Knee disorders, of any type, can lead to significant impairment and reduced quality of life in the patient. For individuals who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, the complication can lead to extreme pain and decreased mobility, ultimately resulting in the development of secondary health complications such as depression.

Characterized by the marked deterioration of the articular cartilage and associated osteophytes. As these deteriorations occur, the synovial fluid and synovial sac become inflamed, leading to the deterioration of the supporting structures around the knee. With these complex conditions, the symptoms range from inflammation, pain and swelling.

If you are suffering from significant knee pain, which may be associated with osteoarthritis, you may find your doctor's conservative treatment option will include physical therapy and the use of anti-inflammatory. However, if the use of oral NSAIDs is recommended, you may be placing your long term health at risk based on the associated renal failure that is a common risk associated with long term oral NSAID use.

As a feasible option in your treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, you may want to ask your orthopedic specialist about the use of the NSAID injection known as tenoxicam. As an intra-articular injection, tenoxicam not only improves the inflammation of your knee but also works to protect the ligament and respective tissue from further deterioration.

While physical therapy and exercise may provide the same benefit as tenoxicam, it is believed that exercise can take as long as six months to reach the level of relief and protection that tenoxicam provides in one or two intra-articular joint injections. Unfortunately, the disadvantage to using tenoxicam lies in the significant amount of tenderness you may experience, temporarily, at the injection site.

While tenoxicam is also provided as an oral NSAID, it is the intra-articular joint injection that provides superior relief of knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. In addition, if you are undergoing arthroscopic surgery, your physician may find the use of the tenoxicam intra-articular joint injection is therapeutic for use at that time as well.

As with any orthopedic complication, it is important to seek medical attention early when the complications begin. In the case of knee pain, it is not uncommon for osteoarthritis to develop as the aging process continues. When considering treatment options, if you are concerned about the long term use of oral NSAIDs, ask your orthopedic specialist about the variety of intra-articular joint injections available, especially the use of tenoxicam.

While some joint tenderness is expected, the use of tenoxicam may provide the improvement and protection your knee requires, in as little as one to two injections.