Viscosupplementation Injections

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Hyaluronic acid (Viscosupplementation) Injections

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occuring substance in the human body. It is the gel like liquid that lubricates your joints and tendons. Hylauraonic Acid injections are natural and do not contain any medicines

At GJP health we use the brand OSTENIL®. Ostenil is a very pure substance and is manufactured using a process called fermentation. It contains no animal proteins, which means that it is very unlikely to cause any side effects.

Hyaluronic acid injections are often used with or instead or steroid injections. They are suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans.

What are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid injections?

To decrease pain an improve function in patients with joint and tendon pain
Hyaluronic Acid can replace some of the normal ingredients found in synovial fluid to improve lubrication
They help to stimulate the joint lining which produces this synovial fluid
Hyaluronic Acid coats the lining of the damaged joint surfaces, covering pain nerve endings
Hyaluronic Acid can protect the joint and tendon from inflammation
Hyaluronic Acid acts directly to reduce inflammation in a joint/tendon like a steroid, but without the potential harmful side-effects of steroids

Why might I need hyaluronic acid injections?

Hyaluronic Acid injections into the joints and tendons are a very effective tool to treat various conditions like shoulder and knee pain.

If you have localised chondral defects to the lining surface of the joint or have begun to experience pain and decreased function in your joints brought on by the early stages of arthritis, viscosupplementation injections can help.

If you have more agressive, advanced arthritis this can prolong the need for a joint replacement by easing the pain.

For minor stiffness in the morning and tendon pain or athletes involved in impact sports, hyaluronic acid injections can really help.

Patients with painful tendons particularly after activity and morning stiffness.

Hyaluronic Acid is used as one of the treatment modalities in “athletes” with early arthritis. Whether hyaluronan therapy has any effect to reduce damage to the articular cartilage and tendons that are repeatedly overloaded (as in running jumping sports) is as yet unknown, but may be possible.

Hyaluronic Acid treatment for osteoarthritis

The use of viscosupplementation is based on observation that there is a decrease in viscosity and elasticity of the synovial fluid in osteoarthritis
The native hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritic has a lower weight than that found in normal healthy knees.
Replenishing the hyaluronic acid component of normal synovial fluid may play a role in supplementing the elastic and viscous properties of synovial fluid, which may help relieve the signs and symptoms of joint pain.
Hyaluronic acid in the joint/tendon serves as a lubricant and shock absorber in the synovial fluid.
Hyaluronic acid is not well absorbed orally.
Hyaluronic acid is well tolerated with no demonstrable toxicity and few side effects. As it is injected directly into the joint, its onset of action is rapid.

Types of hyaluronic acid injections

There are 4 types of hyaluronic acid injections (Ostenil®) injections available. Each option will be discussed with you at GJP Health to ensure the correct injection is offered.

Each of the options below contains the same substance with varying degrees of concentration and volume.

Ostenil® (standard)

This is used for the large joints of the body, such as shoulders and knees. Ostenil regularly is offered a course of 3 injections over 3 months.

Ostenil® Plus

Ostenil Plus is thicker and contains more substance, this is offered as a one off injection, or as a “top up” for the larger joints such as shoulders and knees.

Ostenil® Mini

This is a small vial and amount for the smaller joints such as elbows, ankles, fingers and toes

Ostenil® tendon

This is designed specifically for tendon injections, such as the achilles tendon or tennis elbow.

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