HYALURONIC ACID
INJECTION TREATMENT
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injection Treatment Birmingham
Here at Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, we inject a high-quality hyaluronic acid into space in the joint that contains synovial fluid and this then works by restoring the normal balance between the breakdown and production of hyaluronic acid. This effect of the hyaluronic acid injection means that it can decrease pain and stiffness and improve the other symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Our philosophy is on joint preservation and joint health, not waiting until it is too late and then having to settle for surgery. Dynamic Regenerative Medicine are members of the IACR (International Association of Cartilage Repair) & the BKS (Biological Knee Society) and believe in catching joint problems early.
What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of synovial fluid (the fluid found inside our joints). Hyaluronic acid injections are primarily used to help to lubricate joints and to slow the progression of degenerative changes within joints and tissue, and provide pain relief, via reducing inflammation. Here at Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, we regularity use hyaluronic acid injections as part of a wider treatment package to ensure that the underlying problem is rehabilitated as effectively as possible.
What do Hyaluronic Acid injections treat?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are most useful in mild degenerative joint conditions when the smooth cartilaginous surfaces of the joint have partially worn. Joints commonly injected include the knee, shoulder, elbow, thumb or ankle. It has also been suggested that hyaluronic acid injections may have anti-inflammatory effects and could change the disease process.
Are Hyaluronic Acid injections for me?
As explained above hyaluronic acid injections are normally used for the treatment of joint damage and mild osteoarthritis by reducing pain and improving the function of our joints. The patient also can have a hyaluronic acid injection also as a preventive aid to damage. It can be used in the knee, or in any of the other joints in the body that are classified as synovial.
Within our joints, the bone ends meet and are covered in a smooth layer of a tough tissue called cartilage. Within a joint, a natural fluid is secreted called synovial fluid which helps protect the cartilage from wear and tear and by acting as a shock absorber and lubricant. It also acts as a filter, letting important nutrients reach and protect the cartilage. The most important component of this synovial fluid is a substance called hyaluronic acid. It is this substance that allows the synovial fluid to perform its cartilage saving properties. Hyaluronic acid is continuously broken down and replaced. Normally, there is an exact balance between the breakdown of old hyaluronic acid and the production of new hyaluronic acid. In osteoarthritis, however, this balance is disturbed and breakdown happens faster than production. As a result of the cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. The thinning of the synovial fluid and wearing away of the cartilage leads to symptoms of osteoarthritis, which include pain, stiffness, and swelling.
There are 3 treatment options of hyaluronic acid (HA) that normally gives relief for up to 12 months.
Option 1) involves a moderate potency injection.
Option 2) involves high potent injection that lasts up to a year
Option 3) involves high potent injection with steroid for pain relief
They can be used on a maintenance basis if required as they have no known side effects, and they are not known to be detrimental to the bodies tissues in any way. Hyaluronic acid is classed as a ‘medical device’ rather than a drug such is its level of safety. For optimal effect, chronically swollen joints can be injected first with a steroid to reduce inflammation and then injected with hyaluronic acid around 4 weeks later reducing the need for repeated steroid injections.
Side effects
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections have very few side-effects compared to steroids. There’s always a small risk of infection with any invasive procedure. If the injection is done in slightly the wrong place, it won’t damage your skin or muscle. At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine we will choose the most appropriate product to be injected and dose for your condition and symptoms. Most injections are quick and easy to perform. Your condition will be thoroughly assessed prior to injection and full details of the product, potential side effects and aftercare explained.
Preview video of a Hyaluronic Acid injection performed by Dynamic Regenerative Medicine for knee arthritis.
NOTE: minimal pain & downtime is associated during this procedure.
OSTENIL® and MONOVISC® are common forms for an effective treatment for joint damage, joint degenerative changes and are very effective for the early stages of osteoarthritis. It can be used in any joint classified as 'synovial'.
What is a synovial joint?
A synovial joint is one in which the ends of the bones are enclosed in a capsule containing think liquid called synovial fluid. The capsule is made of strong tissue and is lined with a membrane called the synovial membrane. The bone ends are covered in a smooth layer of a tough known as cartilage.
The most important substance of synovial fluid is Hyaluronic Acid. It is this substance that lets synovial fluid perform to its best.
What function does the synovial fluid have?
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It keeps the bones slightly apart, protecting the cartilage from wear and tear
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Acts as a shock absorber
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It lubricates the joint, helping it to work free and easy
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It acts as a filler, letting nutrients reach the cartilage, but blocking the passage of harmful calls and substances
What happens in osteoarthritis?
The hyaluronic acid (HA) in the synovial fluid does not stay there for a whole lifetime but is continuously broken down and replaced to create a balance. Normally, there is an exact balance between the breakdown of old HA and the production of new HA. In osteoarthritis, however, this balance is disturbed and the breakdown happens faster than the production. As a result, the synovial fluid becomes more watery and stops working to its full advantage.
Due to the change in the synovial fluid - and for other, more complex reasons - the cartilage in the joint gradually degenerates and wears away. in some places, in fact, the cartilage may eventually disappear altogether. The thinning of the synovial fluid and the wearing away of the cartilage leads to the symptoms of osteoarthritis, which include pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Osteoarthritis develops as people get older and is present in almost everybody over the age of 60 (although not everyone in this age group has bad symptoms). Osteoarthritis of the knee or hip may also occur in younger people, usually because these joints have been overloaded.
Possible causes include sports, jobs involving lots of lifting and carrying, too much body weight and abnormal joint development.
What are OSTENIL® and MONOVISC®, and how do they work?
Ostenil® is a concentrated solution of hyaluronic acid. It is injected into space in the joint that contains synovial fluid and works by restoring the normal balance between breakdown and production and acting a powerful joint lubricant. This giving Ostenil® the power to decrease pain and stiffness and improve the other symptoms of osteoarthritis.
What is OSTENIL®, and how does it work?
There are 2 treatment options available.
1) Ostenil® will be injected directly into the joint affected. This will be done once a week for 3 weeks until you have had 3 injections.
You may not notice benefits immediately after the first injection, but you should start to gradually feel less pain and stiffness over the next few weeks. The improvements in your symptoms should last for several months, depending on the number of injections you have. You can expect the benefit from 3 injections to persist for up to 9 months and it slow the progressive of osteoarthritis.
2) Ostenil Plus® is a more potent version of the above and 1 injection can reduce pain and improves function for up to 6 months.
For further information please contact us on 01564 330773 or alternatively email us at info@dynamicregenmedicine.co.uk