Knee Injections and Viscosupplementation
in Singapore
Joint pain and stiffness can gradually make everyday activities more difficult. For many people, discomfort in the knee or other joints becomes noticeable during simple movements such as walking, climbing stairs or standing after sitting for a long period. These symptoms are commonly associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, where the natural cushioning within the joint begins to wear down over time.
When this happens, patients often look for treatment options that can relieve pain and improve joint movement without immediately resorting to surgery. One approach that may be recommended for certain patients is viscosupplementation, a treatment designed to help restore lubrication within the joint and support smoother movement.
What Is Viscosupplementation and When Is It Recommended?
Viscosupplementation is a non-surgical treatment that involves injecting hyaluronic acid into a joint to help improve lubrication and cushioning. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in joint fluid, where it helps joints move smoothly and absorb shock during everyday movement.
In knee osteoarthritis, the concentration and quality of hyaluronic acid in the joint fluid can decrease over time. As a result, the knee may lose some of its natural lubrication and shock-absorbing properties, leading to increased friction, pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Viscosupplementation aims to restore some of this lubrication, which may help improve knee movement and relieve symptoms.
Viscosupplementation is most commonly recommended for knee conditions, particularly when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment. These may include:
Knee Osteoarthritis
Often considered for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis when pain and stiffness continue despite physiotherapy, medication or lifestyle changes. It may help relieve symptoms and delay the need for surgery in selected patients.
Post-traumatic Knee Arthritis
May be recommended when arthritis develops after previous knee injuries, such as ligament tears or fractures, causing ongoing pain or stiffness in the joint.
Early Cartilage Wear in the Knee
Can be considered when early cartilage degeneration causes persistent knee discomfort, particularly during walking, climbing stairs or other weight-bearing activities.
Persistent Knee Pain Despite Conservative Treatment
May be suggested when knee pain continues despite treatments such as physiotherapy, activity modification or medication.
What to Expect From Viscosupplementation
Before the Injection
Patients may be advised to:
- Avoid certain medications if recommended by the specialist
- Inform the doctor about any allergies or existing medical conditions
- Arrive in comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the knee
How the Injection Works
After the Injection
- Avoid strenuous activity or high-impact exercise for a few days
- Apply ice to the knee if mild swelling or discomfort occurs
- Follow physiotherapy or rehabilitation guidance recommended by the specialist
How Do Hyaluronic Acid Injections Help?
Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections) helps improve knee joint function by restoring some of the lubricating and cushioning properties of the natural joint fluid. In osteoarthritis, the quality and quantity of hyaluronic acid within the knee can decrease, which leads to increased friction, pain and stiffness during movement.
- Restoring joint fluid composition
Replenishing hyaluronic acid within the knee joint to support smoother movement.
- Reducing friction within the joint
Which may help ease pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
- Improving joint lubrication
Allowing the cartilage surfaces to glide more easily during activities such as walking or bending the knee.
- Supporting overall knee function
Allowing patients to remain active and participate more effectively in physiotherapy or rehabilitation.
- Enhancing shock absorption
Helping the knee better handle everyday stresses like climbing stairs, standing or walking for extended periods.
Viscosupplementation is commonly used to manage symptoms of mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. When performed at an appropriate stage of the condition, it may also help delay the need for surgical options such as total knee replacement in selected patients.
Understanding the Risks
Understanding the Risks
Potential Risks and Complications of Viscosupplementation
Viscosupplementation is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced specialist. However, as with any joint injection, some risks may occur. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site
- Mild swelling or warmth around the knee joint
- Transient flare reactions, where the knee may feel more irritated for a short period
- Rare complications such as infection or allergic reactions
Careful patient assessment, proper injection technique and sterile procedures help minimise these risks. Your orthopaedic specialist will review your medical history and symptoms to determine whether viscosupplementation is appropriate for your condition.
Cost of Viscosupplementation in Singapore
During the consultation, the orthopaedic specialist will assess the condition of the knee and advise whether hyaluronic acid injections are appropriate, as well as provide an estimate of the expected costs.
Key Cost Drivers
Consultation and professional fees
Type of hyaluronic acid used
Number of injections required
Use of imaging guidance
Facility or hospital charges
Insurance and Financing
Coverage for viscosupplementation may vary depending on the insurance policy and treatment indication. Patients are encouraged to check with their clinic and insurance provider regarding available coverage.
Eligible patients may be able to use MediSave, MediShield Life, Integrated Shield Plans or private insurance to help manage the costs of viscosupplementation and related consultations, depending on the procedure and policy terms.
Precise Viscosupplementation Care at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Knee pain from osteoarthritis or cartilage wear can gradually limit mobility and make everyday activities more challenging. When symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments, treatments such as viscosupplementation may help improve joint lubrication and relieve discomfort, allowing patients to move more comfortably and stay active.
Precise Viscosupplementation Care at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Knee pain from osteoarthritis or cartilage wear can gradually limit mobility and make everyday activities more challenging. When symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments, treatments such as viscosupplementation may help improve joint lubrication and relieve discomfort, allowing patients to move more comfortably and stay active.
Our Specialised Team
At HC Orthopaedic Surgery, viscosupplementation is delivered with careful assessment and precise injection techniques to ensure the treatment is appropriate for each patient's condition. The clinic is led by Dr Henry Chan, who works alongside Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao and Dr Tang Zhi Hao to provide orthopaedic care tailored to knee joint conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Viscosupplementation
How long does a hyaluronic acid injection last?
Is viscosupplementation painful?
How soon will I feel improvement after the injection?
Can I walk or exercise after viscosupplementation?
How many injections will I need?
Is viscosupplementation suitable for severe knee arthritis?
Are there any long-term side effects with viscosupplementation?
What happens if I choose not to proceed with treatment?
Meet Our Specialist Team
Our team comprises Dr Henry Chan, Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao, and Dr Tang Zhi Hao — experienced orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialty experience and a patient-centred approach to care.
Dr Henry Chan
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Henry Chan is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in joint replacement and complex revision surgery. Trained at the renowned Helios Endo-Klinik in Germany under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he has performed over 1,000 joint replacements and specialises in computer-assisted and robotic joint replacement techniques for precise outcomes.
Dr Nicholas Yeoh
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Edinburgh), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Nicholas Yeoh is an MOH-accredited orthopaedic specialist and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in hip and knee reconstruction in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he specialises in minimally invasive joint replacement, robotic surgery and advanced techniques that enhance recovery and surgical outcomes.
Dr Toon Dong Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Leeds), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Toon Dong Hao is a skilled orthopaedic surgeon and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in Advanced Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, Dr Toon specialises in sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery and complex shoulder, elbow and knee procedures to restore function and mobility.
Dr Tang Zhi Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Tang Zhi Hao is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He completed his Foot and Ankle Surgery fellowship at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System in Seoul under Professor Jin Woo Lee. Prior to private practice, he served as Consultant and Deputy Head of Orthopaedics at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.