Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally exists in healthy joint fluid. It helps cushion the joint and allows bones to move smoothly during everyday movement.

In osteoarthritis, the amount and quality of hyaluronic acid in the joint gradually decreases. This can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility in the affected joint.

Hyaluronic acid injections are commonly used as a non-surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis.

At Jacobs Pain Centre, patients from Markham and the Greater Toronto Area often seek this treatment when knee pain begins to interfere with walking, exercise, or daily activities.

How Hyaluronic Acid Injections Work

Hyaluronic acid injections introduce a gel-like lubricant directly into the knee joint.

The goal of treatment is to:

By improving the joint environment, the injection may help reduce pain and make daily activities easier.

Who May Benefit From This Treatment

Hyaluronic acid injections may be considered for people experiencing:

This treatment is most helpful for mild to moderate osteoarthritis and may help delay the need for more invasive procedures.

The Injection Procedure

The injection is performed in the clinic and usually takes only a few minutes.

The skin over the knee is cleaned and a small needle is used to place the medication directly into the joint space.

At Jacobs Pain Centre, a single hyaluronic acid injection is typically used rather than a series of injections.

Most patients are able to walk immediately after the procedure and return to normal daily activities the same day.

What to Expect After the Injection

Some people experience mild soreness or swelling in the knee for a short time after the injection. This usually settles within a day or two.

Improvement in symptoms often develops gradually over several weeks as the joint lubrication improves.

The amount of relief varies from person to person and depends on the severity of joint degeneration.

How Long Results Last

Some patients notice improvement in pain and movement for several months after treatment.

If symptoms return, the injection may be repeated in the future depending on the response and overall joint condition.

Determining if Treatment Is Appropriate

Not every type of knee pain is caused by osteoarthritis. A medical evaluation helps determine whether hyaluronic acid injections are likely to be helpful.

At Jacobs Pain Centre, treatment decisions are based on clinical evaluation and review of imaging when available.

Hyaluronic acid injections may be used as part of a broader plan for managing knee osteoarthritis and maintaining mobility.