Ultrasound Guided Hyaluronic Acid Knee Gel Injections in Manchester
Persistent knee pain from osteoarthritis can limit daily life and hold you back.Â
Ultrasound Guided Hyaluronic acid injections can provide pain relief without the need for surgery. Performed by a GMC registered doctor at a CQC registered clinic.
CQC Regulated Clinic
Ultrasound Guided Procedure
No GP Referral Required
Manchester and Burnley Clinic
INTRO
What are Hyaluronic Acid injections?
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in every healthy joint, where it works as a lubricant and shock absorber within the synovial fluid. In an osteoarthritic knee joint, the body produces less of it, so joint cartilage surfaces lose their protection and friction, pain and stiffness follow. Anti inflammatory medication masks these symptoms without addressing the underlying loss of joint fluid.Â
A hyaluronic acid injection (sometimes called a knee gel injection or viscosupplementation) replaces that depleted joint fluid with a biocompatible gel injected directly into the knee joint. The aim is to restore joint lubrication and shock absorption, reduce pain and stiffness, and improve mobility. The effect goes beyond lubrication: research has identified reductions in inflammatory markers, stimulation of cartilage matrix repair, and a direct calming effect on the joint’s pain receptors.Â
The result for most patients is less pain, less stiffness, and better mobility for 6 to 12 months from a single course. Steroid injections, by comparison, typically wear off within a few weeks to 3 months.
TERMINOLOGY
Are Knee Gel Injections the same as Hyaluronic Acid Injections?
Yes. Knee gel injections and hyaluronic acid injections are the same treatment. “Gel injection” is simply the everyday name for it, because the hyaluronic acid is a thick, gel-like fluid rather than a watery solution. Patients and GPs often use the term interchangeably with viscosupplementation.
If you’ve been told you need “gel injections in the knee”, or you’ve been researching what knee gel injections cost in the UK, this is the treatment you’re looking for.
Please note: not every gel injected into a knee is hyaluronic acid. Arthrosamid is also described as a gel, but it’s a polyacrylamide hydrogel, a different material that works differently and is priced differently. If you’re comparing quotes between clinics, check which product you’re actually being offered.
JOINTS WE TREAT
Joints and Conditions We Treat Using Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Knee Osteoarthritis
The most common and best-evidenced use for Hyaluronic Acid Injections. The injections are most suited to patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis where joint space remains.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Injected under ultrasound guidance for groin pain and stiffness, particularly for patients wanting to delay hip replacement.
Shoulder and Ankle
At My MSK Clinic we also offer hyaluronic acid injections for the shoulder and ankle joints. The doctor will first assess your joint to ensure the injection is safe and suitable.
Not Sure?
If you are unsure whether a hyaluronic acid injection is a suitable option for you, we recommend booking an initial consultation. This allows the doctor to assess and ultrasound scan the joint to make sure the injection is suitable.
THE PROCEDURE
What is the Hyaluronic Acid Injection Procedure at My MSK Clinic
Step 1: The Assessment
At My MSK Clinic the doctor will first take a detailed history and do a thorough assessment of the joint to determine whether a Hyaluronic acid injection is suitable for you. We also have a state of the art ultrasound scanner which helps visualise the joint and make a more accurate decision.
Step 2: Preparation
Once you and the doctor are both happy to proceed, the doctor will start with marking the joint, with the help of ultrasound guidance, to ensure the injection is in the right spot. The doctor will then sterilise the injection site to reduce the risk of infection and also numb the area with local anaesthetic to make the injection as comfortable as possible.
Step 3: The injection under Ultrasound Guidance
After the injection site is marked, cleaned and numbed, the doctor will inject the Hyaluronic acid injection into the joint under ultrasound guidance. The ultrasound guidance helps ensure the injection is in the right spot and is a more accurate method than injecting blind without imaging. A more accurate injection means it is more likely to work.
Step 4: Plaster and Aftercare
Finally, the hyaluronic acid injection procedure is completed with a small plaster at the injection site. During your consultation the doctor will also provide you with any information regarding your aftercare and rehab process. We recommend taking it gentle the first few days after the injection and avoiding any strenuous activities.
EVIDENCE
What does the Evidence Show?
Hyaluronic acid injections are considered a safe method for relieving knee osteoarthritis and delaying knee replacement or surgery. Below are some summaries from research studies conducted on the effectiveness and safety of Hyaluronic acid Injections.
