Hyaluronic acid injections are commonly used for patients with osteoarthritis or joint degeneration, when other methods have not been effective.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body, particularly in joint fluids, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. The injection helps restore this natural cushioning in joints, providing pain relief and improved mobility. HA injections come in many forms, we use Ostenil Plus. Some of the common conditions treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) injections include:
Hyaluronic acid injection anatomically guided – £225
There are times when you should not have a HA injection, these include:
Please do not book in for a HA injection if any of the above apply because you won’t be able to have the injection.
Side-effects include the following. A more detailed list can be found on the manufacturers information:
– bruising at the injection site (more likely if you take blood thinning medication)
– a temporary increase in pain (up to 2-3 days)
– numbness, tingling or increased pain if a nerve has been touched by the needle.
– post injection joint infection; this is very rare, 1 person in 10,000 may experience this. If the area that was injected becomes hot, red, swollen and very painful within 24-72 hours after the injection you should seek urgent medical attention.
– anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. This is extremely rare in response to being injected. You will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after the injection to ensure you do not have an immediate reaction.
If you haven’t seen a Physiotherapist at Comfort Health before your appointment will begin with a full assessment of your injury. If your Physio feels a hyaluronic acid injection will benefit you they will proceed with the injection. If however they don’t, the appointment will become a 30 minute Physiotherapy session and they will advise the best treatment plan for you going forward.
If you have been referred by one of our Physiotherapist for a joint injection your practitioner will have a brief chat with you at the start of the appointment. Then if you are happy to proceed the joint injection will take place. The skin is first cleaned with antiseptic, and then a needle is inserted into the affected body part to deliver the HA. The procedure may take between 5 and 20 seconds. There may be discomfort at the time of the injection, and occasionally the pain can persist for a few days, which you can take paracetamol for.
Once you’ve had the injection you will be asked to sit in reception for a short while to make sure you are feeling well before you leave. It is preferable not to drive afterwards, but on most occasions it is safe to do so.
The injection usually starts to work within within a few days to a few weeks after the injection. However, the full benefits may not be felt until 1–2 weeks after the injection.
The duration of the relief can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition, but many patients experience gradual symptom relief for several months, sometimes up to six months. After that, additional injections may be necessary to maintain the benefits, this can be discussed with your Physio.