Arthritis is among the most common age-related conditions. Gradual degeneration causes increasing pain, stiffness, and loss of motion, interfering with everyday life. To help patients manage arthritis pain, Southlake Orthopaedics offers viscosupplementation injections. This advanced treatment restores the vital fluids necessary for pain-free joint movement. Located in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, Alabama, we serve patients throughout Central Alabama, helping them find less pain, more living.
Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive procedure performed to replace hyaluronic acid, a natural fluid that acts as a lubricant in joints, which was lost due to arthritis. The physician injects hyaluronic acid directly into the joint, restoring its lubrication. This can reduce arthritis symptoms for several months at a time.
The bones that make up joints are each covered with a cap of strong, flexible material called cartilage. This material absorbs shock, helping joints withstand impact. Cartilage also generates hyaluronic acid, which works to eliminate friction in the joint.
When affected by arthritis, this cartilage cap begins to break down. The cartilage becomes brittle, absorbing less shock. It also becomes rough and produces less hyaluronic acid than it should. As a result, joints lack sufficient lubrication to prevent rubbing. Every movement creates friction that leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Over time, cartilage degeneration may even lead to reduced mobility and severe joint deformity.
Viscosupplementation is a treatment for osteoarthritis. Also called degenerative joint disease, this condition is caused by age-related wear and tear. Over time, accumulated stress and reduced healing factors cause cartilage in joints to break down. It can impact any joint in the body, but is most common in the hand and wrist, knees, hips, and spine. It causes the following symptoms:
Osteoarthritis is common, affecting over 80% of adults over the age of 55. It also cannot be cured. Management strategies like viscosupplementation, however, can relieve symptoms to keep patients active and pain-free longer without resorting to surgery.
Viscosupplementation is a quick procedure that can be performed with a normal wellness visit, though patients may also schedule an appointment specifically for injection. It does not require general anesthesia, meaning patients stay awake throughout it. The procedure follows these simple steps:
Most patients experience relief immediately after treatment. This is from the local anesthetic and will wear off within a few hours. At this point, patients may experience some pain, warmth, or swelling in the joint. They should avoid stressing the joint for the next 48 hours. It may take a few weeks to start noticing a positive change after viscosupplementation injections, and relief typically lasts a few months. Patients may schedule additional injections after six months to renew the effect.
Living with chronic pain can be difficult. It interferes with every aspect of life, keeping you from doing the activities you love. Southlake Orthopaedics can help. We specialize in providing complete orthopedic care, supporting you through every stage, from testing to surgery and rehabilitation. On-site amenities include diagnostics, physical therapy, and even a full-service custom orthotics lab, allowing you to receive all levels of care at one convenient location.
Treatment is provided by our team of multi-specialty, board-certified physicians. They work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes your unique needs and lifestyle into account. They also help you understand your options and the cost of treatment. Through our patient-centered approach to care, you are empowered to make informed decisions about your health.
The quality care at Southlake Orthopaedics is made possible by our skilled team of board-certified physicians. They treat patients with compassion and a personal touch, ensuring their comfort while visiting our practice. Meet our injection team below:
Osteoarthritis is a common condition, but it does not need to be inescapable. Patients struggling with joint pain can find less pain, more living at Southlake Orthopaedics. We are a multi-specialty team serving Central Alabama from locations near you in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL. Our comprehensive approach to care includes advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive procedures like viscosupplementation injections, surgery, and rehabilitation. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.