When there is degeneration of the articular cartilage caused by knee osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid can work well in the knee and other joints. Injections may solve some of the problems caused by this disease. Clearly, it doesn’t solve everything, but it can be a great ally in improving pain symptoms and facilitating body movement.
Treatment for knee osteoarthritis
It involves performing a series of infiltrations into the most damaged joints. Generally, the knees are the most affected, as they bear more weight and impact, and they have natural degradation. However, there are other joints that can benefit from the properties of hyaluronic acid.
This substance acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joint. It is viscous and elastic, and besides being in the joints affected by diseases like arthritis or osteoarthritis, it is found in the eyes, feet, and tissues like tendons.
A healthy joint contains a large amount of synovial fluid that protects it and allows bone movement without friction. However, when a person has osteoarthritis, it is proven that there is less synovial fluid in the joints. Therefore, discomfort increases because hard parts like the bone constantly collide when you move. Hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis solve this problem by filling the synovial fluid cavity and restoring the levels to their previous state. This allows movement to return to normal, eliminating the arthritic symptoms.
Does hyaluronic acid work for osteoarthritis?
There were two views, as with most things, but fortunately, everything is clear now. One stated that it wasn’t fully proven due to the lack of scientific studies, while the other came from some doctors and patients who believed it worked quite well for them.
In addition to being used in the treatment of injuries like patellofemoral chondromalacia, in osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid for the knee improves symptoms and serves as a remedy to prevent further cartilage degeneration. Since its discovery, it has been used in a variety of treatments that greatly improve the quality of life for many people. The best part is that it is very simple to apply. Surgery is not required, nor does it have the side effects caused by operations to repair joints.
After conducting various clinical studies, it has been proven to have significant benefits for knee osteoarthritis cases. Hyaluronic acid injections have therapeutic effects, alleviating pain symptoms and improving knee mobility.
How do I know if I need joint injections?
This is a medical decision. If you haven’t discussed it with your specialist, you may want to suggest it as an alternative approach. However, it is really the medical professional who must be sure that hyaluronic acid and osteoarthritis are effective in your case. Not everyone needs the same treatments, and it may not be the right time for you yet. In any case, it’s always good to discuss it with the orthopedic or specialist treating your condition, and this way you can form your own opinion.
Some people may need injections, while others may require reconstructive surgery. In other cases, it may be advisable to change lifestyle habits and strengthen associated muscles and tendons.
Description of treatment for knee osteoarthritis
One to three injections should be applied, with an interval of one week. These are administered in the same way as any other injection, with the exception that they are in the joint. The doctor introduces the sodium hyaluronate gel until the normal levels are reached.
If you’re concerned about the injection, it is very similar to any other. The discomfort you are already experiencing is likely worse, so this will seem like nothing. Depending on the degree of osteoarthritis, it may take several weeks to notice the benefits. With some injuries, the effects are noticeable within 24 hours, but with this disease, due to possible greater cartilage degradation and very low synovial fluid levels, you may need several sessions and around a month. In any case, after the first injection, there is a review to check if the results are good and whether there’s a need to increase the hyaluronic acid level in the knee.
Regenerating knee cartilage
Although many of the osteoarthritis symptoms will disappear, unfortunately, hyaluronic acid does not cure osteoarthritis. It improves lubrication and cartilage sliding, but if the cartilage is worn down, it is very difficult to regenerate.
To improve cartilage creation, it is important to follow the recommendations. Sometimes it is necessary to take a supplement of chondroitin sulfate, and in other cases, other treatments may be required.
Recommendations
You should keep your weight under control. If you gain weight, the joints will suffer more, you will experience more pain, and you will have greater difficulty moving. This creates a vicious circle that you should avoid as much as possible. Maintaining your body weight is very important to help the treatment with hyaluronic acid.
Engage in moderate physical exercise. Avoid strong movements or those that could be harmful. Try to minimize the stress on the knee cartilage. The impact of some sports can be very damaging. Swim, walk, or ride a bike. Anything that avoids impact can be beneficial for strengthening the muscles that support the joint, without the pressure from body weight against the ground.
Is 3 injections in one month possible? How long does the effect last?
Excellent article. Thank you!
I am being treated for knee osteoarthritis with hyaluronic acid injection/infiltration, and I am frankly satisfied, as the pain disappears largely, and I have to go for a follow-up since in my case, it’s every 6 months.
Hello: More information is needed about this treatment, such as who, where, and the contact details to request more information or make an appointment.
The article estimates that “1 to 3 injections should be applied with a one-week interval.”
For my knee osteoarthritis, I was given one injection, and I am told to come back for a follow-up in 6 months. Doesn’t this seem like a big disparity for the same issue?
Sorry, but I’m really confused.
Best regards, Manolo.
Hello Manolo, although it may seem like it, it actually isn’t. You should keep in mind that there are different degrees of knee cartilage wear. Usually, one injection is common, and sometimes, for precaution, less hyaluronic acid is injected into the knee, which means the initial dose may need to be reinforced.
In any case, the orthopedic surgeon or specialist treating you is the one who should calculate the amount injected.
Don’t worry about the confusion, it’s totally normal!
Is it normal to feel pain when getting the hyaluronic acid injection in the knee???
María, it’s common to feel discomfort on the first and second day. Some people don’t feel pain, but most experience this for a while until the knee tissues return to normal.
Hello Maria Antonieta Nieto, I would like to share the address where you had the hyaluronic acid injection/infiltration, please.
Thank you.