Viscosupplementation Hollywood
Pain Relief for Aching Knees
Knee osteoarthritis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, making it a common cause of pain that can significantly impact mobility and overall quality of life. If you are living with this condition, you likely understand how daily activities can become increasingly challenging. At the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics in Hollywood, FL, we want to help! After evaluating your case, we might determine that you are a candidate for viscosupplementation, an effective pain management technique. Contact us today to learn more or request a consultation.
Why Choose the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics for Viscosupplementation?
- Precise, Ultrasound-Guided Injections
- Highly Skilled Orthopedic Team
- Conservative, Minimally Invasive Treatment
What Is Viscosupplementation?
Although “viscosupplementation” might sound like a complex idea, the concept is straightforward. This treatment involves injecting a thick, gel-like substance directly into a joint affected by arthritis — most commonly the knee. (Currently, the FDA has approved viscosupplementation primarily for knee osteoarthritis, but ongoing research suggests it could be beneficial for other joints.)
The injected gel is designed to mimic the properties of your natural joint fluid, which helps cushion and lubricate the joint. By supplementing the natural hyaluronic acid already found in your knee, this therapy can help minimize the pain and inflammation that result from the bone-on-bone friction typical in osteoarthritis. This reduction in discomfort can make it easier to move and participate in daily activities.
Patients often see improvement after completing a series of prescribed injections, with the number of treatments tailored to each individual. The relief provided by viscosupplementation can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
What Happens During Viscosupplementation Treatment?
The process of viscosupplementation is straightforward and designed with your comfort in mind. To begin, the skin over the joint where you will receive the injection is thoroughly cleaned to reduce the risk of infection. In many cases, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area and ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible. If there is excess fluid present around the joint, our team may gently remove some of it to provide the best conditions for the treatment.
Using advanced ultrasound technology, our Hollywood orthopedic team will carefully guide the needle to the optimal location within your joint, allowing for precise delivery of the gel. Once the gel has been administered, a small bandage is placed over the site to protect it. Then, you can go home.
To help contribute toward the best possible outcome, we may recommend limiting physical activities for at least 48 hours following your injection. Some patients may notice mild swelling or a temporary increase in arthritis symptoms in the days immediately after the procedure, which is a normal response. If you experience persistent or severe discomfort, though, please contact our team so we can assist you.
Keep in mind that it can take several weeks after your appointment before you experience significant pain relief and improved joint function.
Is Viscosupplementation Right for You?
Viscosupplementation is a great option for many people! It might be a good fit for you if:
- You have osteoarthritis in your knees.
- Over-the-counter pain medications and corticosteroids are unable to provide adequate pain relief.
- Your condition is mild to moderate.
- You want to delay or avoid more invasive procedures, such as knee surgery.
After taking a thorough medical history, our team will be able to determine if viscosupplementation is suitable for you. We might also suggest that you undergo other treatments to optimize your results.
