Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Colorado Springs, CO
Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, may provide temporary relief from knee pain caused by osteoarthritis when initial conservative treatments have not provided adequate improvement. Eric K. Jepson, DO, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in arthritis disease management and complex hip and knee conditions. Dr. Jepson evaluates patients in Colorado Springs and surrounding Southern Colorado communities to determine whether hyaluronic acid injections, physical therapy, medication or another treatment may be appropriate for their knee arthritis symptoms.
Eric K. Jepson, DO
BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONDr. Eric K. Jepson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip & knee reconstruction, total joint replacement, & complex revision surgery. A Colorado Springs native, he returned to his hometown after completing advanced fellowship training in Total Joint Arthroplasty at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute, one of the nation's premier centers for hip & knee replacement surgery.
What are Hyaluronic Acid Injections?
The injection of hyaluronic acid, also called viscosupplementation, is a therapeutic treatment used to relieve joint pain. Also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that provides lubrication to the joints. In certain conditions such as arthritis, there is a depletion of hyaluronic acid that may contribute to joint pain. Injected into the joint, hyaluronic acid may help improve the joint environment and relieve pain.
Indications for Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections may be recommended when conservative measures have not provided adequate improvement in joint pain and disability due to arthritis, and when surgery is either undesirable or unwarranted.
Preparation for Hyaluronic Acid Injections
- Inform your doctor about any health conditions, allergies, and regular medications that you are taking.
- Wear loose clothing so that the joint can be easily accessed during the procedure.
Procedure for Hyaluronic Acid Injections
The procedure for hyaluronic acid injections includes the following steps:
- Your doctor will have you lie or sit in a position that allows easy access to the target joint.
- The skin over the injection site is disinfected and a local anesthetic may be administered.
- Your doctor may use ultrasound imaging to help guide the needle into the joint.
- Excess fluid in the joint may first be aspirated (withdrawn).
- Hyaluronic acid in a syringe is then injected into the target site using the needle.
- The injection site is covered with a bandage.
What to Expect after Hyaluronic Acid Injections
You will be advised to rest for 12-24 hours after the procedure. Ice packs and analgesics may be recommended to relieve any discomfort. Avoid strenuous activity such as jogging, sports, lifting weights or standing for a long duration for 48 hours after the injection. Low-impact exercises or physical therapy can help regain mobility in the affected joint.
Risks and Complications of Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections may cause the following side effects:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Allergic reaction
- Infection
Why Choose Dr. Jepson for Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Colorado Springs, CO?
- Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon: Dr. Jepson is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Arthritis management expertise: His clinical interests include arthritis disease management and complex hip and knee conditions.
- Accurate diagnosis: Dr. Jepson evaluates the source and severity of knee pain before recommending an injection.
- Personalized treatment planning: Recommendations consider the degree of arthritis, previous treatments, health and activity goals.
- Conservative approach: Hyaluronic acid injections may be combined with exercise, physical therapy, weight management or activity modification.
- Clear patient education: Dr. Jepson explains the possible benefits, limitations, side effects and alternatives before treatment.
- Continuity of care: If injections do not provide sufficient relief, he can discuss other nonsurgical options or joint replacement when appropriate.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections FAQs
These injections may be considered for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis who have not obtained enough relief from exercise, physical therapy, activity modification or medication. They may also be an option for patients who want to delay surgery or are not currently surgical candidates.
Corticosteroid injections primarily reduce inflammation and may begin working relatively quickly. Hyaluronic acid injections are intended to supplement the joint’s lubricating properties and may take longer to produce an effect. The most suitable option depends on the diagnosis, symptoms and treatment history.
The schedule depends on the specific hyaluronic acid product. Some treatments involve a single injection, while others are administered as a series over several weeks. Dr. Jepson will explain the recommended schedule if viscosupplementation is appropriate.
Relief is not usually immediate and may develop gradually over several weeks. The duration and degree of improvement vary between patients, and some people receive little or no benefit. When effective, symptom relief may continue for several months.
Possible side effects include temporary pain, swelling, warmth, stiffness or fluid accumulation in the treated knee. Bleeding, allergic reaction and joint infection are less common. Increasing redness, fever or severe pain following an injection should be reported promptly.
Schedule a Hyaluronic Acid Injection Consultation in Colorado Springs
If knee arthritis is causing persistent pain or limiting your mobility, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Eric K. Jepson at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. He can assess your knee and determine whether hyaluronic acid injections or another nonsurgical arthritis treatment may be appropriate. Contact CSOG to request an appointment at its North or South Campus for knee arthritis care in Colorado Springs, CO, and surrounding Southern Colorado communities.
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