By Dr. Michael Henry, ND
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that can cause significant pain and impairment of mobility. It often limits your quality of life if you have it as any activity, as simple as walking, becomes increasingly painful and difficult.
While there are various treatment options available, including medications and physical therapy, hyaluronic acid injections have emerged as a promising solution for managing hip arthritis. In this comprehensive overview, we'll explore the role of hyaluronic acid injections in hip arthritis treatment.
Understanding Hip Arthritis
Hip arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, involves the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the hip joint. As this cartilage wears away, the bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced hip function.
Hyaluronic Acid and Its Role
Hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule found in the synovial fluid that lubricates joints. It acts as a shock absorber and provides viscosity to the joint, ensuring smooth movement - you can think of it as having a similar consistency to thick motor oil, which is helpful in acting as a cushion.
In individuals with hip arthritis, your hyaluronic acid concentration in the hip joint can drop over time, which can lead to friction, pain, and discomfort.
How Hyaluronic Acid Injections Work
Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, aim to restore the lubrication of the hip joint. During an HA treatment, your healthcare practitioner injects hyaluronic acid directly into the hip joint, leading to better joint lubrication, less friction, better mobility, and in the long-term, less pain.
The Treatment Process
Consultation: Before starting hyaluronic acid injections, patients typically undergo a thorough evaluation to determine their suitability for the treatment. X-rays are often needed to confirm the osteoarthritis diagnosis.
Injection Procedure: The injections are quick and typically done in your doctor's office.
Results: Many individuals experience reduced hip pain and improved mobility within a few weeks to a few months after beginning hyaluronic acid injections. The time that a single injection lasts will depend on how severe your arthritis is, but research suggests 3-6 months of relief is typically seen for mild-moderate osteoarthritis.
Efficacy and Safety
Research on the efficacy of hyaluronic acid injections for hip arthritis is ongoing. While some studies have reported positive results in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement, individual responses may vary.
It's important to note that hyaluronic acid injections are generally considered safe, with few side effects, such as temporary swelling or discomfort at the injection site.
In conclusion, HA injections offer a potential option for individuals dealing with hip arthritis, especially if it hasn't progressed to a severe stage where surgical hip replacement is required. HA is a particularly interesting and viable option for those are future candidates for hip replacement, but have been advised to wait longer before getting their surgery (a common occurrence that will be explained in an upcoming article).
While research on their efficacy continues, these injections may provide relief from pain and improved hip function. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine whether hyaluronic acid injections are suitable for your specific hip arthritis.
References:
1. Clementi D, D'Ambrosi R, Bertocco P, Bucci MS, Cardile C, Ragni P, Giaffreda G, Ragone V. Efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of ultra-high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for hip osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2018 Jul;28(5):915-922. doi: 10.1007/s00590-017-2083-9. Epub 2017 Nov 21. PMID: 29164399.
2. Conrozier, T., et al. (2018). Safety, efficacy and predictive factors of efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of non-animal-stabilized-hyaluronic-acid in the hip joint: Results of a standardized follow-up of patients treated for hip osteoarthritis in daily practice. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 138(10), 1463-1472.
3. Migliore A, Massafra U, Bizzi E, Vacca F, Martin-Martin S, Granata M, Alimonti A, Tormenta S. Comparative, double-blind, controlled study of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (Hyalubrix) injections versus local anesthetic in osteoarthritis of the hip. Arthritis Res Ther. 2009;11(6):R183. doi: 10.1186/ar2875. Epub 2009 Dec 9. PMID: 20003205; PMCID: PMC3003515.
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