Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee OA Relief: What to Expect

When you have the most common form of arthritis — the wear-and-tear form that’s caused by aging or overuse and called osteoarthritis (OA) — you may have run out of options. You’ve already lost weight, increased activity, and adopted a healthier lifestyle.

Sometimes over-the-counter painkillers work, but they’re not really sufficient to deal with your knee pain and dysfunction. So, when you hear that hyaluronic acid (HA) injections can work with your knee to increase function, you’re intrigued. 

At Addison Pain + Regenerative Medicine in Addison, Texas, our pain management expert, Dr. John East and our team emphasize supportive therapies that help your body heal itself. If you have knee OA, you may benefit from injections of a substance that your own body produces: hyaluronic acid (HA).

How do HA injections work? What can you expect during your procedure and after it’s done? Read on to find out.

HA injections supplement your own HA

When you’re young and healthy, your body produces plenty of a lubricating, lipophilic (i.e., moisture-friendly) substance called HA. Not only does HA make your skin plump and moist, but it also infuses an important part of your joint capsule called the synovium.

The synovium is a cushioning tissue that surrounds your knee joint. When you move your knee, the synovium releases a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid, which contains HA.

The HA is thick and gel-like, which helps provide a gliding surface for your joints to reduce friction and increase smooth and easy movement. Over time or with injury due to overuse or trauma, your synovium produces less and less HA. An HA injection restores this important lubricant to your synovium.

The HA in your injections is synthesized in a lab. Some formulations are made from cockscombs. All are FDA-approved for OA relief.

What happens the day of your injection

If Dr. East determines you’re a good candidate for HA injections, the procedure is fast, relatively painless, and simple. First, we prep your knee by cleaning it with an antiseptic. We may then administer a joint-friendly anesthetic, such as ropivacaine.

When fluid has built up in your knee, we drain that before administering your HA injection. When it’s time for your treatment, we use ultrasound monitoring to guide the needle into the synovium. You can return home after the procedure.

Take it easy on your knee

Side effects of HA injections tend to be localized, such as slight pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. However, it’s important to only engage in light activities in the days following your HA treatment. Avoid:

• Jogging
• Running
• Heavy lifting
• Contact sports
• Prolonged standing

After a few days, you should be able to return to most of your normal activities. If you’re an athlete or are active on your job, make sure Dr. East gives you the all-clear before resuming strenuous movements.

Relief is gradual

It can take up to a few weeks to feel a difference in your knee pain. HA injections can provide relief for up to six months. Depending on whether we use a liquid or gel, you may need up to five injections over the next few weeks. We usually recommend a repeat treatment every six months or so. 

Do you want to help your synovium do its job by restoring HA to your knee joint? For HA injections to counter your knee pain, call our office at 972-380-0000 today or use the book online button to schedule an appointment anytime.