Hyaluronic acid

Description injections of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid – introduction of substances, called hyaluronic acid in the knee joint.

Reasons injections of hyaluronic acid

The procedure is used for the treatment of symptoms osteoarthritis (OA).

Healthy joints contain synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates and provides nutrients to joints. However, the changes, that occur in OA, lead to, that synovial fluid becomes less, and it does not provide the normal lubrication of the joint.

When injected hyaluronic acid, which is contained in the synovial fluid, administered into the knee joint. This makes it possible to improve the lubricating properties of synovial fluid. It also reduces pain and improves the functioning of the joint. In some cases, the hyaluronic acid injection may help avoid surgery on the knee joint.

Hyaluronic acid is used, If other treatments (eg, medication, Physiotherapy) not successful.

Possible complications of injections of hyaluronic acid

Complications are rare, but no operation ensures no risk. Before, how to perform the injection of hyaluronic acid, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Pain and swelling;
• Infection at the injection site;
• Bleeding;
• An allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid or local anesthetic;
• Gout;
• Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis).

Factors, that reduce the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injections:

• Launched osteoarthritis;
• Age: 65 and older.

How is the injection of hyaluronic acid?

Preparing for Surgery

Before, deciding to hold the injection, doctor, probably, try to cure osteoarthritis by other means:

• Appointment of pain medication;
• Injections of corticosteroids;
• Physical therapy;
• Weight reduction.

If these methods do not help, Hyaluronic acid injections can bring the desired effect. Prior to injection, the doctor may prescribe the following tests:

• Roentgen – to determine the severity of osteoarthritis;
• To determine the presence of allergy to the drug hyaluronic acid.

If you are taking any medications, prescription, otpuskaemыe without prescription, Herbs and Supplements, tell your doctor, since some of them can interact with components of the injection.

Procedure hyaluronic acid injections

First, cleanse the skin doctor, where the needle will be inserted. It can be used local anesthesia, injection to numb the area. If there was swelling of the knee joint, the doctor removes excess fluid. Then, a hyaluronic acid in the introduction of joint. If necessary, the injection may be carried out in both the knee joint.

Usually hyaluronic acid injection should be carried out several times, depending on the brand of the drug. The most frequently performed a series of three injections (1, 8 and 15 days). Maybe, We will have to go through this cycle several times. In some cases, it can alleviate the pain for a period of several months to several years.

How long will the injection of hyaluronic acid?

The procedure usually takes a few minutes.

Hyaluronic acid – Will it hurt?

You can feel the needle stick. Immediately after the injection can be observed moderate pain, fever and swelling around the knee joint.

Care after the injection of hyaluronic acid

Home Care

After returning home, follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• To reduce pain and swelling, in the area of ​​injection, apply ice. You can do this for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, but first wrap the ice in a towel. Do not apply it directly to the skin;
• During the first two days after the injection of hyaluronic acid don't strain your knee. You can not stand for a long time or do hard labor.

As the administration of hyaluronic acid, You can:

• Feel decrease in knee pain;
• To increase the mobility of joints.

Communication with the doctor after the injection of hyaluronic acid

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding or discharge from the injection site;
• Signs of an allergic reaction (eg, hives, itch, labored breathing);
• Pain or swelling in the knee joint.