Viscosupplementation in Asheville, NC

As weight-bearing joints, your knees take a beating throughout your life. As you age, you can be subject to a variety of sources of knee pain. In fact, knee pain has become even more common in the last two decades.

IN ITS EARLY STAGES, ARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE IS TREATED WITH NONSURGICAL METHODS. YOUR DOCTOR MAY RECOMMEND A RANGE OF TREATMENTS, INCLUDING:

• Changes in activity level

• Weight loss

• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen

• Physical therapy

• Bracing

• Corticosteroid injections

Viscosupplementation has shown benefits in relieving pain and improving joint function for individuals with osteoarthritis. This treatment aims to enhance joint lubrication, reduce inflammation, and provide relief for those experiencing discomfort due to degenerative joint conditions. Additional benefits include:

• Reduces pain and stiffness

• Makes walking, sitting, and normal activities easier

• Cushions the joint

• Promotes natural production of hyaluronic acid in joints

• Results are long-lasting

• Can reduce reliance on pain relievers or other medications

When it comes to lifestyle changes, losing weight if you are overweight or obese is never a bad option. A loss of even 10 pounds is enough to relieve some of the pressure on your knees, as well as cut your risk of osteoarthritis later in life.

Another change you can make: If you lead an active lifestyle but experience knee pain, consider switching your activity. Exercises like running are known as high-impact activities because you’re sending jolts up through your knees every time your foot hits the pavement, track, or treadmill. Switching to a low-impact activity without those jolts, such as cycling or swimming, can cut down on the pain.

Viscosupplementation or Hyaluronic acid, is an FDA-approved injection that replaces unhealthy joint fluid and provides lubrication and cushioning in knees with arthritis. Using the latest in ultrasound image-guided technology, Dr. Lehman administers the injection of hyaluronic acid with pinpoint precision. The precision and accuracy of the image-guided injection ensure the gel-like fluid is injected directly into the joint capsule for optimal results.

Advantages of hyaluronic acid injections include:

• FDA-approved

• Nonsurgical knee pain treatment

• Covered by Medicare and most insurance

• Combined treatment plan enhances the effects

• Exhaust all of your options

If your knees are in need of care, if you’re tired of living with knee pain and if you want to improve your quality of life, request an appointment with ARO. 

As with most injections, you may experience some soreness and swelling at the site of injection in the hours following your viscosupplementation treatment. This discomfort should resolve on its own within 24-48 hours. You should enjoy relief from your joint pain quickly following treatment. If your injections are successful in alleviating your pain, another round of treatment can be administered after 6 months have passed in Asheville, NC.

What are some early signs of knee arthritis?

• A slow, gradual increase in knee pain
• Cracking and/or popping sounds
• Loss in range of motion
• Tenderness and/or swelling
• Loss of joint space (compression)
• Change in knee shape (deformities)

Is viscosupplementation safe?

Yes, it is. Viscosupplementation, or hyaluronic acid injections, is approved by the FDA to replace unhealthy knee joint fluid to increase lubrication and cushioning.

Does viscosupplementation hurt?

Most patients don't experience pain or discomfort during the procedure. Some patients may experience minor tenderness, skin irritation, swelling, or discomfort afterward, but these typically go away quickly.

How long do the benefits of viscosupplementation last?

Every patient’s results are unique, but most can expect their results to last up to six months when a maintenance treatment is often recommended.

How soon can I expect to feel relief after viscosupplementation?

Relief from symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness may vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience improvement within a few days to weeks after the injections, while others may require more time to notice significant benefits. It's essential to have realistic expectations and follow up with our team at Asheville Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine to monitor your progress.

Can viscosupplementation be repeated if the effects wear off?

Yes, viscosupplementation can be repeated if the effects wear off over time. Some individuals may benefit from periodic injections to maintain symptom relief, while others may require additional injections if their symptoms worsen or return after a period of improvement. We can assess your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

At Asheville Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we care deeply about preventing health issues as early as possible so that our patients can keep enjoying the things they love. If you are interested in viscosupplementation, for yourself or a loved one, do not hesitate to contact our Asheville, NC office today. Our experienced providers will be happy to meet with you and develop a customized treatment plan to protect your knees.