Viscosupplementation
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By using a material called hyaluronic acid, viscosupplementation can make dramatic improvements in pain and swelling caused by arthritis.
Viscosupplementation is a procedure in which a thick fluid called hyaluronate is injected into the knee joint. There are no cures for osteoarthritis, so viscosupplementation will not cure osteoarthritis of the knee. However, it is thought that hyaluronate will improve the lubricating properties of the synovial fluid, reduce the pain from osteoarthritis of the knee, improve mobility, and provide a higher and more comfortable level of activity.
FAQs - Viscosupplementation
The first step of viscosupplementation treatment is applying a local anesthetic to the treatment area. This helps to relieve any discomfort that may occur during the injection process. Then, hyaluronic acid will be injected into the joint that is causing you pain. This process takes only a few minutes, so the viscosupplementation treatment is often completed in under an hour. After treatment, you may have some slight swelling or discomfort in the treatment area. These effects should resolve within a few days, and you may need to avoid exercise and other strenuous activities during this time.
After your viscosupplementation treatment, you can expect a reduction in pain and swelling and an improvement in motion. Some patients may achieve significant relief with a single treatment, while others may need a series of injections to achieve maximum relief. This relief will improve over the weeks following treatment, and usually lasts about six months or longer.
To determine if you are a good candidate for viscosupplementation, contact us today to schedule your initial appointment.
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