Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that predominantly affects the elderly. Arthritis leads to the gradual loss of joint function, accompanied by noticeable joint swelling and pain, severely impacting patients’ daily lives. Currently, there are various methods for treating arthritis, with many patients opting for less invasive conservative treatments. Numerous clinical reports indicate that sodium hyaluronate can provide effective therapeutic results, significantly alleviating joint pressure in a short period.
At present, there are two main methods for supplementing hyaluronic acid in individuals with osteoarthritis: one is direct injection of hyaluronic acid into the joint cavity through surgery, and the other is oral supplementation through nutritional products. Which treatment method is better?
Why Can Sodium Hyaluronate Alleviate Joint Pain
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of joint cartilage and synovial fluid, reducing friction between soft tissues and cartilage, and maintaining joint cavity movement. HA acts as a super-elastic cushion, buffering the stress on joint cartilage, making joints more mobile and improving joint function. It also promotes blood coagulation, inhibiting and reducing synovial membrane bleeding.
In addition to lubrication, hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory properties. It can inhibit the invasion of bacteria, toxins, and inflammatory mediators into the joint cavity, providing a protective barrier. At the same time, it can reduce the sensitivity of joint pain receptors, thereby alleviating joint pain.
Sodium Hyaluronate Injection
The most important advantage of injecting sodium hyaluronate is that it has rapid action on the joint cavity, providing prompt relief from pain and improving the functioning of the joint with palpable effects. Since the medication is injected intra-articularly, the action is more localized and direct. The effect of an injection lasts from months to six months, thus lessening the requirement for re-medications.
There are certain limitations of sodium hyaluronate injection. In the first place, it is an invasive method with professional medical intervention involving possible infection and bleeding risks. Second, the procedure of injection may cause temporary discomfort or pain, which is difficult for some patients to tolerate. Third, it is quite costly to inject sodium hyaluronate, and it is not effective for all patients, with great individual variations. Some patients do not have the desired therapeutic effects.
Read more: The Pros and Cons of Sodium Hyaluronate Joint Injections
Stanford Chemicals Company (SCC), a leading hyaluronic acid wholesaler based in the United States, offers a range of high, medium, and low molecular weight pure hyaluronic acid powders. Our naturally derived sodium hyaluronate powder is animal-free, vegan, and kosher-compliant.
| Main Product | Item No. | Specification |
| Injection Grade Hyaluronic Acid | HA-EP1.8-SC | M.W: 800K-1,300K Da, I.V.: 1.44-2.12 m3/kg |
| HA-EP2.4-SC | M.W: 1,300K-1,800K Da; I.V: 2.12-2.72 m3/kg | |
| HA-EP3.0-SC | M.W:1,800K-2,500K Da; I.V.: 2.72-3.53 m3/kg | |
| HA-EPC-SC | Customized Molecular weight |
Orally Taking Sodium Hyaluronate
Compared to injection, oral therapy with sodium hyaluronate is a more comfortable and non-invasive treatment option. It may be administered by the patient personally without professional assistance, without the pain and risk of infection of injections. Oral sodium hyaluronate can also affect multiple joints and is therefore particularly suitable for patients suffering from polyarticular lesions.
The drawback of oral sodium hyaluronate is that the absorption rate is lower. Since the drug has to be absorbed and digested by the gastrointestinal tract, the amount that ultimately reaches the joints is small, so the effects are less than with injections. Furthermore, the effect of oral sodium hyaluronate is slower to manifest and may need extended administration to show appreciable effects. The typically lower oral dosage can also diminish its efficacy. Other patients may also experience gastrointestinal disturbance or diarrhea as side effects.
| Main Product | Item No. | Specification |
| Food Grade Hyaluronic Acid | HAF-Micro-SC | M.W: <5 K Da； Ultra Low Molecular Weight |
| HAF-Oligo-SC | M.W: 5-10 K Da； Low Molecular Weight | |
| HAF-N-SC | M.W: 200-600 K Da | |
| HAF-L-SC | M.W: 100-1,000 K Da(800 KDa) | |
| HAF-M-SC | M.W: 800-1,600 K Da; Middle Molecular Weight | |
| HAF-H-SC | M.W: >1,800 K Da; High Molecular Weight | |
| HAF-C-SC | Customized Molecular weight |
Conclusion
Overall, injecting sodium hyaluronate is suitable for patients who need rapid symptom relief and can tolerate invasive treatments, despite the higher cost and associated risks. On the other hand, oral sodium hyaluronate is more appropriate for patients with mild symptoms or those who prefer to avoid injections. Although it has a slower onset and lower absorption rate, it offers a more convenient and non-invasive treatment option.