Viscosupplementation
Hyaluronic Acid

Targeted joint lubrication for osteoarthritis pain

If you’re living with joint pain from osteoarthritis and want to avoid or delay surgery, viscosupplementation may help. It’s a simple injection treatment designed to restore lubrication inside your joint, helping to reduce stiffness, ease movement, and relieve discomfort.

What is Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is another widely used treatment option in osteoarthritis (OA) pain management. In addition, it can be used instead of, or as well as a steroid injection, where the joint would benefit from increased lubrication.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance present in the synovial fluid of your joints. Synovial fluid, a thick gel-like liquid, helps cushion your joints and absorb the shock of walking, lifting, running, gripping, twisting and turning. People with OA have lower levels of hyaluronic acid in their synovial fluid. Therefore, their joints are less “greased” and less able to protect the bones and cartilage from damage and destruction.

Viscosupplementation, a popular treatment for OA, injects hyaluronic acid into the affected joint in order to return some mobility to the joint and reduce pain.

patient lying down with a scar on their knee about to have an injection to the knee

When Should I Consider Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is usually offered after other conservative treatments (like physiotherapy, weight management, or pain relief) have not provided enough benefit.

At Sozo, we may recommend this treatment if:

  • You have mild to moderate osteoarthritis, especially in the knee
  • Your joint pain limits daily activity
  • You’re looking for a non-surgical option
  • Steroid injections are unsuitable, haven’t worked well for you or you just do not want steroid
  • Treatment may involve:

  • A single high-concentration injection, or

  • A short course of 3–5 injections over a few weeks

Treatment may involve:

  • A single high-concentration injection. Or,
  • A short course of 3–5 injections over a few weeks

The Sozo Technique

Your injection is carried out by a trained specialist in a clean, outpatient setting.

Here’s what happens:

  • Joint assessment – We confirm if there’s swelling, inflammation, or fluid in the joint
  • Ultrasound guidance – To take away any fluid if required & to ensure accurate placement of the injection
  • Injection performed – One or more sessions as planned

After the injection you will be advised to:

  • Avoid heavy lifting, jogging or prolonged activity with the injected joint for 48 hours

  • Continue with gentle daily activities
  • Rest the joint if it feels sore or swollen

We have a number of viscosupplementation injections:

  • Ostenil® – Sodium hyaluronate usually given as a course of 3 injections over a period of 3 weeks.

  • Ostenil® Plus – A higher concentration of sodium hyaluronate, with the addition of mannitol, which helps to stabilise the chains of sodium hyaluronate meaning this is a single injection

  • Durolane® – DUROLANE 60mg of stablised HA in 3ml – Single Injection

  • Orthovisc® – An ultra-pure, high molecular weight injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) viscosupplement

  • Orthovisc-T® – An ultra-pure, high molecular weight injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) viscosupplement designed to relieve pain and restore function in tennis elbow.

  • Cingal® – Combination of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and steroid

Potential Risks of Viscosupplementation

Viscosupplementation is generally safe and well tolerated. Some patients experience mild, short-term effects such as:

  • Localised pain or swelling
  • A feeling of warmth or fullness in the joint
  • Mild stiffness for a few hours
  • Redness, significant swelling, or intense pain in the joint
  • Allergic reaction or infection (very rare)

Can I have repeated Hyaluronic Acid Injections?

Yes. If viscosupplementation works well for you, the treatment can be safely repeated every 6 months, depending on your response and clinical needs.

We’ll review your progress and help you plan future care accordingly.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At Sozo Clinic, we offer expert-led, non-surgical treatments for joint pain in a calm, specialist environment. If you think viscosupplementation could help, we’re here to talk you through your options — with no pressure, just honest advice.

photo to demonstrate knee pain