Hyaluronic acid joint injections are a well-established treatment used to improve joint lubrication and reduce stiffness in people with joint degeneration. Most commonly used in the knee, they are designed to support smoother, more comfortable movement over time.
Rather than targeting inflammation directly, hyaluronic acid injections work by improving the mechanical environment within the joint, helping it move more efficiently and with less friction.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the body, with particularly high concentrations in synovial fluid; the fluid that lubricates and cushions healthy joints.
Within the joint, hyaluronic acid helps to:
In conditions such as osteoarthritis, the natural hyaluronic acid within the joint becomes reduced in both quality and quantity, contributing to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility.
This treatment approach is known as “viscosupplementation” - injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the joint helps restore these properties and improve joint function.
Hyaluronic acid injections are delivered directly into the joint space.
Once inside the joint, the injected hyaluronic acid:
Symptom improvement typically develops gradually over several weeks, rather than immediately. These injections are designed to improve joint function, not regenerate cartilage or reverse osteoarthritis.
Response to hyaluronic acid injections varies between individuals and depends on joint condition and severity of degeneration.
Your clinician will advise on expected outcomes based on your individual situation.
Hyaluronic acid injections are performed as a simple outpatient procedure, usually completed within 15–30 minutes.
| Hyaluronic Acid | Steroid (Corticosteroid) | BMAC | PRP | Lipogems® | Arthrosamid® | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Primary Purpose |
Improve joint lubrication & mechanics |
Reduce inflammation |
Support tissue regeneration | Stimulate healing response | Provide biological cushioning | Improve joint cushioning |
| How It Works | Restores viscosity and elasticity of joint fluid (viscosupplementation) | Suppresses inflammatory pathways | Delivers stem cells and growth factors | Delivers concentrated growth factors | Provides structural and biological suppor | Acts as a long-lasting joint filler |
| Best Suited For | Mechanical stiffness & degenerative joint symptoms | Inflammatory pain and flare-ups | Moderate–severe OA, AVN | Mild–moderate OA, tendon injury | OA and soft tissue support | Symptomatic knee OA |
| Speed of Effect | Gradual (weeks) | Often rapid | Gradual | Gradual | Gradual | Gradual |
| Longevity |
Several months or longer |
Variable; often months | Up to 4 years reported | 6–12 months | Up to 2 years |
Up to 5 years
|
| Treatment Focus | Joint function & movement quality | Symptom control | Structural and cellular repair |
Biological healing |
Joint environment support |
Long-term symptom relief |
| UK Starting Price | From £500 (depending on product & course) | From £400 | From £3,900 |
From £750 |
From £3,900 | From £3,900 |
At Orthopaedic Innovation, we work with TRB Chemedica’s hyaluronic acid range including Ostensil® and Ostensil Plus®, both developed to support joint lubrication and function.
Ostensil®
Ostensil Plus®
Our clinician will advise which option is most appropriate based on joint condition, symptoms, and treatment goals. In selected cases, hyaluronic acid injections may also be used in other synovial joints under specialist guidance.
Our team specialises in joint preservation and minimally invasive treatments. Hyaluronic acid injections are used selectively and integrated into personalised joint care plans designed to support long-term mobility.
With over 2,500 successful procedures and world-leading expertise, we provide the most advanced non-surgical knee treatments available.
If you want to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid surgery, we’re here to help.
Book a consultation to discuss whether hyaluronic acid injections — including Ostensil® or Ostensil Plus® — are suitable for you.
