Is Viscosupplementation a Good Option to Delay a Knee Replacement?

Living with knee osteoarthritis sometimes feels like a daily battle. Moreover, if you’re facing pain with every movement, you might be wondering if knee replacement surgery is your only option.

Knee replacement can eliminate arthritis pain for good, but if you aren’t ready to undergo major surgery, you aren’t out of options. Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis, and it’s so effective that it could help delay your need for joint replacement.

Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics specializes in joint care, and here’s what you need to know about viscosupplementation for knee arthritis and whether it might be a good option for you.

How viscosupplementation works for knee arthritis

Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid directly into your knee joint. It can be an effective treatment for knee arthritis, because it addresses a common source of pain and inflammation.

When you have arthritis, the slick cartilage that cushions your joint wears away, and bone grinds against bone. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring gel-like substance, and it works as both a lubricant and a shock absorber to help the bones in your knee glide smoothly, reduce friction, and ease discomfort.

The goal of viscosupplementation is to restore your joint’s natural environment and provide relief from your arthritis symptoms without surgery. 

Are you a good candidate for viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation can be a good option for people with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis, especially if traditional treatments like physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle adjustments haven’t delivered sufficient relief. And if you’re hoping to delay surgical intervention, it’s worth learning more.

Viscosupplementation to delay knee replacement surgery

If you’re dealing with painful knee arthritis, you’re probably aware of knee replacement surgery as a treatment option. Although it’s typically incredibly effective at eliminating knee pain, it is a major surgical procedure that not everyone wants to — or can — undergo.

The good news? Research suggests that viscosupplementation can indeed delay the need for knee replacement, and it’s an accessible option for many people with mild-to-moderate knee arthritis. It’s most effective in earlier stages of arthritis, so it’s important to discuss your health history, symptoms, and goals for treatment with our team to find out if it’s right for you.

What to expect with treatment

We do viscosupplementation in our office, and it only takes a few minutes. We clean the injection site, then inject the hyaluronic acid into your knee joint to restore joint lubrication and reduce pain. Though your joint may be sore immediately afterward, there’s no downtime required.

Relief typically takes several weeks to manifest, but most patients notice improvement around the four- to six-week mark. Benefits often last for about six months and can be repeated as needed. 

For some people, viscosupplementation combined with other treatments is sufficient to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery. Should your arthritis progress, a history of these injections doesn’t exclude the option for partial, total, or revision knee replacement. Our team specializes in joint replacement surgery, and we can help you decide if and when it’s time to consider it.

Viscosupplementation has the power to enhance joint function and ease pain — and it can provide meaningful relief with minimal recovery time. At Manhattan Orthopedics, this treatment sits within a full spectrum of knee care, and we’re ready to help you find the treatment plan that’s right for you.

Call our offices in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York, or book an appointment online to learn more.