Patient Information for Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injection (Ostenil)

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are commonly used to help reduce pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis. While the relief from these injections can be effective, it is typically temporary, lasting between 6 to 9 months. HA injections are generally safe, though some patients may experience mild side effects after treatment. This page provides essential information about what to expect from your treatment.

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What Are Hyaluronic Acid Injections and How Do They Work?

Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body, particularly in joint tissues, where it helps to lubricate and cushion the joints. The HA used in injections is a synthetic (man-made) version of this natural substance.

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HA injections are commonly recommended for patients with osteoarthritis, a condition that causes the cartilage in the joints to break down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. These injections can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

Some patients may benefit from a series of HA injections, while others may only need a single injection depending on their condition.

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What Happens During a Hyaluronic Acid Injection?

Before your injection, your clinician will assess your condition and choose the most suitable type of hyaluronic acid for your needs. They will inject the HA directly into the painful joint, which is typically a quick and straightforward procedure.

In some cases, an ultrasound scan may be used to guide the injection more precisely, allowing for better targeting of the affected area.

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What to Expect After the Injection

If a local anaesthetic is used, you may experience immediate pain relief, though this effect is temporary and will usually wear off after a couple of hours. The full benefits of the hyaluronic acid injection typically take several days to become noticeable, and in some cases, it may take up to two weeks to feel the full effect.

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You may want to arrange transportation home after your injection, especially if you're receiving a local anesthetic, as it may cause some numbness and affect your ability to drive safely.

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If the injection is into a joint, you should avoid strenuous physical activity for two to three days following the procedure to prevent discomfort. For injections around tendons, you may be advised to refrain from high-impact or heavy loading activities for a few days as well, due to possible post-injection discomfort.

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Will I Need Another Injection?

If the hyaluronic acid injection provides significant relief and other treatments have not been effective, it may be repeated. Currently, there is no evidence suggesting that repeated HA injections cause long-term harm to joint tissues. However, the need for repeated injections will depend on how well you respond to the treatment and your individual condition.

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Possible Side Effects

While hyaluronic acid injections are generally safe, some people may experience mild side effects. These can include:

• Temporary pain or swelling at the injection site

• Infection (rare, but possible)

• Bruising or redness around the injection area

• Joint stiffness or discomfort for a few days after the injection

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Most side effects are mild and will resolve on their own. If you experience severe pain, redness, swelling, or other unusual symptoms after the injection, please contact your healthcare provider.

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Conclusion

Hyaluronic acid injections can offer significant relief from osteoarthritis pain, especially when other treatments have not been effective. While the effects are generally temporary, these injections can help improve your joint function and reduce discomfort for several months.

If you have any further questions about your treatment or would like more information, please feel free to contact us.