HA Gel Injections

If you’re struggling with joint pain or knee pain, especially due to osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections might be the relief you’ve been searching for. These injections, also known as viscosupplementation, are designed to lubricate your knee joint or other affected joint, improving mobility and reducing pain. 

At Impact Health & Wellness, located in the heart of Westerville, Ohio, we offer HA gel injections as part of our comprehensive approach to joint health. Book a consultation today to see if this treatment is right for you.

What are HA Gel Injections?

HA injection therapy is a form of treatment for knee osteoarthritis and other joint conditions, providing lubrication and cushioning to the knee joint. It’s an intra-articular injection containing an all-natural, highly-purified form of sodium hyaluronan, a component already present in the joint fluid and connective tissues. 

By mimicking synovial fluid, the thick fluid that cushions the joints, HA knee injections reduce friction and prevent further damage to worn-down knee cartilage. This can lead to significant pain relief and improved quality of life for individuals suffering from joint pain. 

Moreover, because hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body, this treatment option has a lower risk of side effects than intra-articular steroid injections.

Benefits

• Pain relief from osteoarthritis of the knee
• Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
• Improved joint lubrication and function
• Delay in the need for knee replacement surgery
• Minimal side effects compared to corticosteroid injections

Ideal Candidates for HA Gel Injections

Ideal candidates for HA gel injections are adults experiencing knee pain due to osteoarthritis, who have not found relief from conservative treatments like physical therapy or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and wish to delay or avoid arthroplasty (knee replacement surgery).

Contraindications include knee joint infections or skin diseases at the injection site.

What to Expect from Your HA Gel Injections

Beginning the journey to alleviate knee pain with HA gel injections at Impact Health & Wellness is a straightforward process, designed to ensure your comfort and clarity every step of the way.

Consultation

We begin with a consultation with our experienced medical professionals in Westerville, Ohio. During this initial meeting, we’ll discuss your medical history, current knee pain and any previous treatments you’ve undergone. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and express any concerns you may have about the procedure.

Procedure

During your HA gel injection procedure, you’ll be comfortably seated, and the area around your knee will be cleaned and possibly numbed. The HA gel is then precisely injected into the knee joint. The entire process is quick, often taking just a few minutes.

Recovery

Recovery from HA gel injections is generally swift, with most patients resuming their normal activities the same day. You might experience some temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site, but these side effects are usually mild and short-lived.

Follow-Ups

After your injection, we’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment. These check-ins are crucial for ensuring the best possible outcome and for adjusting your treatment plan if necessary.

Cost of HA Gel Injections in Ohio

The cost of HA gel injections in Ohio can vary depending on the number of injections and the specific formulation used. However, the good news is that HA gel injections are typically covered by most insurance plans.

To get the most accurate estimate for your specific situation, including any potential out-of-pocket costs, we encourage you to contact our Westerville clinic directly. Our staff can answer your questions about pricing, insurance coverage, and help you navigate the process.

Related Treatments

At Impact Health & Wellness in Westerville, Ohio, we offer a range of treatments designed to complement HA gel injections, particularly focusing on regenerative medicine and non-invasive pain relief options. These therapies are aimed at enhancing your body’s natural healing processes and providing alternative or supplementary options for joint and tissue repair.

• PRP Therapy: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses a concentration of your own platelets to promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. This treatment can be a great option if you’re looking for a natural method to accelerate the healing process and alleviate joint pain.
• Regenerative Medicine: These innovative treatments regenerate damaged tissues and reduce inflammation in the body through the use of structural tissue products and tissue allografts. Ideal for non-healing wounds and ulcers as well as burns and other acute injuries.
• Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses shock waves to stimulate healing in injured musculoskeletal tissues. Shockwave therapy is particularly beneficial for those with persistent pain conditions like tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, offering a quick and effective way to relieve pain and enhance tissue repair.
• Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy uses concentrated light to reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and alleviate pain. This treatment can be beneficial for various conditions, including arthritis, muscle strains, and tendonitis.

Each of these services provides a unique approach to managing and treating pain, complementing the benefits of HA gel injections and offering holistic care options tailored to your individual needs right here in Westerville, Ohio.

FAQs

What makes HA gel injections different from corticosteroid injections?

HA gel injections primarily aim to lubricate the knee joint and mimic the properties of natural synovial fluid, offering pain relief and improved mobility. In contrast, intra-articular corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and offer temporary pain relief but can have more significant side effects with long-term use.

Additionally, steroid injections have been shown in clinical trials to provide more short-term, immediate effects, while HA injections offer a more long-term solution for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

How long do the effects of HA gel injections last?

The duration of relief from HA gel injections can vary, but many patients experience benefits for up to 6 months post-treatment. Factors such as the severity of osteoarthritis and individual response to the treatment can influence the longevity of the results.

Are there any significant differences in outcomes between HA gel injections and physical therapy?

Both HA gel injections and physical therapy can effectively manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms. While injections provide direct lubrication and pain relief to the joint, physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving mobility and potentially prolonging the need for more invasive treatments.

Can HA gel injections delay the need for knee replacement surgery?

While HA injections can provide significant pain relief and improved joint function, they may not completely eliminate the need for a knee replacement, especially in severe cases. Diagnostic imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will enable your health care provider to assess the joint’s condition and determine if HA injections are a viable alternative or a temporary solution before surgical intervention. It’s important to have realistic expectations and discuss your individual case with an orthopedic surgeon or other specialist.

Is there any risk of side effects from HA gel injections?

Like any medical procedure, HA gel injections can have side effects, although they are generally mild and temporary. These may include pain at the injection site, swelling and, in rare cases, infection. Discussing your health history with your practitioner can help minimize risks.

How do HA gel injections fit into a comprehensive osteoarthritis treatment plan?

HA gel injections can be an integral part of a multi-faceted treatment approach for knee osteoarthritis, which might also include weight management, physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments like PRP therapy. Your healthcare provider can tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs and health goals.