If you or a loved one has been living with osteoarthritis pain, you know how difficult it is to find relief. One of the treatments that CPI’s arthritis doctors in Bedford TX have found great success with for osteoarthritis is through hyaluronic acid injections. Today we’re going to share some basic information about this low-risk treatment option.

 

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring component in your body. It’s an important part of the lining your body creates for joint lubrication and cushioning. This same lining is also what helps skin and eyes stay moisturized naturally.

 

How Do Hyaluronic Acid Injections Treat Osteoarthritis?

Also known as Viscosupplementation, hyaluronic acid injections treat osteoarthritis by helping to support or supplement the joint fluid. This can sometimes be effective in decreasing osteoarthritis symptoms because it helps replenish the joint lining where disease has thinned it out. We sometimes tell patients that it’s the WD-40 for joints. Benefits can include:

• Improved bone density
• Increased cartilage health and protection
• Reduced stiffness
• Reduced inflammation/swelling
• Reduced pain

The benefits of hyaluronic acid injections have been known to last as long as six months in some patients and can be given more than once in a patient’s lifetime. If you would like to know more about how this treatment may impact your unique chronic joint pain, we have Bedford doctors accepting new patients (locations also in Benbrook and Lewisville, Texas) who can help.

 

What to Expect

Your doctor will first take the time to thoroughly assess your condition and discuss your health history as well as identify what other treatments you have already been given in the past. Then, he or she is able to establish whether or not you are a good candidate for hyaluronic acid injection.

The injection procedure may be given in one injection or in multiple injection increments, as determined by your doctor. Each time, your doctor will first clean the area. If inflammation or swelling is present your doctor may address that first with a painkiller or by withdrawing excess fluid. Then, the injection will be done into the joint area.

 

After Care & Side Effects

Post injection, it may take several days for the treatment to take effect. You will be on a lifting and activity restriction for the first 12-24 hours. After that, you may resume light to normal activity level as you are comfortable.

As with any medical procedure, hyaluronic acid injections carry some level of risk. However, the risk is generally very low with this procedure. Potential side effects include:

• Pain at the injection site
• Mild swelling
• Minor buildup of fluid in the joint
• Infection
• Allergic reaction

 

Arthritis Doctors in Bedford, TX

At Comprehensive Pain Institute, we know how important it is to find the right provider to help you take control of your pain. Whether you are dealing with joint pain, back pain, migraines or other types of chronic pain, the Comprehensive Pain Institute has you covered! Call today to schedule your first consultation with one of our dedicated specialists.