If you’re researching knee pain treatments, you may be asking “what is viscosupplementation?”. At our knee replacement clinic in Clerkenwell, we regularly speak to patients who want effective, non-surgical options to relieve discomfort caused by osteoarthritis. Viscosupplementation is one option and has been designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you delay or avoid knee surgery where appropriate.
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What is viscosupplementation?
So, what is viscosupplementation? Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in healthy joint fluid, and it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, allowing bones to glide smoothly over one another.
In people with osteoarthritis, the concentration and quality of hyaluronic acid in the knee decrease. This leads to stiffness, pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Viscosupplementation works by restoring the joint’s natural lubrication, helping to cushion and protect the knee.
How does viscosupplementation work?
When considering what viscosupplementation is and how it helps, it’s important to understand the knee joint. The knee relies on synovial fluid to reduce friction during movement, and osteoarthritis breaks down cartilage and disrupts this fluid balance.
By injecting a carefully formulated hyaluronic acid solution into the joint, viscosupplementation:
- Improves joint lubrication
- Reduces friction and inflammation
- Enhances shock absorption
- Eases pain during walking and daily activities
Many patients report gradual improvement over several weeks following treatment. Relief can last several months, depending on the severity of arthritis and individual response.
Who is a good candidate?
If you’re wondering who viscosupplementation is suitable for, it’s typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who have not achieved sufficient relief from physiotherapy, weight management, or other pain medications.
It may be particularly beneficial if:
- You want to delay knee replacement surgery
- You’re not ready for surgical intervention
- You can’t tolerate certain pain medications
- You’re seeking a minimally invasive treatment option
At our Clerkenwell clinic, we assess each patient individually to determine whether viscosupplementation is appropriate as part of a personalised knee care plan.
What to expect during treatment
Viscosupplementation is performed in clinic and usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes. After cleaning the area, the clinician injects the hyaluronic acid solution into the knee joint. Some patients may receive a single injection, while others may benefit from a short course of injections.
You may experience mild swelling or discomfort for a day or two afterwards, but most patients return to normal activities shortly after treatment.
Is viscosupplementation a replacement for surgery?
A common question we’re often asked about viscosupplementation is whether it replaces knee replacement surgery altogether. The answer depends on the stage of arthritis. For advanced, bone-on-bone osteoarthritis, surgical intervention such as knee replacement may ultimately be the most effective long-term solution.
However, for many patients in Clerkenwell experiencing early to mid-stage arthritis, viscosupplementation can provide symptom relief and improve quality of life without immediate surgery.
Book a consultation in Clerkenwell
If you’re still wondering what viscosupplementation is and whether it’s right for you, our experienced knee specialists in Clerkenwell are here to help. We offer comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and support your long-term joint health.
Contact our clinic today to speak to our knowledgeable team and explore your options.