Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) Injections for Joint Pain and Osteoarthritis
When a joint becomes stiff, swollen or painful, everyday movement can start to feel like hard work. Hyaluronic acid injections such as Ostenil offer a well-evidenced, non-surgical way to ease those symptoms and help you stay active. At Indergaard Physiotherapy, we provide Ostenil and other viscosupplementation injections at our Leeds clinic as part of a wider, hands-on approach to managing osteoarthritis and joint wear.
Because every injection here follows a thorough physiotherapy assessment, the treatment sits within a proper rehabilitation plan rather than being offered in isolation. That means we look at why the joint is struggling, not just how to quieten it down.
Ostenil is a hyaluronic acid injection, sometimes called a viscosupplementation treatment. It is used to relieve joint pain linked to osteoarthritis and other wear-related conditions.
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in synovial fluid, the substance that lubricates and cushions the joints. As osteoarthritis advances, this fluid thins and loses some of its protective quality, which can leave the joint feeling stiff, inflamed and sore.
An Ostenil injection works by topping up that fluid and supporting the joint from within. In practical terms it helps to:
- Restore smoother, more comfortable movement within the joint
- Calm stiffness and the sensation of grinding or catching
- Cushion the cartilage and limit further mechanical wear
- Maintain the joint’s own lubrication over a longer period
Rather than simply quietening symptoms in the short term, viscosupplementation is aimed at supporting the longer-term health of the joint.
Ostenil is a long-established and widely used product, but it is only one of several high-quality hyaluronic acid options. At Indergaard Physiotherapy we may use Ostenil, Durolane or Sinovial, and your clinician will recommend the one best suited to the joint involved, your condition and your treatment goals.
Ostenil and similar viscosupplementation injections are commonly used to help with:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Arthritis affecting the hip and shoulder
- Pain in the ankle joint
- Arthritis at the base of the thumb (the CMC joint)
- Osteoarthritis in smaller joints
- Joint changes that follow an earlier injury
- Long-standing joint irritation
They can be a particularly useful option for people who are hoping to postpone surgery, or who would rather not have a steroid injection.
If your main difficulty is in a specific area, you may also find our knee pain and
hip pain pages helpful for understanding how we assess and treat those joints alongside injection therapy.
A typical appointment involves:
- A careful assessment to confirm the treatment is right for you
- Cleaning and preparing the injection site using a sterile technique
- Accurate placement of the injection into the joint
- Clear aftercare advice and a plan for any follow-up
The procedure itself usually takes around fifteen to twenty minutes, and most people are able to get back to their normal daily routine soon afterwards.
Many people start to feel a difference within one to two weeks, with the fullest benefit often noticeable at around the four-week mark.
Depending on the joint and how advanced the changes are, you may be advised to have either a single injection or a short course given over several weeks. Your clinician will talk you through what is likely to suit you best.
Hyaluronic acid injections such as Ostenil have a strong safety record and are generally very well tolerated. Among their advantages:
- They have been used across Europe for more than two decades
- They contain no steroid and are essentially drug-free
- The likelihood of an allergic reaction is very low
- They suit people looking for an ongoing approach to managing a worn joint
Most people find the procedure no more than mildly uncomfortable. A fine needle is used, and a local anaesthetic can be given if you would prefer one. Some mild soreness or bruising may appear for a day or two afterwards, but this usually settles quickly.
Side effects are uncommon and tend to be minor. They can include short-lived swelling or tenderness, a brief increase in discomfort in the joint, or occasional mild inflammation. Anything more serious is extremely rare.
If you have not been assessed with us before, we will first carry out a physiotherapy assessment to check the treatment is appropriate for you. An assessment fee applies where injection therapy turns out not to be suitable, and we will always explain your options clearly before going ahead.
If suitable, the cost of an Ostenil injection is £225.00.
You do not need a GP referral. You can book online in a few minutes, or call our team to talk through whether the treatment is likely to suit you. We are always happy to answer questions and help you decide whether Ostenil, or another hyaluronic acid injection, is the right step.
To arrange an appointment, book online or call us on 0113 286 0333.
Our injection therapy is delivered by experienced, HCPC-registered chartered physiotherapists who are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Injections at Indergaard are led by clinic director Ove Indergaard, who holds a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and an MSc in Sports and Exercise Injury Management, is an MSK ultrasonographer, and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC registration PH56778), and has earned Gold Accreditation as a Specialist Sports Physiotherapist with the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine. With on-site diagnostic ultrasound and a whole-person approach, we aim not only to ease your pain but to help the joint work better over the long term.
Reducing pain, improving how you move and putting off surgery are all realistic goals for the right candidate. Book your Ostenil injection in Leeds today and take the first step towards moving more freely.
What to expect in your consult?
When you attend for your initial consultation here at Indergaard Physiotherapy, you will be taken through our thorough assessment process, where we will find the root cause of your pain. Your therapist, in partnership with yourself, will form a plan for how we aim to get you pain free and back to full function as soon as possible.
This can include hands on therapy, Shockwave Therapy, Laser Therapy, movement re-education and rehabilitation, as well as exercises. Our goal is to give you the best possible care to enable you to move better and feel great as soon as possible.