4926
General Public
Published by
Last Updated On: March 29, 2024

Hyaluronic Acid Injections (HA) for Arthritis Treatment

Published on: May 9, 2018

Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections are a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis of the knee. The procedure may also be referred to as viscosupplementation, a process that aims to restore the physiological and rheological state of the joint tissues. Intra-articular therapy, being an invasive procedure, requires strict aseptic technique.

Normal joint function is maintained by the synovial membrane and synovial fluid, which nourishes the chondrocytes and eliminates matrix degradation and metabolites. HA is produced in the synovial lining cells to help protect and maintain the articular cartilage. The clinical symptoms experienced by osteoarthritic patients are due to the inflammation of the synovium. Intra-articular injection decreases pain, discomfort, stiffness, and other OA symptoms, allowing extensive movement of the joint.

How does hyaluronic acid injection work?

The exact mechanism of action of hyaluronic acid injection has yet to be established, but it is proposed to provide OA benefits and pain relief by:

  • Restoring the concentration of HA in the joints;
  • Protecting cartilage cells from damage;
  • Reducing cartilage cells apoptosis (cell death);
  • Reducing inflammation by suppressing the binding of interleukin to its receptors;
  • Blocking sensitised nociceptive nerve endings to relieve pain;
  • Increasing the production of hyaluronic acid in the affected joint.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections Safety and Efficacy

Although HA injections are used in various arthritic joints, the vast majority of clinical trials have been performed in the knee and hip. Patients who are allergic to eggs and chicken should not be administered with chicken-comb derived products. The most common side effects associated with intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid do not always require medical attention. They may go away in a few days or weeks as the patient’s body adjusts to the treatment.

Common Side Effects:

  • Stiffness
  • Muscle pain
  • Difficulty moving the injected joint

Less Common Side Effects:

  • Blistering
  • Discoloration
  • Hives
  • Infection
  • Lump formation
  • Scarring
  • Ulceration
  • Numbness

Hyaluronic Acid Products

There are a variety of hyaluronic acid injectables for joints such as Orthovisc. However a more comprehensive list is as follows: Orthovisc, Hyalgan, Synvisc, Durolane, Euflexxa, Cingal, Crespine, Synvisc One and more. Regardless of the HA knee injection you can rely on Maylips to provide the lowest price with great service. Buy Orthovisc online today!

*Disclaimer:  Information on Maylips.com is provided for informational purposes only. Self-medication is strictly prohibited. All aesthetic procedures should be provided by the licensed healthcare specialist after the consultation with the personal therapist. The information in this article should not be used for prescribing any medication for the beauty injections.

All brand and medication descriptions in the article are based on the personal opinion and are not endorsed by Maylips.com. The article content was not reviewed for medical validity. Use this article for information and not for a final decision on the procedure.