What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body that plays a crucial role in joint lubrication. Through injection therapy, hyaluronic acid can be used to relieve painful arthritis in the knee and hip, improving joint lubrication and reducing inflammation in individuals with osteoarthritis.
Who Can Benefit?
Hyaluronic acid injections – also known as viscosupplementation – are recommended for individuals with knee, hip, or ankle osteoarthritis who have not responded well to conservative treatments like physical therapy or oral medications.
How Does It Work?
Normally, well-functioning knee and hip joints will glide freely in the joint, ensuring smooth motions as we walk, run, and exercise. However, people living with osteoarthritis often have a decrease in synovial fluid in their knee or hip joint. Hyaluronic acid injections can provide relief by restoring the joints' viscoelastic properties.
Benefits include:
- Joint Lubrication
Hyaluronic acid injections supply synovial fluid to the joints, improving lubrication for smoother joint movements during activities like walking, running, and exercising. - Cushioning and Shock Absorption
These injections offer cushioning and shock absorption to the joints, enhancing their biological properties and restoring normal joint function. - Pain Reduction
By maintaining the normal fluid balance in the joints, hyaluronic acid aids in reducing pain and improving overall joint health.
Treatment Process
Hyaluronic acid injections involve the administration of a viscous hyaluronic gel directly into the affected joint to provide symptomatic relief and support joint health.
Dr. Adam Godkin offers hyaluronic acid injections at our First Avenue clinic, including the following options:
- Durolane 3mL (for joints)
- Cingal (for joints)
- Sport Vis (for ligaments and tendons)
We primarily use Durolane for Hyaluronic Acid injections, which can provide up to 6 months of relief.
Repeat injections can be administered as needed, with a focus on implementing nutrition and lifestyle approaches to manage pain and maintain joint function effectively.
Insurance coverage is often available for these treatments under drug benefits.
Post-Injection Care
- Activity Restriction
We advise patients avoid strenuous activities such as tennis, jogging, or long walks for the first two days after the injection. - Expected Reactions
Some mild to moderate transient reactions may occur in the first week, including pain, swelling, or stiffness. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist beyond a week. - Adverse Reactions
In case of adverse reactions like hives or severe pain and swelling, your doctoer should be advised as soon as possible.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Like all injections, there is a small amount of pain with the procedure.
- Local Anesthetic
To reduce pain and discomfort, we administer a local anesthetic prior to giving the injection. - RICE Method
We suggest following the RICE method – Rest, Ice Compression, and Elevation of the injected area – to help reduce pain. - Medication
Taking Tylenol or NSAIDs like Advil may also provide relief from post-injection discomfort.
Contraindications for Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Absolute contraindications include active infections and allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid or its preservatives.
Treatment Expectations
Clients can experience significant symptomatic relief with hyaluronic acid injections, though treatment outcomes can depend on numerous variables that affect each patient.
While hyaluronic acid injections offer temporary relief from pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis, they are not regenerative treatments and may require repeated injections for sustained benefits.
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Hyaluronic acid injections can enhance joint function and provide lasting relief for osteoarthritis. Discover the benefits today!