Viscosupplementation

What Is Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive procedure for treating joint pain, most commonly associated with osteoarthritis. This technique involves injecting a thick, gel-like fluid, often hyaluronic acid, into the affected joint. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid, but its concentration can decrease in patients with osteoarthritis, resulting in friction and discomfort. By replenishing this substance, viscosupplementation enhances joint mobility, reduces pain, and delays the need for more invasive interventions.

Symptoms That May Necessitate Viscosupplementation:

Please add this text below to replace the current content. Hyaluronic acid injections are FDA-approved for treating knee osteoarthritis. This therapy can help patients experiencing:

Knee pain
Joint stiffness
Limited range of motion
Cartilage wear or degeneration
Chronic knee discomfort due to osteoarthritis

Signs Indicating You May Need Viscosupplementation:

Persistent joint pain
Reduced joint flexibility
Difficulty with daily activities
Crepitus (joint cracking or popping)
Discomfort during movement
Joint swelling or inflammation
Unresolved pain despite conservative treatments
X-ray or MRI evidence of joint degeneration

Pain relief in osteoarthritis
Improved joint mobility and flexibility
Minimally invasive procedure
Low risk of adverse side effects
Quick and convenient outpatient treatment
Improved quality of life for those with chronic joint pain
Non-surgical option for pain management
Potential reduction in the use of pain medications

Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid is a straightforward procedure performed for knee osteoarthritis. The injection site will be cleaned and sterilized to minimize any risk of infection. A fine needle is then used to deliver the hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint space.

The process typically takes just a few minutes and is generally well-tolerated, with only mild pressure or brief discomfort reported by most patients. After the injection, you can typically resume normal daily activities with minimal downtime, although high-impact exercise may be limited for a short period based on clinical recommendations.

The Recovery Process After Viscosupplementation

Following viscosupplementation, it’s common to experience mild, temporary side effects such as swelling, stiffness, or soreness at the injection site. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days.

To minimize discomfort:

Apply ice to the affected area as needed
Avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours
Focus on gentle movement and rest to support joint mobility

Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a day or two. If side effects persist or worsen, contact the clinic for follow-up guidance. Our team is here to ensure your recovery is smooth and effective.

Apply ice to the injection site if needed
Avoid strenuous activities for two days
Engage in gentle, non-impact exercises
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
Monitor for persistent or severe side effects
Follow up Remove

Viscosupplementation is just one part of a broader, comprehensive strategy for managing joint pain and osteoarthritis. While it can help reduce discomfort and improve mobility, long-term joint health often requires a multi-dimensional plan.

At Westlake Sports Medicine, care may also include:

Regenerative therapies such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or exosome injections
Targeted physical therapy to improve strength and mechanics
Lifestyle modifications including nutrition, movement, and inflammation management

By integrating these elements, we aim not only to relieve pain, but also to address the root
cause of your condition and support lasting, functional improvement.