Corticosteroid and Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Osteoarthritis
Injections may help relieve pain from knee osteoarthritis for many people. Two kinds of injections are used: hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids. Use this chart to see what to expect from each type of injection.
Hyaluronic Acid
|
Brand Name
|
Dose
|
Number and frequency of injections
|
Possible duration of some pain relief, according to studies
|
| Euflexxa | 2 mL solution per injection | 3 injections, each 1 week apart | 12 weeks |
|
Hyalgan |
2 mL solution per injection | 3 to 5 injections, each 1 week apart | 6 months |
|
Orthovisc |
2 mL solution per injection | 3 or 4 injections, each 1 week apart | 27 weeks |
| Supartz | 2.5 mL solution per injection | 3 to 5 injections, each 1 week apart | 6 months |
| Synvisc | 2 mL solution per injection | 3 injections, each 1 week apart | 26 weeks |
| Synvisc-One | 6 mL solution per injection | 1 injection | 26 weeks |
Corticosteroid Injections
Other corticosteroid preparations may be available for joint injection. Analysis of studies of corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis show relief from higher doses may last 16 to 24 weeks.
|
Name
|
Dose
|
Number and frequency of injections
|
Possible duration of some pain relief, according to studies
|
| Methylprednisolone | 20 to 80 mg | 1 (injection can be repeated every 3 months, but should be limited as much as possible) | 6-12 weeks |
|
Triamcinolone |
10 to 40 mg | 1 (injection can be repeated every 3 months, but should be limited as much as possible) | 6-12 weeks |
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
David Zelman, MD on May 10, 2012
© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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