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Foot and ankle pain from arthritis can be a daily struggle for many people, making even simple tasks like walking, running, or climbing stairs a painful endeavour. If you're one of the millions suffering from chronic foot or ankle pain, you may have already tried various treatments like physical therapy, orthotics, or pain medications. But have you considered hyaluronic acid injections? These minimally invasive injections may be the key to unlocking relief from your foot and ankle pain. In this blog, we'll discuss the benefits of hyaluronic acid injections and how they can help you get back on your feet.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the human body, particularly in the skin, eyes, and joints. It plays a crucial role in maintaining hydration and lubrication, acting as a cushion and shock absorber in our joints. As we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid, which can contribute to joint pain and stiffness.
How Do Hyaluronic Acid Injections Work?
Hyaluronic acid injections for foot and ankle pain involve injecting a gel-like substance directly into the affected joint. This substance supplements the body's natural hyaluronic acid, providing extra cushioning and lubrication. The injections have been found to be particularly effective for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis or degenerative joint diseases, where the natural cushioning of the joint has worn away over time.
Schedule a consultation at ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent to explore hyaluronic acid injections.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Foot and Ankle Pain:
Pain Relief: The primary benefit of hyaluronic acid injections is pain relief. Many patients report significant improvement in their foot and ankle pain after receiving injections, with some even experiencing near-complete relief. This can lead to improved mobility and a higher quality of life.
Reduced Inflammation: In addition to providing pain relief, hyaluronic acid injections can help reduce inflammation within the joint. This is especially beneficial for those with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, as it can help to slow down the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms.
Non-Surgical Option: For patients who want to avoid surgery, hyaluronic acid injections offer a minimally invasive alternative. The procedure is performed in a doctor's office or clinic and typically takes less than an hour to complete. Recovery is relatively fast, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days.
Few Side Effects: Hyaluronic acid injections are generally well-tolerated, with few side effects. Some patients may experience mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, but these issues usually resolve on their own within a few days. There is also a minimal risk of infection, as with any injection procedure.
Prolonged Effects: The benefits of hyaluronic acid injections can last for several months, with some patients experiencing relief for up to a year. This makes it an attractive option for those who have not found relief from other treatments, or who want to delay or avoid surgery.
Ready to experience the benefits of hyaluronic acid injections? Book your appointment at ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent now!
How is a Foot and Ankle Hyaluronic Acid Injection Performed?
Hyaluronic acid injections for foot and ankle pain are performed as an outpatient procedure by a qualified healthcare provider. The use of ultrasound guidance can enhance the accuracy of the injections, ensuring the hyaluronic acid is delivered directly to the affected joint. Here's an overview of the procedure and the role of ultrasound in hyaluronic acid injections for foot and ankle pain:
Preparation
Before the procedure, your healthcare provider will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI may be performed to evaluate the condition of the affected joint.
Ultrasound Guidance
Ultrasound guidance plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injections for foot and ankle pain. During the procedure, your healthcare provider will use an ultrasound machine to visualize the joint and surrounding structures in real-time. This allows for precise needle placement and ensures that the hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the joint space, maximizing the potential benefits of the treatment.
The Injection Procedure
Anesthesia: To minimize discomfort during the procedure, your healthcare provider may apply a local anesthetic to numb the injection site, depending on which joint is being injected.
Ultrasound: Your healthcare provider will use the ultrasound probe to visualize the target joint and determine the optimal injection site. This ensures that the needle is guided accurately to the correct location within the joint. Watch this video by our clinic director on Ultrasound guided injection
Injection: Using a syringe, the hyaluronic acid gel will be injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance. The entire process usually takes a few minutes to complete.
Post-Injection Care: After the injection, you may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days. Some patients may experience mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, but these side effects are typically short-lived and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs.
Experience the precision of ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections. Book your appointment at ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent today!
FAQ: Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Foot and Ankle Arthritis
What are hyaluronic acid injections for foot and ankle arthritis?
Hyaluronic acid injections are a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting a gel-like substance into arthritic joints to provide lubrication and pain relief.
How do hyaluronic acid injections work for foot and ankle arthritis?
These injections supplement the body's natural hyaluronic acid, providing extra cushioning and lubrication in arthritic joints, which can reduce pain and improve mobility.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid injections for foot and ankle arthritis?
Pain relief
Reduced inflammation
Non-surgical alternative
Minimal side effects
Long-lasting effects (up to several months)
Who is a good candidate for hyaluronic acid injections in the foot and ankle?
Individuals with osteoarthritis or degenerative joint diseases in the foot and ankle, especially those seeking non-surgical treatment options.
How is the hyaluronic acid injection procedure performed for foot and ankle arthritis?
The procedure is typically done in a clinic setting, often using ultrasound guidance for precise injection into the affected joint.
Are there any risks or side effects of hyaluronic acid injections for foot and ankle arthritis?
While generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. There's a minimal risk of infection.
How long does it take to see results from hyaluronic acid injections for foot and ankle arthritis?
Patients may start feeling benefits around five weeks after the injection, with peak relief often occurring around three months post-injection.
How long do the effects of hyaluronic acid injections last for foot and ankle arthritis?
The benefits can last for several months, with some patients experiencing relief for more than a year.
Where can I get hyaluronic acid injections for foot and ankle arthritis?
These injections are available at specialised clinics, such as ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent and London.
How effective are hyaluronic acid injections for ankle arthritis?
While some studies show promising results, the effectiveness can vary. A single injection may not be sufficient for long-term relief, and multiple injections might be necessary.
About the Author: Dr. Mustafa Alnaib MBChB, MRCS, MSc, FEBOT is an orthopaedic surgeon, musculoskeletal doctor and Clinic Director at ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent.