Greetings,

Like many others I have been struggling with osteoarthritis (wear and tear on the joints) for many years now- and I'm only 36 yrs old!

Before I submit to subtalar joint fusion, I want to know if any of you have had experience with this new form of arthritis treatment called VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION...
-Apparently, its HYALURONIC ACID (same stuff our cartlidge is made of) and its injected into an arthritic joint to provide it with some lubrication it is lacking. It takes 4-5 injections over a few months time and it's mainly used for the knee, but more research is being done for the ankle, hip and shoulder. I could sure use this in my ankle joints!!! I believe this is "approved" in Europe, but the F.D.A. has yet to give it their stamp of approval here.

For those in joint/arthritis pain, it may be worth a try to ask your orthepedic surgeon (or podiatrist) about VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION.

Please respond if you know- or find out some info on this. Maybe it could help us all :)

A fairly new drug called sinvisc can be injected in the knee joints as a lubricant. It worked great for me. No more pain! No more limp. Find an orthopaed who uses this injection and be sure to reject cortisone which is only a temporary fix. Cal

Yes Synovisc and another product called hallergyn or something close to that are what you are reffering to. There is a 50/50 chance it will work for you it. If it does work it can be a great thing, if it doesn't work then at least you have tried.
It is approved in the US for use in knees only but testing is occuring in various areas for the shoulder and possibly the hip. At this time it isn't approved for any other joint