Hyaluronic acid injection treatment at BMM

Treatment of arthrosis with hyaluronic acid injections

In case of arthrosis initially dull pain can be felt with increasing exertion, usually when climbing stairs or after prolonged sitting in the case of knee pain. Occasional complaints may be due to movements with the leg bent. In this case, it is likely to be even only moderate joint wear detectable, but it is precisely at this stage that one of the hyaluronic acid injections may be the most effective treatment. The joints for cartilage has no blood supply, so the joint gets its nutrients from the synovial fluid.

Joint fluid is unfortunately the can change with age, The quality and quantity of the water can also be adversely affected, leading to a variety of complaints. However, if hyaluronic acid is injected into the joints, then the pain can be reduced, it nourishes the cartilage and protects the cartilage surface.

The importance of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid itself is a an important component of articular cartilage and the synovial fluid itself. The articular cartilage is made up of cartilage cells and a matrix, one of the components of which is hyaluronic acid. The articular cartilage is very elastic because it contains a large proportion of water. If the cartilage loses water content, the cartilage can become fragmented, soft and even disintegrated in places may be destroyed, leaving the bone free. In this way may be developed out of the joint wear, which causes severe pain and reduced mobility. In the case of advanced cartilage damage in a large joint (knee, hip), a prosthesis may be necessary. Early detection of joint wear is important, because the problem can be treated well with conservative treatments (e.g. hyaluronic acid injections) at an early stage. 

In itself, the hyaluronic acid is a very viscous substance. The effect can be illustrated in a similar way to pouring engine oil into an engine. In this way, hyaluronic acid also improves the “lubrication” of joints. Hyaluronic acid is incorporated into the matrix system of the articular cartilage, increasing its water-binding capacity and thus improving cartilage elasticity.

What is hyaluronic acid injection treatment?

A hyaluronic acid treatment with an injectable treatment, during which a substance containing hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint.

How is hyaluronic acid treatment done?

Hyaluronic acid injections are not lengthy and the injection in the joint is no more painful than any other injection. It is a very fast procedure, the injection time is about just 20 seconds. After the joint is moved, the hyaluronic acid evenly coats the cartilaginous surface. A small percentage of patients may feel a slight tightness at the treatment site, which disappears after a few hours. After the injection, the patient is ambulatory and can go home independently, but rest at home is recommended for 1-2 days.

Where can hyaluronic acid injections be used?

Knee joint diseases and other joint conditions, hyaluronic acid injectable form is a great treatment option. Most common in large joints, the hip and knee hyaluronic acid injection treatment, but applicable Shoulder and boka also for complaints.

In which cases can hyaluronic acid injection be used?

It can be used for different types of joint wear, but usually for for initial or moderate degrees of wear can be specifically effective this treatment. Unfortunately, in cases of advanced wear or total joint cartilage loss, these injections can only help to a limited extent or not at all. It is important to know that it is not possible to rebuild joint cartilage with this type of treatment! The existing cartilage is significantly can be improved or slowed down we know the process of joint wear.

How many hyaluronic acid injections are needed?

This is largely depends on the condition of the patient and the degree of wear and tear on the joint, and the type of hyaluronic acid preparation used. In most cases, this may be a single treatment or a series of injections. For smaller doses of hyaluronic acid preparations, several sessions are recommended. For more concentrated injections with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, one treatment may be sufficient.

Types of hyaluronic acid preparations

They exist higher concentrations, higher doses, both higher density hyaluronic acid formulations and smaller ones. Higher density formulations containing hyaluronic acid with a larger molecular size degrade more slowly and therefore take longer to act in the joints. A lower doses preparations require several injections, these are repeated 2-3 times, usually weekly, and given to the patient in series every few weeks. In addition, there are also combined preparations, which also contain a steroid component, this type can be very beneficial for patients whose joints are also inflamed. This will not only Improved joint cartilage consistency, but also the inflammation may also be reduced.

Effect of hyaluronic acid injection treatment

The effect of the injection is usually develops in a week. Its effect depends on the patient's cartilage and the load on the joint. It is therefore important to obtain accurate feedback from the patient to determine the frequency of treatment required. In terms of their durability last from 6 months to 1 year, the duration of the effect depends largely on the condition of the joint and the degree of wear and tear. Afterwards, if the symptoms start to return, the treatments can be repeated, thus slowing down the process of joint wear. The treatment can buy time for a possible joint replacement surgery, during which the patient can prepare both physically and mentally for the procedure.

Side effect of hyaluronic acid

No known side effects of hyaluronic acid products. However, there may be a slight tightness after the injection itself, which will disappear within a few hours. As with all injections we place great emphasis on before the injection is administered for skin disinfection, but the risk of developing an infectious complication - fortunately a very small percentage - may still exist.