• At Arthritis Relief & Vascular Centers, your comfort and the effectiveness of your treatment are our top priorities. While viscosupplementation is a proven therapy, the accuracy of the injection plays a crucial role in its success. Medical research has indicated that blind injections, where the needle is inserted based on anatomical landmarks alone, can unfortunately miss the intended joint space in up to 30% of cases. This means the hyaluronic acid may not be delivered precisely where it’s needed most, potentially limiting the pain relief you experience.

  We believe you deserve the most accurate and effective treatment possible. That’s why Arthritis Relief & Vascular Centers utilizes advanced image guidance technology for all our viscosupplementation procedures. Using real-time imaging with fluoroscopy, our skilled practitioners can clearly visualize the structures within and around your knee joint. This allows for precise guidance of the injection needle, ensuring the hyaluronic acid is delivered directly into the joint space. By eliminating the guesswork associated with blind injections, we significantly increase the likelihood of successful pain relief and improved function. At ARVC, we don’t risk missing – we invest in technology and expertise to ensure you receive the full benefits of viscosupplementation.

Viscosupplementation is a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint that involves injecting a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid into the affected joint. This creates a natural barrier to the rubbing and grinding from the arthritis by cushioning and lubricating the joint. These treatments are all-natural and not even considered medication by the FDA. This is the most natural intervention to treat knee arthritis available in medicine today. Viscosupplementation has been FDA-Approved since 1995 and there has been hundreds of millions of these injections performed worldwide to treat knee arthritis.

The treatment was originally discovered from treating the knees of race horses in the 1950’s and eventually evolved into a human intervention in the 1970’s overseas. The treatment eventually made its way back to the states when the first research studies were performed in the US in the early 1990’s.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) also known as hyaluronan is a natural substance made by the synovial tissues of the joint and cartilage. HA is responsible for the viscosity of the natural lubricating fluid of the joint called synovial fluid. Without proper volume of HA in the joint, friction, pain and inflammation builds over time causing symptoms of stiffness, discomfort, aching and further joint damage. By rebuilding the lost volume and concentration of HA in the arthritic knee, we are able to manage arthritis symptoms long term with continued treatment.

• Injection: The hyaluronic acid preparations come pre-packaged in a syringe from the manufacturer and is injected under live X-Ray guidance precisely into the knee joint(s).
• Lubrication and Shock Absorption: The injected hyaluronic acid aims to supplement the joint’s natural synovial fluid, improving lubrication, and acting as a shock absorber.
• Reduces Pain and Inflammation: This enhanced cushioning and lubrication, may help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and potentially slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
• Series: The treatments are given once per week for 3-5 weeks depending on the product covered by your insurance plan.
• Long Term Results: If the treatments are successful at relieving your pain and improving function, they can be repeated every 6 months for continued relief long term. There is no concern with long term side effects since the gel is all-natural.

When you undergo viscosupplementation at Arthritis Relief & Vascular Centers, you can expect a comfortable and efficient in-office procedure. Here’s a general overview:

• Preparation: Your knee will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• Image Guidance: Using our state-of-the-art imaging technology with low dose digital fluoroscopy, your practitioner will visualize your knee joint to identify the optimal injection site.
• Precise Injection: Guided by the real-time images, a thin needle will be carefully inserted into the joint space. The hyaluronic acid will then be gently injected.
• Post-Procedure: A small bandage will be applied. You’ll be able to return home immediately after treatment. 
• Recovery: While you can typically resume light activities immediately, it’s generally advised to avoid strenuous activities or prolonged standing for the first 24-48 hours.

Our focus on image guidance ensures that the hyaluronic acid is delivered precisely where it needs to be for the best possible outcome.

• Experience Matters: Our patients tolerate the knee injections very well with little to no pain because we have performed over 1 million of these treatments for more than 15 years. 
• Numbing Medicine: The skin over the injection site is numbed with a “Cold Spray” prior to the injection. This alleviates most of the pinch when the needle is inserted. In addition, Lidocaine is injected to numb the internal tissues of the joint to help relieve discomfort after the procedure is complete. 
• Side Effects: Rarely do patients have any side effects from the treatment, but a very small percentage have some additional pain/discomfort for a few days after the treatment. This usually resolves on its own. 

Viscosupplementation might be an option if:

• Osteoarthritis diagnosis: You have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
• Other Treatments Haven’t Helped: Conservative treatments like medication, Physical Therapy, and lifestyle changes haven’t provided adequate relief.
• Delaying Surgery: You want to try a less invasive option before considering surgery.

• Yes, viscosupplementation is covered by most major insurances plans including Medicare as long as you meet the requirements.
• Self-Pay: We offer affordable self-pay treatment options in the event you are self insured without insurance.