What Is Orthovisc®?
Orthovisc is a hyaluronic acid injection used to help manage pain associated with osteoarthritis in certain patients.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in joint fluid. It helps lubricate and cushion your joints, allowing them to move more smoothly. As arthritis progresses, changes in joint cartilage and fluid can contribute to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving comfortably.
Orthovisc is designed to supplement joint fluid, with the goal of relieving pain and improving mobility.
Important to know: Orthovisc is FDA-approved for certain patients with knee osteoarthritis. Its use in foot and ankle joints is off-label, and its safety and effectiveness for these joints have not been established.
How Can Hyaluronic Acid Injections Help With Arthritis?
Healthy joints rely on cartilage and joint fluid to help absorb impact and support smooth movement. When arthritis develops, these structures can change, leading to increased friction, stiffness, and discomfort.
Hyaluronic acid injections are designed to supplement the fluid within the joint. Potential treatment goals include:
- Joint Lubrication: Supporting smoother movement by supplementing natural joint fluid.
- Cushioning: Helping improve the joint's ability to absorb pressure during movement.
- Pain Management: Providing symptom relief in appropriately selected patients.
- Improved Mobility: Helping patients move more comfortably when treatment is effective.
Orthovisc does not reverse arthritis or regrow damaged cartilage. Results vary, and evidence supporting its use specifically in foot and ankle joints remains limited. At Orange County Foot & Ankle Group, our goal is to help you understand all available options and choose a treatment plan suited to your needs.
Are You Experiencing Symptoms of Foot or Ankle Arthritis?
Arthritis doesn't always begin with severe pain. For many patients, symptoms develop gradually and start interfering with everyday life. You may notice:
- Stiffness when getting out of bed or standing after sitting.
- Pain when walking, exercising, or climbing stairs.
- Swelling or tenderness around a joint.
- Difficulty bending or moving your foot or ankle.
- Discomfort that worsens after extended activity.
- Increasing difficulty enjoying activities you once did comfortably.
If these symptoms sound familiar, it's worth finding out what's causing them. Not all joint pain is arthritis, and an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward choosing an effective treatment.
Is Orthovisc Right for Your Arthritis?
The right arthritis treatment depends on more than where it hurts. Our podiatrists consider the affected joint, severity of arthritis, your symptoms, medical history, and treatments you've already tried.
Although hyaluronic acid injections have been studied for arthritis in the ankle and other joints, findings remain mixed, and Orthovisc has not been established as safe or effective for foot and ankle arthritis.
Depending on your diagnosis, other treatments may be more appropriate, including:
- Footwear changes and activity modifications.
- Custom orthotics to improve support and reduce pressure.
- Medications or other conservative treatments.
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation.
- Surgical treatment when conservative options aren't providing adequate relief.
Our team will explain the available options so you can make an informed decision about your care.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
- 1. Tell Us How Arthritis Is Affecting Your Life
We'll discuss your symptoms, how long you've been experiencing them, and which activities have become more difficult. - 2. Understand What's Happening in Your Joints
Your podiatrist will examine your foot or ankle and may recommend imaging to evaluate the joint and identify the source of discomfort. - 3. Explore Your Treatment Options
We'll explain which treatments may be appropriate for your condition, including the potential benefits, limitations, and risks of injection-based therapies. - 4. Create a Plan to Keep You Moving
Together, we'll develop a personalized care plan focused on managing pain, maintaining mobility, and supporting your long-term foot and ankle health.
Why Choose Orange County Foot & Ankle Group for Arthritis Care?
- Personalized Treatment, Not One-Size-Fits-All Solutions: Your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals are unique. We take the time to understand how arthritis affects you before recommending treatment.
- Advanced Podiatric Care: Our practice combines established treatment approaches with careful consideration of evolving therapies and medical advancements.
- Focused on Comfort and Mobility: We know the real goal isn't simply treating arthritis. It's helping you walk, move, and participate in the activities that matter to you.
- Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Treatment: From conservative arthritis management to advanced medical and surgical care, our team can help you explore the next steps when pain interferes with daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthovisc®
Orthovisc is FDA-approved to treat pain associated with knee osteoarthritis in certain patients who have not responded adequately to conservative treatment. Hyaluronic acid injections have also been studied for other joints, but Orthovisc is not FDA-approved for foot or ankle arthritis.
Hyaluronic acid injections have been investigated for ankle arthritis, but the research is limited and results are inconsistent. Orthovisc's effectiveness and safety in the ankle have not been established. Your podiatrist can discuss the available evidence and other treatment options.
No. Orthovisc does not cure arthritis, repair damaged cartilage, or reverse joint degeneration. Its intended purpose is to help manage symptoms in appropriately selected patients.
Joint injections may cause temporary discomfort. Some patients also experience soreness, swelling, or stiffness afterward. Your physician can explain the procedure and potential side effects before treatment.
For patients receiving Orthovisc for its approved knee indication, the duration of symptom relief varies. There is no established duration of benefit for use in foot or ankle joints.
Not necessarily. Many patients can manage arthritis symptoms through non-surgical approaches. Surgery may be considered when symptoms significantly interfere with daily life and conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
Don't Let Arthritis Decide What You Can Do
You have places to go, people to see, and activities you enjoy. Persistent foot or ankle pain shouldn't keep you from exploring ways to stay comfortable and active.
At Orange County Foot & Ankle Group, we're here to help you understand your arthritis, explore your options, and create a treatment plan designed around your needs.
Whether you're just beginning to notice stiffness or have been managing joint pain for years, getting the right answers is an important first step.
Schedule Your Arthritis Consultation Today
