Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic Acid Injections Precision Ultrasound-Guided Hyaluronic Injections for Rapid Pain Relief

AT A GLANCE

TREATS

Knee Osteoarthritis Tendonitis

Anaesthesia

None needed

Duration

30 minutes

Recovery

Avoid heavy impact and intense loading activities for 10-14 days

Pain Relief:

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections help alleviate pain caused by osteoarthritis or joint inflammation by improving joint lubrication and cushioning. This helps reduce friction between the bones in the knee, making movement smoother and less painful.

Improved Mobility

By enhancing joint fluidity, HA injections can improve the range of motion in the knee. Patients often experience easier movement and increased flexibility, which can help them return to daily activities with more ease.

Reduced Inflammation:

Hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the knee joint. This can relieve pressure and discomfort caused by inflamed tissues.

Delay Surgery:

For individuals who are not ready or suitable for knee replacement surgery, HA injections can serve as a non-surgical alternative. They can potentially delay the need for more invasive procedures by managing symptoms effectively over time.

Reducing Pain Improving Mobility

Hyaluronic acid injections for the knee and hip are used to relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. In a healthy joint, synovial fluid—a thick, slippery substance—acts as a lubricant, allowing the bones to move smoothly against each other.

This fluid also plays a crucial role in reducing wear and tear by keeping the bones slightly separated and functioning as a shock absorber. However, in osteoarthritis, the hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid diminishes, which can lead to joint pain and stiffness.

Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring component of the knee joint’s synovial fluid, plays a key role in this process. Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint to lubricate the cartilage, much like oil lubricates an engine. This method offers long-lasting relief with a gradual onset, focusing on sustained pain reduction.

Hyaluronic acid Injectios
Vale Health Clinic

WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID, AND HOW DOES IT HELP WITH JOINT PAIN?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the joints, skin, and cartilage. It acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, helping maintain joint health. Over time, or due to injury, the body’s natural HA levels may decrease, leading to joint stiffness, pain, and inflammation.

Hyaluronic acid injections, administered with local anesthesia and guided by ultrasound, help restore lubrication in the joints, reduce inflammation, and promote cartilage health. This treatment is particularly effective for osteoarthritis and other joint issues related to age or high-impact activities.

TYPES OF HYALURONIC ACID USED FOR JOINT INJECTIONS

Several types of HA are available for joint injections, each with its own benefits:

High molecular weight HA: Provides long-lasting lubrication, ideal for severe osteoarthritis.
Low molecular weight HA: Easier absorption by joint tissues, suitable for mild osteoarthritis.
Cross-linked HA: Chemically modified for prolonged effects.
Non-cross-linked HA: More similar to the body’s natural HA, often used for patients sensitive to cross-linked products.
Our experienced team will help determine the best HA option for your specific needs.

ADVANTAGES OF HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS FOR JOINT PAIN
Non-surgical: Ideal for those wishing to delay or avoid surgery.
Minimal side effects: Most reactions, like temporary pain or swelling, are mild.
Long-lasting relief: Many patients experience pain relief for up to six months.
Improves joint function: Helps restore mobility, allowing patients to resume daily activities.
Repeatable: HA injections can be administered regularly as needed without causing long-term joint damage, unlike corticosteroid injections.

CAN HYALURONIC ACID BE COMBINED WITH CORTICOSTEROIDS?

Yes, combining corticosteroids with hyaluronic acid can provide immediate pain relief from the corticosteroid, followed by longer-term relief from the HA. Cingal, a product combining both treatments, offers this dual benefit.

When can I not have an injection

Have an infection
Exhibit allergies to local anesthetics or cortisone
Feeling unwell or have fever
Have upcoming surgery planned in the same area
Are unsure or hesitant about receiving the injection

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Most side effects are mild and temporary, including pain, swelling, or warmth at the injection site. In rare cases, allergic reactions or infections may occur. If you experience any severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing or severe swelling, seek immediate medical attention.

