Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Pain for Osteoarthritis (Arthritis)

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Urgent Care and TeleHealth

Occupational Medicine & Urgent Care located in Napa, Sonoma and Benicia

Each year, millions of adults deal with chronic joint pain caused by arthritis, sports injuries and aging. Pain in a joint is one of the most common reasons why people miss work or avoid their favorite activities. Achy joints make it difficult to do everyday activities and the pain may also interfere with sleep.

“I also receive Hyaluronic Acid injections in both of my knees and can attest to its effectiveness in reducing my pain and stiffness.”

-Dr. Ian Ahwah

If you live or work in the Napa, Sonoma or Benicia areas and are suffering from arthritis, the providers at Urgent Care + TeleHealth offer HYALGAN hyaluronic acid injections to give you relief from joint pain. Hyaluronic acid injection therapy is simple and quick, and it only requires a visit at one of our clinics. This type of therapy restores lubrication to the joints. These injections allow people to get back to doing the activities they enjoy without the disruption of knee pain. It is safe and, unlike cortisone, can be repeated every 6 months if it provides good relief. These injections are great for people who may not yet be a surgical candidate or those who wish to postpone having joint replacement surgery.

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Hyaluronic Acid Injection Q & A

How Does a Hyaluronic Injection Work?

In a healthy knee, cartilage allows the bones to glide across each other. The knee is a complicated joint, and it requires lubrication for the patella, femur, tibia and fibula. The fluid surrounding the knee, called synovial fluid, is the main source of the lubrication for the cartilage.

As people get older, the amount of synovial fluid drops, and this causes deterioration of the cartilage. Engaging in everyday activities leads to wear and tear. Eventually, bone comes into contact with bone, which causes pain, swelling and a loss of range of motion. The knee hurts and feels stiff, and basic activities become difficult to do. Hyaluronic injections replace the lost synovial fluid. This restores lubrication to the joint. Urgent Care + TeleHealth Napa, Sonoma and Benicia patients may now receive HYALGAN injections to treat their chronic knee pain.

Where Does HYALGAN Hyaluronic Acid Come From?

The hyaluronic acid in HYALGAN injections comes from rooster and chicken combs. The materials are processed and purified in a laboratory, and all impurities are removed. Anyone with an allergy to poultry products, including eggs, should not receive a HYALGAN injection.

What Is HYALGAN Hyaluronic Acid Used for?

HYALGAN hyaluronic acid injections are indicated for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis. This is the most common cause of arthritis. This therapy may be recommended after a patient has tried conservative treatments for osteoarthritis pain, such as acetaminophen or warm compresses.

When Is the Best Time to Get a Hyaluronic Acid Injection?

Patients in Napa, Sonoma and Benicia who have mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee may receive HYALGAN injections after they have tried physical therapy, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, other arthritis medications or corticosteroid injections. The HYALGAN injection benefits patients who didn’t respond well to those other treatments. Hyaluronic acid may not be an effective therapy for knees with total cartilage deterioration.

How Many HYALGAN Hyaluronic Acid Injections Are Needed for Pain Relief?

Most people with chronic knee pain need up to five injections of HYALGAN. These shots are given one week apart. Your doctor will recommend a specific number of HYALGAN injections based on the severity and duration of your symptoms. Your response to the initial injection may also play a role in how many additional injections of HYALGAN you receive.

What Should I Expect After a HYALGAN Hyaluronic Acid Injection?

After you receive a HYALGAN injection, we recommend staying off your feet as much as possible for the rest of the day. Avoid stressing your knees for at least 48 hours. This means minimizing trips up and down the stairs, bending, squatting or lifting. Avoid running, jogging, weightlifting or prolonged standing for three to four days after a HYALGAN injection. You may take any prescription pain relievers prescribed by your doctor after your HYALGAN injection. Follow all aftercare instructions provided by your doctor.

How Long Do Hyaluronic Acid Injections Work?

In clinical trials, HYALGAN injections provided relief from knee pain for up to six months. The peak level of pain relief occurs in the first two weeks after the injection. You may use HYALGAN injections along with acetaminophen, warm compresses and other comfort measure. Keep in mind that you may need 3-5 doses to be effective in the affected knee.

What Are the Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Injections?

After receiving a HYALGAN injection, the area around the injection site may feel inflamed or swollen for 12 to 24 hours. Some people experience a slight increase in joint pain, and this typically resolves within one day. Rarely, burning, itching, stiff muscles or tenderness may occur after a HYALGAN injection. An allergic reaction may occur after a HYALGAN. This is more likely if a person has an allergy to poultry products.

Will My Insurance Pay for HYALGAN Injections in Napa and Benicia?

Check with your insurance company to learn more about your coverage for HYALGAN treatments. Many insurance companies including Kaiser unfortunately do not pay for hyaluronic injections. However, we do offer an affordable self-pay rate.

To learn more about HYALGAN or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.