Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that naturally exists within the body, lubricating the joints to protect bones from impact and support overall joint movement. Deterioration of HA surrounding the joints leads to arthritis. As such, we administer hyaluronic injections to patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
Natural and FDA-approved, HA is particularly appealing to individuals who want to postpone or avoid joint replacement surgery, or who find more traditional medical interventions ineffective or insufficient. Additionally, HA injections are a natural alternative to painkillers and steroid injections.
Treating osteoarthritis with hyaluronic acid injections
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is characterized by diminishing cartilage and joint fluid that ultimately leads to joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, and a loss of flexibility. As arthritis advances progressively, prompt intervention is crucial.
Hyaluronic acid injections have the potential to restore the body’s lost HA fluid and thereby protect the bones and lubricate the joints. This process may relieve pain, decrease inflammation, and enhance functionality.
What to expect during hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid injections are delivered under ultrasound guidance. This technique ensures an accurate needle placement with precise dynamic visualization for maximized patient comfort and outcomes.
Before the procedure begins, we comfortably position the patient and drain the inflammatory, excess fluid (bursitis) around the joint. Most patients tolerate this process well.
Post-procedure side-effects may include mild stiffness, minor pain, and a temporary increase in joint fluid; however, these symptoms tend to quickly self-resolve. Pain management with ice application and limited activity is recommended. While patients can return to their usual daily routines immediately after the procedure, it’s advisable they refrain from prolonged standing, running, heavy lifting, and other weight-bearing activities for approximately two days.
Maximum relief is generally reported four to six weeks post-treatment, with benefits from the lubrication injections typically lasting for about six months.
Multiple HA injection sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results, along with regular maintenance visits every six months to sustain healthy joints.
Am I a candidate for hyaluronic acid injections?
Although HA injections are safe, effective, and minimally invasive, they aren’t suitable for every patient. The treatment is most beneficial to men and women with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who have been unable to achieve symptom relief through exercise, weight loss, and physical therapy. Hyaluronic acid injections aren’t recommended for patients with more advanced osteoarthritis, as these individuals are likely to require a more progressive course of treatment.
How many hyaluronic acid injections are needed?
Some patients exhibit a significant reduction in joint stiffness, tenderness, and pain after a single HA injection, while others will require weekly injections over a one-to-five-week period. Results typically last up to six months post-injection, although this can be longer for some patients—as eventually, the hyaluronic acid is broken down and absorbed by the body. The prescribed cadence of HA injection therapy varies between patients, as each has a different response to treatment.
