Hyaluronic Acid For Osteoarthritis
If you have osteoarthritis , you know all about joint pain and stiffness. One cause of these symptoms is the fact that hyaluronic acid , a naturally occurring joint lubricant, breaks down in people with OA. To help alleviate the pain, your doctor might recommend treatment with hyaluronic acid injections sometimes known as gel injections.
What To Look For
Dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the United States, making it difficult to know which brands are reliable and which are not.
One sign of quality is a stamp of approval from the U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF International, or ConsumerLab. These independent certifying bodies ensure that the ingredients listed on a product label are correct and pure. Only supplements voluntarily submitted for testing are eligible for certification.
Hyaluronic Acid And Your Knees
In your knees, and your other joints, hyaluronic acid provides cushioning and lubrication. Your bones are protected and can move smoothly against each other when you extend or flex your knee. However, conditions like osteoarthritis wear away your cartilage and synovial lining, which leads to inflammation and pain.
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What About Combining Hyaluronic Acid And Prp
So, there is some evidence that combining PRP and hyaluronic acid is better than one.
A recent review found that combining PRP with hyaluronic acid is better than PRP alone. This positive effect was found at 3, 6, and 12 months. Also, adding hyaluronic acid to PRP reduces the risk of a flare after a PRP injection.
Perhaps, this combination will be the norm in the future.
Injectable Ha Joint Formula
Injectable hyaluronic acid joint supplements are manufactured synthetically and differ in molecular weight. Basically, there are two types of liquid HA supplements high and low molecular weight .
The natural hyaluronic acid found in the healthy non-arthritic dog joint is more similar to the HMW synthetic hyaluronic acid. When injected inside the joint, the synthetic HA alters the metabolism of the naturally occurring HA, thus improving decreasing the joint pain and promoting normal mobility.
According to a study from 2016, Hyaluronic acid versus saline intra-articular injections for amelioration of chronic knee osteoarthritis: A canine model, both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid injections result in improved osteoarthritis symptoms.
However, the group of dogs receiving high molecular weight hyaluronic acid injections showed better improvement than the group receiving low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.
In both cases, it took between four and eight weeks for the pain, lameness, and decreased range of motion to improve, and the effects started to subside after 6 months.
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The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid Injections For Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most popular form of arthritis. It is a degenerative condition that occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning your bones wears down over time. While it is impossible to reverse the damage, you can manage the symptoms through exercise, a healthy diet, medication and viscosupplementation. In this blog, we will be focusing on viscosupplements, particularly hyaluronic acid injections.
What To Expect After A Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Everyone responds to hyaluronic acid injections a little differently. You might have almost immediate relief, or it could take a few weeks for the inflammation and pain in your knees to subside. Soon you find that you can move more easily and without pain.
Most patients have pain relief for 4-6 months. You can have hyaluronic acid injections every six months or so. Many patients find that the injections provide enough relief that they can delay or even avoid knee replacement surgery.
This is especially important if you had a traumatic knee injury in the past, which can increase your risk of early-onset osteoarthritis. Joint replacements last for 10-15 years. With a current average life expectancy of over 72 years, if you can delay a knee replacement, you can avoid additional knee replacement surgeries later in life.
If you have knee pain thats interfering with your life and want to find out if hyaluronic acid injections can help, .
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Does Molecular Weight Of Hyaluronic Acid Matter
Generally, molecular weight refers to how heavy the hyaluronic acid molecules are. Viscosupplementation can be high molecular or low molecular weight. High molecular weight only needs one injection as it more potent and lasts longer in the joint.
There is some debate about whether high or low molecular weight is better. However, recent evidence suggests that high molecular weight hyaluronic acid is better. In one study, the effect of high molecular weight was at least double the low molecular weight. In addition, the Arthroscopy Association of Canada suggests that high molecular weight hyaluronic acid demonstrates a good effect on knee and hip arthritis pain.
Hyaluronic Acid For Skin
One of the most common uses for hyaluronic acid is as a skincare product. Many serums, creams and gels containing hyaluronic acid are available online and at local retailers. Some prescription wound creams also contain hyaluronic acida key component of tissue regeneration and anti-inflammatory response.
When used topically, hyaluronic acid helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin, according to Dr. Barrios. Since hyaluronic acid in the body decreases with age, using it helps keep the skin youthful, more elastic and soft like a baby, she explains.
Its best to apply products containing hyaluronic acid before bed, according to Angela Casey, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the Center for Surgical Dermatology and Dermatology Associates in Westerville, Ohio and founder of Bright Girl youth skincare line. Some experts recommend applying hyaluronic acid to damp rather than dry skin for optimal results.
Hyaluronic acid applied to the skin at night penetrates the skin and then continues to attract water toward itallowing for better skin hydration while youre sleeping, explains Dr. Casey. Skin thats well-hydrated stays strong, resilient and healthy.
