Ultrasound-Guided Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Pain Relief

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are an effective, single injection treatment alternative to steroid injections for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, particularly in managing joint pain, and can reduce inflammation and pain caused by soft tissue injuries. When paired with ultrasound guidance, these injections offer a precise, minimally invasive solution to address pain and improve mobility, significantly enhancing patient outcomes.

Understanding Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial fluid of joints, where it provides lubrication, cushioning, and shock absorption. In individuals with degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, the levels of HA in joints diminish, leading to increased friction, inflammation, and pain. Similarly, in tendon and ligament injuries, HA plays a role in facilitating tissue healing and reducing inflammation.

Injectable HA aims to restore this balance, reducing pain and improving joint function. It also promotes hydration in tissues, enhances cartilage resilience, and supports overall joint health.

What conditions can Hyaluronic Acid Injections be used for?

Osteoarthritis:

A degenerative condition characterised by cartilage breakdown and joint inflammation. Particularly in the knee, shoulder, and hip joints, HA injections alleviate pain by enhancing lubrication and reducing inflammation.

Tendinopathies:

Conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis or Achilles tendinopathy benefit from HA’s anti-inflammatory properties and ability to promote tissue healing.

Soft Tissue Disorders:

HA is increasingly used for fascial pain syndromes and plantar fasciitis to enhance tissue gliding and reduce fibrosis.

Hyaluronic Acid – The Detail

At Private Injection Clinics we use the best quality HA available. For supporting weight-bearing joints, we typically opt for the HA Durolane due to its superior longevity compared to Ostenil Plus, which we use for tendon issues to reduce inflammation.

Durolane serves as a viscosupplement employed in managing osteoarthritis. As an extensively cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) solution, Durolane presents a safe and efficient treatment avenue for individuals grappling with osteoarthritis-induced pain and mobility issues, alleviating pain, enhancing joint function and providing long-lasting symptom relief.

The two main advantages of HA over steroid are:

Good quality HA injections usually give relief for longer periods than steroid, typically lasting for up to 26 weeks.
HA doesn’t weaken joints with repeated injections unlike steroid so can be repeated indefinitely.

The Advantage of Ultrasound Guidance

While HA injections are beneficial, their efficacy greatly depends on the accuracy of delivery. Ultrasound guidance has revolutionised MSK injections by enabling real-time visualisation of the targeted structures. This imaging ensures precise placement of the HA into the affected area, whether it is a joint, tendon sheath, or soft tissue.

Key benefits of ultrasound-guided injections include:

Accuracy: Visualisation reduces the risk of injecting HA into unintended areas, such as surrounding soft tissues, which could lead to ineffective treatment or complications.

Safety: With real-time imaging, clinicians can avoid critical structures like blood vessels and nerves, minimising adverse events.

Patient Comfort: Accurate injections reduce procedural pain and enhance the likelihood of successful pain relief.

Optimised Outcomes: Proper placement ensures maximum therapeutic benefit, helping to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.

Ultrasound-Guided HA Injection Procedure

During the procedure, the affected area is sterilised, and an ultrasound probe is placed to visualise the joint or tissue. Using a fine needle, the HA is injected into the specific site under continuous ultrasound monitoring. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes and involves minimal downtime, patients are advised to rest and apply ice packs to reduce inflammation, gradually resuming normal activities under healthcare provider guidance.

Ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections represent a significant advancement in MSK care. They offer a targeted, effective, and minimally invasive approach to managing pain and improving function, helping patients achieve long-term relief and enhanced quality of life.

Private Injection Clinics offer Ultrasound-Guided Hyaluronic Acid Injections to treat many different MSK related pains. For more information please take a look at the website.

Private Injection Clinics are based on the coast in Leigh on Sea and in Colchester, Essex – perfect for patients in Essex, Kent, London, and surrounding areas.