Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Pain: How They Work and Who May Benefit

Nearly 13% of All American women over age 60 and 10% of men of the same age suffer from arthritis of the knee. 

One of the easiest, most effective ways to ease these symptoms is hyaluronic acid (HA) injections.

At North Valley Orthopedic Institute in Mission Hills and Tarzana, California, Dr. Ramin Ganjianpour regularly administers hyaluronic acid injections to manage knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. 

Here’s how he explains its benefits to his patients.

What’s hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance the human body naturally produces. It helps the eyes and skin retain moisture, plays an essential role in wound healing, and ensures the joints move smoothly through their full range of motion.

HA levels decrease with age, but the process accelerates in people with osteoarthritis. That makes the joints more susceptible to wear and tear, leading to pain and cartilage damage. 

How hyaluronic acid injections work

HA injections help restore the hyaluronic acid in arthritic knees. While any joint can be impacted by arthritis, HA is only FDA-approved for use in the knee. It reduces pain and improves the treated joints’ range of motion, making it easier to walk, exercise, and do other routine tasks. 

In many cases, relief is instant and lasts up to six months, although this varies from patient to patient. Additionally, research suggests HA injections can slow arthritis progression, helping affected joints stay healthier for longer.

Who may benefit from hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain?

Hyaluronic acid injections may be an option for patients with knee osteoarthritis who continue to experience pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility despite conservative treatments. They may be considered when options such as activity modification, physical therapy, or medication have not provided sufficient relief.

Not everyone responds to HA injections in the same way. An orthopedic evaluation can help determine whether they are appropriate based on your symptoms, previous treatments, and the severity of your knee arthritis.

What to expect during your HA injection appointment

An HA injection is quick and convenient, typically taking 15 minutes or less.

When you arrive at our office, Dr. Ganjianpour sterilizes your knee and applies a topical anesthetic to numb your skin. After the anesthetic sets in, he administers the HA injection using a strategic approach.

HA can be delivered in a single injection or as a series of injections about a week apart. The treatment starts working immediately, but some people may not notice an improvement in their symptoms for several days or weeks. 

We monitor your joint pain at subsequent visits and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure lasting results.

Common questions about hyaluronic acid knee injections

How long does it take for hyaluronic acid injections to work?
Some patients notice improvement within several days, while for others the benefits may develop gradually over the following couple of weeks. 

How long can the results last?
Results vary from patient to patient. When effective, symptom relief may last for several months.

How many injections will I need?
This depends on the specific treatment used. Some hyaluronic acid treatments involve a single injection, while others are administered as a series of injections.

Contact us to schedule a hyaluronic acid injection consultation

Don’t let knee pain sideline you from exercise and other activities. Call North Valley Orthopedic Institute today to schedule a hyaluronic acid injection consultation or request an appointment online.