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Hyaluronic acid (joint gel) injection
A hyaluronic acid injection places a gel closely related to natural joint fluid into a worn joint. The aim is to make movement easier and reduce pain.
What is it?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of healthy joint fluid. It helps the joint surfaces glide smoothly over one another.
In osteoarthritis this property of the joint fluid weakens. The injection adds hyaluronic acid to the joint from outside.
In everyday speech it is usually just called "having gel put into the joint".
Who is it for?
People with knee osteoarthritis whose pain persists — the knee is where it is most often used.
It can also be used in osteoarthritis of the shoulder, hip and ankle.
It may be an option where repeating a steroid injection is undesirable.
It is unsuitable where there is strong active inflammation or infection in the joint. In very advanced wear the expected benefit is small.
When to seek care
- Your knee is painful and feels stiff, and going down stairs has become difficult
- Knee osteoarthritis has been confirmed on X-ray and tablets are not enough
- Straightening the knee after sitting for a while is painful
- You do not want to take painkillers long-term, or your stomach does not tolerate them
If your knee has suddenly swollen and become warm, the cause must be established first.
Why it matters
In osteoarthritis, less pain makes movement possible. Movement in turn protects the muscle around the joint.
In some people the injection reduces the need for painkilling tablets. That matters particularly for anyone with stomach problems.
The result differs from person to person. The expected benefit is less pain and easier movement — not a return of the joint to its former state.
How it is done
- Preparation. No special preparation is needed. There is no need to fast.
- Examination. The joint is checked and assessed for excess fluid.
- Aspiration if needed. If there is excess fluid in the joint it is drawn off first, then the gel is injected.
- The injection. Under sterile conditions the gel is placed into the joint space.
- Afterwards. A short rest. Avoid heavy loading that day.
The procedure takes a few minutes. Depending on the preparation used, one or several sessions may be required.
The effect is usually not immediate; it is felt gradually over a few weeks.
This procedure also carries risks: pain, swelling and a sensation of warmth at the injection site, a temporary feeling of fullness in the joint, and rarely an allergic reaction or infection. In some patients the expected benefit is not achieved. The risks and the alternatives are discussed with you individually before the procedure.
Where it is done
The procedure is carried out in Baku, at StarLab Clinic, under sterile conditions.
Address: 20 Yanvar str. 88, 5th microdistrict, Baku, opposite the Qızıltac wedding hall.
For information and booking: +994 55 550 55 69.
No. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medicine and reduces inflammation. Hyaluronic acid addresses the gliding quality of the joint fluid. Their indications and durations differ.
The duration depends on the preparation, the state of the joint and the individual. An exact period cannot be promised in advance.
Avoid strenuous exercise that day. In the days that follow, the gentle movement and exercises your doctor recommends are helpful.
Related pages
Osteoarthritis — diagnosis and treatment
Joint wear, often called "salt deposits" in everyday speech. Most often the knee, hands and hip.
PRP therapy — platelet-rich plasma
Plasma prepared from your own blood, injected into a joint or around a tendon.
Joint fluid aspiration
Drawing off excess fluid from a joint — both for relief and to establish the cause.