When researching treatments for arthritis, you might come across the word “viscosupplementation.” It sounds complicated, but the concept is actually quite simple.
Breaking Down the Word
Viscosupplementation combines two ideas:
- Visco - refers to viscosity, or thickness/slipperiness of a fluid
- Supplementation - adding something that’s missing
So viscosupplementation literally means “adding back the thick, slippery fluid” - in this case, to your joints.
What It Actually Is
Viscosupplementation is a medical procedure where a doctor injects a gel-like substance (hyaluronic acid) into a joint affected by arthritis. The goal is to restore the natural lubrication and cushioning that healthy joints have.
You might hear this treatment called by several names:
- Viscosupplementation
- HA injections
- Gel injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- Joint fluid therapy
They all refer to the same basic treatment.
Why Joints Need This
Imagine a healthy joint like a well-oiled machine. Inside your knee, hip, or shoulder, there’s a fluid called synovial fluid that:
- Lubricates the joint surfaces
- Absorbs shock when you walk or move
- Delivers nutrients to the cartilage
This fluid contains hyaluronic acid - the same substance used in viscosupplementation injections.
When you develop osteoarthritis:
- The synovial fluid becomes thinner and less effective
- There’s less cushioning between bones
- Movement becomes painful
- The joint may feel stiff or “crunchy”
Viscosupplementation adds back what arthritis takes away.
How the Treatment Works
The process is straightforward:
- Preparation - The area is cleaned and sometimes numbed
- Guidance - Many doctors use ultrasound to see exactly where to place the needle
- Injection - The gel is slowly injected into the joint space
- Recovery - You rest briefly, then go home the same day
Depending on the product used, you’ll receive either one injection or a series of 3-5 injections over several weeks.
Where It’s Used
FDA-approved for: Knee osteoarthritis
Also used for (off-label):
- Hip arthritis
- Shoulder arthritis
- Ankle arthritis
- Thumb arthritis
The knee is the most common site because it’s the largest joint and arthritis there significantly impacts mobility.
Expected Results
Research and patient experience show:
- Pain reduction typically starts within 2-4 weeks
- Duration of relief averages 6 months, sometimes up to a year
- Repeat treatments are possible when benefits wear off
- Success rates are highest in mild to moderate arthritis
It’s not a cure for arthritis - the underlying condition remains. But it can significantly improve quality of life and help you stay active.
Is It Right for You?
Viscosupplementation works best for people who:
- Have tried basic treatments (exercise, weight loss, OTC medications) without enough relief
- Have mild to moderate osteoarthritis (not severe bone-on-bone)
- Want to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery
- Can’t take certain oral pain medications
It may not be the best choice if you:
- Have an active infection in or around the joint
- Have severe arthritis with significant joint damage
- Have certain allergies (particularly to birds/eggs for some products)
The Bottom Line
Viscosupplementation is a well-established, minimally invasive treatment for joint arthritis. It won’t reverse arthritis or regrow cartilage, but for many people, it provides meaningful pain relief and improved function - often for months at a time.
If you’re dealing with joint pain from arthritis, it’s worth discussing with your doctor whether viscosupplementation might help you.