INSIDE
OSTEOARTHRITIS
(OA) OF THE KNEE
OSTEOARTHRITIS
(OA) OF THE KNEE
Start your
AR experience
AR experience
Stages of OA
Little or no pain or discomfort2
First symptoms may occur
when joint in use2
when joint in use2
Frequent pain and stiffness when
walking, running, and bending2
walking, running, and bending2
Great pain, stiffness, and reduced
range of motion when walking2
range of motion when walking2
Healthy
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Why Molecular
Weight Matters
Weight Matters
High molecular weight linear HA binds
to CD44 receptors PROMOTING activation of
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY cytokine production.3,4
to CD44 receptors PROMOTING activation of
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY cytokine production.3,4
Low molecular weight linear HA binds
suboptimally to CD44 receptors PROMOTING
PRO-INFLAMMATORY cytokine production.3,4
suboptimally to CD44 receptors PROMOTING
PRO-INFLAMMATORY cytokine production.3,4
Legend
high molecular weight ha
low molecular weight ha
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legend
High Molecular
Weight HA
Weight HA
Low Molecular
Weight HA
Weight HA
Pro-inflammatory
Cytokines
Cytokines
Anti-inflammatory
Cytokines
Cytokines
CD44 Receptors
DNA
Injections
to Treat OA
to Treat OA
Not all HA injections are the same
All HA injections provide lubrication and shock
absorption, but only certain HAs may slow down OA
of the knee and preserve knee function.7,10
absorption, but only certain HAs may slow down OA
of the knee and preserve knee function.7,10
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Hyaluronic Acid
(HA) Injection
(HA) Injection
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IA* Corticosteroid
Injection
Injection
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Intra-articular (IA)* corticosteroid
injections (also known as cortisone shots)
are anti-inflammatory medicines that
can be injected into the knee joint. They
provide short-term pain relief and reduce
inflammation.1,5
injections (also known as cortisone shots)
are anti-inflammatory medicines that
can be injected into the knee joint. They
provide short-term pain relief and reduce
inflammation.1,5
Your doctor may recommend limiting
these injections, as they may lead to
further cartilage damage in your knee.
They can also cause issues for people
with diabetes or heart problems.1,5
these injections, as they may lead to
further cartilage damage in your knee.
They can also cause issues for people
with diabetes or heart problems.1,5
IA* Corticosteroid
Injection
Injection
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HA injections supplement the
natural HA produced by your body. These
natural lubricants are mainly found in your
joints and help protect your knees. They
can provide long-lasting pain relief and
help preserve knee function.1,6
natural HA produced by your body. These
natural lubricants are mainly found in your
joints and help protect your knees. They
can provide long-lasting pain relief and
help preserve knee function.1,6
Hyaluronic Acid
(HA) Injection
(HA) Injection
Repeat injections with
high molecular weight HA
may help enhance the way
the synovial fluids' high
molecular weight HA moves
throughout the knee. This
can improve the joint's ability
to make its own HA.7-9
high molecular weight HA
may help enhance the way
the synovial fluids' high
molecular weight HA moves
throughout the knee. This
can improve the joint's ability
to make its own HA.7-9
HA injections can have two
important elements:
structure and high molecular weight. Linear
high molecular weight HA most closely
resembles the HA naturally found in the knee.4
important elements:
In clinical trials, HAs with high molecular
weight made a clinically significant
difference in pain relief when compared
to HAs with low molecular weight.1,4,6
weight made a clinically significant
difference in pain relief when compared
to HAs with low molecular weight.1,4,6
high molecular weight
LINEAR Structure
In a healthy knee, natural fluid has a linearstructure and high molecular weight. Linear
high molecular weight HA most closely
resembles the HA naturally found in the knee.4
Choosing the right HA
provides both
provides both
- Joint lubrication
- Increased shock absorption
physical benefits
cellular benefits
- Reduces pain by coating nerve endings1,6
- Reduces inflammation1,6
- Protects cartilage, decreases wear and tear1,6
- Helps your body create more of your own naturally made HA3
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Click here to
learn more about a
hyaluronic acid
(HA) injection
learn more about a
hyaluronic acid
(HA) injection
For healthcare
providers
providers
For
patients
patients