Patient handout · Pain treatments
Viscosupplementation
What it is
Viscosupplementation puts a gel-like fluid into the knee. The fluid is like the natural fluid in a healthy joint. It may ease knee arthritis pain for some people.
Why it is done
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Pain not adequately relieved by exercise, weight management and medication
- Patients who want to avoid or delay surgery
What to expect
- Before: We review your knee X-rays and the treatments you have tried.
- During: This is a short office visit. The gel is injected into the knee. Some products need a series of shots.
- After: Avoid hard activity, like running or heavy lifting, for about 2 days.
Self-care tips
- Rest the day of your injection. Most people return to light activity the next day.
- Ice on the site for 15 to 20 minutes may ease soreness.
- Keep a pain diary for 2 weeks to share with us.
- Keep taking your usual medicines unless we tell you otherwise.
When to call us
- Fever or chills
- Redness, swelling, warmth or drainage where the needle went in
- Pain that is much worse than before, or new weakness or numbness
- A bad headache that is worse when you sit or stand
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
This handout is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.