Knee pain can be a persistent and debilitating issue, impacting your ability to enjoy daily activities and diminishing your quality of life. However, there’s a solution that can help alleviate this discomfort without the need for invasive surgery. At the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson in Henderson, Nevada, we offer viscosupplementation injections to help restore knee joint function and relieve chronic pain. Let’s explore how this treatment works and why it might be the right choice for you.
What Are Viscosupplementation Injections?
Understanding the Treatment
Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the synovial fluid that lubricates and cushions the joints. In people with osteoarthritis, the quality and quantity of this fluid diminish, leading to pain and stiffness. By injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee, we can help improve the joint’s lubrication, reduce pain, and enhance mobility.
How Viscosupplementation Works
The injection replenishes the knee joint’s synovial fluid, providing better lubrication and shock absorption. This helps reduce the friction between the bones and alleviates the pain associated with osteoarthritis. The treatment can be particularly beneficial for patients who have not responded well to other conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pain medications, or corticosteroid injections.
Benefits of Viscosupplementation
Non-Surgical Pain Relief
One of the main advantages of viscosupplementation injections is that they offer a non-surgical option for managing knee pain. This means no incisions, no anesthesia, and minimal recovery time compared to surgical alternatives.
Improved Mobility
By enhancing the lubrication within the knee joint, viscosupplementation can significantly improve your range of motion. This allows you to engage in daily activities with less pain and greater ease.
Long-Lasting Effects
The effects of viscosupplementation can last for several months, providing sustained relief from chronic knee pain. This makes it an excellent option for individuals seeking long-term management of their symptoms.
Reduced Dependence on Pain Medications
With the pain relief provided by viscosupplementation, you may find that you need to rely less on pain medications, which can have unwanted side effects and potential for dependency.
Who Can Benefit from Viscosupplementation?
Ideal Candidates
Viscosupplementation is typically recommended for individuals with knee osteoarthritis who have not found adequate relief from other treatments. Ideal candidates are those who:
- Experience chronic knee pain and stiffness
- Have difficulty performing daily activities due to knee discomfort
- Are looking for non-surgical treatment options
- Have not had success with other conservative treatments
The Viscosupplementation Procedure
Consultation and Evaluation
Your journey to pain relief begins with a comprehensive consultation at the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson. During this appointment, our experienced orthopaedic surgeons will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order imaging tests to assess the extent of your knee condition. This thorough evaluation helps determine if viscosupplementation is the right treatment for you.
The Injection Process
On the day of the procedure, you will be positioned comfortably, and the injection site will be cleaned and sterilized. Our skilled surgeon will carefully inject the hyaluronic acid into the knee joint using a fine needle. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes and is relatively painless, although you may feel a slight pressure or discomfort during the injection.
Post-Injection Care
After the injection, you can usually resume your normal activities almost immediately. However, it’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for the first 48 hours to allow the treatment to settle into the joint effectively.
What to Expect After Treatment
Immediate Aftercare
Following your injection, you may experience mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site. Applying ice and resting the knee can help alleviate these symptoms. It’s also important to follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.
Gradual Improvement
While some patients may notice an improvement in their symptoms within a few days, it can take several weeks for the full benefits of the treatment to become apparent. Patience is key, as the hyaluronic acid needs time to fully integrate into the joint and provide optimal lubrication.
Long-Term Relief
The pain relief and improved mobility from viscosupplementation can last for several months. Many patients find that regular maintenance injections, scheduled every six months to a year, help them maintain their comfort and activity levels.
Conclusion
Viscosupplementation injections offer a safe, effective, and non-surgical solution for managing knee pain and improving joint function. At the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson, our expert team is here to help you regain your mobility and enhance your quality of life. If you’re struggling with knee pain, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards lasting relief.