POST-INJECTION CARE
Expect mild stiffness or discomfort for up to 48 hours, easily treated with ice packs and rest.
Avoid strenuous activities and stagnant water (baths, swimming) for a few days.
Seek medical advice if you experience prolonged pain, swelling, or signs of infection.

HOW DO HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS WORK?

Hyaluronic acid helps improve joint lubrication, block pain receptors, and reduce inflammation. This treatment restores normal joint function, allowing you to return to your daily activities with less pain and improved mobility.

Cingal® distinguishes itself with a unique formulation that combines hyaluronic acid (HA) viscosupplement with cortisone in a single injection.

HA serves as a crucial lubricating component in synovial joint fluid, essential for maintaining the elasticity and resilience of healthy cartilage. However, in individuals with osteoarthritis (OA), HA levels in the joints are often reduced. To address this deficiency, HA-based viscosupplementation products are specifically developed for OA, helping to alleviate pain while lubricating and cushioning the joint.

The purification and formulation of Cingal® are based on naturally sourced hyaluronic acid, designed to replenish the HA lost from the synovial fluid in arthritic knee joints due to aging or injury.

Because cortisone is insoluble in water, it is suspended in the HA gel as particles. In Cingal®, both the cortisone and HA components remain separate and stable, preserving their integrity within the formulation.

Please book your free initial 10 minute free telephone or face-to-face consultation to ascertain the suitability of the injection and the different treatments we offer.

Procedure	Specialists	Injection Therapist
Ultrasound guided Cingal Injections	Gary Edwards	£350-£400

SAME-DAY CONSULTATION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT

We offer same-day consultations, diagnostic ultrasound scans, and hyaluronic acid treatments for your convenience.

By combining a high concentration of HA with a proven cortisone, Cingal offers a powerful, fast-acting, high-viscosity solution. This formulation not only cushions the knee joint during everyday activities like walking and biking but also provides rapid relief from discomfort.

With a single injection, Cingal delivers lubrication, cushioning, and protection to the knee joint, allowing patients to quickly return to their active lives with reduced pain.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

After the procedure, typically we dvise refraining from engaging in strenuous physical activities for several days to allow your body to recover optimally. It’s essential to prioritise hydration by drinking plenty of water to help flush out any toxins and aid in the healing process. If you experience any discomfort or pain, Paracetamol can be safely used for pain management as needed.

It is important to follow your clinician post-procedure instructions carefully and attend follow the knee rehabilitation programme.

YOUR SIMPLE 4 STEP JOURNEY

Step 1. Free Intial consultation

At Vale Health Clinic in Tunbridge Wells, we offer every patient a free consultation with one of our injecting practitioners.

This no-obligation consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns in depth and explore the potential benefits and risks of the treatment.

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects around 10 million people in the UK, with approximately 6 million women and 4 million men experiencing the condition. Among these, an estimated 5.4 million suffer from knee osteoarthritis, while 3.2 million are affected by hip osteoarthritis.

STEP 2. MEET YOUR PRACTITIONER

We will allow time to find out more about the procedure, understand the advantages and risks with the procedure, and to give time for you to ask questions We may need to refer you for an MRI

We will then take your medical history, examine which may include diagnostic ultrasound then proceed with the guided injection.

STEP 3. PREPARATION FOR THE INJECTION

You’ll be given individual pre-injection advice to reduce your chance of bleeding or infection and support your recovery and aid healing

It’s important to let your practitioner know if you’re on any prescription or over-the-counter medications. You may be asked to stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory tablets, which can increase the risk of bruising. It’s also important to stop smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes before and after the procedure because they can disrupt the healing process.

Local anesthetic is not needed for this procedure and the procedure is tolerated very well.

STEP 4: RECOVERY & after care

Following the procedure, most individuals can return home and resume their normal activities. Our clinical team will be available to offer water and provide guidance on post-injection care.

