Hyaluronic acid therapy

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the human body and is one of the components of connective tissue and a main element of synovial fluid and the extracellular matrix. It is responsible for controlling the proper friction force between the elements of articular cartilage, as well as the level of elasticity of connective tissue and the viscoelasticity (the ratio of elasticity to viscosity of a given substance depending on the amount of energy supplied) of synovial fluid.

In the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, hyaluronic acid is successfully used, for example, in osteoarthritis or cartilage damage.

How does hyaluronic acid work?

Modern, highly developed orthopaedics finds applications for hyaluronic acid in maintaining the function and supporting the regeneration of joints. It is also often used in combination with platelet-rich plasma.

Injected through intra-articular injection (viscosupplementation procedure), hyaluronic acid creates a protective layer and nourishes the articular cartilage. Hyaluronic acid is also hygroscopic, meaning its molecules have the ability to quickly bind water, which is why common indications for its intra-articular use are diseases associated with the dehydration of various tissues.

Osteoarthritis and hyaluronic acid

Osteoarthritis is a disorder resulting in an imbalance in the articular cartilage and degradation of individual joint components. Studies show that in Poland, osteoarthritis affects between 20 and 30% of the population over 40 years of age. In the initial stage of disease development, metabolic disorders occur in the tissues. The progressive degradation of tissues in advanced stages of this condition leads to serious damage to the articular cartilage, bone remodeling, severe joint inflammation, and even the complete loss of proper function of the affected joint. Modern, widely developed orthopaedic techniques allow for the use of autologous materials (obtained from the patient's body) such as platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid to rebuild, regenerate, and protect tissues and joints damaged by the disease.

In the conservative treatment of osteoarthritis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), medical rehabilitation, and viscosupplementation with hyaluronate are used. Hyaluronic acid is excellent in helping to maintain the proper viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid, which significantly reduces friction of joint surfaces. It is also responsible for maintaining elasticity in connective tissues. Scientific studies have also confirmed that hyaluronic acid has strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Indications for hyaluronic acid treatments

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in the human body, but with age, its production decreases, causing wrinkles and joint-related diseases. The first symptoms of joint problems that patients go to an orthopaedist with are:

swelling of the knees after physical exertion
difficulty with motor function (e.g., when bending or straightening legs)
creaking and popping in the knees due to friction
joint pain
joint stiffness (very often occurring after waking up)
a feeling of instability and weakness in the knees during movement

What does the procedure look like?

Therapies using hyaluronic acid are administered through a non-invasive injection method. Before administering the injection, the area of the procedure is thoroughly disinfected. The intra-articular injection procedure usually takes up to 15 minutes. It is generally recommended to perform a series of 3 to 5 treatments (every 7 days) for one joint. Hyaluronate treatments can be repeated every few/several months.

Is the hyaluronic acid procedure safe?

quick and non-invasive procedure
no side effects
a material that naturally occurs in the human body
noticeable improvement in the function of the musculoskeletal system
protection for tissues and articular cartilage
helps maintain the function of bone tissue

Have you got questions? Get in touch with us - 22 100 45 20 or 24 337 62 66.

You can check the cost of procedures using hyaluronic acid and other services in our price list.