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Hyaluronic Acid Injections into the Joint – An Effective Treatment for Joint Pain

12 May 2025

Joint pain can significantly affect your daily life – it limits movement, lowers quality of life, and may lead to chronic orthopedic problems. One of the modern treatments for joint conditions is hyaluronic acid injections administered directly into the joint cavity. Learn what they are, how they work, and who can benefit from them.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid and How Does It Work in the Joint?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It is a key component of synovial fluid, responsible for lubricating joint surfaces, reducing friction, and absorbing shock during movement. With age or due to diseases such as osteoarthritis, the quantity and quality of synovial fluid deteriorate. The joint surfaces begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

Injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the joint aims to:

improve the lubricating properties of synovial fluid,
restore cartilage elasticity and hydration,
reduce pain and inflammation,
slow the progression of degenerative joint disease,
improve joint function and comfort in movement.

When Are Hyaluronic Acid Injections Used?

Hyaluronic acid injections are most commonly used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, but they can also be beneficial after injuries or orthopedic surgeries.

Indications for therapy include:

knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis),
pain in the hip, shoulder, or ankle joint,
post-traumatic changes,
rehabilitation following arthroscopy,
joint pain caused by overuse (e.g., in athletes),
as an alternative or supplement to pharmacological treatment.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

The injection is performed by an orthopedic specialist on an outpatient basis. The procedure is quick and virtually painless, often preceded by local anesthesia.

Procedure steps:

Skin disinfection and identification of the injection site (sometimes under ultrasound guidance),
Inserting the needle into the joint and injecting the hyaluronic acid preparation,
A short rest period – in most cases, patients can resume daily activities the same day.

Depending on the preparation used and medical indications, therapy may involve a single dose or a series of 2–3 injections spaced several days apart.

When Can You Expect Results?

The effects are not immediate – hyaluronic acid works gradually. Most patients notice improvement within 1–2 weeks, and the benefits may last 6 to 12 months, or even longer in some cases.

Most common benefits:

significant reduction in joint pain,
improved range of motion,
greater comfort in walking and daily functioning,
delay in the need for surgical intervention (e.g., joint replacement).

Are Hyaluronic Acid Injections Safe?

Yes – this is a safe and well-tolerated treatment. The hyaluronic acid used in joint injections is clinically tested and highly purified. The risk of side effects is minimal.

Possible but rare side effects include:

short-term joint discomfort or a sensation of fullness,
redness or swelling at the injection site,
occasional mild inflammatory reactions (typically resolve on their own).

Injections should not be performed in the case of active joint inflammation or skin infection at the injection site.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections at Mediss Medical – Gdańsk

At Mediss Medical, we provide joint injection therapy using high-quality hyaluronic acid preparations from reputable manufacturers. All procedures are performed by experienced orthopedic specialists, often under ultrasound guidance to ensure maximum precision.

Hyaluronic acid injections administered directly into the joint are a minimally invasive and effective solution for joint pain and degeneration. This therapy helps many patients avoid surgery, reduce symptoms, and improve their quality of life.