Keep in mind that hyaluronic acid fillers should only be done by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Theyre also temporarylasting between six and 12 monthsso youll need continuous treatments to maintain results.
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So Cortisone Vs Hyaluronic Acid For Knee Pain: Which Is Better
In deciding which one to use, you need to consider several factors.
Hyaluronic or gel injections work best for people with little or no swelling and a grumpy jointfor example, a 45-year-old recreational footballer with mild arthritis of the knee. People need no significant downtime after gel injections. Also, these gel injections are suitable for people who are allergic to steroids or cant use steroids for medical reasons.
On the other hand, cortisone injections work best for those people who need a quick pain-relief fix. Usually, people with a swollen and painful joints are most suitable for a cortisone injection. A perfect example would be a swollen knee joint from acute gout. However, cortisone is not ideal for a longer-lasting effect on a grumpy joint. Also, there is evidence that repeated cortisone injections lead to more significant wear and tear in the cartilage and a faster conversion rate to knee replacement.
Finally, some people choose to have both injections. For example, people with a swollen joint choose to have cortisone first, followed by a hyaluronic injection four weeks later. In some cases, people choose to have both injections together simultaneously. Your doctor can speak to you about the best option for your particular case.
How To Use Hyaluronic Acid
If you want to use hyaluronic acid for skin health benefits, then topical creams or gels are your best bet. Oral hyaluronic acid supplements are better for relieving joint pain and improving bone health. And if you have chronic joint pain that is not responding to painkillers, then injections may work for you.
In some cases, people might experience an allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid. If you are using it topically, it’s important to try a patch test first. If you are using supplements, injections, or any other forms and notice any itching, swelling, or pain then you should discontinue use right away and speak to a doctor.
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Hyaluronic Acid Vs Glucosamine
- Like hyaluronic acid, glucosamine helps provide elasticity and structure within joints and tissue that can be used to lower pain.
- The primary difference between the two is that hyaluronic acid provides more lubrication due to how it holds water, while glucosamine provides more structure and strength.
- Hyaluronic acid is an integral component of synovial fluid and articular cartilage, where as glucosamine works by helping build cartilage. Basically, hyaluronic acid is more beneficial to the joint fluid and important for shock absorption, while glucosamine helps prevent cartilage/collagen loss.
- Many people experience the best results when they use these products together. Its even been found that glucosamine increases hyaluronic acid production.
- Some anti-aging formulas contain several joint-supporting substances in addition to hyaluronic acid and glucosamine, such as manganese sulfate. Used together, these can all be effective for lowering osteoarthritis pains, improving functions of the cartilage matrix and replenishing synovial fluids.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring gel-like substance belonging to the group of glycosaminoglycans . In animals, it is present in different places in the body but mostly in the connective tissue space and synovial fluid.
HA has the ability to bind with water, thus gaining a stiff viscous, almost jelly-like structure. When the binding occurs within the synovial fluid, it results in a more viscous joint fluid.
Since the key purpose of the joint fluid is to lubricate joints, HA helps with this function. Higher joint fluid viscosity is associated with better lubrication and more potent shock-absorbing capacity.
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How Long Does Relief Last
It is quite variable but many patients report six months of relief, and the injections may be repeated every six months or based on physician judgement, Dr. Miller says. Our Facebook community confirms this, with most patients telling us relief lasted from four to six months they got the shots every six months. But, as Sarah Quina shared, they dont work repeatedly forever. Also, the shots may take several weeks to go into effect, unlike steroid injections, which work much faster.
Surprising Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
The body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, which helps lubricate our tissues. It plays a role in skin health, wound healing, bone strength, and many other other bodily systems or functions.
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by your body.
The largest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue, and eyes.
Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues lubricated and moist.
Hyaluronic acid has a variety of uses. Many people take it as a supplement, but its also used in topical serums, eye drops, and injections.
Here are 7 scientifically backed benefits of taking hyaluronic acid.
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What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For You
Hyaluronic acid is a remarkable substance because of all the benefits and uses it has in your body. Here are just a few of the benefits of hyaluronic acid:
- It helps things move smoothly. Hyaluronic acid helps your joints work like a well-oiled machine. It prevents pain and injury from bones grinding against each other.
- It helps keep things hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is very good at retaining water. A quarter-teaspoon of hyaluronic acid holds about one and a half gallons of water. Thats why hyaluronic acid is often used for treating dry eyes. Its also used in moisturizing creams, lotions, ointments and serums.
- It makes your skin flexible. Hyaluronic acid helps skin stretch and flex and reduces skin wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid is also proven to help wounds heal faster and can reduce scarring.
Construction Intervention And Clinical Evaluation Of Cia Model
DBA/1 and C57BL/6 mice were purchased from Shanghai Lab Animal Research Center and were raised under pathogen-free conditions. Kiaa1199-KO mice were constructed with C57BL/6 mice using Cre/loxP system as described previously. All animal experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Wenzhou Medical University.
