Hyaluronic Acid For Osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is already widely used in skin care and anti-aging treatments, and it can be used to treat osteoarthritis. Recent studies show that 80 % of patients with osteoarthritis experience relief when given HA treatment, and although some patients do not have the same response, the success rate is more than enough to make HA the new arthritic wonder drug.

Osteoarthritis is actually caused by the degeneration of synovial fluid of the arthritic joints. They break down into smaller units and in effect decrease their own shock absorption effectiveness and greasing properties. HA is injected into these joints to revive and replace poor synovial fluid. In most cases, after a while, patients experience relief. There are also HA tablets available for patients who prefer oral ingestion, but experts still argue that the injectable forms are more direct and effective in providing faster relief. HA treatment is not instant. You will typically have four or five injections before you experience any relief.

HA has been approved by the FDA as a safe treatment drug for osteoarthritis. It cannot be bought over the counter and you cannot administer it yourself. Consult your physician before deciding whether HA treatments are for you. Some patients experience pain after HA injection, and may need to curtail activities for some time. HA treatments do not promise 100% pain relief, and maintaining a good diet and exercise is recommended in addition to treatments.

In addition to being an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, other benefits of hyaluronic acid include: increased mobility, softer skin, faster wound healing, fibromyalgia relief, retinal lubrication, clearer vision and dry skin relief.

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What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints and other parts of the body. Arthritis is actually more than 100 different diseases and affects one out of every 7 people of all ages. People with arthritis experience pain and loss of movement and function. Arthritis can be very disabling and is a lifelong disease, but can go into remission. Each type of arthritis is different and has a different cause.
Literally means joint inflammation. Can be used to indicate a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases. These diseases affect not only the joints but also other connective tissues of the body, including important supporting structures such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as the protective covering of internal organs.
Inflammation of a joint. An increase in the amount of synovial fluid in the joint is a result of this inflammation. Accumulation of synovial fluid in the fetlock joint is called a "wind puff" or "wind gall." In young horses, a swelling in the fetlock joint, particularly on the front of the joint where the cannon and long pastern bones meet, is called a "green osselet." This swelling is a result of inflammation and reactive changes of the front edges of these two bones and adjacent cartilage.