Hyaluronic acid injections making life easier for Hong Kong knee-joint patients

A substance used in anti-wrinkle skincare products has proved effective in treating patients with knee-joint problems, delaying the need for replacement surgery for up to seven years.

Chan Choi-kwan, 99, was able to walk with ease after receiving hyaluronic acid injections on her right knee four years ago. She used to suffer badly from osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease in the over-60s.

"When I walked up and down stairs, it was so painful I didn't want to move," Chan recalled of her daily ordeals before receiving injection treatment. Doctors in public hospitals had deemed her condition not severe enough for a knee replacement and would only prescribe painkillers.

Now she is able to go out four days a week to social centres and attend church. "I feel much happier now," said Chan.

Ng Kit-wan, Chan's 50-year-old daughter, shared similar problems. At 40, she started to suffer knee pains, which hindered her social life and affected her emotionally. Ng said the problem was relieved only when she received her first hyaluronic acid injection in June.

The substance, which can restore the natural protective functions of fluids in the joints, has been used to treat osteoarthritis for more than 10 years. However, in recent years the treatment has been improved with fewer injections and side-effects.