Hyaluronic Acid Injection
League City Spine & Sports Medicine
Hyaluronic Acid Joint Injections for Knee Pain Relief
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections are a well-established treatment option for those suffering from knee pain due to osteoarthritis. In a healthy joint, hyaluronan – a natural fluid – provides vital lubrication. However, in individuals with osteoarthritis, the body produces less hyaluronan, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Hyaluronic acid joint injections act as a supplement to this essential fluid, helping to restore lubrication and reduce inflammation. This treatment is commonly used to manage knee pain, especially in patients who are not candidates for surgery or are seeking alternatives to corticosteroids.
How Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections Work
The procedure for hyaluronic acid joint injections is simple and typically performed in-office:
- Injection Process: Your healthcare provider will inject hyaluronic acid directly into the affected knee joint.
- Frequency: Depending on the specific formulation of hyaluronan used, the injections are usually administered once a week for three to five weeks.
The goal of these injections is to replenish the hyaluronan in the joint, acting as a cushion and helping to reduce pain and inflammation while improving joint function.
When Will You Feel Results from Hyaluronic Acid Injections?
Most patients begin to feel relief within a few days of receiving the injections. However, depending on the level of joint degeneration, some individuals may require more than one round of injections to experience significant symptom relief.
Long-Term Benefits:
After completing the full course of injections, many patients experience relief that can last several months. In some cases, your doctor may recommend repeat courses of hyaluronic acid injections for continued symptom management.
Medicare Coverage for Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections
For individuals with Medicare, hyaluronic acid knee injections may be covered under Medicare Part B if shown to be medically necessary.
Medicare Coverage Details:
- Frequency: Medicare typically covers knee injections once every six months.
- Requirements: The injections are subject to the annual Part B deductible and require X-rays to be taken before Medicare approval.
Other types of knee injections that are often covered by Medicare in our office include:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections – Also known as viscosupplementation, these injections are often recommended for patients with diabetes, as they do not raise blood sugar levels like corticosteroid injections.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – PRP injections use your own plasma to promote healing and reduce inflammation, particularly effective for osteoarthritis with minimal risk of side effects.
- Corticosteroid Injections – These injections help reduce joint pain and inflammation and typically offer relief for 2-3 months. However, they are limited in frequency per year.
Why Choose Hyaluronic Acid Injections?
Hyaluronic acid injections are an effective, non-surgical treatment option for knee pain, offering significant pain relief, reduced inflammation, and improved joint function. They are especially beneficial for patients seeking long-term solutions without resorting to surgery or other invasive procedures.
If you’re struggling with knee pain and want to explore hyaluronic acid injections as a treatment option, schedule an appointment with our team at League City Spine & Sports Medicine today.