Joint Fluid Treatments

If you experience chronic knee pain and inflammation that doesn’t improve with activity modification or ice and rest, consider joint fluid treatments. At Reflex Knee Specialists, the team of knee specialists uses joint fluid treatments to manage knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. To see if you can benefit, call the office in Portland, Oregon; Bellevue, Washington; or Tempe, Arizona, or book online today.

What are joint fluid treatments?

A joint fluid treatment, or viscosupplementation, is an outpatient procedure designed to reduce inflammation inside the joint and to relieve knee pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. 

During treatment, your Reflex Knee Specialists provider injects hyaluronic acid into your knee joint. When the thick fluid enters your body, it reduces inflammation and helps lubricate your joints, and provides protective cushioning over the cartilage. Once the levels of inflammation are diminished, most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility. Your provider may also recommend combining ozone therapy with hyaluronic acid since there is a synergistic effect when these treatments are combined.

Who can benefit from joint fluid treatments?

The team at Reflex Knee Specialists might recommend joint fluid treatments if you have knee osteoarthritis and it affects your ability to work or exercise. 

That’s especially true if your symptoms haven’t improved with healthy lifestyle changes — such as losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet — and over-the-counter pain medication.

If you experience knee pain or stiffness that prevents you from participating in the activities you love, the team at Reflex Knee Specialists can identify the underlying cause and create a treatment plan to help you feel better and be able to live a more active and fulfilling life.

How many joint fluid treatments will I need?

The number of joint fluid treatments you need depends on factors including age, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your mobility. Usually, the team at Reflex Knee Specialists recommends a series of three to five injections spaced one week apart.

After each round of injections, your provider monitors your progress and makes adjustments as necessary.

How long does it take for joint fluid treatments to work?

Joint fluid treatments affect everyone differently, based on the degree of inflammation and cartilage damage in the knee. Some people experience significant relief from knee pain about a month after their first series of injections; for others, it may take longer. Viscosupplementation is a cumulative treatment, meaning that the pain relief is often greater and lasts longer after each treatment series over time.

Are joint fluid treatments safe?

Joint fluid treatments have been used to treat knee osteoarthritis for decades and have a robust safety profile. That said, after a joint fluid treatment, patients may experience some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort at the injection site.

These reactions are typically mild and improve within a day or two. If they persist or worsen, contact your provider immediately.

You can return to work and other activities the next day, but avoid strenuous exercise or lifting for 2-3 days following treatment. 

To learn more about the benefits of joint fluid treatments, make an appointment at Reflex Knee Specialists by calling the nearest office or booking online today.