Viscosupplementation Treatment in Austin, TX

What To Expect From Viscosupplementation Treatment

Viscosupplementation joint injections are an outpatient procedure performed in the clinic setting. The procedure does not require anesthesia, and takes only a few minutes to perform. The jelly-like substance is injected into the joint using a small needle that will feel like a small “pinch” as the needle enters the skin.  Patients may experience some mild pressure as the joint fills with the fluid. Patients do not have any restrictions following the injections, and can engage in activity as tolerated immediately following the injection. Patients may experience some mild soreness at the injection site for 1-2 days following the procedure which is usually well-controlled with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications. Viscosupplementation is often performed in a “series” of 3-6 injections per joint, to maximize the benefits of the medication.  Different patients will receive varying degrees of symptom relief, but most patients notice a reduction in both pain and swelling, and improvement in ambulation following viscosupplementation.

Side Effects of Viscosupplementation Treatment

Severe complications from viscosupplementation are extremely rare, and even mild side-effects are uncommon. Side-effects may be more common in patients on blood thinners, or with uncontrolled chronic medical conditions like diabetes. Rarely, patients may notice an initial increase in pain or swelling for several days following the injection, but this should subside. Other possible side-effects include bleeding, bleeding into the joint, infection, pain at the injection site, and possible allergic reaction to the components of the injection. Your provider will discuss these further and can answer any questions regarding side-effects.