Millions of people are suffering from problems related to the knee joints, like arthritis and inflammatory arthritis, an looking for a treatment for osteoarthritis and other knee pain-related problems. Almost every one of these patients needs to face extreme pain in the knee at some point, which requires immediate surgery. But a modern approach in the medical world introduces injections of hyaluronic acid. It is a non-surgical approach in which there’s no need to cut or incision anywhere. Let’s talk about the injections, what to expect, how they work, and what these hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain actually are.
What Actually is Hyaluronic Acid?
It is a natural acid that exists in the body of human body. It is present in the eyes, joints, and even the skin of the human body. Out of all the components present in synovial fluid, hyaluronic acid is one of the most important. Thus, fluid is responsible for providing the smooth mobility and lubricating the cushioning between two joints. It works like a cushion to protect the cartilage around the joints from any tears or damage.
The quantity as well as the quality of hyaluronic acid decrease naturally as we age or develop a knee disorder. The reduction of this acid may result in dryness between joints and inflammation of cartilage. This is the most common reason why a person feels knee pain. The main objective behind this hyaluronic injection is to restore the lost hyaluronic acid in joints, which eventually minimizes the pain.
Principle of Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Another name for injecting the hyaluronic acid is viscosupplementation. It is the preparation of hyaluronic acid that looks exactly like a transparent gel. The main purpose is to provide some lubrication to the joints with hyaluronic acid. This gel-based acid acts as a different type of mechanism.
- Property of Anti-inflammation: It reduces joint inflammation because this acid has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lubrication of Joints: The gel injected provides diminished lubrication to the joints again. It won’t be dry anymore, which effectively minimises the pain.
- Protection of Cartilage: This acid also protects the cartilage around the joints by reducing the extra stress and pressure it was causing earlier while movement.
- Shock Absorption: The cartilages and cushioning at the ends of bones. This acid provides lubricant as well as acts as a cushion between two bones or two cartilages.
Eligibility for Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Pain
This injection is very beneficial for people suffering from mild to moderate pain in the knee. Patients having osteoarthritis who have not benefited from the other non-surgical treatments can look for this one. There are some considerations for which we can recommend this injunction.
- Regular pain in the knee of an osteoarthritis patient, even after several treatments.
- Patients who can’t take oral medicines to reduce pain for the long term
- Patient decided on the knee replacement surgery, but postponed after relief from pain due to hyaluronic acid.
- People who want to be active and without lacking any normal moment.
Although hyaluronic acid is a good option to reduce knee pain, there are some cases where a person may not be eligible to have this. Like, severe level of osteoarthritis, infection in the knee joint, or allergies to some compositions. If you’re still looking for surgery, rather prefer this option for pain relief. You must know what to expect after knee replacement surgery, so that you can plan everything thoroughly.
How is it Done?
The process of injecting the hyaluronic acid is not a typical one. It is generally done in a doctor’s office or a clinic. Let’s take a look at the whole process step by step:
- Preparation: Cleaning and sterilization of the knee area. Anesthesia is not mandatory in this; still, according to the condition, it is given to some.
- Injection: The Doctor injects the gel-based hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint. The experience of a doctor is enough to find the exact place for injection. But in some cases ultrasound is required.
- Post-procedure Care: The Doctor will guide you with all the related things for the next 24- 48 hours. Like, restriction on high-impact physical activities or applying ice to knee joints.
Modern formulations require only two injections; however, some treatment requires 4-5 weekly injections for 3 to 4 weeks.
Expected Outcomes and Timeline
Hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain don’t work as soon as it is injected. 2-7 weeks is the average time during which most patients feel a benefit. However, having the whole series of injections timely is mandatory for the best results. Injection may benefit you in:
- Reduction in knee pain while moving or doing something
- Flexibility in joints and smooth mobility
- Increases the ability to perform regular activities
- Better sleep quality and life quality
- Surgical intervention can be postponed
Pain relief using this injection can be different for each individual. Some people need to repeat the injection sessions of injection time to time. While some results show the long-term relief and benefits from just one series of injections. And if ultimately the only option left for you is surgery, there are many best countries for knee replacement surgery available globally.
Considerable Side Effects and Risks
This gel-based hyaluronic solution prepared for injection is generally considered to be a safe one. In some cases, we encounter side effects, although they are mild too. Some of the most common side effects are:
- Pain or swelling for a short time at the place of incision
- Feeling of fever and redness around the knee, and where the incision is made.
- Some rare allergies, like allergies due to the intake of bird protein.
- Risk of infection around the knee joints due to the incision, rare, but there are possibilities.
Complications are rare in cases, if you’re having a treatment from a highly specialised hospital and experienced doctors.
Maximising Treatment Success
To drain out the best possible result of this treatment, an individual must follow the following steps:
- Regular communication with the healthcare team.
- Focused on other treatments too, like natural home remedies for knee pain and those that are recommended by your doctor, like physiotherapy.
- Avoid high-impact exercise.
- Reduce excessive body weight to reduce the pressure on the knees.
- Follow the guidelines given by the doctor after the injection thoroughly.
- Willpower for any recovery is a must. always believe that you will be fit and fine very soon.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain are a significant advancement in the medical field. Patients with osteoarthritis can opt for this to reduce pain instead of surgery. These injections provide some level of pain relief. There is no need for immediate operation after this. Just remember to consult your doctor properly if you’re having any pre-medical conditions or medications. Because hyaluronic acid may react with different chemical compositions, which may be severe for you.