Injections have little effect on knee osteoarthritis pain

During viscosupplementation treatment for arthritis, hyaluronic acid is injected into your joint but studies are showing that it is not effective in pain reduction. — AFP

An injection commonly used to treat osteoarthritis in knees is hardly better than a placebo for relieving pain and increases the risk of harmful side effects, according to research last week.

Injections of hyaluronic acid have been prescribed since the 1970s, but despite previous research indicating the treatment is ineffective, its use has continued – and even increased – in some countries.