Introduction
Hyaluronic injections, also called hyaluronan injections, are used in the case of arthritis of the knee. When other treatment options do not improve, hyaluronic acid will help move the joints and decrease the pain. Hyaluronic acid is usually seen naturally in the joints. In the case of healthy joints, hyaluronic acid is present in the synovial fluid as a lubricant that helps the cartilage to glide against each other. This fluid helps in the easy movement of the joint. Hyaluronic acid injection acts as a lubricant in those regions where the cartilage is roughened by osteoarthritis and also helps in the regeneration process of the cartilage.
Who Are the People Who Can Take Hyaluronic Acid Injections?
Hyaluronic acid is used to treat arthritis conditions, but this is recommended only when other treatment options fail to treat the condition. A person will not be able to get hyaluronic acid when
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There are bleeding or blood clot conditions, such as hemophilia.
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Some allergic reactions.
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Presence of infection in the knee.
How Effective Are Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Treating Osteoarthritis?
For some people with osteoarthritis in the knee, hyaluronic acid plays a better role than painkillers in managing pain. Hyaluronic acid can work as a corticosteroid knee injection. Hyaluronic acid works better for some people, but it is less effective in elderly people and those with severe osteoarthritis.
How Is Hyaluronic Acid Given?
Various brands of hyaluronic acid are provided for people with knee arthritis. This can be given as a single shot or three to five shots planned a week apart. This injection is administered in the same way for all forms of osteoarthritis. The first step is the doctor cleaning the area, and if the knee is filled with fluid, the doctor initially provides a painkiller and then inserts a needle to eliminate the fluid present. The doctors administer hyaluronic acid into the knee space through the same needle in the same place. Post this procedure, the person should not do any hard weight-bearing activities for the initial few days. Other than that, the person can perform normal activities. The effect of the injection can be experienced immediately.
What Are the Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Injection on Other Treatment Methods?
Before planning for a hyaluronic acid injection, the person should discuss with the doctor other medications that have been taken. Complementary treatment methods, such as herbal remedies, should not be taken without discussing it with the doctor. Some of the medications can react with hyaluronic acid. The vaccination taken by the person should also be discussed with the doctor before taking a hyaluronic acid injection.
Can Hyaluronic Acid Injections Can Be Taken During Pregnancy?
The effect of hyaluronic acid injections during pregnancy is not clear. To be on the safer side, doctors usually do not recommend hyaluronic acid injections during the pregnancy phase. This drug can enter the breast milk at any cost, so it is not allowed to be used when the woman is breastfeeding.
What Are the Risks Involved in Using Hyaluronic Acid Injection?
Some risk factors involved in using hyaluronic acid injections are
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Allergies:
The person should discuss any prior allergic reactions to any medications. Allergic reactions to food, preservatives, animals, or dyes need to be discussed with the doctor.
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Pediatrics:
No proper study has been done on the use of hyaluronic acid in the pediatric population.
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Geriatric:
There is no evidence based on geriatric age or the effects of hyaluronic acid injection.
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Breastfeeding:
Women are usually not recommended to take this injection during the breastfeeding phase.
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Drug Interaction:
Even though some medications should not be recommended together, in some cases, two different medications can be given, even if there is a chance of some instructions taking place. In such conditions, the doctor will alter the dosage, and precautions can be taken. So before administering a hyaluronic acid injection, the person should discuss the prescribed and non-prescribed medications.
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Other Interaction:
Certain medications should not be taken while eating certain foods, as they can cause certain interactions. While some drugs should not be taken along with alcohol as it can also result in some interaction, it is better to discuss it with the doctor.
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Other Issues:
If some medical issues can affect the hyaluronic acid drug, then it should not be used. The person should discuss with the doctor if they have
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Allergic to bacterial protein or gram-positive.
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Allergic to hyaluronate preparation.
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Presence of skin or knee infection in the region where the injection needs to be administered.
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Presence of too much fluid in the joint. First, this condition needs to be treated.
What Are the Precautions That Need to Be Taken to Administer Hyaluronic Acid Injection?
The doctor will monitor the progress slowly as the drug is injected. This will allow the doctor to decide whether the medicine works properly and whether medication can be administered further. The knee joint where the injection is given should not be strained for a few days. Activities like jogging, tennis, heavy lifting, soccer, etc., must be avoided. After receiving a hyaluronic acid injection, there may be mild pain and swelling in the knee. This medication should not be administered along with quaternary ammonium salt as it can prevent the action of hyaluronic acid injection.
What Are the Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Injection?
Some common side effects are mild pain and accumulation of fluid at the site of injection. These side effects will get better in a few days. Some other side effects are
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Difficulty in moving the joint.
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Pain in the affected joint.
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Muscle pain and stiffness.
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Presence of swelling or redness in the affected joint.
Some rare side effects are
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Bleeding.
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Blistering.
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Burning.
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Coldness.
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Hives.
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Infection.
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Inflammation.
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Itching.
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Lumps.
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Numbness.
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Pain.
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Redness.
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Scaring.
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Swelling.
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Soreness.
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Tenderness.
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Ulceration.
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Warmth.
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Tingling.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid injection is usually recommended for arthritis of the knee. This condition is caused when the cartilage wears off at the knee joint region, where the hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and helps regenerate cartilage. Before administering this injection, all the side effects and risk factors need to be discussed with the doctor.
