Introduction
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide with pain, stiffness and limited mobility. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is commonly used to treat osteoarthritis due to its ability to reduce pain and improve joint function. This article will describe the mechanism and efficacy of hyaluronic acid treatment for osteoarthritis. It is hoped that this will lead to a better understanding of its properties and applications.
What’s the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Osteoarthritis?
Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance with moisturizing and lubricating properties. This substance is present throughout the human body, including the umbilical cord, vitreous, dermis, and synovial fluid. HA could not only attract millions of water molecules but also reduces external friction and pressure for your joints.
In particular, HA supplements and injections are beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis. High concentrations of hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid lubricate and cushion joints. However, in knee osteoarthritis, decreased HA levels are replenished by these HA injections, and such intake reduces joint pain, inflammation, cartilage damage and other symptoms.
What Are Mechanisms of Hyaluronic Acid Used for Osteoarthritis?
1. Cushioning Effect
First, hyaluronic acid acts as a cushion, protecting joints from friction and damage. HA molecules are large and complex and can create a cushioning effect that relieves pressure on joint surfaces, reducing pain and improving joint function. Additionally, HA injections provide a physical barrier that reduces friction between articular surfaces.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Feature
Second, HA injections have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a key factor in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. By binding to receptors on immune cells and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, HA molecules reduce joint inflammation and pain.
3. Chondroprotective Property
Hyaluronic acid also stands out for its chondroprotective property. Chondrocytes are cells that generate and maintain cartilage within joints. In osteoarthritis, cartilage cells are damaged or die, which can lead to cartilage loss and joint degeneration. HA injection has been shown to stimulate the production of extracellular matrix molecules by chondrocytes, promoting cartilage repair and regeneration.
The exact mechanism of hyaluronic acid therapy is complex and multifactorial. The combination of lubricating, anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties of HA may contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Related Studies: Hyaluronic Acid Efficacy for Osteoarthritis
Several clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of his HA injections in treating knee and hip osteoarthritis.
- A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that HA injections were useful in reducing pain and improving joint function compared to placebo injections. The effect of HA treatment persisted up to 6 months after treatment. [1]
- Studies have shown that hyaluronic acid not only has an analgesic effect, but also has a potential structure-altering function. In addition, a significant reduction in synovial inflammation and improved chondrocyte density and vitality was observed. [2]
Conclusion
Thus, treatment with hyaluronic acid is widely used as a treatment for osteoarthritis. The mechanisms of action of HA treatments include lubricating, anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects. Several clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of HA injections in reducing pain and improving joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of HA treatment and optimize its use in clinical settings.
Stanford Chemicals Company (SCC) has extensive experience in manufacturing and marketing hyaluronic acid. For more information, please visit our homepage.
References:
[1] Migliore A, Procopio S. Effectiveness and utility of hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritis. Clin Cases Miner Bone Metab. 2015 Jan-Apr;12(1):31-3. doi: 10.11138/ccmbm/2015.12.1.031. PMID: 26136793; PMCID: PMC4469223.
[2] Frizziero L, Govoni E, Bacchini P. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: clinical and morphological study. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 1998 Jul-Aug;16(4):441-9. PMID: 9706425.
