What is Hyaluronic Acid?
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Although "joint wear" and "cartilage thinning" help to explain the mechanical process of osteoarthritis, there is also a painful negative biology within the joint which is important to address alongside the mechanical problems.
These changes in the joint's local biology, combined with mechanical stresses form a painful cycle. Thius combination of factors can increase the severity of the arthritis over time.
Mechanically, the osteoarthritis stages start to look like this:
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The hyaluronic acid produced within your own healthy joint nourishes the synovial fluid. It is an important component for maintaining healthy cartilage and an overallhealthy environment within the joint.
The breakdown of cartilage and increase in inflammation which occurs in osteoarthritis, all contribute to the reduction of natural hyaluronic acid within the joint. This is because the process attacks the cells that make hyaluronic acid. To correct this in-balance we want to restore the joints capability to produce its own hyaluronic acid, allowing for a longer lasting therapeutic effect.
A healthy joint is one that is active, but in order to stay active, continue physiotherapy, or develop a good routine, the biology in the joint may need a helping hand.
Cingal and Ostenil Plus are two successful injection therapies that have been developed from scientific studies. They not only give the initial mechanical support with cushioning and lubrication, but also stimulate the cells in the joint to once again produced their own hyaluronic acid. this gives a longer lasting effect which is proven in extensive clinical evaluations with large numbers of patients studied.
