Single-shot for knee osteoarthritis · Wirral

Durolane kneeinjectionin Wirral.

A single-injection hyaluronic acid treatment for knee osteoarthritis that may provide several months of symptom relief in suitable patients.

Book a consultation → Call the clinic

No obligation · GP-led assessment firstNot ready to book? Meet Dr Mugerwa →

A walker in a navy coat stopped on a seaside promenade, bending forward with both hands on an aching knee

Knee arthritis cutting your walks short?

Single injection · knee · from £350

Scroll

What is Durolane?

A single-injection hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis.

Durolane® is a single-injection viscosupplementation treatment that uses non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid (NASHA) — a more cross-linked formulation that resists breakdown so it can stay active in the joint for several months from one shot. Where Ostenil Plus is the more versatile hyaluronic acid we use across the shoulder, hip and smaller joints, Durolane is the option we consider specifically for knee osteoarthritis when a longer-acting single treatment is the priority. In a healthy joint hyaluronic acid helps the fluid act as a lubricant and shock absorber; in osteoarthritis a Durolane injection introduces a stabilised replacement that may support lubrication and ease symptoms in suitable patients.

01Single injection
02Non-steroid
03Non-opioid
04Non-animal hyaluronic acid

The burden of osteoarthritis

When the knee starts dictating what you can and can't do.

Knee osteoarthritis can make ordinary movement feel unpredictable. Pain, stiffness and swelling affect walking, stairs, work, sleep and the activities you rely on to stay well. For some patients, the impact builds slowly; for others, a single flare changes the whole picture.

Osteoarthritis care often needs more than one tool. Before discussing Durolane, we look at your diagnosis, previous treatment, medical history, activity goals and any imaging you've already had, so the recommendation that follows is based on the full picture rather than a single complaint.

Climbing a carpeted staircase, one hand on the banister

08:00

The first flight of stairs.

Stiff after the night, the knee complains on each step. You lead with the better leg and hold the banister a little tighter.

Walking boots on a sandy coastal footpath through the dunes

11:00

A walk cut short.

The coastal path you used to enjoy now ends early, because the knee aches or swells afterwards.

Standing up from a wooden desk chair in a home office

15:00

Getting up from the desk.

After a spell of sitting, the first few steps are the hardest. A long day on your feet can be just as difficult.

03:00

Awake at three.

An aching knee makes it hard to settle, so sleep is broken and the next day starts tired.

How Durolane works →

How it works

A non-opioid, single-injection approach.

The hyaluronic acid in Durolane is a stabilised formulation, designed specifically for injection into the knee joint. The stabilisation process means a single dose is intended to provide a longer-lasting effect than some shorter-acting hyaluronic acid options. Clinical follow-up in suitable patients has shown symptom relief lasting several months from one injection.

Cartilage
Joint fluid
Hyaluronic acid
Cross-linked gel
Painful under load

A healthy joint

In a healthy joint, hyaluronic acid helps the fluid act as a lubricant and shock absorber.

Illustration of the principle, not patient dataSimplified schematic, not to scale.

Why one injection?

Standard linear hyaluronic acidSeparate chains, cleared from the joint more quickly

Cross-linked (NASHA)Chains joined into a gel that resists breakdown

Durolane uses a patented stabilisation process that produces a more cross-linked, slower-clearing gel than standard linear hyaluronic acid preparations. The intention of the design is for one well-placed injection to provide the effect that some other brands deliver over a series of weekly injections.

Illustration of the principle, not patient data

The procedure is carried out in clinic with ultrasound guidance where appropriate, so the clinician can see the joint and support accurate placement. Durolane is non-opioid and non-steroid, which can matter to patients who would rather avoid those routes for their knee.

Response, timing and duration of benefit vary between patients, and Durolane is not a guaranteed result. We discuss how it compares with steroid injection, Ostenil Plus, Arthrosamid, PRF, physiotherapy and onward referral, so you can choose with a clear view of the alternatives.

Where Durolane sits

How the knee options differ.

Three single-injection routes we discuss for knee osteoarthritis. They are not interchangeable: each suits a different point in the journey, and your consultation decides which, if any, fits your knee.

