What is Hyaluronic acid?
A common treatment for knee arthritis and other joint arthritis in the body is an injection of Hyaluronic acid. We often get asked, “What is Hyaluronic acid and what one should I have?”
Hyaluronic acid is present all over the body. It is a naturally occurring molecule present in the skin, soft tissues and joints. It it attracts and holds water — up to 1,000 times its weight. This helps keep joints and skin hydrated. This is why we see it in skin care products! In joints, the quality and quantity of the Hyaluronic acid deminishes leading to poorer quality joint fluid. This is part of the arthritic process and the joint fluid is responsible for lubrication, cushioning and providing nutrients to the joint surfaces. It is also present in soft tissue interfaces like around tendons. This helps lubricate the tendon as they slide through the body.
As Hyaluronic acid diminishes in joints with arthritis or with age, you may benefit from supplementing the joint fluid or tendon sheath with a good quality Hyaluronic acid to help alleviate painful symptoms.
Why a Hyaluronic acid injection instead of a steroid injection?
Hyaluronic acid injections do not degrade joint cartilage or weaken tendons. This means they are much safer to inject into joints that require long term management as repeated steroid injections into joints will cause a gradual degradation to the joint cartilage over time. Also, if there is concern about a tendon rupture when treating a painful conditions like achilles tendinopathy, then injecting Hyaluronic acid around it will not weaken the tendon and increase the rupture risk like a steroid can.
Why do you have different types of Hyaluronic acid?
We stock a range of different types of Hyaluronic acid as not all products are created equally! Some manufacturers have created molecules that are low molecular weight, some with high molecular weight, some higher volumes and some with hybrid technology combining high and low molecular weight. Different joints may require different properties. For example, a large weight bearing joint in a heavier individual may benefit from a higher volume, higher molecular weight product. A tendon sheath, may want a more silky, low molecular weight product that helps more with lubrication. So depending on the pathology we are treating, we may suggest a product that matches the properties we are trying to restore in the damaged tissue.
Summary
In summary, a Hyaluronic acid injection is used to help reduce pain in arthritic joints and tendinopathy. It has little side affects and is less harmful on surrounding tissues than steroid injections can be. It is important that ultrasound guidance is used to administer these injections as you do not want to waste the product by injecting it into the wrong location!
If you would like more information or would like to book an appointment, please contact us at OC Injections on 0207 636 5774 or email bookings@ocinjections.co.uk