Knee osteoarthritis can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, exercising, and climbing stairs. Hyaluronic acid injections help improve joint lubrication, reduce discomfort, and increase mobility without surgery. Ramin Ganjianpour, MD, and the team at North Valley Orthopedic Institute in Tarzana and Mission Hills, California, offer hyaluronic acid injections to help patients manage arthritis-related knee pain and maintain an active lifestyle. Call the nearest office or use online booking today to schedule an evaluation and learn whether hyaluronic acid injections may be right for you.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in healthy joint fluid. It acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, allowing joints to move smoothly and comfortably.
As osteoarthritis develops, the quality and quantity of hyaluronic acid within the knee joint may decrease. This can contribute to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, help restore lubrication within the joint and may improve comfort and function for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
Hyaluronic acid injections are commonly recommended for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who continue to experience pain despite conservative treatment.
You may be a good candidate if you experience:
During your consultation, Dr. Ganjianpour reviews your symptoms, medical history, imaging studies, and treatment goals to determine whether hyaluronic acid injections are appropriate for your condition.
Hyaluronic acid injections are performed in the office and typically take only a few minutes.
After the skin is cleaned and prepared, the hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the affected knee joint. In some cases, excess fluid may be removed beforehand to improve comfort and optimize treatment effectiveness.
Most patients return to normal daily activities shortly after treatment, although strenuous exercise should generally be avoided for one to two days.
Unlike cortisone injections, which may provide relief within a few days, hyaluronic acid injections often work more gradually.
Many patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks after treatment. Maximum benefits are commonly experienced four to eight weeks after the injection.
Results vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of arthritis and individual response to treatment.
The duration of relief varies among patients, but many individuals experience improvement for several months following treatment.
Some patients choose to receive repeat injections periodically as part of a comprehensive arthritis management plan designed to maintain mobility and reduce pain.
Treatment recommendations are individualized based on your symptoms, the severity of your arthritis, and your response to previous therapies.
For many patients, hyaluronic acid injections help reduce pain, improve joint function, and delay the need for surgical treatment.
While these injections do not reverse arthritis or regenerate damaged cartilage, they may provide meaningful symptom relief and improve quality of life.
If osteoarthritis continues to progress despite conservative treatment, surgical options may eventually be considered.
Hyaluronic acid injections have been used for many years and are generally considered safe when administered by an experienced orthopedic specialist.
Most side effects are mild and temporary and may include:
Serious complications are uncommon.
During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of treatment before deciding whether hyaluronic acid injections are right for you.
Persistent knee pain should not prevent you from enjoying everyday activities. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine whether hyaluronic acid injections or another treatment option may be appropriate.
At North Valley Orthopedic Institute in Tarzana and Mission Hills, California, Dr. Ramin Ganjianpour regularly uses hyaluronic acid injections to help patients manage knee pain caused by osteoarthritis and improve their quality of life.
Call North Valley Orthopedic Institute or request an appointment online today.