Hyaluronic Acid Injections (using the Ostenil brand) are normally used for the treatment of osteoarthritis by reducing pain and improving the function of our joints. It can be used in the knee, or in any of the other joints in the body that are classified as synovial.
A synovial joint is one in which the ends of the bones are enclosed in a capsule containing a thick, slippery liquid called synovial fluid. The bone ends are covered in a smooth layer of a tough, rubbery substance called cartilage. The synovial fluid helps protect the cartilage from wear and tear by keeping the bones slightly apart and by acting as a shock absorber and lubricant. It also acts as a filter, letting nutrients reach the cartilage, but blocking the passage of harmful cells and substances.
The most important component of synovial fluid is a substance called Hyaluronic Acid. It is this substance that allows the synovial fluid to perform its cartilage saving properties. Hyaluronic Acid is continuously broken down and replaced. Normally, there is an exact balance between the breakdown of old Hyaluronic Acid and the production of new Hyaluronic Acid. In osteoarthritis, however, this balance is disturbed and breakdown happens faster than production. As a result, the synovial fluid becomes watery and stops working properly. As a result the cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. The thinning of the synovial fluid and wearing away of the cartilage leads to symptoms of osteoarthritis, which include pain, stiffness and swelling.
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