If you’re living with persistent knee pain or gradual loss of normal flexibility and range of motion in the knee, you may be asking yourself: where can I find a knee doctor near me? At iO-Core™ clinics, we perform a forward-thinking, innovative treatment that targets joint pain at its source.
Our goal is to regenerate, preserve, and restore function to your existing knee joint without major surgery or joint replacement surgery. Keep reading to learn more about our treatment and see if it’s right for you.
What Knee Conditions Does Our Clinic Treat?
We treat several degenerative conditions that damage the knee joint and its connective structures (cartilage, bone, and soft tissues).
- Arthritis. Arthritis is a broad term to describe joint pain or joint disease. There are over 100 specific types of arthritis, with the two most common forms being osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Arthritis affects over 50 million adults in the United States. Common signs and symptoms of knee arthritis include knee pain, stiffness (especially early in the morning), swelling, and decreased flexibility in the knee. As arthritis progresses, it can cause chronic pain and permanent joint damage.
- Joint pain. Joint pain can affect any part of the joint: bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, joint fluid or joint lining. Common causes of knee pain include a knee injury, overuse, wear and tear over time, or an underlying medical condition (like arthritis). Pain that lasts for longer than three months is classified as chronic pain.
- Bone marrow lesions. Bone marrow lesions are areas of unhealthy, damaged bone that develop on subchondral bone — the layer of bone directly underneath cartilage in a joint. Bone marrow lesions are most commonly caused by structural changes due to arthritis.
- Chondral defects. Chondral defects are areas of articular cartilage damage in the knee joint. Cartilage defects can occur from natural wear and tear over time, repetitive movements, or a knee injury.
- Osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis is a disease that causes bone tissue damage and eventual death due to inadequate blood supply. It commonly occurs at the site of a traumatic injury (like a fracture or dislocation) that causes blood vessel damage. It can also develop from long-term use of some medications, like corticosteroids or bisphosphonates.
Consider contacting our clinic if you’re experiencing the following symptoms related to your knee condition: ongoing and significant joint pain, joint pain with movement, loss of flexibility and range of motion, inability to bear full weight on the knee, difficulty moving or performing daily activities, or a loss in quality of life due to knee pain and symptoms.
What Is the iO-Core™ Procedure?
The iO-Core™ procedure is a forward-thinking treatment that can treat joint pain and damage caused by arthritis or another knee condition. While traditional knee treatments focus on symptom reduction, iO-Core™ uses a combination of orthopedic techniques and biologics to address the root cause of pain and prevent further damage.
The iO-Core™ procedure is designed to create the optimum healing environment for joint, underlying bone, and cartilage damage caused by arthritis or trauma. New research is proving that undiagnosed bone marrow lesions and osteonecrosis — areas of unhealthy, dying bone — are a primary source of joint pain, accelerated cartilage degradation, and accelerated joint degeneration. Left undiagnosed and untreated, these lesions often leave patients in so much pain that joint replacement surgery feels like the only option.
The iO-Core™ procedure specifically addresses underlying bone damage. During the procedure:
- A bone graft is inserted into an area of damaged bone to provide structural support and promote healthy bone regrowth
- Core decompression is performed to relieve built-up pressure caused by bone marrow lesions
- Rich bone marrow aspirate with growth factors, stem cells and progenitor cells is injected into the joint to promote revascularization and repair
The iO-Core™ procedure is showing impressive results for reducing pain, improving mobility and preventing further damage for patients with significant joint degeneration. The procedure is minimally invasive and doesn’t require any hardware or implants. There’s minimal downtime following surgery, and many patients experience pain relief within one week of treatment.
The iO-Core™ procedure is performed by one of our board-certified physicians. All of our doctors have been trained in the treatment technique.
Find Out if iO-Core™ Is the Right Treatment for You
If you’ve been told you need knee replacement surgery, contact us today to find out if you qualify for the iO-Core™ procedure. Call 866-978-1715 or fill out an online form.