Introduction

Hyaluronic injections have become a popular and effective way to relieve joint pain and improve mobility, especially for those with conditions such as osteoarthritis. However, it's perfectly normal to feel a little anxious or uncertain before your first injection. At MSK Doctors, one of the UK’s leading centres for orthopaedic care, Professor Paul Lee brings vast experience in musculoskeletal treatments, including hyaluronic acid therapies. This article aims to guide you through the entire process — from what to expect before the injection, through the procedure itself, and into the recovery period — so that you feel informed and reassured every step of the way.

Understanding the Hyaluronic Injection Process

A hyaluronic injection involves placing hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in our body, directly into the joint. Its main role is to lubricate the joint, helping to reduce pain and improve movement by supplementing the joint’s natural fluid, which often diminishes with age or injury. This treatment is most commonly used in the knee, hip, and ankle, where cartilage wear or other damage has occurred.

Research confirms that this treatment is both safe and effective, often providing significant pain relief and delaying the need for surgery. Recent studies have shown that “the peri-tendinous administration of hyaluronic acid…has shown promising results in managing tendinopathy” (Azmy et al., 2021). This means that injections around tendons—not just within joints—can also be beneficial, broadening treatment possibilities. However, it’s important to understand there are some risks: possible side effects include bruising, swelling and tenderness, and rare but more serious complications like infection or granuloma, which is a type of inflammatory reaction (Juhász & Marmur, 2015). That’s why it’s essential to have such treatments performed by experienced specialists like Professor Paul Lee.

Preparing for Your Hyaluronic Shot

Before your injection, you’ll have a thorough consultation to review your medical history, any medications you’re taking, and imaging results like X-rays or MRIs to assess your joint condition. Wearing loose and comfortable clothing is recommended to allow easy access to the injection site. Be sure to tell your doctor about any blood-thinning medications or allergies you have.

Clinics often advise avoiding certain anti-inflammatory drugs before the appointment to reduce the chance of bruising. It’s helpful to write down any questions or concerns you might have — for example, about possible sensations during the injection or the steps involved in aftercare — as this will give you greater confidence heading into the procedure. MSK Doctors offers a warm and professional environment to support you through this preparatory stage, helping you to feel at ease.

What to Expect During the Injection Appointment

When you arrive for the injection, you’ll be in a calm, clinical setting designed with patient comfort in mind. The skin around the joint will be cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic to make the procedure as painless as possible. At MSK Doctors, ultrasound guidance is often used — this is a safe imaging technique that helps the clinician precisely place the needle for the best results.

The actual injection takes just a few minutes. You might feel a slight pressure or a brief sting, but this usually passes quickly. Professor Paul Lee and his team will be there to guide you through the process, answering any questions and helping to keep nerves at bay. Clear communication during your appointment is key to creating a relaxing, reassuring experience.

Immediate Aftercare and Activity Tips

After the injection, it’s common to notice some mild swelling, tenderness, or soreness around the joint. These mild reactions typically settle within a few days. It’s important to follow the aftercare advice given by your healthcare team carefully.

Generally, you should avoid heavy activity or putting too much weight on the joint for 24 to 48 hours to help it settle. Applying ice and elevating the joint can also soothe swelling. Gradually returning to your usual activities is encouraged, but high-impact exercise and strenuous use of the joint should be postponed as per your clinician’s advice. Watch out for warning signs such as intense pain, excessive swelling, redness, or fever — these “red flags” mean you should seek medical care promptly.

On a positive note, if any discomfort occurs, “using reversible hyaluronic acid fillers, hyaluronidase can be used to relieve any discomfort felt by the patient” (Juhász & Marmur, 2015). Advice given after a knee injection generally applies to other joints treated with hyaluronic acid as well, ensuring you have the right guidance to recover safely.

Patient FAQs and Setting Realistic Expectations

Many patients want to know if the injection will hurt, how long they should limit activity, and when they might notice improvements. Thanks to the local anaesthetic, most people experience little pain during the injection itself. Activity restrictions usually focus on resting the joint for the first couple of days after treatment.

Improvement in pain and movement often happens gradually over several weeks, and results can vary from person to person. It is important to remember that hyaluronic injections help manage symptoms — they’re not a cure. Interestingly, recent research found that “local injection for tendinopathies by combined hyaluronic acid and steroid gives significantly better and more long standing effect compared to either hyaluronic acid or steroid alone” (Azmy et al., 2021). However, using hyaluronic acid alone still provides good benefits comparable to steroids. By following aftercare advice and keeping up with follow-up consultations, you’ll have ongoing professional support tailored to your needs.

Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team are committed to helping you set realistic expectations and develop a treatment plan that suits you personally.

Conclusion and Disclaimer

To conclude, hyaluronic injections are a safe and effective way to ease joint pain and improve mobility when performed by experienced specialists like Professor Paul Lee at MSK Doctors. With thorough preparation, expert administration, and proper aftercare, you can approach your treatment with confidence and peace of mind.

For advice specific to your individual situation, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

Azmy, M. S., Ali, I. K., Radwan, A., & Ismail, M. A. (2021). Efficacy of hyaluronic acid injections versus steroid injections on painful tendinopathies. The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine, 85(2), 3551-3556. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejhm.2021.200589
Juhász, M. L. W., & Marmur, E. S. (2015). Temporal fossa defects: techniques for injecting hyaluronic acid filler and complications after hyaluronic acid filler injection. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(3), 254-259. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12155