How Ostenil Plus, Durolane and Arthrosamid differ for knee osteoarthritis. You are reading about Durolane.
The knee familyThree single-injection routes for knee osteoarthritis	Ostenil PlusHyaluronic acid with mannitolRead about Ostenil Plus →	You’re hereDurolaneStabilised, cross-linked hyaluronic acid	ArthrosamidPolyacrylamide hydrogel (iPAAG)Read about Arthrosamid →
What it is	Hyaluronic acid with mannitol, given as a single injection	Non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid (NASHA): a more cross-linked formulation, given as a single injection	A polyacrylamide hydrogel: 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide, given as a single injection
How it is thought to help	Supports joint lubrication and cushioning, working with rather than suppressing inflammation	Works mechanically, restoring some of the cushioning and lubrication lost in osteoarthritis	Becomes integrated with the soft tissues of the joint lining, with the aim of long-term symptom relief
Staying power	Mannitol helps protect the hyaluronic acid from oxidative breakdown	Resists breakdown: a slower-clearing gel than standard linear hyaluronic acid	Non-biodegradable: the body does not metabolise or clear it
Joints	Knee, shoulder, hip, ankle and base of thumb	Knee (hip and ankle in selected cases)	Knee
Most often considered for	Mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis where joint preservation and a non-steroid route are priorities	Knee osteoarthritis when a longer-acting single treatment is the priority	Moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis without adequate relief from conservative options
Benefit, as reported	Several months in suitable patients; individual response varies	Several months from one injection in suitable patients	Long-lasting in suitable responders; sustained benefit over several years in selected patients
Knee price	£280Anterior hip £600	£350	£2,400

All three follow a GP-led assessment and are given with ultrasound guidance where appropriate; fees include consultation, the procedure and aftercare. Individual response and duration of benefit vary between patients. This table is a guide, not a substitute for clinical assessment. Compare all joint injections →

The Durolane advantage

Pain support, single-dose convenience and a non-steroid route.

For the right diagnosis, Durolane offers a different approach to knee osteoarthritis, working with the joint's natural lubrication chemistry rather than suppressing inflammation alone.

May reduce pain and stiffness

Some patients notice less osteoarthritis-related knee pain or stiffness after Durolane. Timing and duration of benefit vary between patients.

Single-injection treatment

Durolane uses a stabilised hyaluronic acid formulation and is given as a single injection into the suitable knee joint.

Non-steroid option

Durolane may suit some patients who want to discuss a non-steroid option for knee osteoarthritis. We cover risks, alternatives and aftercare before treatment.

Is Durolane right for me?

You may be a candidate for Durolane if

Durolane is considered for adults already diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. We confirm suitability at consultation, but the following situations are common reasons patients ask about it.

Not getting adequate pain relief from oral medications, physiotherapy or previous steroid injections.
Struggling to maintain regular joint movement because of growing knee stiffness and pain.
Stepping back from activities you enjoy due to a loss of knee strength or mobility.

Where Durolane is considered

Joint applications for Durolane

Durolane is most commonly used for knee osteoarthritis, but it is also considered for other major synovial joints in selected cases. For more widely applicable hyaluronic acid across the shoulder, thumb base and smaller joints, see Ostenil Plus.

PrimaryKnee osteoarthritisThe primary application for Durolane. Addresses deep joint-line aching, catching and mechanical stiffness affecting walking, stairs and weight-bearing activity.
Selected casesHip osteoarthritisConsidered for hip osteoarthritis where a longer-acting single injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid is preferred. Ultrasound guidance is used to support accurate placement deep in the femoroacetabular joint.
Selected casesAnkle osteoarthritisAn option for post-traumatic ankle wear or chronic instability where conservative management has plateaued.

Effectiveness & evidence

How well does Durolane work, and for how long?

The figures behind Durolane® are among the strongest for any hyaluronic acid product. In a large 26-week randomised trial, more than 90% of patients met the recognised criteria for a meaningful treatment response, and around 79–82% reported a clear reduction in pain — results from one single injection that matched a full course of five separate injections⁽¹⁾. Improvement typically begins within about two weeks. When compared head-to-head against a steroid injection, Durolane produced significantly better pain scores and a higher proportion of responders by 26 weeks⁽²⁾: a steroid often acts faster in the first few weeks, but Durolane tends to last considerably longer, with benefit commonly sustained for around six months and sometimes beyond. As with any injection, mild temporary soreness or swelling can occur, but serious side effects are rare. When symptoms return, the treatment can be repeated.

Zhang H, et al. CHASE study, Arthritis Res Ther. 2015. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Systematic clinical evidence review of NASHA (Durolane). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Individual results vary. Suitability for any treatment is assessed during your consultation.

Pain · Rehabilitation · Function

Use the quieter weeks to get stronger.

