Viscosupplementation: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your knee or hip hurts from years of wear and tear, viscosupplementation, a treatment that adds lubricating fluid directly into arthritic joints. Also known as hyaluronic acid injection, it's not a cure—but for many people, it’s a way to move better without surgery or heavy painkillers. This isn’t just a shot in the dark. It’s based on the fact that healthy joints have a thick, gel-like fluid called synovial fluid that cushions bones and lets them glide smoothly. In osteoarthritis, that fluid breaks down—thin, watery, and useless. Viscosupplementation replaces what’s missing, using a lab-made version of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance your body once made on its own.

It’s most commonly used for osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that wears away cartilage, especially in knees, hips, and hands. You’ll hear doctors talk about it when other treatments—like physical therapy, weight loss, or NSAIDs—haven’t done enough. It’s not for everyone. If your cartilage is completely gone or you have severe inflammation, it might not help. But for mild to moderate cases, especially in older adults who want to avoid surgery, it’s a real option. Studies show about 60-70% of patients feel better for several months after a series of injections. The effects aren’t instant; it can take weeks to notice a difference, but the relief often lasts 6 months or longer.

Related to this are hyaluronic acid, the key ingredient in these injections, available in several branded forms like Synvisc, Orthovisc, and Euflexxa. They’re all similar, but some require one shot, others need three or five over several weeks. Cost varies, and insurance doesn’t always cover it—so it’s worth asking about copays, especially if you’re on Medicare or have a high-deductible plan. You might also see this treatment mentioned alongside joint injection, a broader category that includes corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, and stem cell therapies. Unlike steroids, which shut down inflammation quickly but can damage tissue over time, hyaluronic acid works more gently—by restoring function, not just silencing pain.

People often wonder if it’s worth the discomfort of an injection. The procedure is quick, done in a doctor’s office, and usually causes only brief soreness. Some feel a little swelling or stiffness afterward, but serious side effects are rare. If you’ve tried everything else and still can’t walk without pain, it’s worth discussing. And if you’re thinking about knee replacement down the road, this might buy you time—maybe even a year or two—before you need major surgery.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice on how viscosupplementation fits into your broader treatment plan. From understanding insurance coverage and comparing brands to knowing when it’s not the right move, these articles give you the facts without the fluff. No marketing. Just what you need to decide if this is right for your body.