There is good evidence that hyaluronic acid injections do what they set out to do, and the safety record is the strongest part of it. A large safety review pooling 35 randomised trials and 8,078 patients compared hyaluronic acid injected into the knee against a saline injection over a median of six months, and found no significant difference in serious adverse events, at 1.8% versus 1.2%.1
Local soreness or swelling at the injection site was more common with hyaluronic acid, but every reaction recorded was non-serious.1Â That profile matters because it is what makes the treatment repeatable, year after year, in a way that other options are not.
The comparison against everyday painkillers is also favourable. Across six randomised trials of 831 patients, hyaluronic acid injections produced statistically significant improvements in knee pain and function compared with taking oral anti-inflammatory medication, and did so with a lower rate of side effects overall, at 19.8% versus 29.0%.2
This is the practical advantage of an injection that stays inside the knee joint. It does not circulate through the liver, kidneys and stomach the way tablets taken over months and years do.
There is also encouraging evidence on the joint itself. In a 2025 analysis of 210 participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative, published in the journal Radiology, steroid injections were associated with faster structural damage on whole-joint MRI scanning, while hyaluronic acid was associated with slower progression over the two years following injection.3
Perhaps the most useful finding for patients weighing up surgery concerns time. A retrospective study of a US health claims database covering roughly 79 million people identified 182,022 patients with knee osteoarthritis who went on to have a knee replacement.4
Those who had received no hyaluronic acid reached surgery in a mean of 0.7 years. One course of injections extended that to 1.4 years, and five or more courses extended it to 3.6 years.4Â A separate French study of 14,782 patients found the same pattern, with significantly longer time to knee replacement among those treated with hyaluronic acid at every point measured out to seven and a half years.5
For patients who are too young for a replacement, carry surgical risk, or simply want more good years before that decision, this is the number that counts.
Our results at My MSK Clinic
At My MSK Clinic in Manchester we find success rates of around 70%. Before the injection the doctor takes a detailed history and does a thorough examination of the knee joint to find out whether the hyaluronic acid is a suitable option for you. Once you and the doctor have made a joint decision, we can proceed with the injection.
If a Hyaluronic acid injection is not suitable the doctor may suggest an alternative injection such as a cortisone injection, PRP injection or an Arthrosamid Injection.
SUITABILITY
Suitable Candidates for Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
People with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, with joint space remaining, are suitable candidates. Fully bone-on-bone joints usually need a surgical opinion instead, and we’ll tell you honestly if that’s the case.
Active people
Runners, cyclists, walkers and gym-goers with joint pain during or after activity often respond particularly well, because the joint retains structural integrity.Â
When other treatments haven't been enough
If physiotherapy, weight management and anti inflammatory medication haven’t given sufficient relief, Hyaluronic Acid Injections may be a reasonable next step before considering surgery.
Delaying or avoiding joint replacement
Whether you’re too young for a replacement, carry surgical risk from other health conditions, or simply prefer a non surgical treatment, Hyaluronic Acid Injections may be a suitable option to delay surgery.
If you are unsure whether a Hyaluronic acid injection for your knee may be suitable, we recommend booking an initial consultation first. This will allow the doctor to assess your knee and help you make an informed decision. Book in or call us below for more information.
COST
How Much Does a Hyaluronic Acid Injection Cost in Manchester?
From
£375
Per Knee Injection
The Cost of Hyaluronic Acid Injections vary across the UK. At My MSK Clinic we believe in a transparent pricing system. We offer multiple different types of Hyaluronic acid Injections at our clinics. These consist of Ostenil plus at £375, Durolane at £425 and also Sinogel which costs £465.
Durolane is our most popular option which provides a long lasting result due to its high molecular weight.
If you are considering this treatment, book a consult with us at My MSK Injection Clinic Manchester. The Doctor will perform a thorough examination and suggest whether a Hyaluronic Acid Injection is suitable for you. No GP Referral required.
What's Included in the Cost?
✔ Consultation with Dr Akhtar
✔ Ultrasound Scan and examination
✔ Local Anaesthetic to ensure Comfort throughout the Procedure
✔ Any on-the-day Medications
✔ The Hyaluronic Acid Injection (1 Box)
TYPES OF HYALURONIC ACID
What types of Hyaluronic Acid Injections do we offer at My MSK Clinic?
MOST POPULAR
Durolane Injection
Durolane is our most frequently chosen option and the one we recommend for most patients. It’s a single-injection, cross-linked hyaluronic acid, so one visit completes the treatment with no return trips for a second or third dose. The cross-linking means the gel stays in the joint longer before the body breaks it down, which is what gives it its duration: relief typically lasting 6 to 12 months.
