Viscosupplementation Injections for Joint Pain in Mount Pleasant, SC
If osteoarthritis is causing persistent joint pain and limiting your mobility, viscosupplementation may provide lasting relief without surgery. Blake Ohlson, M.D. offers viscosupplementation injections in Mount Pleasant, SC, to help patients with knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle osteoarthritis improve joint lubrication, reduce pain, and enhance movement. This minimally invasive treatment replenishes the natural hyaluronic acid within the joint, helping restore cushioning and improve overall joint function.
Dr. Ohlson develops individualized treatment plans based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and severity of arthritis. Whether you've exhausted conservative therapies or are looking to delay joint replacement surgery, viscosupplementation may be an effective option to help you stay active and improve your quality of life.
What is Viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation refers to the injection of a hyaluronan preparation into the joint. Hyaluronan is a natural substance present in the joint fluid that assists in lubrication. It allows the smooth movement of the cartilage-covered articulating surfaces of the joint.
What are the Indications for Viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation is indicated in the management of shoulder, knee, hip and ankle osteoarthritis that has not responded to non-surgical treatment options such as pain medications, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. It provides symptomatic relief and delays the need for surgery.
How is the Viscosupplementation Performed?
The hyaluranon preparation is injected directly into the joint to replenish the diminished synovial fluid, thereby enhancing its lubricating properties. A single dose or a total of three separate doses over several weeks may be required for optimum benefit.
How Does Viscosupplementation Work?
The injected preparation not only supplements the hyaluronan in the joint but also stimulates the production of new hyaluronan. You will experience gradual symptomatic relief over the course of the injections which can last for several months.
What Does Post-procedural Care for Viscosupplementation Involve?
Ice packs and an analgesic may be used, if required, to ease any discomfort experienced after the injection. Any strenuous activity such as jogging or sports should be completely avoided for 48 hours to a week after the injection and should be resumed only after consultation with your doctor.
What are the Risks and Complications of Viscosupplementation?
You may experience mild pain, swelling, warmth, and redness at the injection site for up to 48 hours following the procedure. Headache and joint stiffness may also occur in some cases.
Immediately consult your doctor if you develop fever, or the pain and swelling fail to resolve after 48 hours following the injection.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Viscosupplementation in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Successful osteoarthritis treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized approach. Dr. Blake Ohlson specializes in both non-surgical and advanced orthopedic treatments, offering viscosupplementation as part of a comprehensive arthritis management program tailored to each patient's needs.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities choose Dr. Ohlson because he provides:
- Comprehensive evaluation of joint pain and osteoarthritis
- Personalized treatment plans based on the severity of arthritis and patient goals
- Expertise in viscosupplementation for the knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle
- Image-guided injections for improved precision when appropriate
- Conservative treatment options focused on reducing pain and delaying surgery
- Comprehensive orthopedic care, including regenerative medicine and surgical solutions when necessary
- Dedicated follow-up care to monitor symptom improvement and long-term joint health
Dr. Ohlson's goal is to help patients reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and maintain an active lifestyle using the most appropriate treatment for their condition.
Viscosupplementation FAQs
Which joints can be treated with viscosupplementation?
Although most commonly used for knee osteoarthritis, viscosupplementation may also be recommended for certain patients with hip, shoulder, or ankle osteoarthritis.
Who is a good candidate for viscosupplementation?
Patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who continue to experience pain despite physical therapy, medications, activity modification, or corticosteroid injections may benefit from viscosupplementation.
How many injections will I need?
Depending on the specific hyaluronic acid product used, treatment may involve a single injection or a series of injections administered over several weeks.
When will I notice improvement?
Pain relief usually develops gradually over several weeks as the injected hyaluronic acid begins improving joint lubrication. Benefits may last several months, although results vary among individuals.
Is viscosupplementation painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the injection. Temporary soreness, swelling, warmth, or redness at the injection site may occur but typically resolves within a few days.
Can viscosupplementation delay knee replacement surgery?
While viscosupplementation does not reverse arthritis, it may provide meaningful symptom relief that helps some patients postpone or avoid joint replacement surgery for a period of time.
What activities should I avoid after the injection?
Patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous exercise, running, heavy lifting, or high-impact activities for 48 hours to one week following treatment, depending on their physician's recommendations.
Schedule a Viscosupplementation Consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If osteoarthritis is limiting your mobility and affecting your quality of life, viscosupplementation may help relieve pain and improve joint function without surgery. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive arthritis evaluations and personalized treatment plans for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding communities.
Contact our office today to schedule your viscosupplementation consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC, and learn whether this non-surgical treatment is right for your joint pain and long-term mobility goals.