Intra-articular infiltration with hyaluronic acid is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve joint pain, especially in cases of osteoarthritis.
This procedure consists of injecting hyaluronic acid into the affected joints to improve lubrication and cushioning, promoting greater mobility and reducing pain.
At Clínica San Román’s Pain Treatment Unit, this treatment is an effective option to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from chronic joint pain.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance present in the body, which is part of the synovial fluid, responsible for lubricating the joints.
With aging or due to degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the joints decreases, causing friction between bones, inflammation and pain.
Hyaluronic acid injections help restore this lubrication, improving joint function and reducing pain.
Indications for Hyaluronic Acid Infiltration
This treatment is mainly indicated for patients suffering from:
- Arthrosis: A degenerative condition that causes wear and tear of the articular cartilage and friction between the bones.
- Chronic joint pain: Persistent pain in joints such as knees, hips, ankles or shoulders.
- Reduced mobility: Difficulty in moving the affected joint due to inflammation or wear and tear.
- Alternative to surgery: For patients seeking to avoid more invasive surgical procedures.
How does Hyaluronic Acid Infiltration work?
The hyaluronic acid infiltration procedure is simple and minimally invasive:
- Preparation of the area: The area where the injection is to be given is disinfected.
- Ultrasound guidance: At Clínica San Román, the infiltration is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement of the hyaluronic acid in the affected joint.
- Injection: Hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint space.
Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant, improving bone gliding within the joint, which reduces pain and improves mobility.
It also favors shock absorption and cartilage regeneration, promoting joint health.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Infiltration
Hyaluronic acid treatment offers multiple benefits:
- Pain reduction: Hyaluronic acid restores the natural lubrication of the joint, relieving pain caused by friction.
- Improved mobility: By reducing friction and swelling, patients experience greater range of motion.
- Prevention of joint wear and tear: Hyaluronic acid protects the remaining cartilage, delaying the progression of osteoarthritis.
- Non-invasive treatment: It is an alternative to surgical procedures and allows a quick recovery.
- Prolonged effects: Pain relief may last for several months, and in some cases, it is recommended to repeat the treatment periodically to maintain the results.
Procedure and Recovery
The hyaluronic acid infiltration procedure is an outpatient procedure and usually takes less than 30 minutes.
After the injection, some patients may experience mild swelling or discomfort in the treated area, but this usually disappears within a few hours.
It is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity for the first two days, but most patients can resume their daily activities shortly after the procedure.
The effects of the infiltration usually manifest gradually, with improvement in pain and mobility in the weeks following treatment.
When to Consider Hyaluronic Acid Infiltration?
Intra-articular hyaluronic acid infiltration is ideal for patients who have not found relief with conservative treatments, such as medications or physical therapy, but do not yet require surgery.
It is also an excellent option for those seeking to improve quality of life without undergoing invasive procedures.
At Clínica San Román, our pain specialists will evaluate your case individually and determine if this treatment is right for you, designing a personalized plan to improve joint function and reduce pain.
Conclusion
Intra-articular infiltration with hyaluronic acid is an effective treatment to relieve joint pain and improve mobility in patients with osteoarthritis or chronic joint pain.
At Clínica San Román’s Pain Management Unit, we offer this minimally invasive treatment as an alternative to surgery, allowing patients to recover their functionality and improve their quality of life.
If you are experiencing joint pain and other treatments have not been effective, we invite you to consult with our specialists to explore whether this treatment is right for you.
