FAQ

How long has hyaluronic acid been known?

Hyaluronic acid was first chemically isolated in 1934 by biochemists Karl Meyer and John Palmer. They gave the glassy substance with two sugar molecules the name hyaluronic acid, derived from ‘hyaloid’ (glassy) and uronic acid (the name of one of the sugar molecules). Hyaluronic acid first appeared on the market in 1981. At that time, it was still obtained from animal sources. In 1996, hyaluronic acid was first produced by fermentation using bacteria with the innovative NASHA™ technology, thus significantly reducing the risk of side effects due to the allergenic potential of any animal protein residues. In the new nomenclature, the term hyaluronan, abbreviated HA, is also frequently used.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is one of the few substances that occurs in identical form in all living organisms. It is a polysaccharide that is found almost everywhere in the body. As an important component of connective tissue, it is produced by the body itself. Hyaluronic acid is found in bones, intervertebral discs, synovial fluid, the vitreous humour of the eye and, above all, in the skin. It ensures suppleness and the maintenance of shape and volume; in the umbilical cord it supports the connection between mother and child.

Hyaluronic acid syringes are manufactured with different active ingredient contents, molecular weights and degrees of cross-linking, which ensure different intensities of effect. We stock syringes from all major manufacturers and product ranges: In orthopaedics, for example, Synocrom, Ostenil, Hya Ject, Optivisc, Go On, Synvisc and many more.

Why inject hyaluronic acid?

The hyaluronic acid content in the body decreases with age. In the skeleton, the gliding ability and suppleness of the joints decreases - resulting in pain, worsening osteoarthritis and possibly joint replacement.

Hyaluron can counteract this by injecting it into the affected joints to restore lubrication (viscosupplementation). Pain is alleviated, mobility is improved and a new zest for life is created!

What is the effect of hyaluronic acid?

A special feature of hyaluronic acid is that it can bind very large amounts of fluid. It therefore promotes the transport of nutrients, the faster removal of end products of cell metabolism and the storage of synovial fluid in the joints.

How long does hyaluronic acid work?

The effect of hyaluronic acid lasts for approx. 6 to 12 months, depending on which hyaluronic acid is used. Muscle activity and the age of the patient also influence the duration of the effect. However, as hyaluronic acid is broken down by the body, it is possible to repeat the application several times, which may lead to longer-lasting results.

When will the first treatment results be recognisable?

Depending on the age, intensity of the symptoms and sensitivity of the patient, it can take up to ten days before the effect can be seen or felt. The active ingredient concentrations and degrees of cross-linking of the various orthopaedic products also vary, so that the right product can be selected for the individual degree of discomfort.

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?

The great advantage of hyaluronic acid is that it is very well tolerated as an endogenous substance:

No long stay of the patient in the orthopaedic clinic or practice, as the procedure does not take long and the body does not have to be rested for long after the procedure.
No anaesthesia necessary.
Quick visible or tangible results.
Good repeatability: If the results of hyaluronic acid injections start to fade, which only happens after several months, a repeat procedure can be carried out. After several procedures, the results last longer.

How is hyaluronic acid used?

Hyaluronic acid injections may only be injected by doctors, alternative practitioners and beauticians with training in alternative medicine. Hyaluronic acid therapy is a good first alternative to an artificial joint for osteoarthritis. Joint pain is reduced, joint mobility is improved and therefore neither more activity nor more enjoyment of life is possible! As an injection, the active ingredient is primarily used for the direct treatment of osteoarthritis (joint wear and tear). In so-called viscosupplementation, the active ingredient is injected by the doctor directly into the spaces between the joints. As hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the synovial fluid (synovia), this supports the mobility of the joint. There are various preparations with different amounts of active ingredient and differences in the number of injections required. Hyaluronic acid helps with osteoarthritis in all joints: knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, shoulder osteoarthritis, but also in the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb or in the finger joints.

Who is authorised to inject hyaluronic acid?

Doctors (not dentists),
Alternative practitioners who have a corresponding licence in accordance with §1 HeilprG.

How is hyaluronic acid produced?

A special feature of hyaluronic acid is that it can bind very large amounts of fluid. It therefore promotes the transport of nutrients, the faster removal of end products of cell metabolism and the storage of synovial fluid in the joints.

What orthopaedic results are possible with hyaluronic acid?

Anyone whose job requires them to lift and carry heavy loads every day puts a lot of strain on their joints. This increases the risk of osteoarthritis (joint wear and tear). All joints can be affected by wear and tear. In the early stages, the lack of synovial fluid can be compensated for by injections of hyaluronic acid. It reduces pain and inflammation and supports cartilage nutrition. Hyaluronic acid supplements the natural synovial fluid so that it can once again fulfil its natural shock-absorbing function when walking, running and jumping and protects the cartilage from abrasion.

What side effects can occur during treatment with hyaluronic acid?

Side effects from treatment with hyaluronic acid are largely unknown, as the substance occurs naturally in the human body. In rare cases, intolerance reactions of the skin or infections can occur after an injection. If the active ingredient is injected, it is therefore essential to work under sterile conditions! Injection treatment of joints should be interrupted if there is an existing or incipient inflammation of the joint.