"Exploring Hyaluronic Acid's Advantages and Disadvantages for Osteoarthritis Treatment"
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are a low-risk treatment option for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). This substance, found naturally in the human body, helps lubricate and cushion joints, keeping cells hydrated.
Clinical evidence indicates that HA injections can provide moderate but significant symptom relief, particularly in patients with mild to moderate knee OA. These injections can reduce pain and improve joint function for around six months or more. However, even in cases of severe or advanced OA, HA injections can still provide notable pain reduction and functional improvement.
A 2024–2025 study showed that two different HA formulations improved clinical scores related to pain and functionality at 3 months after injection, regardless of OA severity. This suggests that HA injections are safe and effective across OA stages, although benefits may vary in magnitude.
After an HA injection, a person may experience mild pain, swelling, or stiffness around the joint. Resting and applying an ice pack may help reduce pain and decrease the possibility of the body flushing HA away from the joint. Mild side effects after HA injections may include pain, skin discoloration, itching, swelling, and bruising.
Insurance companies often cover HA injections for arthritis, but preauthorization may be required. The cost of HA injections without insurance can vary greatly, with an approximate range of $350-500 per shot. Oral HA supplements may not be covered as frequently as injections, and the frequency of coverage may be limited to one series every 6 months.
People who may particularly benefit from HA injections include individuals who do not respond well to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and those with diabetes who wish to avoid taking corticosteroids. The FDA has only approved HA injections for use in the knees, but doctors may prescribe this treatment off-label for other large joints.
However, it's essential to note that HA is not a cure for osteoarthritis. It neither helps cartilage grow back nor improves the structure of the joints. Rarely, complications after HA injections can include infection, tissue necrosis, and pseudoseptic arthritis.
In conclusion, while the best evidence supports greater efficacy for mild to moderate OA, HA injections can still reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in severe OA patients, acting as a useful non-surgical management option. Direct comparisons with other treatments like platelet-rich plasma indicate HA may be less effective overall, but it remains a valuable therapeutic choice particularly when other options are contraindicated or unavailable. More large-scale trials are necessary to understand the effectiveness of HA supplements.
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