Ask Your Orthopedic Surgeon in Las Vegas, NV About Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Do you suffer from knee discomfort caused by osteoarthritis? If so, you understand firsthand the excruciating discomfort that can result from this condition, as well as the frustration and discouragement that often follows. After all, no one likes to be hampered by knee problems when they want to be out enjoying life. If you’d rather be golfing, running after your grandkids, working in your garden or enjoying some other regular hobby, ask your experienced orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV if hyaluronic acid injections are a good treatment option for you.

Here are a few things you should know about hyaluronic acid injections. When you’re ready to learn more, call the office of Bernard Ong, M.D.—we look forward to helping you feel better!

What is hyaluronic acid?

Joints are a lot like gears: they only function properly if they’re well lubricated. People with healthy joints have a viscous substance known as synovial fluid that acts as a lubricant, so bones can slide against each other without causing pain. This fluid is also important because it is a shock absorbent, so when your bones make contact with pavement, for example, the motion is absorbed smoothly.

One of the elements of synovial fluid is hyaluronic acid, and unfortunately, those with osteoarthritis have less of it. This deficit appears to lead to considerable joint stiffness and pain.

How is hyaluronic acid used for osteoarthritis?

It’s common for joint pain to be manageable initially with Ibuprofen or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (a group known as NSAIDS). But as it worsens, these medicines aren’t enough, and that’s where hyaluronic acid injections come into play. This acid is injected directly into the knee, replacing the depleted levels in the joint, with promising effectiveness.

How effective is this treatment?

Hyaluronic acid injection treatment tends to be effective for most patients. Results are slower than corticosteroid injection treatment, which usually takes effect within a few days. It could take up to five weeks before patients feel the full effect of hyaluronic acid treatment, but the reward is worth the wait. While corticosteroid injections usually diminish in effectiveness within a few weeks, hyaluronic acid provides long-term relief. Furthermore, there is some evidence to suggest that this acid might also help slow down the disease by inhibiting compounds that encourage inflammation.

Your orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV can examine you and help you decide if trying hyaluronic acid injections is a good option—and if, perhaps, you might benefit from trying this acid injection combined with corticosteroid injections.

Are there different brands of hyaluronic acid?

There are five brands of hyaluronic acid available in the U.S., and your skilled orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV will know which one to utilize for your treatment.

Call the office of Bernard Ong, M.D. today to find out how hyaluronic acid injections could help you feel better and get back to enjoying your life. We look forward to helping you overcome your knee troubles and resume the activities you love and miss!

Categorized in: Orthopedic Surgeon

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