Hyaluronic Acid Injection

What is hyaluronic acid?

Your joints are surrounded by gel-like synovial fluid that reduces friction and helps your bones glide easily. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance within the synovial fluid. It provides lubrication and cushioning to help your joints move smoothly and painlessly. 

The team at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group offers hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, to facilitate joint movement and reduce joint pain. 

Why would I need hyaluronic acid injections?

If you have osteoarthritis, the amount of hyaluronic acid in your joints may be lower than normal. Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes joint pain, inflammation, and restricted mobility. 

Hyaluronic acid injections are an approved treatment for knee arthritis. The team at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group may recommend hyaluronic acid injections if you have osteoarthritis of the knee and don’t find relief from conservative treatments like physical therapy and medications. 

What should I expect from a hyaluronic acid injection?

First, your provider at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group carefully reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam to make sure you’re a good candidate for hyaluronic acid injections. If not, they may recommend another type of injection, like corticosteroids. 

Then, they create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need 1-5 injections over the span of several weeks. 

Before the procedure, your Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group provider numbs your knee with a local anesthetic injection. Then, they carefully guide a needle through the numbed tissue and into your knee joint. They may use a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy to make sure the needle is in the correct position. 

Then, they inject the hyaluronic acid and remove the needle. Side effects are typically mild, but you may notice redness, swelling, and discomfort at the injection site. This usually subsides within a couple of days. You should avoid excessive weight-bearing activities like running and heavy lifting during this time. 

If you’re looking for relief from the pain and symptoms of knee arthritis, call Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group or book an appointment online today to learn more about hyaluronic acid injections.