Joint pain is something that impacts millions of people around the world, and the most frustrating thing is that there is no treatment. However, this does not mean that there is nothing you can do in this situation.
With that in mind, we are going to take a look at one option in further detail, which is the use of hyaluronic acid. Anything with “acid” in the name does not sound particularly pleasant, yet this is a naturally occurring substance, so there is nothing to worry about.

Understanding hyaluronic acid injection treatments
Hyaluronic acid injection treatments are prescribed for those who are dealing with joint pain. The primary benefactors of such joint injections are those who are suffering from osteoarthritis.
However, it can also benefit those who have caused damage or inflammation to their joints during physical activity, or through over or underuse of the joints in question. Of course, this is not the be-all-and-end-all when it comes to dealing with joint pain. Plus, a lot of people get other symptoms.
For example, you should check your hearing because sufferers of conditions like arthritis are actually more likely to have hearing loss, which is something most people do not realize. While not the only treatment option available for osteoarthritis sufferers and joint inflammation pains, hyaluronic acid has fast become the go-to pain reliever for joint pain. But what is it? And how does it work so well? This article covers these questions and more.
What Is hyaluronic acid?
While the name can suggest that a hyaluronic acid injection features some sort of agent that isn’t found in our body, it actually occurs naturally within all known living organisms. When separated from other molecules, it takes on a heavy viscous appearance.
As a substance, it has been the subject of much research – including thousands of medical trials. Due to it being found within our bodies, it is seen as friendly towards the tissue found within our muscles and joints. It can actually be equated to a high-quality oil that is used to lubricate a vehicle’s engine.
After some time, that oil has to be replaced to ensure the engine remains lubricated and protected. Motor oil is to engines as hyaluronic acid is to joints. Over time, joint fluid begins to breakdown and can even become inflamed. So the replacement of this inflamed joint fluid (i.e. bursitis) keeps our joints well lubricated and ensures that joints are cushioned to prevent bone from rubbing against bone.
Hyaluronic acid was first commercially used in the 1940s by Endre Balazs (a Hungarian inventor) when he wanted to use it in bakery products as an egg white substitute.
Over the years, until his death in 2015, Balazs became a proponent of the benefits behind hyaluronic acid – particularly its importance in offering pain relief to those suffering from arthritis. This is partly how hyaluronic acid for injection treatments came to prominence. Now it is one of the leading joint injections for the increase of joint mobility and relief of joint pain.
How do hyaluronic injections work?
For this reason, these hyaluronic injections are sought after by many sufferers of osteoarthritis – the most common form of arthritis across the world. Within a healthy joint, the lubricant called hyaluronan is plentiful; however, joints affected by osteoarthritis have a reduced capacity for hyaluronan.
An injection of hyaluronic acid treatment involves a series of injections of hyaluronic acid to the area around the inflamed joint(s). This helps to complement the joint’s natural hyaluronan with the injected hyaluronic acid.
The procedure is performed by a trained medical professional. The amount of injections required depends on the potency of the hyaluronic acid within the injections. For example, you may require one injection per week over a number of weeks, one injection every three months, or even one injection over six months.
It could take a few days or weeks for the benefits to be fully felt. When it comes to side effects, there is very little to deal with when it comes to injections of hyaluronic acid. These minor side effects can crop up if the patient strains the treated joint within two days of receiving injections.
For this reason, it is advised that patients avoid activities that involve any exertion. These injections are commonly sought after by both patients, and private and public healthcare professionals.
So there you have it: everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid and why this is something to consider if you are experiencing joint pain.