Dr. Allegra spends time talking with each patient at his office in Hazlet, New Jersey to understand their unique condition. As an orthopedic physician for over 25 years, Dr. Allegra is an expert at diagnosing pain and prescribing the most appropriate non-surgical interventions before surgery is recommended.

Non-surgical treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, orthotics, cortisone injections and hyaluronic acid injections to relieve their patients’ joint pain and stiffness.

Cortisone (corticosteroid) is a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone that is injected directly into the affected area to decrease joint swelling which, as a result, increases mobility and function. Many of Dr. Allegra’s Monmouth County patients choose to receive cortisone injections because of the treatment’s rapid inflammation relief, dependability, and minimal side effects.

Dr. Allegra also provides a treatment option called viscosupplementation. In this procedure, a thick fluid called hyaluronic acid is injected into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial (joint) fluid. It acts as a lubricant to enable bones to move smoothly over each other and as a shock absorber for joint loads.

Viscosupplementation is a popular therapeutic option for many individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee. Viscosupplementation has been shown to relieve pain in many patients who have not responded to other nonsurgical methods. The technique was first used in Europe and Asia, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997.

These and other non-surgical treatments for arthritis conveniently available at Dr. Allegra’s Hazlet, NJ office can provide significant relief from pain and discomfort. Oral medications may be prescribed to reduce discomfort and swelling. Glucosamine and chondroitin are supplements that can decrease the symptoms of arthritis.