Sodium Hyaluronate (aka Hyularonic Acid) Injections
What is sodium hyaluronate?
Sodium hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan) is a natural substance. It is present in the body wherever moisture is stored or lubrication between layers of tissue is required to eliminate friction.
Examples are the eye, the joint cartilage, the synovial fluid in the joints, all the mucuous membranes of the body, but also the basic substance of the skin which consists of up to 55% sodium hyaluronate.
Sodium hyaluronate takes on a variety of functions:
- Storage: it absorbs and stores moisture in enormous quantities
- Lubrication
- Transport medium for nutrients
- Filter for inflammatory molecules.
How does sodium hyaluronate work?
Sodium hyaluronate is an essential component of the synovial fluid. It enables the fluid to act as a lubricant, a shock absorber and a filter controlling the movement of cells and large molecules within the joint.
What happens in the synovial joint after an injection with sodium hyaluronate?
- An injection of sodium hyaluronate increases the viscosity of the synovial fluid, restoring its lubricating, shock-absorbing and filtering properties.
- In addition, it re-establishes the protective coating of hyaluronan over the inner surface of the joint and increases the scavenging of free radicals.
- As a result of these changes, sodium hyaluronate reduces inflammation of the synovial membrane.
The direct effect of the injection cannot account for its long-term benefits, as it is cleared from the joint within a few days. It appears that, through its direct effects restores the ability of the joint to produce its own hyaluronan and thus returns it to a state of homeostasis (i.e. stable condition) that persists for several months
Evidence exists suggesting that exogenous hyaluronan may slow the destruction of cartilage.
For more information: https://trbchemedica.co.uk/pages/benefits-of-sh-injections
At Cockermouth Rehab Studio, Sodium Hyaluronate injections are administered by Stu following a clinical assessment for suitable conditions. Stu trained in injection therapy at the University of the West of England.
