Hyaluronate Acid (HA) Injections

Osteoarthritis tends to worsen over time, and symptoms commonly start after age 50. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men. In many, symptoms will begin with joint aching and soreness. The knee pain will likely worsen with movement. Pain and stiffness can occur after a period of rest too. You could also notice swelling in the area that was not previously apparent.

Hyaluronic acid is a thick fluid that coats the joints to protect them during movement. The liquid will also act as a shock absorber to limit stress on the cartilage and bone around the knee. When hyaluronic acid decreases in the body, the substance becomes very thin and doesn’t provide much protection. Without lubrication, knee issues start to arise. HA injections give an option for reversing the effects of arthritis.

Hyaluronate acid injections are a treatment method known as viscosupplementation. According to John Hopkins Medicine, viscosupplementation helps replace the missing hyaluronic acid in the joints of patients with osteoarthritis. Viscosupplementation can also be a consideration in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Not all arthritis patients will receive these injections, especially those with pain in other body areas. Arthritis affecting the knee is most often linked to HA injection treatment. The treatment is considered safe for arthritis patients and received approval from the FDA in 1997.

Commercial brand names of related injections include:

Hyaluronate acid injections aren’t the typical first line of defense against knee pain. Practitioners will consider injections after over-the-counter pain relievers and rest have proven ineffective. Practitioners will evaluate osteoarthritis symptoms and confirm a diagnosis before recommending injectable therapy. Doctors often perform a physical exam and imaging studies before creating a treatment plan. Imaging studies, including x-rays and MRIs, help physicians evaluate the knee and see how much damage the area has sustained. Only in severe cases would surgery be required to treat the affected joints.

Along with HA injections, practitioners may order physical therapy with muscle-building exercises. Hot and cold treatments can also relieve swelling and discomfort for short periods. Yet, patients looking for more long-term relief will want to discuss options for injections with their doctors.

Before your first appointment for an injection, a practitioner will evaluate your overall health and decide if the treatment is appropriate. Since injections are localized, most current medications are not likely to interfere. Still, a doctor must be made aware of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you’re now taking. Doctors also need to know of any pre-existing conditions and if you have any known allergies.

Practitioners will also review any risks and potential side effects of HA injections. Side effects are rare, but some individuals have pain and swelling after an injection. Effects are usually temporary and go away within a couple of days.

These injections are never self-administered and are always given by a licensed practitioner. The medicine gets injected directly into the knee joint. Pain and discomfort don’t typically go away after the initial injection. According to the Mayo Clinic, injections are generally given weekly, and the patient will get three to four shots in total. There isn’t a limit on how many injections you can receive, since the body does not build up any resistance to the acids.

After each shot, staff will tell you to avoid excessive activity that could strain your knee joints. After 48 hours, you can resume normal activity, including any exercise. Outcomes vary from person to person, but many patients feel less pain and discomfort up to six months after receiving the hyaluronate acid injections.

Getting relief for knee pain is only a phone call away. Contact Full Circle Orthopedics to schedule a consultation and determine if HA injections are the proper treatment for you.