Viscosupplement Gel Injection Treatment
Joint pain, stiffness, or discomfort can be relieved through hyaluronic injection therapy. These injections lubricate the joint to increase the joint mobility and flexibility and decrease pain and discomfort.
Hyaluronic acid, a type of viscosupplement, is similar to a naturally produced substance in the joint called hyaluronate. Hyaluronate acts as a lubricant and a shock absorber, helping the joint with mobility and flexibility. Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as ‘HA injections’ or ‘gel injections’, are used to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA). OA is also referred to as degeneration or wear-and-tear. It is a safe and effective joint pain treatment. The knee joint is the most commonly treated with viscosupplement; however, other joints like shoulder and hip can benefit too.
VSMD Approach to Viscosupplement
> In-office evaluation to include comprehensive history and physical exam
> Ultrasound and/ or x-ray imaging
> Joint Pain Treatment Plan
> Monitored recovery through follow-up visits
> Individualized “Return-to-Play” plan
Gel Injection Treatments
Injection Benefits
> Fast pain relief
> Little to no down time
> Months of sustained pain relief
> Little to no side effects
> Minimally invasive
> No surgery, operating room
> Joint rejuvenation
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
> Joint pain and stiffness
> Dull aching and sharp pains
> Increased pain with activity
> Swelling
> Pain at night when laying on affected side
> Stiff and painful in morning
> Pain with weather changes
Types of Gel Injections
We offer variety of Gel Injections based on patient’s anatomy, viscosity, and insurance coverage.
> Synvisc and Synvisc 1
> Monovisc
> Orthovisc
> Euflexxa
> and others
Hyaluronic Injection Details
In a normal, healthy joint, a fluid called hyaluronan provides lubrication and cushioning. However, if you have osteoarthritis (OA) or degeneration, there is less of this fluid in the joint. Damage to the cartilage caused by OA reduces the ability of the cartilage to produce hyaluronan. The absence of hyaluronan causes pain, discomfort, and decreases mobility. Hyaluronic acid joint injections supplement the joint with hyaluronic acid – hence the name viscosupplement.
At VSMD, we perform this injection in the office with ultrasound guidance for accurate placement of the fluid into the joint. During this procedure, the doctor visualizes the area with ultrasound. The hyaluronic acid is then directly injected into the joint. Patients may need multiple injections depending on the severity of the degeneration and the type of hyaluronan used. It is very common for patients to have one injection per week for three to five weeks.
If the treatment is effective, you may see results within days. However, it may take more than one injection to relieve the pain and discomfort. Relief often lasts for several months, sometimes permanently. The doctor may recommend repeat courses to ensure proper joint health.