Sinogel
Sinogel is the option we consider for more advanced degenerative change, or for larger joints where shock absorption matters more than fine lubrication. It differs from the other two in its composition: alongside a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, it contains sodium chondroitin, a substance also found naturally in cartilage. It’s designed specifically for large joints such as the knee and hip, and its main action is restoring the joint’s ability to absorb load.
Ostenil Plus
Ostenil Plus is a well-established hyaluronic acid that has been used in UK clinics for many years, and it’s our most affordable option. It combines sodium hyaluronate with mannitol, an antioxidant included to protect the hyaluronic acid from breaking down too quickly inside the joint. It suits patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, and it’s a sensible starting point if you’re trying viscosupplementation for the first time and want to see how your knee responds before committing to a more expensive product.
WHY MYMSK
Why Choose My MSK Clinic for your Hyaluronic Acid Injection?
Ultrasound Accuracy
All our injections are done under Ultrasound Guidance.
Same Day Option
Diagnosis and Injections usually done at same appointment
No Waiting List
You can Self Refer directly to MyMSK Clinic – No Referral required.
OUR CLINICS
Where We Offer Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Joint Pain
We treat patients at two clinics in the North West. Easy to reach for Greater Manchester, Salford, Bury, Bolton, Oldham and the wider Lancashire area.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some answers to some common questions regarding Hyaluronic Acid Injections. If you have a different query please contact us.
How long do hyaluronic acid knee injections last?
Most patients get 6 to 12 months of relief. Durolane’s trial data shows sustained improvement at 26 weeks. Treatment can be safely repeated when the effect wears off.
How much do knee gel injections cost in the UK?
Standard hyaluronic acid courses typically cost £350 to £1,200 depending on the product and the number of sessions. At My MSK Clinic, single-injection Durolane starts from £425 including ultrasound guidance.
Are hyaluronic acid injections safe?
They’re generally well tolerated, and because the product stays inside the knee joint rather than circulating through the body, they avoid the systemic side effects associated with taking anti inflammatory medication over long periods. In a meta-analysis of 8,078 patients, serious adverse events were no more common than with saline injections. Temporary pain, redness or swelling at the injection site can occur and settles within a few days. As with any joint injection there is a small risk of infection, minimised by sterile technique and ultrasound guidance. Allergic reactions are rare.Â
Hyaluronic acid vs steroid injection: which is better for my knee?
They do different jobs. Steroids reduce inflammation fast, with relief within days, but fade within weeks to 3 months, and MRI evidence links them to faster structural joint damage. Hyaluronic acid takes a few weeks to work but lasts months rather than weeks and hasn’t shown the same effect on joint structure. For an acute flare-up a steroid may still be the right call; for longer-term management, hyaluronic acid is usually the better option. We offer both and will recommend whichever suits your joint.
Can hyaluronic acid be used in joints other than the knee?
Yes. Hip, shoulder, ankle, thumb base and big toe osteoarthritis can all be treated with ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections. See the conditions section above.
References:
- Miller LE, Bhattacharyya S, Parrish WR, Fredericson M, Bisson B, Altman RD. Safety of Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials Involving More than 8,000 Patients. Cartilage. 2021. View study
- Bannuru RR, Vaysbrot EE, Sullivan MC, McAlindon TE, et al. Hyaluronic Acid Injections or Oral Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Knee Osteoarthritis. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2020. View study
- Intra-articular Knee Injections and Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Radiology. 2025. View study
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections Are Associated with Delay of Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Evidence from a Large U.S. Health Claims Database. PLOS One. 2015. View study
- Do intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections delay total knee replacement in patients with osteoarthritis: a Cox model analysis. PLOS One. 2017. View study
Considering a Hyaluronic Acid Injection in Manchester?
Ultrasound-guided. No GP referral needed. 7 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly.
PAGE MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY DR AMIR AKHTAR IN AUGUST 2026
Dr Amir Akhtar
Our Reviews
The injection has helped me greatly and I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Akhtar for any treatments in his clinic.
Fantastic service.
The injection has helped me greatly and I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Akhtar for any treatments in his clinic.
Fantastic service.
I feel much more confident about the treatment plan we discussed. I can highly recommend his service.
Michael P.
I feel much more confident about the treatment plan we discussed. I can highly recommend his service.
Michael P.
I saw Dr Amir Akhtar for a painful recurrence of sesamoiditis / forefoot pain. He assessed the area carefully, used ultrasound to check what was going on, and only proceeded with injection once he was satisfied it was appropriate. I valued that he was clear, direct, and clinically grounded rather than just rushing through the appointment.
