Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons people in the UK lose mobility as they get older. The cartilage that cushions the knee gradually wears down, the joint becomes stiff and inflamed, and everyday actions — climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, walking the dog — start to hurt. For many people, painkillers and physiotherapy help for a while, but the relief fades and the question of knee replacement surgery starts to loom.
There is, however, an effective step in between: hyaluronic acid injections.
What is a hyaluronic acid injection?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in your joints. It thickens the synovial fluid that lubricates the knee, helping the joint move smoothly and absorbing shock. In an osteoarthritic knee, this fluid loses its quality. A hyaluronic acid injection (brands such as Durolane and Ostenil Plus) tops up that lubrication directly inside the joint.
Unlike a steroid injection, which works fast on inflammation, hyaluronic acid works more gradually. You may notice improvement over up to four weeks — but the benefit lasts much longer, often up to 15 months from a single injection.
Can it really delay surgery?
For people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections can delay the need for joint replacement surgery by an average of around three years from a single course. That is three years of staying active, avoiding the recovery time of major surgery, and keeping your independence.
It is also a valuable option for patients who cannot have, or would rather avoid, steroid injections.
Who is a good candidate?
Hyaluronic acid injections tend to work best for people who:
- Have mild to moderate (rather than severe, bone-on-bone) osteoarthritis
- Want to delay or avoid surgery
- Have not had lasting relief from painkillers and physiotherapy
- Cannot tolerate steroid injections
A consultation is always needed first, so the joint can be assessed and the risks and benefits discussed.
Why wait months on the NHS?
NHS waiting lists for joint injections can run into weeks or months. At Norfolk Health & Joint Care in central Norwich, we offer rapid private access, often within days of enquiry. For patients with restricted mobility, home visits are available at minimal extra cost.
If knee pain is holding you back, you do not have to simply put up with it. Contact us to discuss whether a hyaluronic acid injection could help, or read more about our hyaluronic acid joint injections and pricing.
FAQ
How long do hyaluronic acid knee injections last? The benefit can last up to 15 months from a single injection, though it usually takes up to four weeks to feel the full effect.
Is hyaluronic acid better than a steroid injection for knees? They do different jobs. Steroids reduce inflammation quickly; hyaluronic acid lubricates the joint with longer-lasting relief. Your clinician will advise which suits your knee.
How much does a hyaluronic acid knee injection cost in Norwich? Costs vary by joint and product. See our pricing page for current figures.
