Viscosupplementation is a non-surgical procedure that increases the viscosity of the joint fluid by injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) into the affected area. This is known as Napels Viscosupplementation because it supplements or adds to the joint’s natural viscosity.
To understand how HA affects joint health, it is important to know what it is and what it does in the body.
What is hyaluronic acid?
HA consists of long chains of sugar molecules found in various places in our bodies, including the joints, eyes and skin. Because of its unique structure, HA acts as a cushion between hard surfaces, like cartilage, and soft tissues like muscles. However, as one age, HA levels drop considerably, and that is where viscosupplementation comes in.
How does viscosupplementation work?
Viscosupplementation works by injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee to reduce joint pain and increase mobility. The injections are usually given in two separate shots, with an interval of two weeks between them. Hyaluronic, which lubricates and cushions the joint and provides nutrients to surrounding cells, lessens due to age and injury. Once the amount of hyaluronic acid in the knee declines, it leads to pain and swelling, often causing difficulty walking and standing.
What are the benefits of viscosupplementation?
• Reducing swelling: Most viscosupplementation patients report that they can return to work and full activity within 24 hours after the procedure, and there are very few side effects. Patients do not need to take anti-inflammatory medications after the procedure since swelling is reduced significantly.
• Increases mobility: If you are experiencing joint discomfort that limits your mobility, a doctor may suggest you try a viscosupplementation injection. Viscosupplementation is used to reduce pain and increase mobility in arthritic joints and is often considered when NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or other treatments are insufficient. Viscosupplementation works by reducing inflammation and pressure on the joints, which can be helpful for people with pain that interferes with their daily life.
• Aid with pain: Viscosupplementation improves the fluidity of synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. When this liquid becomes less viscous or sticky, it can help reduce pain and prevent further cartilage damage. The kick-off process for viscosupplementation is to clean out the synovial space in your knee. This allows for a greater concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA) to be delivered there at once, which can result in immediate pain relief.
• Makes the cartilage more resilient: HA can also be used to make your cartilage more resilient, which helps prevent further damage from occurring. Over time, this can help you be more active without experiencing pain.
When it comes to joint pain, plenty of anti-inflammatory medications are available in both prescription and over-the-counter varieties. But rather than relying on inflammatory compounds, viscosupplementation offers a gentler alternative that can provide similar or better results in treating joint pain. In fact, viscosupplementation is fast becoming a ‘go-to’ solution for athletes and weekend warriors. But the possibilities for its use are not limited to those participating in high impact sports. If you want to know more about viscosupplementation and how it can help, consult experts from Naples Regenerative Institute.
