- Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee causes a tremendous amount of pain and disability in the United States. While there is no cure, there are many treatment options available. At Sports Health Northwest, we want our patients to stay active and pain free. One option to help relieve knee pain and stiffness due to OA is a hyaluronic acid injection. Hyaluronic acid is a natural product found in joints like the knee as well as, other areas of our body like the eyes and skin. This injection has also been referred to as a viscosupplementation injection.
- In this procedure, a thick, gel-like fluid called hyaluronic acid is injected into the knee joint where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber helping to reduce knee pain and stiffness due to OA.
- While the research results on hyaluronic acid are mixed with some showing benefit and others not, we know that it has a long history of safety with low risk of any side effects or complications. Studies indicate that hyaluronic acid injections can provide moderate relief for 6 months or longer. It can be an effective treatment option for many individuals when other treatments have failed. Additionally, many individuals who are not candidates for knee surgery can benefit from hyaluronic acid injections for pain relief.
- While hyaluronic acid injections are FDA approved for knee pain due to knee arthritis, they can also be used in other joints for arthritis associated pain and stiffness. Though insurance typically does not cover hyaluronic acid injections for locations other than the knee, these injections have become increasingly affordable for patients.
- At Sports Health Northwest, our priority is you, and our sports medicine specialist will be happy to talk with you in detail about hyaluronic acid injections and if you are a candidate based on the location and degree of OA affecting your knee. Additionally, we perform these injections using ultrasound guidance which enhances accuracy and is less painful than palpation guided injections.