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What Are Hyaluronan Injections
If you have osteoarthritis in your knee, you might be able to get injections of hyaluronic acid. These are also known as hyaluronan injections.
Hyaluronan injections are used to keep joints moving and reduce pain, especially when other treatments havent worked.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found inside many joints in your body in the synovial fluid.
In a healthy joint, synovial fluid works as a lubricant, allowing the cartilage covering the ends of your joints to glide against one another. This keeps your joints healthy and moving freely.
Its thought that injections of hyaluronic acid could help to lubricate joints where the cartilage has been roughened by osteoarthritis and may even help regeneration of the cartilage.
Soothe Acid Reflux Symptoms
New research shows hyaluronic acid supplements may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux.
When acid reflux occurs, the contents of the stomach are regurgitated up into the throat, causing pain and damage to the lining of the esophagus .
Hyaluronic acid may help soothe the damaged lining of the esophagus and speed up the recovery process.
One 2012 test-tube study found that applying a mixture of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate to acid-damaged throat tissue helped it heal much faster than when no treatment was used .
Human studies have also shown benefits.
One study found that taking a hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate supplement along with an acid-reducing medication decreased reflux symptoms 60% more than taking acid-reducing medication alone .
Another older study showed that the same type of supplement was five times more effective at reducing acid reflux symptoms than a placebo .
Research in this area is still relatively new, and more studies are needed to replicate these results. Nevertheless, these outcomes are promising.
Summary
A combination supplement containing hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate may help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux in some people.
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Hyaluronic Acid Benefits For Skin And Joints
Many people spend countless hours using harmful beauty products to keep their skin looking vibrant and young. But theres a better way. Hyaluronic acid can keep your skin glowing, and it also benefits your joints all without the harmful side effects of toxic skin products.
Hyaluronic acid, also called hyaluronan, is often recommended by dermatologists and other physicians for its ability to improve skins texture and appearance, along with reducing joint pain and other symptoms associated with aging. Hyaluronic acid is probably most well-known for its inclusion in pricey anti-aging skin serums, but youll also find it joint-supporting formulas, cold sore treatments, eye drops and lip balms.
Where Are Hyaluronic Acid Shots Given Do They Hurt
If you are going to get hyaluronic acid injections, the actual process is fairly simple. They are directly injected into the affected knee joint, specifically within the synovial fluid that bathes the joint, Dr. Miller says. Like any injection, it may seem more painful to some people than others, but there should not be a lot of pain since a sharp needle is used and the joint may be numbed first with a local anesthetic.
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Ive Heard Of This New Hydrogel Called Arthrosamid: Is This Injectable The Same As Viscosupplementation
No, Arthrosamid is not a hyaluronic acid.
Arthrosamid is a unique hydrogel of water molecules attached to a polyacrylamide backbone. The injectable is non-degradable, meaning the body does not break it down. It works by coating the lining of the synovium of the knee joint, reducing inflammation, and providing lubrication. Recent studies show improvement in pain scores lasting for up to 2 years. In addition, compared to hyaluronic acid, it works better in younger and slimmer patients.
What Happens After Viscosupplementation Treatment For Arthritis
You should be able to go home shortly after your procedure. Ask your healthcare provider if it is OK for you to drive. For about 48 hours, you should avoid standing for long periods, excessive walking, jogging, or lifting heavy weights.
Some people have slight pain, warmth, and swelling right after their procedure. These symptoms usually dont last long. Using an ice pack may help. Tell your healthcare provider right away if these symptoms dont go away soon, or if you have severe warmth, redness, pain, or high fever. Follow all your healthcare providers instructions about medicines and follow-up care.
Make sure to keep all of your future appointments. The procedure may not work effectively if you do not receive the full series of injections.
You should not expect your hyaluronic acid injection to relieve your symptoms immediately. It may take several weeks before you begin to notice a difference. Your relief from symptoms may last for several months.
If viscosupplementation is effective for you, you may be able to repeat the injection in 6 months or so. The procedure doesnt help everyone, though. If the procedure doesnt work for you, continue to talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment choices, like joint surgery.
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Side Effects And Risks
HA injections are a low risk treatment. They often have fewer side effects than other osteoarthritis treatments, and people tend to tolerate them well. As HA is a substance that the body naturally produces, HA injections rarely cause an allergic reaction.
However, people can experience some mild side effects after the injection, which typically resolve within
- skin discoloration at the site of the injection
These symptoms probably occur because of the injection causing an injury rather than because of the HA itself.
Very rarely, people can develop complications after HA injections. Possible complications include infection, tissue necrosis, and pseudoseptic arthritis. Pseudoseptic arthritis is severe inflammation at the injection site, and doctors may treat it with NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
Anyone who notices any unusual or severe symptoms following an HA injection should speak with a doctor immediately.