He also explained the wider mechanical picture well, including how compensation from other ankle problems may be contributing. The treatment was carried out there and then, and the whole process felt efficient and professional.
A helpful and thorough service. I would recommend them.
I saw Dr Amir Akhtar for a painful recurrence of sesamoiditis / forefoot pain. He assessed the area carefully, used ultrasound to check what was going on, and only proceeded with injection once he was satisfied it was appropriate. I valued that he was clear, direct, and clinically grounded rather than just rushing through the appointment.
He also explained the wider mechanical picture well, including how compensation from other ankle problems may be contributing. The treatment was carried out there and then, and the whole process felt efficient and professional.
A helpful and thorough service. I would recommend them.
Overall, I would certainly recommend this clinic and clinician. It was excellent care. I am pleased to say that I am noticing some improvement in my knee following the injection and am now saving to have my other knee treated. I will definitely be returning to this clinic.
Overall, I would certainly recommend this clinic and clinician. It was excellent care. I am pleased to say that I am noticing some improvement in my knee following the injection and am now saving to have my other knee treated. I will definitely be returning to this clinic.
She received ultrasound guided hydrodissection of the Baxter’s nerve, and since the treatment she has reported a really positive improvement. Her pain has reduced significantly, and she feels much better in herself, more comfortable driving and able to go out for walks again, which she hasn’t been able to do for quite some time.
The improvement has been remarkable and we’re very grateful. She has also noticed that she is now able to move her toe more easily, and the pain in her heel at night has reduced, helping her rest more comfortably.
Thank you for the care, support, and treatment it has made a real difference.
She received ultrasound guided hydrodissection of the Baxter’s nerve, and since the treatment she has reported a really positive improvement. Her pain has reduced significantly, and she feels much better in herself, more comfortable driving and able to go out for walks again, which she hasn’t been able to do for quite some time.
The improvement has been remarkable and we’re very grateful. She has also noticed that she is now able to move her toe more easily, and the pain in her heel at night has reduced, helping her rest more comfortably.
Thank you for the care, support, and treatment it has made a real difference.
I definitely feel the injection has worked and I'm hoping it allows me to get some quality of life back.
I definitely feel the injection has worked and I'm hoping it allows me to get some quality of life back.
Dr AKhtar has your best interests at heart at al time. Dr AKhtar was really thorough when. investigating my hip and knee.
It was so refreshing to meet Dr Akhtar,
I will recommend him to my family and friends should they need a specialist.
Dr AKhtar has your best interests at heart at al time. Dr AKhtar was really thorough when. investigating my hip and knee.
It was so refreshing to meet Dr Akhtar,
I will recommend him to my family and friends should they need a specialist.
I booked my appointment online and got so much more than I expected on the day of my appointment.
The level of detail that things were explained to me in was fantastic but also done in such a way that it wasn’t overwhelming. I’m at the start of a journey to recovery but have so much confidence I am in great hands and off to the best possible start!!
The evening following my appointment I received some emails of; advice, follow up care, recommendations of the best splint to purchase, images taken from my scans and even a copy of my letter that is going to the GP!
What a fantastic service, one would have to wait weeks if not months for this kind of feedback on the NHS and the cost of everything was very reasonable too.
Thank you very much for everything , I really appreciate your time and approach towards my issue.
I booked my appointment online and got so much more than I expected on the day of my appointment.
The level of detail that things were explained to me in was fantastic but also done in such a way that it wasn’t overwhelming. I’m at the start of a journey to recovery but have so much confidence I am in great hands and off to the best possible start!!
The evening following my appointment I received some emails of; advice, follow up care, recommendations of the best splint to purchase, images taken from my scans and even a copy of my letter that is going to the GP!
What a fantastic service, one would have to wait weeks if not months for this kind of feedback on the NHS and the cost of everything was very reasonable too.
Thank you very much for everything , I really appreciate your time and approach towards my issue.
Thanks 😊
Thanks 😊
Dr Akhtar was everything you could hope for in a specialist: friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and, most importantly, truly listened. He took the time to understand my pain and concerns, and for the first time since the accident, I genuinely felt hopeful. I’m only 48 hours post-injection, but already the difference in my outlook is huge.
A special thank you goes to Safi, who has been nothing short of exceptional. Safi has handled my endless emails with patience, kindness, and professionalism, and their support has made this whole process so much easier. They genuinely deserve recognition for outstanding customer care.
I was originally going to wait seven days before leaving a review, but honestly, this clinic has already proven itself. I would return here time and time again without hesitation, and I would recommend My MSK to absolutely anyone in need of expert, compassionate care.
