If you suffer from tendinitis or bursitis in your foot, a hyaluronic acid injection could help soothe your pain and improve your mobility.
Indeed, this treatment, used in podiatry and orthopedics, offers a targeted solution to reduce inflammation and restore the functionality of a tendon or a bursa.
Explore the benefits of this intervention and learn more about its application for relieving chronic foot pain.
What Is a Hyaluronic Acid Injection?
Hyaluronic acid injection is a viscosupplementation treatment that involves injecting hyaluronic acid directly into an inflamed tendon or bursa.
Hyaluronic acid, also called hyaluronan, is a molecule naturally present in the body. It is a component of synovial fluid, a viscous liquid that lubricates the joints and is found in tendon sheaths as well as in the bursae. It facilitates their movement and absorbs shocks.
The hyaluronic acid injection thus allows adding this substance to the damaged structure. This intervention aims to improve the function of the structure and relieve pain.
In podiatry, this procedure can be used to treat musculoskeletal problems such as Achilles tendon tendinitis or heel bursitis.
What Are the Side Effects?
Hyaluronic acid injection has few side effects. However, you might experience local pain or slight swelling near the treated joint. This effect is temporary and usually resolves quickly.
Hyaluronic Acid Injection for the Treatment of Tendinitis and Bursitis in the Foot
If you suffer from tendinitis or bursitis causing acute pain, hyaluronic acid injection could be among the treatments recommended by your podiatrist.
Indeed, this intervention offers several benefits for relieving tendinitis and bursitis in the foot:
- It reduces inflammation: hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in tendons and bursae.
- It relieves pain: by reducing inflammation and lubricating the structure, hyaluronic acid can help alleviate pain associated with tendinitis and bursitis.
If medication and exercises do not eliminate your foot pain, or if the pain prevents you from continuing your rehabilitation program, hyaluronic acid injection can be a treatment to consider. Don’t hesitate to discuss it with your podiatrist.
How Long After the Injection Can Improvement Be Noticed?
Generally, you should notice relief from your foot pain and an improvement in symptoms within the first days or weeks following the injection. However, some people have to wait several weeks or even months before fully experiencing the benefits of the treatment.
Who Can Receive a Hyaluronic Acid Injection?
Viscosupplementation is a recommended treatment for adults with chronic joint pain related to conditions such as Achilles tendinitis, forefoot bursitis, and calcaneal bursitis.
Generally, this intervention will be proposed by the podiatrist when conservative treatments, such as taking anti-inflammatory medications, exercises, and rest, do not bring the desired results.
This treatment can also be useful for patients seeking a non-surgical solution to relieve their pain and improve mobility. Indeed, hyaluronic acid injection can delay or avoid the need for surgery.
How Is This Treatment Performed in Podiatry?
If your podiatrist has assessed that viscosupplementation is an appropriate foot pain treatment suited to your needs and situation, they can perform the injection directly in the clinic.
Here is what you can expect during your appointment:
- Local anesthesia: your podiatrist may first perform local anesthesia to reduce discomfort related to the injection, after which the treatment will proceed.
- Ultrasound-guided injection: to intervene precisely, your podiatrist will use ultrasound guidance. This will allow them to see the position of the needle in real time. They will then inject the hyaluronic acid into the targeted area.
- Follow-up: after the procedure, your podiatrist may suggest scheduling a follow-up appointment or planning a second injection the following week.
Rest assured: hyaluronic acid injection is a very safe procedure. If you have concerns or hesitations before your treatment, don’t hesitate to share them with your podiatrist.
Post-Treatment Care
Within 48 hours following your injection, it will be recommended to avoid sports, heavy lifting, or standing for long periods.
Relieve Your Foot Pain with Hyaluronic Acid Injection
By reducing inflammation and lubricating the structure, hyaluronic acid injection helps relieve tendinitis and bursitis. If you believe this treatment could benefit you, don’t hesitate to contact a PiedRéseau podiatric clinic.
During the consultation, the podiatrist can assess whether this procedure is appropriate for your situation. If needed, another type of injection may be recommended to relieve your pain and promote healing, such as a cortisone injection or a platelet-rich plasma injection.