Hyaluronic acid is your body’s natural lubricant that cushions your joints. Injections can help replenish it. Studies show hyaluronic acid injections may work better than painkillers for some people with osteoarthritis. Other studies have shown they also may work as well as corticosteroid knee injections.
Hyaluronic acid injections seem to work better in some people than others. They may be less effective in older adults and people with severe OA.