Viscosupplementation
What is Viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation is a medical treatment that involves injecting a substance called hyaluronic acid into a joint to provide relief from pain associated with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. This breakdown can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced joint mobility.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the synovial fluid of joints, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. In people with osteoarthritis, the natural hyaluronic acid in the joint may become thinner and less effective. Viscosupplementation aims to supplement and improve the viscosity of the synovial fluid by injecting additional hyaluronic acid into the joint.
The injected hyaluronic acid is intended to help reduce joint pain and improve joint function by providing better lubrication and cushioning. This treatment is commonly used in the knee joint but may also be applied to other joints affected by osteoarthritis.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of viscosupplementation can vary from person to person, and it is generally recommended for individuals with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who have not responded well to other conservative treatments. As with any medical procedure, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if viscosupplementation is a suitable option for a particular individual.
Treatment Cost: Durolane, Cingal, Orthovis, Monovisc, SportVis, Injections
While most pain management injections are paid for by Alberta Health and there is no charge to patients. Viscosupplementation does come at a cost.
*New viscosupplementation injection options available*
If your healthcare practitioner prescribed Durolane, Cingal, Orthovisc, Monovisc or SportVis, you can purchase this directly from Insight – at cost. Some insurance plans may cover these injections, be sure to contact your insurance provider to confirm.
- Monovisc for large joints
- $220 per joint
- Available at all pain clinics for purchase
- Durolane for large joints (ex. hip, shoulder, knee)
- $250 per joint
- Available at all pain clinics for purchase
- Cingal for large joints
- $330 per joint
- Orthovisc for small joints
- $110 per joint
- SportVis for tendon and ligament
- $270Â per injection site
- Available only at Meadowlark and Unity Square clinics for purchase
For the most accurate pricing, contact our Central Booking department at 780-669-2222.
Preparing for your Pain Management Procedure
There are many things to remember before arriving for your pain management treatment at Insight Medical Imaging. First of all, we ask that you please arrive 15 minutes early, and bring your requisition, Alberta Health Care Card (or out of province health care card), and photo identification with you to your exam. If your Pain Management procedure is within one week of a steroid injection, it is necessary that you reschedule.
Pain management procedures can be lengthy and we do not recommend you operate a motor vehicle after the procedure. Patients having Bi-Lateral Hip, Nerve Root Block, or Epidural Steroid injections must arrange for a driver or other transportation following their procedure. Patients having Facet injections or Radio Frequency Ablation are not forced to arrange for a driver, however, we recommend you find one to err on the side of caution.
Most patients receiving Joint Injections or Medial Branch Block treatments should be fine to return to work the same day, depending on their occupation and injection site. Most patients are also fine to operate a motor vehicle following these procedures. If you have any questions or concerns talk to your doctor or our technologist after the procedure.
For spine injections please avoid chewing gum or carbonated drinks on the day of your exam. Additionally, please consult with your doctor and confirm with our booking agents if you need to discontinue any medications before your exam and for how long.
Also, it is important to inform us if you are diabetic, on any antibiotics for any active infections, or if there is any chance of pregnancy.
Clinics that Offer Pain Management:
- 2460 Guardian Rd NW Edmonton, AB, T5T 1K8
- 780-486-8132
- Mon- Fri 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- 110, 75 Neil Ross Rd St. Albert, AB T8N 7W1
- 780-438-3802
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- 15309 Castle Downs Rd NW Edmonton, AB T5X 6C3
- 780-457-4070
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- 2049 111 ST NW Edmonton, AB T6J 4V9
- 780-438-0547
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- 12779 50 ST NW Edmonton, AB T5A 4L8
- 780-475-1866
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- 5307 50 AVE Leduc, AB T9E 6T2
- 780-486-8104
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- 216 Meadowlark Shopping CTR NW Edmonton, AB T5R 5W9
- 780-489-5313 ext. 3006
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- 6466 28 AVE NW Edmonton, AB T6L 6N3
- 780-486-8103
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- 136 Athabascan AVE Sherwood Park, AB T8A 4E3
- 780-464-1515
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- 107-505 Queen ST Spruce Grove, AB T7X 2V2
- 780-962-0297
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- 11560 104 AVE NW Edmonton, AB T5K 2S5
- 780-486-8102
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- B1-9509 156 ST NW Edmonton, AB T5P 4J5
- 780-483-3422
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Pain Management Appointments
Planning your next appointment? Learn more about pain management exam preparation and find the clinic most convenient for you.
Important: Please reschedule your Pain Management procedure if it is within 1 week of a COVID-19 immunization. Patients must wait 1 week between a COVID-19 immunization and a Pain Management procedure.