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In intra-articular viscosupplement, hyaluronic acid is injected into the affected joint by your healthcare provider. This thick fluid aims to alleviate pain and swelling, commonly in the knee joint.
Joints are typically capped with cartilage that ensures smooth bone movement. The cartilage contains a fluid layer rich in hyaluronic acid, acting as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joint.
Osteoarthritis leads to cartilage breakdown, causing abnormal bone friction and reduced hyaluronic acid levels, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. This treatment seeks to replenish hyaluronic acid, potentially easing symptoms.
The procedure involves numbing the joint area, draining excess fluid if necessary, and then injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint space. Immediate pain relief isn’t expected, but after completing the treatment course, patients may experience noticeable pain reduction.
Intra-articular viscosupplement can be a beneficial option for managing arthritis symptoms, especially if other treatments like pain relievers and corticosteroid injections have not provided sufficient relief. It is most effective for individuals with mild to moderate arthritis, offering potential pain reduction, decreased stiffness, and reduced swelling. Viscosupplementation may be particularly beneficial for those seeking to delay joint surgery.
While osteoarthritis is the primary condition targeted by viscosupplementation, it may also benefit individuals with certain other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and knee osteoarthritis. Consultation with a skilled professional like Dr. Manohar Kanwaria is important to determine if viscosupplementation is suitable for your specific arthritis type.
Typically, hyaluronic acid injections are commonly administered in the knee joint pain treatment, but they may also be considered for arthritis affecting other joints like the hip or other locations, depending on your healthcare provider’s assessment.
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Intra-articular viscosupplementation injections work by supplementing the joint with hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in healthy joints. Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joint, aiding in smooth bone movement and cushioning.
In arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, the natural hyaluronic acid content in the joint diminishes, contributing to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. By injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the joint space, viscosupplementation aims to restore optimal lubrication and cushioning, potentially reducing discomfort and improving joint function. Patients typically begin to experience the effects after three weeks, which can last for up to two years before requiring another injection.
Additionally, hyaluronic acid injections may also have anti-inflammatory properties, further contributing to pain relief and symptom management in arthritis. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, viscosupplement is one of the effective orthopedic treatments believed to enhance joint lubrication, cushioning, and anti-inflammatory effects, offering relief for individuals with arthritis, especially in the knee joint.
Post recovery care following intra-articular viscosupplement involves several key considerations. Patients can usually return home shortly after the procedure but should confirm with their healthcare provider if driving is permissible. For the next 48 hours, activities such as prolonged standing, excessive walking, jogging, or heavy lifting should be avoided.
Common immediate post-procedural symptoms like mild pain, warmth, and swelling can be managed with ice packs. However, persistent or severe symptoms such as increased warmth, redness, pain, or high fever should be promptly reported to your healthcare provider. Adhering to prescribed medications and follow-up care instructions is crucial.
It’s important to attend all scheduled appointments and complete the full series of injections for optimal efficacy. While immediate symptom relief may not occur, gradual improvement may be noticed over several weeks, with benefits potentially lasting for months. If viscosupplement proves effective, repeat injections may be considered after around 6 months. However, if the procedure is not successful, alternative treatment options like joint surgery should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
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