Hyaluronic acid INJECTIONS

Hyaluronic acid injections (or viscosupplementation) are used to treat knee osteoarthritis and improve knee function. The goal is to reduce pain and improve joint movement by increasing joint lubrication, reducing joint friction and inflammation. Hyaluronic acid is a key component of joint fluid. It gives the joint fluid its viscous, slippery quality, which enables the cartilage-covered bone surfaces glide against each other, reducing joint friction as well as adding cushioning to protect the joints during impact. In the arthritic knee, the quality and quantity of hyaluronic acid in the joint fluid reduces, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint.

The results of hyaluronic acid injections for knee osteoarthritis vary with each patient. Some people experience complete relief, while others receive partial relief or no relief. Several clinical studies have investigated the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injections in treating knee osteoarthritis. Pain relief is not immediate and usually begins 2-4 weeks after the injection. Duration of relief varies, usually lasting 2-6 months. Not all studies conducted to test the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injections in treating knee arthritis have reported positive results. For this reason, some doctors may not recommend this treatment. Research also shows that these injections may not work in overweight people due to the narrowing of joint space in the knee.