Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injection

Effective, Non-surgical Relief for Knee Osteoarthritis and Knee Pain

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Sodium hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan) is a safe, natural substance produced throughout the body in large volumes when we are young, wherever moisture is stored or lubrication between layers of tissue is needed to reduce friction. Examples include the eyeball, tear film, joint cartilage, synovial fluid in the joints, mucous membranes, and the skin, which can consist of up to 55% sodium hyaluronate.

Hyaluronic acid performs several vital functions that help keep our knee and hip joints function optimally:

Storage:

It absorbs and stores moisture in significant quantities.

Lubrication:

It reduces friction in tissues and joints.

Nutrient Transport:

It serves as a medium for transporting essential nutrients.

Inflammation Control:

It acts as a filter for inflammatory molecules to help reduce pain.

Visualising hyaluronic acid as a dish of spaghetti under an electronic microscope helps—its dense, elastic mesh maintains flexibility despite its interwoven structure.

Unfortunately the percentage of hyaluronic acid in synovial joints diminishes with age so top injections are believed to help by stimulating cells in the inner lining of the knee to produce more of its own hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid.

Hyaluronic Acid for Knee and Hip Joint Health

Sodium hyaluronate is essential for knee and hip joint health, particularly as a key component of synovial fluid, which is the fluid which nourishes and lubricates and helps repair our joints. In the knee joint, it enables the synovial fluid to function as a lubricant, shock absorber, and filter, controlling the movement of cells and large molecules. In people with knee osteoarthritis, the balance between the breakdown and production of sodium hyaluronate can be disrupted, leading to pain and stiffness in the knee joint.

Viscosupplementation: A Non-Surgical Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic acid knee injections, also known as viscosupplementation, are an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis. This treatment involves injecting sodium hyaluronate directly into the knee joint's synovial fluid to restore its natural balance. Viscosupplementation improves the lubrication and cushioning of the joint, helping to reduce knee pain, stiffness, and joint inflammation, enhancing mobility and quality of life for patients.

OSTENIL® PLUS: A Trusted Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Osteoarthritis

At the West London Knee and Hip Clinic, Dr Imbuldeniya and his team use OSTENIL® PLUS, a highly pure form of sodium hyaluronate manufactured through fermentation. It contains no animal proteins, making allergic reactions extremely unlikely. OSTENIL® PLUS has been administered to thousands of patients, showing excellent safety and effectiveness in treating knee osteoarthritis. It provides pain relief, improves mobility, and helps reduce inflammation and stiffness in the joint.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections

Long-lasting relief:

Only one injection is required per joint, with pain relief typically lasting between 3-6 months for 80% of patients. In cases where symptoms return, the injection can be safely repeated, with a much lower side effect profile that steroid or cortisone injections.

Safe and well-tolerated:

OSTENIL® PLUS has been used by many patients worldwide with no serious side effects.

Non-surgical option:

For patients with knee osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections offer a non-invasive treatment option that may delay or even prevent the need for knee replacement surgery.

How the Procedure Works

Dr Imbuldeniya performs the procedure in the outpatient setting, with high resolution ultrasound, usually under local anaesthetic. Sodium hyaluronate is injected directly into the knee joint space under visualisation, where the synovial fluid resides. The procedure typically causes minimal discomfort, and patients can resume normal activities shortly afterward. There is no need for hospitalisation or extensive recovery periods.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Right for You?

Hyaluronic acid injections may be a suitable option for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis who are looking for non-surgical alternatives to manage their knee pain. It’s particularly beneficial for those experiencing arthritis pain, swelling, or stiffness and who are seeking to improve joint mobility and overall quality of life. Dr Imbuldeniya and his team at The West London Knee and Hip Clinic will be able to advise if this treatment is appropriate for you based on your condition and medical history.

Side Effects and Risks

While hyaluronic acid injections are generally safe, there are some potential risks, as with any medical procedure. Side effects may include mild swelling, discomfort at the injection site, and temporary pain or stiffness in the knee. In rare cases, there may be an allergic reaction, but the absence of animal proteins in OSTENIL® PLUS significantly reduces this risk. Any concerns will be discussed and assessed together with Dr Imbuldeniya and his team before undergoing treatment.

Book a Consultation

If you’re suffering from knee osteoarthritis and want to explore non-surgical treatment options, such as hyaluronic acid injections, book a consultation with The West London Knee and Hip Clinic. Our expert team of Central and West London based knee and hip specialists are here to help you manage your knee pain and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment in our main Mayfair, Chiswick or Brentford clinics.