For the next twenty-four hours, it’s advisable to refrain from strenuous activities and alcohol consumption. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t notice immediate effects; it typically takes around five days for the injection to take effect, with the full results becoming evident over the course of several weeks.

A follow-up appointment or phone consultation will be scheduled for four weeks after the procedure to review the progress.

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MEET THE TEAM

Gary Edwards —

Chiropractor

Gary Edwards is a Chiropractor specialising in diagnostic ultrasound-guided injections and shockwave therapy. He holds a PG cert from the University of East London, where he developed a strong foundation in for ultrasound and injectios. With a particular interest in knee injections and the treatment of chronic tendon pain, Gary combines his expertise in diagnostic imaging with precise injection techniques to deliver targeted, effective treatments.

Utilising cutting-edge ultrasound technology, Gary ensures that injections are administered with optimal accuracy, enhancing patient outcomes and minimising discomfort. His commitment to helping individuals recover from joint and tendon-related pain has made him a trusted professional in the field. Passionate about patient care, Gary continuously stays updated on the latest advancements in pain management and rehabilitation therapies.

Read our Google Reviews

Ostenil Patient Journey

Knee Injection

Knee injection

Cingal Patient Journey

What our clients say

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 Star

January 24, 2023 - Emma B | Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis treatment, 6 sessions. Gary was amazing, he explained everything really well, both what he was doing during the treatments and what exercises I needed to do at home. I have struggled with plantar fasciitis for 18 months and it feels so much better, following my 6 sessions, I am back walking again several times a week, which is so exciting as I have really missed this. Both my dogs and I say “thank you”.

January 24, 2023 - Emma B | Plantar Fasciitis

BRANDS OF HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS AVAILABLE AT VALE HEALTH CLINIC TUNBRIDGE WELLS

The combined action of lubricant and anti-inflammatory properties is crucial in addressing osteoarthritis knee pain effectively.

As time progresses, alterations in synovial fluid and the deterioration of joint structures can contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis knee discomfort.

Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance within the knee joint’s synovial fluid, plays a pivotal role. Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint, aimed at lubricating the cartilage, akin to oil lubricating an engine. This process offers enduring relief with a delayed onset, targeting long-term pain reduction.

Cortisone, possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. They are utilised to alleviate pain by mitigating swelling within the joint, providing rapid relief on a short-term basis.

OSTENIL PLUS HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS Ostenil Plus is a brand of hyaluronic acid (HA) injection that is used to treat joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. It is a clear, viscous solution that is injected directly into the affected joint. Always under ultrasound guidance and using local anaesthesia to make the procedure tolerable and accurate. It’s designed to provide long-lasting relief, with some patients experiencing pain relief for up to six months after a single injection. It is also unique in that it contains mannitol, which is a sugar alcohol that has antioxidant properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the joint. Also Ostenil Plus contains a high concentration of cross-linked HA, which is a natural substance found in the body’s joints and helps to lubricate and cushion the joint. When injected into the affected joint, Ostenil Plus can help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint function.

DUROLANE HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS Durolane is a brand of hyaluronic acid (HA) injection that is used to treat joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. It is a clear, gel-like substance. Under ultrasound guidance and using local anaesthesia to make the procedure tolerable and accurate it is injected directly into the affected joint. The brand Durolane contains a high concentration of non-cross-linked HA. Meaning it does not contain chemical bonds between the HA molecules. The HA in Durolane is highly purified, free from impurities and is designed to be biocompatible with the body’s natural joint fluids. It’s unique in that it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Making it a good option for patients who may have allergies or sensitivities to animal-derived products. This natural substance is found in the body’s joints and helps to lubricate and cushion the joint. It is also a single-injection treatment, which means that patients only need one injection to experience relief from joint pain and stiffness for up to six months. Unlike some other HA injections, Durolane does not require a series of injections, making it a convenient treatment option for patients.