Viscosupplementation
FDA Approved to help treat your knee pain and get you back to your active lifestyle.
Why Viscosupplementation?
People with osteoarthritis generally have less hyaluronic acid in their joints than they should. This can cause symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling. The idea behind viscosupplementation is that replacing this hyaluronic acid may help reduce symptoms.
Viscosupplementation is a procedure where a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid, which is a component of synovial fluid, is injected into the joints to increase its lubricating and shock-absorbing properties.
Medicare Covered Treatment for Knee Arthritis
We use a sterile, viscoelastic non-pyrogenic solution of purified, high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate. It is administered by intra-articular injections of the knee and consists of a series of injections, given at a weekly interval.
It is indicated for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative non-pharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics, e.g., acetaminophen.
FAQs
Take a few minutes to read some of our most frequently asked questions regarding our viscosupplementation.
What conditions can visco help?
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Patients who are at risk for surgical operations
Is visco right for me?
Viscosupplementation may be right for you if you suffer from chronic knee pain or have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Hyaluronate injections are an effective alternative to surgery for many patients, although it may take several injections to achieve desirable results.
What should I expect during a treatment?
Viscosupplementation is a quick procedure performed in our Winchester, VA office. A member of our medical team administers it in only minutes. An antiseptic will be applied to the injection site before the needle is gently inserted just to the side of the knee cap. You may experience some slight discomfort at the injection site. Additional injections will be administered weekly over a period of three to five weeks.
What happens during the recovery phase?
Viscosupplementation recovery requires very little ‘down time,’ although you will need to avoid placing pressure on your knee for long periods of time. Apply ice to alleviate soreness or bruising. You may find that your knee pain has subsided immediately following an injection. However, it is normal for results to continue to improve over the course of several weeks.
Is it covered by insurance?
Many health insurance companies do cover this treatment when it has been determined you have osteoarthritis of the knee.