Durolane may ease knee pain and stiffness for several months in suitable patients. What you do with that time matters: exercise remains the foundation of osteoarthritis care, and responses vary.

FunctionPain Compare: injection without rehab

Illustration of the principle, not patient data

See how recovery unfolds · interactive →

What to expect

Assessment, treatment and aftercare, clearly explained.

We know it can feel difficult to book a procedure when you are not sure what will happen next. Your clinician will explain suitability, risks, recovery and aftercare before treatment goes ahead.

Timings vary from person to person. Written aftercare guidance is given before you leave clinic.

From a patient

★★★★★

I have been twice now for injections in my knees for OA, both times were very efficient. Dr Soul listened to my needs and explained the procedure as well as all of my options and aftercare once the injections were done. Highly recommended.
Mark Johnson · Knee OA · repeat injections

Google review ↗

Frequently asked

Common questions about Durolane.

The questions patients most often ask about Durolane — including how it compares with Ostenil Plus and steroid injections, why it's a single shot, and what to expect from the procedure.

How fast does Durolane work, and how long does it last?

Some patients notice an immediate cushioned sensation in the knee due to the physical volume of the gel; the lubricating and pain-relieving effects typically build over the first two to three weeks. Clinical follow-up has reported symptom relief lasting several months in suitable patients from a single injection, with duration of benefit varying between individuals depending on factors such as the severity of osteoarthritis and daily activity.

Why is Durolane a single injection when other hyaluronic acid treatments need a course?

Durolane uses a patented stabilisation process (NASHA — non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid) that produces a more cross-linked, slower-clearing gel than standard linear hyaluronic acid preparations. The intention of the design is for one well-placed injection to provide the effect that some other brands deliver over a series of weekly injections. Whether a single shot is the right choice for your knee is decided at consultation.

Is Durolane suitable for diabetic patients?

Durolane is non-steroid and does not affect blood glucose, which is one reason patients with diabetes often prefer a hyaluronic acid route. The full medical history is still reviewed at consultation, and we discuss any other relevant factors before recommending Durolane or an alternative.

Will Durolane work for my hip or ankle, not just my knee?

Durolane is the option we typically consider specifically for knee osteoarthritis. For osteoarthritis in other joints — including the hip, shoulder, ankle and thumb base — we more commonly use Ostenil Plus, our more versatile hyaluronic acid preparation. Your consultation will recommend the option that fits your diagnosis and target joint best.

Are there side effects or reasons I shouldn't have Durolane?

Because Durolane is bio-synthetic and contains no animal proteins, allergic reactions are uncommon. The most frequently reported side effects are mild and short-lived — a sensation of fullness, temporary stiffness or a dull ache in the joint for 24–48 hours after the injection. As with any injection there is a small risk of bruising or infection at the site. We screen for contraindications such as active joint infection or recent significant injury during your assessment.

What's the difference between Durolane and a steroid injection?

A steroid injection settles inflammation rapidly and is most useful when an inflammatory flare is driving your pain. Durolane works mechanically — restoring some of the cushioning and lubrication lost in osteoarthritis — rather than suppressing inflammation. They are not directly interchangeable; the right choice depends on your diagnosis, your previous treatments and your goals. Both are discussed at your consultation.

When can I return to walking, work and exercise?

Most patients can return to ordinary daily activities — including light walking, work and gentle movement — within 24 hours. We usually advise avoiding heavy load-bearing exercise, prolonged standing or high-impact activity for the first 48 hours. Written aftercare guidance is given before you leave clinic.

How effective is Durolane in clinical studies?

In a 26-week randomised trial, over 90 percent of patients met the recognised standard for a meaningful response, and around 79 to 82 percent reported clear pain reduction — all from a single injection⁽¹⁾. Compared directly against a steroid, it gave better pain scores by 26 weeks and tends to last longer⁽²⁾.

Reference (1): CHASE study, Arthritis Res Ther 2015. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reference (2): Systematic evidence review of NASHA (Durolane). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Skin & Joint Injection Clinic

Get back to doing what you love.

Book a GP-led assessment to find out whether Durolane, another knee option or onward referral is the right next step.

Book a consultation → Call 0151 203 7840 See pricing

info@skinjointclinic.co.ukHigher Bebington Health Centre, 25 Brackenwood Road, Higher Bebington, Wirral, CH63 2LRMon 09:00 – 19:30, Tue – Fri 09:00 – 18:30

Related treatments

Useful next steps if you are comparing treatment options at our Wirral clinic.