Hyaluronan injection
What are hyaluronan injections?
Injections of hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan injections, can keep joints moving and reduce pain. Hyaluronic acid is a natural part of synovial fluid, which is found inside many joints in the body. Synovial fluid helps keep our joints healthy and moving freely.
What are hyaluronan injections?
Arthritis
Hyaluronan injections can be used to treat osteoarthritis, but only after other treatments have failed. NICE, the organisation that provides guidance and advice on treatments for different conditions in the UK, doesn’t currently recommend hyaluronan injections for osteoarthritis. It suggests that while they may reduce pain over six months, the injections may cause short-term inflammation in the knee.
However, some doctors don’t agree with the grounds of this guidance and continue to prescribe hyaluronan injections legally. You may want to discuss if this is an option for you with the person treating you. Hyaluronan injections are available at private clinics around the UK, where you pay for the treatment yourself.
Bursitis
The subacromial injection is an integral part of managing impingement syndrome. Therefore are there safer substances to use instead of steroids?
Hyaluronan (HA) injections have been proven to be as effective as corticosteroids to treat impingement syndrome and rotator cuff disease without the complications associated with corticosteroids.
There is reported experience that Hyaluronans (Ostenil) are as effective as corticosteroids concerning pain relief and range of motion but without complications.
Unlike corticosteroids, Hyaluronans are also not restricted by the World Anti-doping Authority
How are they taken?
You will probably be given one injection into the affected joint once a week, usually three to four weeks.
Two days after the injection, you should avoid any strenuous weight-bearing activity or standing for long periods.
You might not notice the effect of the injections straight away, but once they start working, any benefits will probably last a few months.
What are the side effects and risks?
Hyaluronan injections have very few side effects, although some people might have temporary pain and swelling in their joints after the injection. There’s also a small risk of infection. If you notice any unusual symptoms after the injection, get in touch with the person treating you.