Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Joint Pain in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC
Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, offer a nonsurgical treatment option for patients experiencing joint pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. Dr. Demetri M. Economedes, a fellowship-trained hip and knee joint replacement specialist, provides individualized orthopaedic care for patients in Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and surrounding communities in North Carolina.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in joint fluid and helps provide lubrication and cushioning during movement. When osteoarthritis affects a joint, the quality and amount of hyaluronic acid may decrease. An injection into the affected joint may help improve lubrication and reduce pain for some patients. Depending on your symptoms, imaging findings, activity level, and treatment goals, Dr. Economedes can determine whether viscosupplementation or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Cary, NC
For patients seeking treatment for knee arthritis and joint pain in Cary, Dr. Economedes offers personalized orthopaedic evaluation and nonsurgical treatment options. Hyaluronic acid injections may be considered when conservative measures have not provided sufficient relief and surgery is not currently necessary or preferred.
Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group
Dr. Economedes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, adult joint reconstruction, and arthritis care. Fellowship trained in Adult Joint Reconstruction at Rush University Medical Center, he provides comprehensive treatment for joint pain and mobility issues. Dr. Economedes is committed to helping patients regain function and improve quality of life through personalized care and advanced surgical techniques.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Morrisville, NC
Patients in Morrisville experiencing osteoarthritis-related knee pain may benefit from a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Economedes. Treatment recommendations are based on the severity of joint damage, symptoms, functional limitations, and individual goals. When appropriate, hyaluronic acid injections may be incorporated into a broader nonsurgical treatment plan.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Holly Springs, NC
For patients in Holly Springs dealing with persistent knee pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility from osteoarthritis, Dr. Economedes provides individualized care focused on improving comfort and function. Hyaluronic acid injections may be an option for selected patients who have not achieved adequate relief from other conservative treatments.
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 results in joint pain. Injected into the joint, hyaluronic acid restores the joint environment and relieves pain.
Indications for Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections are recommended when conservative measures have failed to improve 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 on.
- 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 is administered.
- Your doctor may use ultrasound imaging to help guide the needle into the joint.
- Excess fluid in the joint will first be aspirated (withdrawn).
- Hyaluronic acid in a syringe is then injected into the target site using the needle.
- Your doctor closes the incision site using a bandage or suture.
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
- Allergy
- Infection
Why Choose Dr. Demetri M. Economedes for Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC?
Choosing an orthopaedic specialist for joint pain treatment is an important decision. Dr. Demetri M. Economedes specializes in hip and knee care, including joint replacement and minimally invasive hip and knee replacement. He completed fellowship training in Adult Joint Reconstruction at Rush University in Chicago and is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Fellowship-Trained Joint Replacement Specialist
Dr. Economedes has advanced fellowship training focused on adult joint reconstruction, providing specialized expertise in conditions affecting the hip and knee.
Individualized Treatment Planning
Not every patient with osteoarthritis needs surgery. Dr. Economedes evaluates your symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging, activity level, and treatment goals when developing an appropriate care plan.
Nonsurgical and Surgical Options
Hyaluronic acid injections may be considered as part of nonsurgical treatment for selected patients. If symptoms continue to progress, Dr. Economedes can also discuss other treatment options, including joint replacement when appropriate.
Convenient Triangle-Area Locations
Dr. Economedes sees patients in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC, making specialized hip and knee care accessible to patients throughout the surrounding Triangle communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections are primarily used to help manage joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. They may be considered when other conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief.
Hyaluronic acid injections are most commonly associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, although their use may vary depending on the joint involved, the specific product, and the patient's individual circumstances. Dr. Economedes can determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition.
Most patients can return home shortly after the injection. Some temporary soreness or swelling may occur. Your activity recommendations will depend on the joint treated and your individual circumstances.
No. Hyaluronic acid injections do not reverse the underlying cartilage damage caused by osteoarthritis. They are intended to help manage symptoms and may provide temporary pain relief for some patients.
Your candidacy depends on factors such as the severity of your arthritis, your symptoms, previous treatments, overall health, and treatment goals. A consultation with Dr. Economedes can help determine whether viscosupplementation is appropriate for you.
For some patients, nonsurgical treatments may provide symptom relief and help postpone surgery. However, results vary, and hyaluronic acid injections do not prevent the progression of osteoarthritis. If joint damage becomes severe, knee replacement may eventually be considered.
Potential side effects include temporary pain, swelling, bleeding, allergic reaction, and infection. Your orthopaedic specialist will discuss the potential benefits and risks before treatment.
Schedule a Consultation for Joint Pain in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC
If knee arthritis or persistent joint pain is limiting your mobility, daily activities, or quality of life, hyaluronic acid injections may be one nonsurgical treatment option to consider. Dr. Demetri M. Economedes provides specialized hip and knee care with treatment recommendations tailored to each patient's condition and goals.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Economedes in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC, to discuss your joint pain and determine whether hyaluronic acid injections or another treatment option may be right for you.
