Are you struggling with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA)? If so, you’re not alone. Knee OA is a common condition, and while there’s no cure, Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics offers a drug-free, non-surgical treatment option: viscosupplementation.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of Americans. It causes the cartilage in your joints to break down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. While OA can affect any joint, it’s particularly common in the knees.

When to Consider Viscosupplementation

If you’ve tried over-the-counter pain relievers, knee braces, steroid injections, and physical therapy without significant pain relief, viscosupplementation may be a good option for you.

What is Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is an injection of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in healthy joints. Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, helping your joints move smoothly and reducing pain. Injections are typically made after a Non-Surgical Knee Decompression procedure.

What to Expect After the Procedure

For the first two days after the injection, avoid activities that put excessive weight on your knee, like jogging or heavy lifting. You might experience some temporary pain, swelling, and warmth around the injection site. Applying an ice pack can help alleviate these symptoms.

Potential Complications

While rare, there are some potential complications associated with viscosupplementation, such as local allergic reactions, infections, and bleeding. If you experience any significant discomfort or swelling after the injection, contact your doctor immediately.

Effectiveness and Outcomes

Viscosupplementation may not be effective for everyone, particularly those with severe OA. For those who experience pain relief, it may take several weeks to feel the full benefits, which can last for several months. If effective, repeat injections may be recommended after about 6 months.

The Bottom Line

While research on the long-term effects of viscosupplementation is ongoing, it offers a potentially effective drug-free option for managing knee pain caused by mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics can help you determine if viscosupplementation is right for you.