Introduction
If your knees ache every time you climb the stairs, kneel down, or get up from a chair, you are not alone. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of joint pain among adults, and it tends to worsen over time as the cartilage that cushions the knee gradually wears down. At PhilosMed, we understand how disruptive this pain can be, which is why we offer a HA injection as a non-surgical option to help manage it.
Many of our patients come to us after months, sometimes years, of relying on painkillers or simply learning to live with reduced mobility. We believe knee pain deserves a proper long-term plan, not just a temporary fix. In this article, we walk you through what this treatment is, how it works, and why it may be worth discussing with your doctor if you are living with knee pain
What Is a Hyaluronic Acid Injection?
Hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as sodium hyaluronate, is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial fluid that lubricates and cushions our joints. In a healthy knee, this fluid allows smooth, pain-free movement. But in a knee affected by osteoarthritis, the synovial fluid thins out and loses its cushioning ability, which leads to friction, inflammation, and pain.
This treatment works by replacing lost joint fluid directly into the joint space. This is sometimes called viscosupplementation, and it has been used in joint care for several decades. Our two HA injection options, Hyruan ONE and Hyruan PLUS, are both formulated using bio-fermented, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid designed to closely resemble the body’s own joint fluid, rather than being sourced from animal tissue.
Because the treatment is delivered directly into the joint, patients often find it more targeted than oral medication, which has to travel through the bloodstream before reaching the affected area.
How This Treatment Helps Knee Osteoarthritis
We designed our hyaluronic acid injection range to work in a few key ways once introduced into the joint:
- Reduces inflammation by calming cytokine activity and prostaglandin synthesis within the joint
- Eases joint pain by lowering PGE2 synthesis and nociceptive reactions
- Supports cartilage protection by influencing proteoglycan aggregates and chondrocyte activity
- Helps restore joint function by supporting the body’s own production of HA
Research from Orthopedic Review supports this approach. A mini-review of the literature comparing Hyaluronic Acid and corticosteroid injections found that while corticosteroids may act faster in the short term, hyaluronic acid tends to provide longer-lasting improvement in pain and function over subsequent months, with injection site discomfort being the most commonly reported side effect.
Our HA Injection Options
We offer two hyaluronic acid injection treatments, each suited to different needs.
1. Hyruan ONE: The Single-Injection Option
Hyruan ONE is a single-injection, cross-linked hyaluronic acid treatment with a high molecular weight of 10 million Dalton. It is indicated for osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder, ankle, and hip, and pain relief typically lasts between 6 to 12 months. This option is ideal for those who prefer fewer clinic visits.
2. Hyruan PLUS: The Three-Weekly Option
Hyruan PLUS is a non cross-linked hyaluronic acid injection given over three weekly sessions. With a high molecular weight of 3 million Dalton, it closely resembles the natural synovial fluid of a healthy adult joint and is suited for those who prefer a gradual, step-by-step treatment approach.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A typical session takes only a few minutes. Your doctor will clean the skin around your knee and insert a fine needle into the joint space to deliver the treatment. Some clinics use ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement, particularly for patients with more complex joint anatomy. You may be given a hot or cold gel pack afterward, along with a short post-injection care guide, both of which come included in our Hyruan ONE treatment kit.
Most patients can drive themselves home and resume light activity the same day, though we generally recommend avoiding high-impact exercise or prolonged standing for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Who Should Consider This Treatment?
A hyaluronic acid injection may be worth considering if you have knee osteoarthritis pain that has not improved with lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or over-the-counter painkillers. We recommend pairing any injection treatment with a structured routine, such as our guide to knee exercises, to support long-term joint health and maintain the results of your treatment.
If you are unsure whether this option is right for you, we invite you to try our knee pain self-assessment tool or speak with your doctor about whether it is suitable for your condition. Factors such as the severity of your osteoarthritis, your activity level, and any other joint conditions you may have will all play a role in this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the injection hurt?
Most patients feel only mild discomfort during the injection, similar to a routine jab. Some soreness at the injection site for a day or two afterward is normal and generally resolves on its own.
2. How long does it take to work?
Effects vary between individuals, but many patients begin noticing improvement in pain and mobility within a few weeks of treatment, with benefits continuing to build over subsequent weeks.
3. Is hyaluronic acid injection better than steroid injection?
Both have their place in managing knee osteoarthritis. Corticosteroids may relieve pain faster in the short term, but research suggests hyaluronic acid injections tend to offer more sustained relief over time with a comparatively favourable safety profile.
4. How many hyaluronic acid injections will I need?
This depends on the product used. Hyruan ONE is designed as a single injection, while Hyruan PLUS is administered over three weekly injections.
5. Can I walk normally after the injection?
Yes, most patients can resume normal daily activities shortly after the injection, though we generally advise avoiding strenuous exercise or prolonged standing for the first day or two.
Conclusion
Living with knee pain does not mean you have to accept it as your new normal. Our hyaluronic acid injection range, Hyruan ONE and Hyruan PLUS, is designed to help you manage osteoarthritis pain and get back to the activities you enjoy. Contact us today to learn more regarding Hyaluronic Acid injection for OA or visit our FAQ page for more details on the treatment process.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before starting any injection or treatment.