What is Hyaluronic acid ?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your joints that helps keep them lubricated and cushioned. It acts like a shock absorber, allowing your joints to move smoothly. When joints become painful or stiff, often due to conditions like osteoarthritis, injecting hyaluronic acid can help restore lubrication, reduce pain, and improve movement. Hyaluronic acid can also be used on your tendons with sports injuries or tendinopathies.
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Primarily used for osteoarthritis in large joints, particularly the knee and hip, though occasionally in other joints
There are also Hyaluronic acid injections which are specific for tendons in sports injuries and tendinopathies.
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HA helps restore the natural lubricant properties synovial fluid and also acts as a shock absorber.
It improves joint mobility and therefore ability to walk or exercise.
It also has mild anti-inflammatory and pain-relief effects, especially in mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis.
It’s effects typically last 3–6 months, though some patients experience longer-lasting benefits.
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Benefits:
Pain Relief: Eases joint pain and stiffness, especially in conditions like osteoarthritis.
Improved Mobility: Restores lubrication in the joint, making movement smoother.
Non-Surgical Option: A minimally invasive treatment with little to no downtime.
Natural and Safe: Uses a substance already found in your body.
Risks:
Mild Reactions: Some swelling, redness, or discomfort at the injection site.
Infection: Rare, but possible, as with any injection.
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Both have slightly different properties which make them suitable for different types of conditions.
Ostenil Plus
Contains hyaluronic acid and mannitol (an antioxidant)
Provides relief for 3-6 months
Ideal for moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain
Durolane
Pure hyaluronic acid
Typically offers relief for 6 months
Primarily used for knee osteoarthritis pain
Both are effective, but the choice may depend on individual patient needs and preferences.
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In the UK, Ostenil is licensed use in most Joints and even Tendon Sheaths. Research has shown efficacy in Tenosynovitis and Tennis Elbow.
This has let to the formulation of another product: Ostenil Tendon. This is now licensed for the treatment of pain and stiffness in tendons
Research has shown its benefit in Achilles tendon pathology, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Patella tendon, Peroneal tendon and IT band friction syndrome.
Ostenil acts as a lubricant when applied into the tendon sheath and can theoretically decrease pain and stiffness, enhance tendon gliding and reduce adhesions between tendons. Research has also shown it to tendon recovery and wound healing.
Learn more about Durolane and Ostenil