to further stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.


Comprehensive treatment takes time—often over an hour for both knees—but addressing all contributing factors provides a much better chance of meaningful pain relief and improved joint function.


What This Means for Patients


If you’ve been told that knee replacement is your only option, or if you’ve tried treatments that haven’t worked, consider this: treating the whole joint—not just the joint space—can make all the difference.


Comprehensive care:

• Addresses all sources of pain and dysfunction, including ligaments, tendons, bone and cartilage.

• Provides a more thorough and personalized approach, tailored to your specific needs.

• May help you delay or avoid surgery altogether.


What This Means for Doctors


For physicians, this story serves as a reminder that regenerative medicine is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Comprehensive diagnostics, precision-guided injections, and advanced treatments like orthoshockwave are essential to achieving the best outcomes for patients. Offering thorough, individualized care not only improves results but also builds trust and strengthens your reputation.


Let's Create a Personalized Treatment Plan


At Pain Experts, we specialize in comprehensive regenerative medicine treatments that go beyond the basics. Whether you’re seeking to avoid surgery, address persistent pain, or improve your quality of life, we’re here to help.


Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan designed to treat your entire joint complex—not just the symptoms. It’s time to invest in your health and rediscover what it feels like to move with confidence.



20 views0 comments

Comments


               Deborah Westergaard, MD

Pain Experts

9301 N Central EXPY STE 115 Dallas TX 75231

4708 Dexter Dr STE 300 Plano, TX 75093

Phone 214 750-6200

Fax 214 750-6203

Subscribe Form

Thanks for submitting!

©2023 by Pain Experts. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page