At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we are dedicated to helping you live a pain-free life. If you’re struggling with joint pain or osteoarthritis, you might be looking for non-surgical treatments that offer long-lasting relief. One such treatment is Hyaluronic Acid Injections, which is a safe, effective solution for improving joint function and reducing pain. Read on to learn how this innovative therapy can help restore your mobility and enhance your quality of life.
What Are Hyaluronic Acid Injections?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in your body, including your cartilage and synovial joints, to restore lubrication and improve the quality of the cartilage. It helps your joints move smoothly by providing cushioning and reducing friction. In people with osteoarthritis or joint pain, the natural levels of HA can decrease, leading to increased friction and discomfort.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections involve injecting a gel-like form of HA directly into the affected joint to restore lubrication. This treatment helps reduce pain, improve joint function, and delay the need for more invasive procedures like surgery.
Conditions Treated with Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections are primarily used to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees, hips, and shoulders. They are an excellent option for individuals who want to avoid or delay surgery and manage their pain more effectively.
Some of the conditions treated with HA injections include:
- Osteoarthritis: The most common use for HA injections is to treat osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and shoulder. These injections help improve joint function and reduce pain caused by cartilage wear.
- Tendonitis: HA injections can also provide relief for tendons that have become inflamed due to overuse or injury.
- Bursitis: For those with inflamed bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints), HA injections can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Hyaluronic Acid Injections?
Hyaluronic acid injections are an excellent option for individuals with mild to moderate osteoarthritis or joint pain, particularly those who have not found relief through other non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy or pain medications. HA injections are also ideal for individuals looking to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery.
The best candidates for this treatment:
- Have mild to moderate arthritis in the knees, hips, or shoulders.
- Want to avoid or delay surgery.
- Are not experiencing severe joint damage or advanced arthritis.
- Are generally in good health with no contraindications for the procedure.
The Hyaluronic Acid Injection Procedure
The hyaluronic acid injection procedure is simple and quick, typically performed in-office. Before the injection, we will thoroughly evaluate your joint health, review your medical history, and determine if hyaluronic acid is the right option for you.
On the day of the procedure, the affected joint will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic may be applied to minimize any discomfort. Once you’re ready, the hyaluronic acid is carefully injected into the joint space using a fine needle. The entire procedure usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes, making it a fast and minimally invasive treatment.
After the injection, you’ll be able to return home the same day. While some mild swelling or tenderness at the injection site is normal, these side effects typically resolve within a short period.
Aftercare and Recovery from Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Recovery after hyaluronic acid injections is generally quick, allowing most patients to resume normal activities within a few days. Following the procedure, you may be advised to rest the affected joint and avoid intense physical activities for 24 to 48 hours to help ensure optimal healing. Applying ice to the injection site can help alleviate any swelling or discomfort that may occur in the first few days.
Although the treatment is minimally invasive, it’s important to ease back into physical activities gradually, being mindful not to overstrain the joint too soon. Most patients begin experiencing relief from pain and improvement in mobility within one to two weeks after the injection, with results continuing to improve over time. If you experience any persistent or unusual symptoms, such as prolonged pain or swelling, it’s important to contact our office for further guidance.
Contact Us for a Consultation
If you’re ready to explore how hyaluronic acid injections can help relieve your joint pain, we’re here to assist you. Contact Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center in Charlottesville, VA, today to schedule a consultation.
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So helpful!! They got me in quickly after a bad ER experience. Everyone is so nice and will explain things and set up a game plan.
Great Orthopaedic Center! Dr Nielsen, Natalie Smith and the Staff are all so friendly and thorough with all my healthcare needs! Keep up the GREAT Work! Thanks again!
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