Arthritis and tendonitis are common in the general public. For those who are active in sports or running, arthritis and tendonitis can cause pain and swelling that stops us from participating in these activities.
Hyaluronic acid, also called viscosupplementation, is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. It forms part of the building blocks and nourishment for cartilage and bone. You can consume hyaluronic acid as a tablet, but we think it works better if injected directly into a joint.
Arthritis and tendonitis are common in the general public. For those who are active in sports or running, arthritis and tendonitis can cause pain and swelling that stops us from participating in these activities. Dr. Masci has written a blog on effective treatments for arthritis. So, is a hyaluronic acid injection effective for arthritis and tendonitis?
Hyaluronic acid, also called viscosupplementation, is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. It forms part of the building blocks and nourishment for cartilage and bone. You can consume hyaluronic acid as a tablet, but we think it works better if injected directly into a joint.
We use hyaluronic acid injections for arthritis treatment. Common locations include the knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, ankle, foot, and hand. Essentially, hyaluronic acid is a clear, gooey substance that is produced naturally by our bodies. Specifically, we find it in in skin, eyes and connective tissues. It acts as a lubricant to reduce pain and swelling in arthritis.
On the whole, there are a few notable benefits to using Hyaluronic acid. One of the advantages of using Hyaluronic acid is the safety profile, which is much better than cortisone. In addition, the effect of hyaluronic acid is much longer than cortisone, usually up to 6 months. Ultrasound should always be used to make sure the drug is placed in the joint. This accuracy reduces the potential for side effects, such as a joint flare.
Occasionally, doctors use hyaluronic acid for specific tendonitis. For example, a specific type of Achilles tendinitis called plantaris-associated Achilles tendonitis, responds well to a hyaluronic acid injection. In these cases, the hyaluronic acid is injected between the two tendons allowing the person to return to running or sport.