Durolane
A stabilised, single-injection hyaluronic acid. Often a good first choice thanks to its lower rate of allergic or inflammatory joint reactions.
Osteoarthritis · Joint pain · Viscosupplementation
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Dr David Samra performs hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) injections to ease joint pain caused by osteoarthritis when simpler measures have not given enough relief. Each injection is placed under high-resolution ultrasound guidance for accuracy directly within the affected joint.
Ultrasound-guided
Single injection
Relief up to 9 months
A top-up for a joint that has worn thin
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the cartilage and synovial fluid that lubricate your joints. In osteoarthritis this fluid thins and loses its cushioning. Injecting hyaluronic acid helps restore that lubrication and reduce pain.
Because hyaluronic acid is a thick, lubricating fluid, the injection works
much like topping up the oil in an engine
— cushioning the joint, easing friction
and helping to settle inflammation.
Products we stock & recommend
Modern high-molecular-weight formulations stay in the joint far longer, so a single injection now replaces the older course of weekly injections.
Monovisc
A cross-linked, single-injection hyaluronic acid. A good option for smaller joints where a more precise volume is helpful.
Cingal
A single injection combining cross-linked hyaluronic acid with a small dose of corticosteroid — pairing early anti-inflammatory relief with longer-term lubrication. Useful for more inflamed joints.
For your convenience we stock Durolane, Monovisc and Cingal. Other brands can be ordered if required and clinically appropriate.
Relief builds over time
Pain relief is not immediate. It develops gradually and, when it works, can last for months.
- Within days Some people notice early relief.
- 3–5 weeks Full benefit usually reached.
- ~8 weeks Peak effect.
- Up to 9 months Sustained pain relief.
- 6–9 months Repeat if it has helped.
Response varies and the injections do not help everyone. If very inflamed, a cortisone injection in the weeks beforehand can help settle the joint and may make viscosupplementation more effective.
What happens, step by step
The injection itself takes only a few minutes and is performed in the clinic.
Before your appointment
We take a full history (including allergies and previous reactions) and examine the joint. Some tests may be needed to confirm the injection is suitable. Tell us if you take aspirin, anti-inflammatories or blood-thinning medication. Any joint infection or significant effusion is treated first. Your hyaluronic acid is ordered ahead of the appointment.
On the day
Avoid large amounts of alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand, avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours, and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
During the injection
The procedure takes only a few minutes. You lie down while the doctor uses high-resolution ultrasound guidance to place the injection accurately within the joint. A local anaesthetic is used. You may feel brief discomfort that passes quickly.
Afterwards
You can usually walk, drive, and return home or to work the same day. Rest the injected area for two to three days. For the first 5 days, strictly avoid exercising the treated part of the body. You will be given written post-injection instructions.
Cost & alternatives
Hyaluronic acid products are relatively expensive, typically around $300–$500 for the injection product alone. Some private health funds provide a
rebate. The product must be ordered before your appointment. See our fees & practice policies
for
current consultation costs.
Other options for osteoarthritis
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Cortisone (corticosteroid) injections
- Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) to remove excess fluid
- Non-operative care: NSAIDs, simple pain relief, and supplements such as chondroitin sulphate
- Prolotherapy for selected joint and ligament conditions
A comprehensive, individualised osteoarthritis plan is always discussed with you.
Hyaluronic acid is one of several ultrasound-guided injection treatments we use to manage joint pain.
Frequently asked questions
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in joints and elsewhere in the body. In the joint it sits within the cartilage and in the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint and keeps it moving smoothly. The injection supplements your own hyaluronic acid — much like topping up engine oil — to cushion the joint and reduce friction.
Everyone experiences pain differently. For most people this is a relatively comfortable procedure, though you may feel a brief stinging or pinching sensation that lasts only a few seconds. A local anaesthetic is used before the injection to keep you comfortable. Pain relief from the injection itself is not immediate.
Injectable treatments are not recommended during pregnancy, as the effects on the baby are uncertain and there is limited information available. For advice, please call us on (02) 8540 8019 and ask to speak with one of our medically-trained doctors or nurses.
MotherSafe is a free telephone service for women in NSW, based at the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick. Visit MotherSafe ↗
We do not provide injectable treatments to anyone under the age of 18 without a parent or guardian present to discuss and approve the treatment.
The right product and dose depend on the joint being treated and your individual situation, so a consultation is needed to determine this. With ongoing treatment, the dosage may often be reduced over time.
While we love children, for health and safety reasons children cannot accompany patients in the treatment rooms or be supervised by staff during your appointment. Thank you for your understanding.
Side effects are uncommon and are usually limited to the injection site and short-lived. Local reactions may include:
- redness and tenderness at the injection site;
- increased stiffness, swelling, warmth or inflammation for up to 48 hours after the injection.
These local reactions can usually be managed with rest, ice and simple pain relief. Less common side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, flushing, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, chest tightness or shortness of breath), as well as headache, muscle pain, nausea, sore throat and flu-like symptoms.
Hyaluronic acid may be used alongside other arthritis treatments, including corticosteroid (cortisone) joint injections, anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen, and simple pain relievers such as paracetamol. Always tell your doctor what medications you take.
There is usually no significant recovery time. For the first 5 days we ask you to strictly avoid exercising the part of the body that was injected. Local soreness settles quickly. Some conditions need stricter rest for longer — your doctor will discuss this with you beforehand. A follow-up appointment is often arranged around three months after treatment.
Is a hyaluronic acid injection right for you?
The right product and joint approach depend on your situation. New patients can get started by completing our new patient form, or call the clinic to ask a question.
Complete our new patient form or call us on (02) 8540 8019