Viscosupplementation Therapy: An Ideal Choice for Osteoarthritis Patients

With the world's population getting older, the pervasiveness of age-related syndromes is incessantly increasing, especially osteoarthritis, the most common form of joint disease. Besides its high prevalence, osteoarthritis has been associated with high medical costs. Usually, people suffering from arthritis try various treatments; for instance, corticosteroid injections and over-the-counter pain drugs. However, if these medicines fall short to treat the condition then viscosupplementation can be a good option to help diminish the pain, stiffness, and swelling.

What is Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is a technique in which hyaluronic acid, a gel-like fluid, is injected directly into the joint. Hyaluronic acid is obtained naturally in the synovial fluid surrounding the joints to lessen the friction during movement. The injection acts as a lubricant for the joint and assists the synovial fluid to make more cushion. This helps in reducing pain and improving the range of motion of the joint.

Viscosupplementation has been gaining more prominence in recent years due to its effectiveness. The treatment seems to work best in patients with mild or moderate arthritis. The treatment can especially work if you wish to delay surgical treatment on your joint.

Usually, healthcare professionals use viscosupplementation to treat osteoarthritis, but the method might also benefit people with some other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, hyaluronic acid injection is not a treatment option for arthritis in all types of joints. Apart from knee joint, it can also be used for treating arthritis in your hip or maybe in other joints.

The remarkable increase in the population suffering from osteoarthritis is creating a gigantic demand for osteoarthritis treatment. As a person ages, the risk for osteoarthritis rises. Epidemiological surveys demonstrate an upsurge in the occurrence of osteoarthritis, especially in the elderly population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the pervasiveness of osteoarthritis was found to have the highest numbers in people in the age group between 65 and 75 years.

As viscosupplementation aids as a prior and affordable treatment choice to delay total knee replacement surgery it is highly in demand these days. Cost-analysis researches have revealed that viscosupplementation helps in postponing the need to conduct a knee replacement surgery by 2.6 years.

When to Choose Viscosupplementation as a Treatment Option?

There are numerous tests that your orthopaedic doctor might perform to diagnose your disorder and the level to which the osteoarthritis has advanced. Based on your condition, treatment options can include:

• Physical therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Acetaminophen
• Occupational therapy

Moreover, based on the test outcomes, a doctor might recommend viscosupplementation as a practicable option for curing the pain and symptoms of your osteoarthritis. Generally, viscosupplementation is considered as a treatment option after other treatment options have failed to show results.

The Panorama of the Viscosupplementation Sector amidst COVID-19 Crisis

The abrupt rise of COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented economic and operational volatility. The ambiguity about researching, developing, and commercializing effective viscosupplementation techniques for osteoarthritis treatment can’t be ruled out amidst this pandemic. There are chances of arrival of several hindrances in the process of osteoarthritis treatment due to lockdown of several COVID-19 infected areas, thus causing postponement of diagnosis and treatment related to osteoarthritis in the imminent 2 to 3 quarters.

Moreover, the governments across the world are engaging healthcare professionals to abide and fight against Covid-19 crisis. According to a report by research Dive, the global viscosupplementation market is expected to hit $5,866.2 million by 2027. To cope up with the drastic situation created during COVID-19 crisis, market players in the viscosupplementation market are engaging into several strategic activities to withstand their business during the pandemic period. For instance, in May 2020, OrthogenRx, Inc., a foremost medical device company has proclaimed patient programs namely TriVisc Patient Assistance Program and TriVisc Direct Purchase Program. The triVisc is a viscosupplement that is obtained from a bacterial fermentation procedure.

What is Trending in the Viscosupplementation Sector?

Single injection hyaluronic acid supplements are comparatively new in the Viscosupplementation sector but they are anticipated to grab much more attention and demand in the coming future.

The very first single injection hyaluronic acid named “MONOVISC” developed by “Anika Therapeutics” which obtained FDA approval in 2014 was developed from vegan sources was. Viscosupplementation market players have to go beyond their common strategies of viscosupplement development to target big markets. Moreover, a rise in sales in economically poor, yet profitable markets is expected in the upcoming years due to cooperation with local government and healthcare experts for rapid entry of new products related to viscosupplementation treatment.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.