Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic Acid Injection Therapy

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural chemical found in the body that is present in particularly high amounts in joint tissues and fluid. Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant to enable bones to move smoothly over each other and as a shock absorber for joint loads. People with osteoarthritis have a lower-than-normal concentration of hyaluronic acid in their joints.

How Does Viscosupplementation Work?

Hyaluronic acid injections are a type of osteoarthritis injection treatment known as viscosupplementation. The theory is that the reintroduction of hyaluronic acid to the arthritic joint will facilitate movement and reduce pain.

Injectable hyaluronic acid is either derived from rooster combs (the crown of feathers on a rooster’s head) or bacterial cultures. Alert your doctor if you suffer from avian allergies, which includes allergies to poultry, feathers or eggs.

What Conditions Are Treated With Viscosupplementation?

Injections are for the relief of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

A series of three to five injections administered one week apart is necessary. If needed, you can receive another set of injections after six months. Insurance plans do cover the cost of injections for knee osteoarthritis.