Hyaluronic Acid Joint Injections

What are Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance that is found in your skin, joints, eyes, connective tissues, lips and gums, scalp, and hair follicles. The main role of HA is to retain moisture, act as lubricate, support structures and aid repair.

In joints specifically, HA acts as a lubrication and shock absorber, helping joints move smoothly and in turn reduces pain. When there is osteoarthritis presented into the joint the hyaluronic acid levels decrease leading to pain and joint stiffness. Injecting HA into the joint can relieve some of those affects making the joint less painful and easier to move, consequently improving quality of life.

These injections are often called viscosupplementation, which means they can help restore the normal ‘viscosity’ or thickness of the joint fluid.

Versus Arthritis also document Hyaluronan Injections as a treatment option https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/hyaluronan-injections/

When to use?

Hyaluronic acid injections are used when there is not enough relief from over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen. When the patient is not ready or eligible for joint replacement surgery or when the patient would want to delay the need of joint replacement. In combination with physiotherapy and exercise rehab has the best outcomes.

There are different types of hyaluronic acid injections differing in molecular weight (how thick the fluid is), number of injections needed and the source (synthetic or animal sources)

Popular brands include Ostenil, Sinovial, Cingal, and Monovisc. (links to each sub page)

The main benefits of HA injections are that they are non-surgical and minimally invasive, may delay the need for joint replacement and can reduce joint pain for 6 months or more, in turn improving quality of life.

The side effects of HA injections can be minimal. There can be mild swelling or soreness at the injection site, temporary stiffness, or warmth in the joint and in rare cases an allergic reaction or infection.

The patient should always consult with a doctor or physiotherapist when unsure if HA injections are the right option for them!

The main goal of hyaluronic acid injections is to provide joint lubrication which can reduce the joint pain and improve movement, especially in patients with osteoarthritis. It is not a cure, but it can be a valuable part of a non-surgical treatment plan and management. If paired with physiotherapy, strength training and weight management it can provide the best outcomes!

Types of HA joint injections

Find out more about HA joint injections

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