Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections supplement the natural lubricating fluid inside arthritic joints, helping reduce friction, stiffness, and pain during movement.
Often called viscosupplementation, this treatment is most commonly used for knee osteoarthritis when oral medication and conservative care no longer provide enough relief.
What this treatment is and why it is used.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that occurs naturally in healthy joint fluid, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. In arthritic joints, the quality and quantity of this fluid often decline, contributing to stiffness, grinding, and pain with weight-bearing activity.
HA injections — sometimes called viscosupplementation — replenish that joint cushioning. Patients often describe smoother motion and reduced pain during walking, stair use, and standing once the medication takes effect.
Viscosupplementation is most commonly used for knee osteoarthritis but may be considered for other joints in select cases. Whether it is the right next step depends on your imaging, history of conservative care, and broader treatment plan.
Our team starts with a clinical evaluation to confirm the pain generator before any procedure.
The procedure, step by step.
Every step is designed for accuracy and comfort. You will know what to expect before, during, and after.
We review your imaging, exam findings, and prior treatments to confirm HA injection is appropriate for the affected joint.
The skin over the joint is cleaned and a small area is numbed with local anesthetic.
If excess fluid is present in the joint, a small amount may be drawn off before the injection to improve comfort and accuracy.
The hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the joint space. Ultrasound guidance may be used for precision when indicated.
You are monitored briefly, given activity guidance, and scheduled for any follow-up injections in the series if applicable.
Before, during, and after the appointment.
Continue your routine medications unless instructed otherwise. Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the joint. Tell us about recent infections or any allergy history.
After numbing, the injection itself takes only a few minutes. Most patients describe pressure rather than sharp pain.
Mild soreness or fullness in the joint is common for 24–48 hours. Avoid heavy weight-bearing for the first day. Relief often builds over several weeks.
What recovery typically looks like.
Most patients resume normal activity within a day. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise of the treated joint for 24–48 hours, then gradually resuming your usual routine. The lubricating effect typically builds over the weeks following the injection rather than immediately.
Candidacy is determined after a clinical evaluation.
Hyaluronic acid injections are generally well tolerated, but they are not the right tool for every joint or every stage of arthritis. Candidacy is determined after a clinical evaluation that includes your imaging, prior conservative care, current medications, and treatment goals. We will recommend HA only when it is a sensible step in your overall plan.
Medicare and major insurance accepted.
Hyaluronic acid injections are commonly covered by Medicare and major commercial insurance plans for qualifying knee osteoarthritis when conservative care has been tried. Our staff verifies your benefits, secures any required authorization, and reviews expected costs in advance.
See accepted insurance plansCommon pain patterns we pair with hyaluronic acid injections.
Procedures that often work alongside this one.
Questions patients ask about this procedure.
How long does the relief last?
Many patients experience relief lasting several months. Repeat courses are considered based on your response and the durability of relief from the prior series.
Is it the same as a cortisone shot?
No. Cortisone calms inflammation; hyaluronic acid supplements joint lubrication. They work through different mechanisms and are sometimes used in combination over time.
Can I walk after the injection?
Yes. Most patients walk out of the appointment. We recommend avoiding strenuous exertion of the joint for 24–48 hours.
How soon will I feel a difference?
The lubricating effect typically builds over several weeks. Many patients notice the most improvement in the second to fourth week after the injection.
Talk to a board-certified pain specialist.
We see new patients by referral across our Pasadena, Baytown, and Katy clinics. Our team will verify your insurance and walk you through the next step.
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained physician
- Medicare and major insurance accepted
- Three Greater Houston locations
- Bilingual staff and direct phone access
Request a hyaluronic acid injections consultation
Joint-cushioning injections that supplement natural lubricating fluid in arthritic joints, most often the knee.