Viscosupplementation Injections

What is Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is a procedure where your Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates provider injects lubricating fluids into your joint to supplement the existing fluids necessary for proper joint functionality.

This type of treatment is most common in treating knee joint problems, such as osteoarthritis.

Why Do I Need Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is designed to increase the necessary fluid in your joints for optimal functionality. When you have an existing condition, like osteoarthritis, you have less hyaluronic acid in your fluid than is found in a healthy joint.

Less acid means more friction during movement, which can cause persistent pain and faster deterioration of your joint bones.

You may benefit from viscosupplementation if your knee pain is chronic and prevents you from functioning properly. Treatment can significantly reduce your pain and may even slow down the progression of osteoarthritis in the joint.

Additionally, viscosupplementation can enhance your natural knee movement, making it easier to stay physically active and avoid disability.

What’s Involved in Viscosupplementation Treatments?

The lubricating fluid used in viscosupplementation is hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in your joints. By supplementing the existing fluid in your joint with the hyaluronic acid, you can enjoy the benefits of increased lubrication to improve joint movement.

Treatment involves the injection of a small amount of hyaluronic acid directly into the joint capsule of your knee. A healthy knee contains about 4 milliliters of joint fluid to function optimally, and your Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates provider can determine how much fluid is necessary for your injection.

After you receive the injection, you may need to engage in gentle knee exercises to strengthen the joints surrounding the knee and improve your range of motion.

What are the Benefits of Viscosupplementation?

Increasing the fluid levels in your knee joints is important to ensure pain-free joint movements. The proper amount of fluid is necessary for keeping your joint bones slippery and able to glide easily against one another without friction.

Proper fluid levels in the knee joint are also important because they provide the cushioning you need to prevent injuries during weight-bearing activities, like jumping or running.

Results of viscosupplementation can last for three months or longer, depending on the severity and progression of your osteoarthritis. Additional treatments are available to help you maintain a good range of motion and prevent pain.

Find out if viscosupplementation is right for you by calling the office today or use the convenient online booking feature to schedule a consultation.