Viscosupplementation Injections in Mountain View
If you are in need of viscosupplementation injection in the Mountain View area, trust our pain management experts at Allied Pain & Spine Institute. Viscosupplementation is a method of osteoarthritis pain relief that involves an injection of hyaluronic acid.
How it Works
Patients with osteoarthritis are thought to have low levels of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in synovial fluid, which surrounds the joints. It is a gel-like substance that acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. The injection helps to reduce pain and make movement easier for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. If your knee is swollen, your doctor may aspirate excess fluid in the area before performing the injection.
Conditions
Viscosupplementation is often utilized when other methods for managing osteoarthritis of the knee have failed. While viscosupplementation does not cure osteoarthritis, it helps make activity more comfortable for many patients. It might be most effective when arthritis is in the early stages.
Recovery
The course of treatment is different for each patient. You may need one to five injections spread out over a several week period. It can take a few weeks to experience the full results of viscosupplementation. Many Mountain View patients experience relief for several months. The rounds of treatment can be repeated every six months if they are effective.
You will need to avoid excessive weight bearing for about 48 hours following viscosupplementation. Soreness and light swelling at the injection site are possible, but only temporary.
Contact Allied Pain & Spine Institute in Mountain View today to schedule an appointment.