Viscosupplementation May Be the Answer for Patients with Ankle Arthritis

Ankle arthritis can severely impact your daily life, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty with mobility. Over time, the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down, resulting in increased friction between bones, inflammation, and chronic discomfort. For many patients, finding a long-term, effective treatment option that doesn't involve surgery can feel like a challenge.

Dr. Vladimir Zeetser employs a minimally invasive solution for alleviating patients' painful symptoms of ankle arthritis with a treatment called Viscosupplementation.

What is Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is a medical procedure that involves injecting a gel-like substance, usually hyaluronic acid, directly into the ankle joint. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body and acts as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joints. However, patients with arthritis often have lower levels of this vital substance, leading to increased joint friction and discomfort. By supplementing the joint with hyaluronic acid, Dr. Zeetser's viscosupplementation procedure can help restore the natural cushioning and lubrication in the ankle, leading to improved mobility and reduced pain.



Key Benefits of Viscosupplementation

1. Pain Relief One of the primary benefits of viscosupplementation is its ability to reduce pain. By injecting hyaluronic acid into the ankle, the procedure can significantly alleviate the discomfort associated with bone-on-bone friction. This leads to a noticeable reduction in pain and makes day-to-day activities more manageable.
2. Improved Joint Mobility Over time, arthritis can lead to stiffness and restricted movement in the ankle joint. Viscosupplementation helps to restore the fluidity of motion by replenishing the synovial fluid, the natural lubricant of the joint. This improves flexibility and range of motion, allowing patients to walk, exercise, and carry out daily activities with greater ease.
3. Delay in Surgical Intervention For many patients with severe arthritis, joint replacement surgery may seem like the only option. Viscosupplementation offers a less invasive alternative that can potentially delay or even prevent the need for surgery. By providing effective symptom relief and improved joint function, it can buy time for patients who are not yet ready for more invasive procedures.
4. Minimally Invasive with Quick Recovery Viscosupplementation is an outpatient procedure that requires little to no downtime. The injections are administered in a clinic setting, often taking no more than 30 minutes. Most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure, making it a convenient and minimally disruptive treatment option.
5. Long-Lasting Effects While the effects of viscosupplementation are not permanent, many patients report significant relief for several months after just one series of injections. In some cases, patients experience relief for up to six months or more. This long-lasting benefit allows for better management of arthritis symptoms without frequent treatments.
6. Fewer Side Effects Compared to Other Treatments Unlike steroid injections or long- term use of pain medications, viscosupplementation comes with fewer risks of side effects. It works locally at the injection site, without the systemic effects that can accompany other treatments. This makes it a safer option for patients who want to avoid the potential complications of medication use, particularly those with other health conditions.
7. Non-Addictive Pain Management Chronic pain from ankle arthritis can sometimes lead to reliance on prescription pain medications, which carry the risk of addiction and other side effects. Viscosupplementation offers a non-addictive way to manage pain, giving patients the relief they need without the potential downsides of opioids or other narcotics.

Who is a Good Candidate for Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate ankle arthritis who have not found sufficient relief through conservative treatments like physical therapy, orthotics, or pain medications. It is also an option for patients who are not yet ready for surgery but want to explore other forms of pain relief and joint support.

As with any medical procedure, it's important to consult with Dr. Zeetser to determine if viscosupplementation is the right option for your specific condition.

Viscosupplementation is not just a stand-alone treatment; it is a crucial part of the larger biologic orthopedic medicine movement, which focuses on leveraging the body's natural substances and processes to promote healing and maintain joint health. This approach allows patients to manage their conditions in a more natural, sustainable way, offering long-term benefits with minimal risk.

If you're living with ankle arthritis, viscosupplementation offers an effective, minimally invasive solution for pain relief and improved joint function. By restoring the natural lubrication in your ankle joint, this treatment can help reduce discomfort, enhance mobility, and potentially delay the need for surgery. With its quick recovery time and long-lasting results, viscosupplementation may be the answer to regaining your quality of life.

Contact our office today for an appointment or consultation with Dr. Zeetser or call: 818-907-6100