Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritic Knee Pain

Osteoarthritis is a disease that can cause pain and stiffness in the joints (i.e., lower back, hips, knees, etc.). The ends of the bones in normal joints are covered with smooth cartilage, which provides protection to these bones. Joints also contain a fluid called synovial fluid, which acts as a cushion or "shock absorber" and lubricates the joint.

In people with osteoarthritis, the synovial fluid becomes thinner and loses its elasticity and ability to provide a good cushion. For this and other reasons, the cartilage covering the ends of the bones begins to break down and wear away, sometimes enough to expose the bones themselves.
The main symptom of osteoarthritis is pain. You may feel pain during movement and even at rest. Your joints may also be stiff and swollen, and you may even experience a loss of range of movement in the joint. The symptoms of osteoarthritis may interfere with your normal activities, such as walking and dressing, and they may also disrupt your sleep.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint. If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, you may feel tenderness in the knee area and pain during movement of the knee.

You may also feel a "grating" or "catching" sensation in the joint during movement. The large muscles around your knee will become weaker with time if pain prevents you from moving or exercising the leg.