Hyalgan Injections
The knee joints are prone to osteoarthritis due to wear and tear on the cartilage over decades of use. Millions of people suffer from arthritic knee pain that does not respond to OTC medications or other therapies. One of the treatment options for relieving osteoarthritis knee pain is the use of Hyalgan® injections. At Primary Care Joliet, we offer viscosupplementation with Hyalgan injections at our facilities in Wilmington and Joliet, IL.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, occurring when cartilage is worn away due to injury or heavy use of the joint. Since the knees are weight-bearing joints that are prone to injury, they are often the joints most affected by osteoarthritis. As the cartilage in the knees wears thin, there is more inflammation within the joint due to friction. Not only is there less cartilage, but the synovial fluid which lubricates the knee joints can dissipate as you get older. Viscosupplementation is a treatment that works to restore better lubrication to the joints through injection therapy.
What Is Hyalgan?
Hyalgan is a brand name of sodium hyaluronate, which is a substance that mimics substances in synovial fluid, a naturally occurring lubricant that is found in the knee joint. Hyalgan injections are a treatment option for those who have not received relief for their knee osteoarthritis from physical therapy or OTC medications. The injections are designed to help increase the synovial fluid over a series of injections.
Most people can improve their osteoarthritis knee pain with a series of 2-5 Hyalgan injections. The injections are given once a week. There can be some swelling and increased pain after the injections, but these side effects usually quickly dissipate within two days. The injections can provide pain relief for several weeks up to several months.
If you have been living with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis and want to explore your treatment options, come see us at Primary Care Joliet. Our physicians can evaluate your knee pain and recommend treatment options, which may include Hyalgan injections. To schedule an appointment, call one of our medical centers in Joliet or Wilmington, IL.