Patients experiencing knee osteoarthritis can get a hyaluronic acid injection to relieve the pain and stiffness. Read on to learn more about this treatment option. These injections are given to people with osteoarthritis to help lubricate their joints for smoother function. Depending on your symptoms and previous therapies you have tried, your doctor can tell you whether this treatment will help.
Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is a gel-like substance in the synovial fluid that keeps the joints lubricated. Since arthritis sufferers' joints lose hyaluronic acid as they deteriorate, the idea is that replenishing it via hyaluronic acid injections (a procedure known as viscosupplementation) would reduce the pain patients feel when using their joints. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the injections for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Other conservative therapies, including weight reduction, exercise, NSAID medicines, and steroid injections, are usually the first line of treatment for patients with osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic injections may be an alternative if those do not work.
Some individuals may have additional medical issues for which first-line therapies are not recommended. Hyaluronic acid injections may be combined with steroid injections by certain physicians. Although hyaluronic acid may be taken as a tablet, most people prefer injections. Injections have the advantages of targeted joint relief without the systemic adverse effects of pills and the ease of not having to take tablets orally.
Injections of hyaluronic acid are often used as a final resort before knee replacement surgery. It may postpone or prevent surgery for some individuals, but hyaluronic acid injections will usually not prevent ultimate surgery in severely damaged knees.
The procedure for getting hyaluronic acid injections is very straightforward. They are injected directly into the afflicted knee joint, particularly inside the synovial fluid covering the joint. As with any injection, some individuals may find it more unpleasant than others, but there should be little discomfort because a sharp needle is used. The joint may be numbed beforehand with a local anesthetic.
How long it takes to start feeling better varies a lot by the patient. Patients can get the injections every six months, depending on the doctor's assessment. Most patients experience relief lasting between four to six months, and they receive the injections every six months. However, it is important to note that they do not function indefinitely. In addition, unlike steroid injections, which act considerably quicker, the shots may take many weeks to take effect.
Although the injections are considered generally safe, some patients may experience certain side effects, including discomfort, swelling, heat, inflammation, and fluid accumulation around the knee. Resting and icing can help mitigate these common adverse effects.
If you want to try hyaluronic acid injections for your osteoarthritis, speak to a doctor and see if they would recommend the treatment for you.
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