If you’ve been dealing with knee or hip pain from osteoarthritis, you may have heard of hyaluronic acid (HA) injections—also known as “viscosupplementation.” These injections offer an alternative to cortisone and medications by restoring lubrication and cushioning inside the joint, helping many patients move with less pain and more confidence.
In this blog, I’ll explain what HA injections do, how we use them in our clinic, and when they may be a better choice than other treatments.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in your joints. It acts like a thick gel — lubricating, cushioning, and helping absorb shock during movement. But in joints affected by osteoarthritis, the quality and amount of hyaluronic acid decrease over time.
As a result:
- Movement becomes stiff and painful.
- Cartilage wears down faster.
- The joint loses its ability to absorb impact.
That’s where injection therapy comes in.
What Do HA Injections Do?
When injected directly into the joint, hyaluronic acid helps:
- Restore lubrication.
- Reduce friction.
- Relieve pain.
- Improve joint mobility.
It’s especially helpful for:
- Knee osteoarthritis (most common use).
- Early to moderate hip arthritis.
- Shoulders and ankles in select cases.
HA vs. Cortisone: What’s the Difference?
| Hyaluronic Acid | Cortisone | |
| Main Action | Lubricates, cushions | Reduces inflammation |
| Onset | Slower (1–3 weeks) | Fast (24–72 hours) |
| Duration | Long-lasting (months) | Short-term (weeks to months) |
| Joint Protection | May delay cartilage loss | Does not protect cartilage |
| Repeat Use | Safe for repeat cycles | Limited due to tissue thinning |
For patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid can be a safer and more sustainable option, especially if inflammation isn’t the main issue.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure?
In our clinic, we perform HA injections under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy and comfort.
Here’s what the process looks like:
- 5-minute procedure.
- Minimal pain, no anesthesia required.
- You may feel pressure or mild discomfort.
- Most patients return to normal activity within 24–48 hours.
- Results build up gradually over 1–3 weeks.
The full benefit may last anywhere from 4 to 9 months, depending on your activity level and joint condition.
Is It Right for You?
Hyaluronic acid injections may be a good option if:
- You have early to moderate osteoarthritis.
- You want to delay or avoid surgery.
- You prefer a non-cortisone approach.
- You’re not ready for joint replacement, but daily activities are becoming harder.
It may be less effective in patients with:
- Severe “bone-on-bone” arthritis.
- Ongoing joint inflammation or swelling (where cortisone may be preferred initially).
Final Thought
Hyaluronic acid injections aren’t a miracle, but they can be a valuable bridge between conservative care and surgery. They provide cushioning, reduce pain, and help you move more freely without altering the structure of your joint.
If you’re not ready for surgery—but not comfortable living with pain—HA injections might be your next step.