Joint injections have long been used to ease arthritic joint pain. First, cortisone injections were used to relieve inflammation and reduce pain. Then, a newer type of injection called Visco supplementation was introduced. “Visco”, as it is often called, is a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection primarily used to treat joint pain in individuals with osteoarthritis. Now, there is a newer type of HA injection available – HYMOVIS® – a brand name for an HA injection that contains a high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and only two injections are needed for relief.
Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
If you have one or more of these symptoms in your knee, you may have OA:
• Aches and pains, especially with motion
• Stiffness, especially in the morning and when standing up
• “Grating” or “catching” sensations
• Limited motion
• Swelling
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the synovial fluid of the joint, and it plays a critical role in lubricating the joints and providing cushioning. In osteoarthritis, the synovial fluid in the affected joint becomes less viscous and less effective at cushioning the joint. When HA is injected into a joint, it acts as a lubricant and helps to reduce friction between bones and improve joint movement. HYMOVIS®injections are a thick, gel-like solution that lubricates the joint and acts like a shock absorber in the knee. For many patients it may provide up to six months of relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. They can supplement or restore the natural fluid in the joint, which allows the joint to move more freely and reduce or eliminate pain. The goal of the treatment is to improve the function of the joint and allow for more comfortable movement, reduced pain, and ultimately offer enhanced mobility.
Hymovis is typically used when other treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or physical therapy, are not effective in managing pain and stiffness. Typically, Hymovis is injected into the affected joint over two sessions (usually one week apart). Each injection is usually well tolerated, though it may temporarily cause mild pain or swelling in some cases.
Benefits of HYMOVIS®injections
• Pain Relief: Helps to reduce pain in the joint by improving lubrication and reducing inflammation.
• Improved Mobility: Enhances joint movement and function, allowing individuals to engage in daily activities with less discomfort.
• Non-Surgical Option: It is a conservative treatment option for people who want to avoid or delay surgery, such as a knee replacement.
• Minimal Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated, though some people may experience mild swelling, pain, or redness at the injection site.
If you have joint pain that is interrupting your life and limiting the things that you are doing, it’s time to talk to the doctor and get some help. Injection treatment is a simple, non-invasive way to treat osteoarthritis and is often recommended for people with mild to moderate arthritis who have not responded well to other conservative, non-surgical treatments, such as oral pain relievers (NSAIDs), physical therapy, or lifestyle changes. As with any medical treatment, talking to your doctor will help you understand the potential benefits and risks and help you come up with a treatment plan to get back to all the activities you love.