Viscosupplementation

If you’re one of the 14 million Americans with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis, you might be a candidate for the lubricating benefits of viscosupplementation. The skilled orthopedists at Reflex Knee Specialists offer nonsurgical viscosupplementation in-office to improve the quality of the cushioning fluids in your knee joints. They rely on the guidance of advanced ultrasound technology to ensure the accuracy of each injection. Call the office in Portland, Oregon; Bellevue, Washington; or Tempe, Arizona, to schedule a viscosupplementation appointment or book a consultation online today.

What is viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation, also known as joint fluid therapy, is a nonsurgical treatment for chronic knee pain. This treatment uses supplemental hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid), a substance naturally found in the body, to reduce pain and inflammation in your knee joint.

The injected hyaluronic acid cushions and lubricates your joint to improve your knee joint’s flexibility and function. Reflex Knee Specialists offer viscosupplementation therapy on an outpatient basis. 

Why would I need viscosupplementation?

Your Reflex Knee Specialists provider may recommend viscosupplementation as part of your treatment plan for chronic knee pain that results from osteoarthritis. 

You may also be a candidate for viscosupplementation if there’s a reduction in the synovial fluid in your knee joint due to aging or injury.

The team offers comprehensive knee evaluations in-office. They use advanced diagnostic knee ultrasound technology to evaluate the health of your knee joint and determine if viscosupplementation is right for you.

What can I expect during my viscosupplementation procedure?

Before your initial viscosupplementation procedure, the Reflex Knee Specialists team helps you get comfortable on an exam table. 

Your provider uses ultrasound technology to guide the needle into a precise location within your knee joint. Ultrasound imaging ensures the injections of hyaluronic acid are accurate to improve the outcome of your treatment. 

After your treatment is complete, you may have some mild discomfort at the injection site. You can use an ice pack to prevent swelling and bruising. 

You can expect to return to most of your usual activities without limitations, although your provider may recommend you limit strenuous exercise for a few weeks. 

In the weeks after your injections, you should notice a reduction in your knee pain as the supplemental fluids provide extra cushioning to your joints.

How often do I need viscosupplementation therapy?

To maximize the results of viscosupplementation, your Reflex Knee specialist provider customizes a treatment plan to your individual needs. They may recommend a series of weekly injections for a month to relieve pain and improve the function of your knee joint. 

Once or twice a year, you may need another series of hyaluronic acid injections to maintain your mobility and prevent chronic knee pain. Viscosupplementation can also lower your risk of needing knee replacement surgery. 

Call the Reflex Knee Specialists office near you to find out if you’re a candidate for viscosupplementation or book an appointment online today.