Viscosupplementation Injection
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial fluid of your joints. In the knees, this thick, gel-like fluid acts as a cushion, helping to absorb shock from movements such as walking, running, twisting, and turning.
What Are Viscosupplements?
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee and Viscosupplementation
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) has no cure, but several treatment options can help manage symptoms and potentially slow disease progression. Doctors typically begin with conservative approaches such as exercise, physical therapy, and weight loss to reduce pain and inflammation. If these methods prove ineffective or symptoms worsen, more advanced treatments may be necessary.
In the search for less invasive and more effective solutions, researchers and doctors have explored lubrication injections, known as viscosupplementation. This treatment involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint’s synovial fluid to improve lubrication. While a relatively new approach, viscosupplementation has gained popularity and is widely used for managing mild to moderate knee OA.
How Viscosupplements Work
Each viscosupplement dose contains hyaluronic acid (also known as hyaluron or hyaluronate), which is injected into the knee joint. Patients with knee OA typically have lower levels of hyaluronic acid in their synovial fluid, leading to thinner, less effective joint lubrication. As a result, the cartilage and bone are less protected from wear and tear.
By adding hyaluronic acid to the joint, viscosupplementation improves lubrication and makes movement easier. Additionally, research suggests these injections may stimulate the body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, enhancing long-term joint cushioning and extending the benefits of treatment.
Who Benefits from Viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation is most effective for patients with mild to moderate knee OA, especially those who have not responded well to other treatments such as physical therapy, weight loss, pain relievers, or corticosteroid injections. However, patients with severe OA, particularly those with bone-on-bone contact in the joint, may not experience significant relief and may require more aggressive treatments like surgery or joint replacement.
When to Expect Results
The benefits of Viscosupplementation Injection are not immediate. While some patients experience relief after the first injection, the most significant improvement typically occurs eight to 12 weeks after starting treatment. To maintain long-term symptom relief, injections should be repeated approximately every six months.