When To Consider Hyaluronic Acid Injection Treatment

Hyaluronic Acid Injection Treatment Ooltewah, TN

Hyaluronic acid injection treatments have been relieving pain for years. They are noninvasive and work quickly, helping you move throughout your day until you can find a more permanent solution to treat your condition. Let us explore this treatment option and determine whether you are an ideal candidate.

An Overview of Hyaluronic Acid Injection Treatment

What is hyaluronic acid injection treatment?

It is important for patients to know that hyaluronic acid injection treatments or hyaluronan treatments do not cure a condition; they only alleviate the accompanying symptoms of pain and limited mobility. They work by lubricating the joints, so they operate more smoothly. The American Federal Drug and Food Administration, or FDA, has approved these injections for the knee joints, but some patients ask for them to be placed in other joints as well.

The injections can comprise synovial fluid and hyaluronic acid or simply hyaluronic acid, both of which are found naturally in the body. Most patients receive one to five injections over the course of a few months. The appointments are relatively quick, as we will perform the hyaluronic acid injection treatment and may have the patient perform various mobility exercises to move the fluid around.

Conditions hyaluronic acid injection treatments can address

Our team uses hyaluronic acid injection treatments to address osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms, synovial fluid loss, and hyaluronic acid loss. Again, we must stress that these treatments do not cure a condition. They are only available to temporarily relieve its symptoms.

Per Medline Plus, synovial fluid, or joint fluid, is a thick liquid between each joint. When the normal amount dissipates, pain, limited mobility, and swelling can result. Hyaluronic acid is in various body parts, mainly the eyes, joints, and skin. Like synovial fluid, when the body naturally lacks this substance, it can lead to pain, inflammation, and mobility problems.

OA is a form of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide, according to the Mayo Clinic. It results from the protective casing or cartilage surrounding the joints wearing down. It can affect any joint but is most prevalent in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Patients with the condition will notice the following symptoms:

  • Pain. Joints will hurt when in use
  • Limited flexibility. The joint does not have a full range of motion
  • Sounds when in use. When standing or making slight movements, the joints will produce popping or cracking sounds
  • Spurs. Formally known as bone spurs, which feel like small hard lumps surrounding the affected joint due to extra bits of bone
  • Stiffness. Joints are noticeably stiff after being left inactive for a while, such as when sleeping
  • Swelling. A result of soft tissue inflammation surrounding the joint, more often than not, the swelling is mild to moderate
  • Tenderness. The affected joint may feel tender when applying light pressure on or near it

Candidacy process for hyaluronic acid injection treatments

While hyaluronic acid injection treatments can alleviate much of the distress on the joints, they are not for everyone. Therefore, we require all patients to undergo our candidacy process, which involves one appointment, before approving them for these treatments.

The candidacy process involves a physical examination, imaging, and lab tests. The physical examination is simple enough. We will apply pressure to the problem joint and ask the patient to perform certain exercises or movements to determine its full ability without causing pain or discomfort. We will also note if swelling is present.

The imaging tests typically include an MRI or an X-ray; sometimes, both are necessary. An MRI, short for magnetic resonance imaging, uses radio waves and magnetic fields to create detailed images of the bones and soft tissues, including cartilage. While it is not used to diagnose OA, it will provide us with more information regarding the state of the patient's bones. X-rays are mainly employed to identify the presence of spurs. However, they can also identify a narrowed space between the bones of a joint, which may indicate cartilage loss.

Some patients may require lab tests to identify other causes of joint pain, including rheumatoid arthritis. Some blood test results may take up to a week to return. A joint fluid analysis is another possibility, especially if underlying medical conditions are not the cause. We may draw fluid from the affected joint using a needle and test for inflammation to determine the presence of synovial fluid, hyaluronic acid, or the presence of an infection.

Moreover, some patients will need to take pregnancy tests, as those who are pregnant may need alternative treatment. Patients over 65 years of age, children, those with a bacterial infection, and those with an allergy to hyaluronate may also need to consider alternative treatments.

Stop the pain today

Our team aims to help our patients get through life more easily until they can receive more permanent treatment. If any of the above symptoms resonate with you or you want to learn more about hyaluronic acid treatments, give us a call. Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine can be reached at our Ooltewah office at (423) 424-1529.

Request an appointment here: https://sjrm-tn.com or call Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine at (423) 424-1529 for an appointment in our Ooltewah office.v

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

Why You Should Consider Vitamin Drips For Energy And Immunity

Busy schedules, poor dietary habits, and chronic stress often deplete the body's essential nutrients, leading to fatigue and a weakened immune response. Vitamin drips provide a reassuring solution with their efficient delivery of essential nutrients and vitamins through a vein in your arm and directly into the bloodstream. This method ensures rapid and efficient nutrient…

What Is IV Hydration?

IV hydration delivers fluids, electrolytes, and other important elements directly into the patient's bloodstream. For years, this treatment has been a powerful tool for medical emergencies, surgical recovery, and other essential medical interventions. Recently, it has grown in popularity as people looking to improve athletic performance, boost immunity, and improve overall wellness are discovering its…

Top Spinal Treatment Methods To Enhance Your Mobility

Living with spinal issues can significantly affect your quality of life, making everyday tasks challenging and reducing your overall mobility. Fortunately, there are a variety of spinal treatment methods that can help alleviate pain and enhance mobility. Whether you are dealing with chronic back pain or recovering from a herniated disc, there are spinal treatments…

Essential Steps For Effective Injury Care And Rehabilitation

No matter how careful someone is, everyday physical demands can lead to overuse injuries, falls, or other accidents. Fortunately, injury care can make a significant difference in the rehabilitation process. The following guide will walk you through the essential steps for effective injury care and recovery, ensuring you are well-prepared for the healing journey.The first…