What is viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation uses injections of hyaluronate sodium, a substance that occurs naturally in joints and other parts of the body, the help restore joint function and eliminate pain. In healthy joints, hyaluronate helps provide a cushion and lubrication to avoid excessive friction and enable smooth, pain-free functioning. As we age or as a result of disease or injury, some of the hyaluronate in the joints can be lost, resulting in painful movement and restricted activities. Viscosupplementation seeks to amend that by replacing some of the hyaluronate that's been lost so joints can function correctly again.
How does viscosupplementation help knee arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes the gradual breakdown of joints and the wearing away of joint surfaces. Hyaluronate injected into the joint helps provide additional cushioning and lubrication to help your knee move more freely and with less pain. Plus, hyaluronate injections help stimulate the body's natural production of hyaluronate, which means you can continue to experience improvements long after the viscosupplementation treatment. And finally, hyaluronate injections can also help prevent additional inflammation in the joint so the knee has a chance to heal.
What is the treatment like? How many treatments will I need?
The hyaluronate solution is injected into your knee joint right in Dr. Rao's office. In some cases, some fluid may need to be removed from your joint first to provide space for the injected solution. Treatments take just a few minutes to perform, and most patients benefit from a series of three to five treatments.
What can I expect after the treatment?
Normal activities are fine, but you'll need to avoid strenuous activity including running and long walks for about two days while the solution goes to work. Most people begin to feel results within a day or so, with maximum benefits at about four to six weeks.
