In the field of orthopedics, hyaluronic acid is used to reduce discomfort and improve mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis – a degenerative condition characterized by the age-related deterioration of cushioning knee cartilage. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring, lubricating substance that can be found in large amounts in your skin, eyes, and connective tissues in joints. Let’s take a quick look at how hyaluronic acid can potentially help lessen the effects of osteoarthritis and keep you on the move.
How does hyaluronic acid reduce knee pain?
Hyaluronic acid injections – also referred to as viscosupplementation – provide much-needed lubrication to worn, arthritic knee joints that have lost some of their natural hyaluronic acid levels. This boost in joint lubrication can promote more fluid and comfortable knee movement. Hyaluronic acid injection may be a viable treatment option for you if your knee osteoarthritis symptoms persist or worsen despite self-care measures and medication, or if you’d prefer to try a more natural alternative to painkillers.
Are there any side effects of hyaluronic acid?
The most common side effects associated with hyaluronic acid injections are mild soreness at the injection site and minor fluid buildup that goes usually away in a few days. To minimize the risk of side effects, be sure to avoid strenuous activities for one to two days following treatment and carefully adhere to your physician’s guidance.
Hyaluronic acid injections at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group
If you live in Tampa, Florida, and would like to speak with a reputable specialist about the potential benefits of hyaluronic acid injections, turn to Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group. Our practice is a division of Florida Medical Clinic and the longest-running orthopedic center in the area. Our patients benefit from the expertise of orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine physician Dr. Arnold Ramirez – two board-certified and highly experienced specialists who are also trusted to serve on the medical staffs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Yankees.
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group is committed to providing our patients the very best – that’s why we offer Gel-One® Hyaluronate treatment that improves upon traditional hyaluronic acid injections by reducing the necessary dosage and minimizing potential side effects. We also offer a variety of other leading-edge injection therapies, including platelet-rich plasma therapy and stem cell treatment, to best meet the needs of all our patients and help ensure the best possible results.
Discomfort from knee osteoarthritis doesn’t have to keep you sidelined – relief is closer than you may think! Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group in South Tampa today to schedule an appointment with a physician on our team, or quickly reserve an appointment online. We will be happy to provide you with more information about our hyaluronic acid injections and whether or not you could benefit from this treatment. We look forward to helping you feel your best.
