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Are Hyaluronic Acid Injections The Right Treatment For Knee Arthritis?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Question: Are injetions of hyaluronic acid in a reinjured knee joint at all helpful? I had a torn meniscus from a ski accident, which was arthroscopically repaired in 1999, and reinjured the same knee about 2 weeks ago by putting too much torque on it while dancing.
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Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Helpful in arthritis only

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Hyaluronic acid injections are known to be helpful in arthritis.
2. It won't be helpful in meniscus injuries.
3. The present acute pain has been relieved by steroids. However, X-ray would show, if there is any arthritis. If it shows, hyaluronic acid injections will be helpful. Unlike steroids, further damage is slowed and no immediate response will be found.
4. Take also protein and Vit C supplements for faster healing.

Hope it helps.
Any further questions, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (22 minutes later)
Does arthritis (osteo or rheumatoid) show up suddenly? It has always been my impression that it is a gradually-developing condition. In my case, I had no pain until I was swing-dancing in improper shoes on a flagston floor. (Stupid move on my part.) I awoke the next morning with pain. I took some Aleve and applied ice, both of which helped, and the pain has lessened over the past 2 weeks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Osteoarthritis, rarely acute presentation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.

Rarely, a flare up might be the first sign of arthritis.
It is usually slow in onset.

As the pain has reduced, further medical line of therapy may not be necessary.
You need to:
1. Wear knee supports to avoid further injuries.
2. Do passive exercises to maintain good angle of movements
3. Active exercises around knee joint to strengthen muscles to prevent further damage and also avoid any future damage.
4. Wear soft sport shoes and even good soft cushioning slippers inside house to prevent further damage to knee joints.

If pain persists, even after a month, it will be osteoarthritis and X-ray can confirm it.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects smaller joints mostly, so at present, not a problem.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.

Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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Are Hyaluronic Acid Injections The Right Treatment For Knee Arthritis?

Brief Answer: Helpful in arthritis only Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. Hyaluronic acid injections are known to be helpful in arthritis. 2. It won't be helpful in meniscus injuries. 3. The present acute pain has been relieved by steroids. However, X-ray would show, if there is any arthritis. If it shows, hyaluronic acid injections will be helpful. Unlike steroids, further damage is slowed and no immediate response will be found. 4. Take also protein and Vit C supplements for faster healing. Hope it helps. Any further questions, happy to help again. Dr. Prakash HM