Orange County Arthritis Specialist Sees Better Results with Minimally Invasive Techniques

NEWPORT BEACH, CA, November 06, 2012 (Press-News.org) Arthritis affects over 50 million Americans, according to US Center for Disease Control statistics. Orange County arthritis specialist Dr. Ralph Venuto (http://www.drvenuto.com) is seeing improved outcomes using multifaceted treatment plans for arthritis patients. Encouraging use of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of arthritis, Dr. Venuto believes that while there is not yet a cure for arthritis pain, several proven treatment alternatives are available, including viscosupplementation and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. These treatments can produce exceptional results for patients and reduce their pain.

Arthritis pain sufferers can benefit from multifaceted treatment programs, which will focus on customizing treatment plans for each individual patient. "There are treatment programs that will lessen the physical pain associated with arthritis," says Orange County arthritis specialist Dr. Venuto, adding, "I currently support a multifaceted treatment program for arthritis pain sufferers."

"Proper diagnosis of the patient is a must before beginning any arthritis treatment program," suggests Dr. Venuto, who takes into consideration patient's age, type of occupation, and level of activity before suggesting an effective treatment plan. "Without fully understanding the type of pain being experienced and the likely root causes of the pain, a successful treatment outcome is unlikely," notes Dr. Venuto. He adds, "Unfortunately today, many physicians are quick to offer treatment programs simply involving prescription medication. In most cases I prefer a multifaceted treatment approach."

Lifestyle change recommendations are an important part of multifaceted treatment programs, which might also include introduction of pain relievers, daily supplements, cortisone injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, PRP injections, and/or viscosupplementation. PRP injections help stimulate healing and relieve pain when administered through blood plasma, encouraging growth of new tendons, ligaments, and cartilage and use of cellular regeneration of connective tissue. Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive therapy that helps minimize osteoarthritis pain. The patient is injected with lubrication that they lack in specific joints to help the knee glide smoothly in movement. This lubricating fluid provides the additional cushioning needed to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.

"A non-surgical, personalized, combination approach and use of minimally invasive techniques can help produce a more positive outcome for arthritis sufferers by decreasing the symptoms and slowing down the progression of this disease," adds Dr. Venuto. He performs a thorough evaluation before recommending the most appropriate treatment for his patients.

Dr. Ralph Venuto (http://www.drvenuto.com) is an Orange County arthritis specialist practicing in Newport Beach, California. An Orange County orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Venuto is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and focuses on the treatment of knee and shoulder disorders and arthritis. He was the first surgeon in California to perform a partial knee replacement on an out-patient basis and to perform Carticel Transplant surgery using a patient's healthy cells to repair cartilage defects in the knee. He has been named one of the "Best Doctors in Orange County" in Orange Coast Magazine's "The Doctor's Doctor."