March 19, 2025

Hyaluronic acid ostenil and durolane injection for OA knee

Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Many people suffer from osteoarthritic changes (normal age related wear and tear changes) in the knee. This can be very debilitating, and particularly for people who are keen on exercise this can prevent them from taking part in activities they enjoy such as walking, running and playing recreational sport. As well as impacting on a whole range of hobbies and activities osteoarthritis of the knees can significantly disrupt normal day to day living and quality of life.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (Also known as Ostenil, Durolane, Synvisc, Synovial HS) is a natural substance. It is present in the body wherever moisture is stored or lubrication between layers of tissue is required to eliminate friction.

How does Hyaluronic acid work?

Hyaluronic acid is an essential component of the synovial fluid. It enables the fluid to act as a lubricant, a shock absorber and a filter controlling the movement of cells and large molecules within the joint:

It is injected into the space in the joint that contains synovial fluid and works by restoring the normal balance between the breakdown and production of Hyaluronic acid. This procedure is known as ‘visco-supplementation’, and the effect of HA means that it can decrease pain and stiffness and improve the other symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Why have a hyaluronic acid injection over a steroid injection?

Some patients are not able to have steroid injections for medical reasons. Some patients may only experience short term benefit from steroid injections. Also we normally recommend no more than three steroid injections per year into the same joint to prevent a detrimental effect.

However, hyaluronic acid offers a significantly different option and may be a viable solution for maintaining comfort in the knee, especially for patients who are active. They work in a very different way to steroid injections in that they help to replenish and nourish the joint (steroids work as potent anti-inflammatories). There is some evidence they may even be able to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis as part of an overall maintenance program including strengthening, weight management and activity modification.

You may not notice any benefits immediately after the first injection, but gradually start to experience less pain and stiffness over the subsequent few weeks.

The improvement in your symptoms should last for several months, depending partly on the number of injections you have. We often recommend a course of up to three injections. You can expect the benefit from three injections to persist for up to 9 months.

Once the effects of the first course of injections wear off, you can, if you choose, have another course. You can continue to have new courses of injections whenever necessary as appropriate

How do I know if hyaluronic acid injection is appropriate for me?

If you have difficulty discussing with your GP we welcome you contacting our team of expert clinicians via info@prosportsmedicine.co.uk who are happy to field any queries that you may have.

Our team has vast experience in the use of hyaluronic acid (along with the full range of assessment and treatments for osteoarthritis) and therefore will be able to guide you as to whether or not this treatment is appropriate for you.