What is hyaluronate?
It is a natural substance produced by every joint in the body. In healthy joints, it is a thick fluid with the consistency of egg whites that coats the cartilage surfaces so they can move smoothly. It also acts as a shock absorber, protecting the cartilage and underlying bone.
In Osteoarthritis, there is less hyaluronate and it is so thin and watery it can no longer lubricate and cushion the joint. This is a major cause of pain felt in the knee.
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How does it work?
A purified mixture of hyaluronate is injected into the knee joint through the side of the knee in a series of 5 injections. The injections are given one week apart over a 30-day period. By injecting directly into the knee capsule, the fluid coats the cartilage surfaces so they can move smoothly against each other and the pain-relieving substance is concentrated in the knee, not scattered throughout the body.
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Who benefits from this new treatment?
It benefits people who do not get adequate relief from simple pain killers or physical therapy. It also can be particularly helpful when anti-inflammatory medicines are ineffective, are causing too many side effects, or are interfering with other medicines. And because hyaluronate acts locally, you’ll probably be able to continue taking any other medicines your doctor has prescribed.
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How long before I get relief and how long does it last?
For most people, one series of treatment relieves pain an average of 9-12 months. Pain relief is not immediate but usually takes place after the third or fourth injection. It is best to take anti-inflammatory and/or pain medicine until the hyaluronate provides relief.
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Are there any side effects?
As a natural substance, not a medicine or drug, there are remarkably few reactions. Some redness, bruising, heat, or swelling may occur around the injection site … similar to what some people experience after any kind of an injection. In almost all cases, these are mild reactions and they do not last long.
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What should I do after a shot?
During the first 24 hours after each injection, it is best to avoid strenuous or prolonged weight-bearing activities such as jogging, tennis, heavy lifting or standing on your feet for a long time. Any temporary swelling responds well to ice packs on the injection site for 10 to 20 minutes three times a day.
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Is there a limit to how many injections I can have?
No. Your body does not build up a resistance to hyaluronate or become sensitive to it because it is so similar to the natural substance produced by your own body. Hyaluronate is injected into the joint capsule through the side of the knee. After the pain-relieving effects wear off, repeat injections can be given.
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Does it help other kinds of arthritis?
Most other kinds of arthritis are inflammatory in nature, so hyaluronate does not help because it is not an anti-inflammatory.
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Who should not have hyaluronate shots?
If you are allergic to feathers, eggs or poultry, you should consult your family doctor before an injection is given.
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Is the treatment covered by Medicare?
Yes, the treatment is approved by Medicare as well as other primary and supplementary health plans.
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Is it experimental?
No. Hyaluronate has been used safely and effectively in Europe and Japan for more than a decade in over 1 million treatment cycles. Doctors at The Florida Knee and Orthopedic Centers have first hand knowledge about hyaluronate because they were chosen to participate in the United States studies done in 1985. The FDA approved hyaluronate for orthopedic use in 1997.
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