Viscosupplements are gel-like substances, also called hyaluronates, that mimic the properties of the naturally occurring joint fluid. These hyaluronates are injected into the joint. The number of injections performed varies with the type of viscosupplement used; however, usually five injections are required for the best response. While these medications are only FDA-approved to use in the knee, they can be used “off-label” to treat arthritis in the shoulder, the ankle, and the thumb joints (the “CMC joints”). Your physicians at The Hirsh Center have extensive experience with both “on-label” (FDA-approved) and “off-label” use of these injectable medications.
