Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that affects millions of people, and while it can affect any joint, the knee is the joint most commonly affected. Out of the 528 million people living with osteoarthritis throughout the world, 365 million are dealing with knee arthritis. In other words, if you’re seeking relief from osteoarthritis-related knee pain, you’re far from alone.
Brenton Wynn, MD, and Dr. Alexander Krakovsky offer many different pain-management therapies for arthritis-related knee pain here at Wynn Over Pain in National City, California. HYALGAN® injections are one type of therapy we provide.
Read on to uncover what you can expect when considering HYALGAN injections as a solution for your osteoarthritis-related knee pain.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage in your joints. It’s sometimes referred to as the “wear and tear” arthritis. In the case of knee osteoarthritis, the cartilage in your knee joint gradually wears away and leads to:
While osteoarthritis can’t be cured, various treatments, including HYALGAN injections, can help manage its symptoms and improve your quality of life. Arthritis also responds well to lifestyle changes such as eating an anti-inflammatory diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding high-impact activities.
HYALGAN is a hyaluronic acid-based medication that is similar to the hyaluronic acid naturally found in your joints. It acts as a lubricant and shock absorber and provides relief from knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. The goal of HYALGAN injections is to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance mobility.
When you’re considering knee injections, knowing what to expect can help you prepare mentally and physically for your treatment. Here’s what you can expect with HYALGAN:
During your consultation, your Wynn Over Pain provider assesses your knee condition, discusses your symptoms, and reviews your medical history to determine if HYALGAN® injections are a suitable treatment for you.
HYALGAN isn’t right for everyone. It’s contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to hyaluronate preparations, people who have active serious infections, and people with skin diseases at the injection site. But rest assured, even if joint injections aren’t right for you, the Wynn Over Pain team can provide guidance on the pain management therapies that will work for you.
If you and your Wynn Over Pain provider decide that HYALGAN injections are the right choice, the procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive. Dr. Wynn or Dr. Krakovsky cleans and sterilizes your injection site, administers a local anesthetic, and asks you to relax your leg. Then they inject HYALGAN directly into your knee joint.
You’ll receive weekly HYALGAN injections for five weeks.
Following the injection, you will likely be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions. Once you’re cleared to leave, you can typically resume your daily activities, with some restrictions.
Afterward, it’s not uncommon to experience mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site. These are common side effects and usually subside within a few days.
HYALGAN injections may take a few weeks to provide noticeable pain relief. Some patients experience an immediate improvement, while for others, it may take a bit longer. According to HYALGAN clinical trials, most people found pain relief after the third injection.
Why the delay? The full benefits of HYALGAN injections are often realized over time as the medication takes effect. The pain should decrease, and your mobility should improve.
The effects of HYALGAN injections are not permanent — the series lasts about six months — and you may need periodic injections to maintain pain relief and joint function.
HYALGAN injections offer a promising solution for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis-related knee pain. While HYALGAN may not be a cure, it can significantly improve your quality of life by alleviating chronic pain, enhancing joint function, and providing relief from osteoarthritis symptoms.
If you're considering HYALGAN injections, call 619-332-2786 or click here to book an appointment online and find out if it's the right choice for you. With proper care and pain management treatment, you can regain comfort and mobility in your knees and enjoy a better quality of life.