Thank you to Dr Akhtar, Safi, and the entire team for giving me hope again. An effortless 5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dr Akhtar was everything you could hope for in a specialist: friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and, most importantly, truly listened. He took the time to understand my pain and concerns, and for the first time since the accident, I genuinely felt hopeful. I’m only 48 hours post-injection, but already the difference in my outlook is huge.
A special thank you goes to Safi, who has been nothing short of exceptional. Safi has handled my endless emails with patience, kindness, and professionalism, and their support has made this whole process so much easier. They genuinely deserve recognition for outstanding customer care.
I was originally going to wait seven days before leaving a review, but honestly, this clinic has already proven itself. I would return here time and time again without hesitation, and I would recommend My MSK to absolutely anyone in need of expert, compassionate care.
Thank you to Dr Akhtar, Safi, and the entire team for giving me hope again. An effortless 5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Got an appointment really quickly and the consultation was in depth with a scan showing me the exact problem. Treatment options were given to me with associated costs along with exercises to support in the interim.
Dr Akhtar is really helpful and knowledgeable and I can’t thank him enough for his support which included a direct referral to hospital for other support.
Thank you
Got an appointment really quickly and the consultation was in depth with a scan showing me the exact problem. Treatment options were given to me with associated costs along with exercises to support in the interim.
Dr Akhtar is really helpful and knowledgeable and I can’t thank him enough for his support which included a direct referral to hospital for other support.
Thank you
I had an amazing experience with this company.
Dr Akhtar was reliable, honest and operates with integrity.
I would highly recommend MYMSK Clinic.
I had an amazing experience with this company.
Dr Akhtar was reliable, honest and operates with integrity.
I would highly recommend MYMSK Clinic.
Took my partner to see amir
Could not praise him highly enough
Partner was in pain for 5 days,hardly any sleep.after a few cortisone injections she was able to sleep.
Dr amir tells you the way it is
Did a full report for the gp recommending future action required
Then we got a phone call today of amir to see how my partner was doing.
Dr akhtar very professional in his work
Took my partner to see amir
Could not praise him highly enough
Partner was in pain for 5 days,hardly any sleep.after a few cortisone injections she was able to sleep.
Dr amir tells you the way it is
Did a full report for the gp recommending future action required
Then we got a phone call today of amir to see how my partner was doing.
Dr akhtar very professional in his work
From the very beginning, Dr. Akhtar showed exceptional professionalism, honesty and genuine care, taking the time to explain the procedure in detail and addressing all my concerns.
He explained any symptoms that may occur post injection and the time for it to become effective.
Thank you doctor!
From the very beginning, Dr. Akhtar showed exceptional professionalism, honesty and genuine care, taking the time to explain the procedure in detail and addressing all my concerns.
He explained any symptoms that may occur post injection and the time for it to become effective.
Thank you doctor!
I felt really at ease and was able to explain what was wrong with me in a relaxed atmosphere.
Can ‘t recommend enough
Also the building is so beautiful inside😊
I felt really at ease and was able to explain what was wrong with me in a relaxed atmosphere.
Can ‘t recommend enough
Also the building is so beautiful inside😊
He was very informative about what he was going to do and what was causing the issue.
He was very friendly and I will 100% be recommending his services to anyone that needs help.
He was very informative about what he was going to do and what was causing the issue.
He was very friendly and I will 100% be recommending his services to anyone that needs help.
I would highly recommend this clinic, very professional staff, with special commendation to Dr Akhtar. An experienced clinician in the field of MSK medicine, a credit to his profession!
I would highly recommend this clinic, very professional staff, with special commendation to Dr Akhtar. An experienced clinician in the field of MSK medicine, a credit to his profession!
However during the consultation Dr Aktar explain that the injection might not be the best course of action, he gave me some excellent advice and explained in detail what was wrong and how that was causing the painful symptoms.
I left feeling much more informed about my situation and after following his instructions my symptoms have improved massively.
I really appreciated the good advice and felt it was far more beneficial than other places who would have just taken my money for the injection and not really considered the actual root cause.
However during the consultation Dr Aktar explain that the injection might not be the best course of action, he gave me some excellent advice and explained in detail what was wrong and how that was causing the painful symptoms.
I left feeling much more informed about my situation and after following his instructions my symptoms have improved massively.
I really appreciated the good advice and felt it was far more beneficial than other places who would have just taken my money for the injection and not really considered the actual root cause.
Would recommend to anyone!
Would recommend to anyone!
certification
GMC Registered Doctor and CQC Regulated Clinic
