Knee Pain Relief: Your Questions About Viscosupplementation Answered

Millions of people in the United States experience daily knee discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility due to joint issues like osteoarthritis. Viscosupplementation can help change all that. But what is it, and how does it help with knee pain?

Our team at NYC Pain MD offers a range of nonsurgical therapies, including viscosupplementation, to relieve joint pain and restore mobility. 

We’re happy to dive into the details about this injection-based therapy and provide clear, evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions.

What is viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is a medical procedure in which we inject a gel-like fluid called hyaluronic acid (HA) into the knee joint.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in joint fluid, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. Aging and wear-and-tear conditions, such as osteoarthritis, can cause HA to break down, leading to joint pain and stiffness.

Studies show that viscosupplementation helps relieve pain by replenishing hyaluronic acid in the affected joint. This can restore the lubricating and cushioning effects of HA, thus improving joint mobility and reducing pain.

Who is a good candidate for viscosupplementation?

Our team at NYC Pain MD typically recommends viscosupplementation if you have mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Our treatment strategies are based on evaluation results, your symptoms, and treatments you’ve previously tried.

For instance, if you haven’t found adequate relief from more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or over-the-counter pain medications, you could be a good candidate for viscosupplementation.

Research suggests that it may take a few weeks to experience optimal benefits, but pain relief typically lasts six months or longer.

We also recommend scheduling a visit sooner rather than later, as viscosupplementation may be more effective in the early stages of osteoarthritis than in advanced stages.

What’s the procedure like?

Viscosupplementation is an in-office procedure that we perform under advanced imaging guidance to ensure accurate injection placement. It usually takes less than 30 minutes.

We may recommend a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort at the injection site. Once we have cleaned and sterilized the treatment site, we inject the hyaluronic acid directly into the joint.

We generally recommend avoiding strenuous activity for 48 hours after the injection. Most people tolerate viscosupplementation very well, and depending on the results, you may benefit from a series of injections spaced several weeks apart.

Ready to learn more about viscosupplementation?

Knee pain can make everyday life a struggle. While viscosupplementation isn’t a miracle cure, it’s one more option in our toolbox for managing arthritis pain and improving joint function without surgery.

Schedule a visit at NYC Pain MD today. Call our nearest office or request an appointment online. We’re located in the Financial District of Manhattan and in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York.