SPORTS ORTHOPAEDICS
Hyaluronic acid therapy for joint pain
During intensive training or a major competition, competitive athletes can quickly realize that not only muscles and endurance are challenged, but also the joints are pushed to their limits. At sportsmed.berlin, we understand the importance of a healthy musculoskeletal system and are here to support you with our expertise. Hyaluronic acid therapy in particular offers promising approaches to relieving joint pain. Seeing a specialist, such as at the sports orthopaedics clinic in Berlin, is a decisive step towards being able to pursue your next sporting goal again without pain and full of energy.
The most important facts in brief
- Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant in the joints and helps to reduce pain and improve mobility.
- In the case of sports injuries, such as knee pain, the therapy shows quick and lasting results.
- The combination with physiotherapeutic measures and regular use can have a preventative effect against new complaints.
What is joint wear and tear?
Inflammation and degenerative changes in joints, such as cartilage diseases and osteoarthritis, and/or in tendons (tendinosis) can lead to severe restrictions in quality of life due to pain and deterioration in mobility. The reduction in activity can also lead to secondary problems (e.g. weight gain, increased blood pressure, social withdrawal, etc.).
Treatment helps to stabilize the quality of life and slow down the ageing process. Prevention is the key word in orthopaedics. The main aim is therefore to prevent and counteract further deterioration at an early stage. In combination with physiotherapy and optional initial drug treatment, there is a significant improvement in symptoms if the right indications are given.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a protein, that occurs naturally in the body in various tissues, including cartilage. Injections of hyaluronic acid are an established treatment option for cartilage diseases and incipient osteoarthritis. This can improve the function of the joint and significantly reduce pain. werden.
This reduces the need for painkillers and improves quality of life. Furthermore, the treatment delays the further progression of degeneration, among other things by stimulating the body’s own hyaluronic acid production. Hyaluronic acid can also be used successfully on tendons and ligaments.
How hyaluronic acid works
Hyaluronic acid is an endogenous substance that occurs in the synovial fluid, the so-called synovial fluid. It acts as a lubricant and ensures that the joints move smoothly. Wear and tear or injury can disrupt the production of hyaluronic acid, leading to inflammation and pain .
The targeted administration of hyaluronic acid helps to compensate for this deficiency. It improves the gliding ability of the joint surfaces, reduces abrasion and thus effectively relieves pain in diseases such as osteoarthritis. This property makes hyaluronic acid particularly valuable for sportsmen and women who put their joints under intensive strain.
How does the treatment work?
Hyaluronic acid injections are an established treatment option for cartilage diseases and incipient osteoarthritis. After local anesthesia of the skin using cold or a local anesthetic, the hyaluronic acid is injected, also with ultrasound guidance depending on the joint/tendon. The hyaluronic acid is then distributed throughout the joint using gentle movements if necessary. The joint can usually be loaded normally on the same day .
This injection is repeated a total of 5 times at intervals of approx. one week, in order to achieve the greatest possible saturation of the joint. Injection therapy with hyaluronic acid should always be accompanied by physiotherapeutic measures and self-exercises to mechanically relieve the joint. Optionally, a splint to relieve the joint can lead to an improvement.
Use for sports injuries
The treatment of sports-related knee pain with hyaluronic acid is particularly effective, as the knee joint is one of the most frequently affected areas in sports injuries. After a thorough examination and diagnosis, the doctor injects the hyaluronic acid into the affected joint.
This treatment can quickly reduce inflammation and improve joint function. In addition, the therapy is not only suitable for acute complaints, but also for recurring or chronic joint pain, as can occur in long-term athletes. Long-term applications of hyaluronic acid therapy promote regeneration and help to maintain performance levels in the long term.
Other treatment options
In addition to hyaluronic acid therapy, there are a number of complementary treatment options that can be individually tailored. The combination with physiotherapy, which specifically helps to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve joint mobility, is particularly effective.
Also drug treatment with anti-inflammatory medication or painkillers can also be used to help alleviate acute symptoms. In addition, regular exercise in the form of joint-friendly exercises is essential to improve mobility and prevent further complaints. Early and regular use of these combined therapeutic approaches is the key to preventing joint pain.
Conclusion: Advantages and areas of application of hyaluronic acid therapy for joint pain
Hyaluronic acid therapy offers athletes a proven way to effectively relieve acute and chronic joint pain. It promotes mobility and enables a faster return to training. By combining it with other forms of therapy, even better results can be achieved to ensure long-term joint health.. At sportsmed.berlin, we focus on interdisciplinary treatment that is individually tailored to your needs so that you can continue to perform at the highest level.
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