Hyaluronic Acid Injection (Ostenil® Plus), Cardiff & South Wales
One steroid-free injection, typically 6–12 months of relief. Joint-lubricating hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis, guided into the joint on live ultrasound by a Consultant Radiologist.
guided Ostenil® Plus injection
What's included for £399
- ✓Consultation with a Consultant Radiologist
- ✓Ostenil® Plus, a single-injection hyaluronic acid
- ✓Live ultrasound guidance and sterile equipment
- ✓Written report and aftercare advice
- ✓Steroid + hyaluronic acid combo also £399
Please note: a referral is required for all injections. This can come from your GP, physiotherapist, podiatrist or consultant, or you can see one of our doctors first. Please email your referral to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment.
not a course of 3
one injection
never "blind"
reviews on Google
Why choose Acorn
Consultant, not delegated
Dr Syed Junaid or Dr Huw Edwards assesses you and performs the injection themselves.
Inside the joint, every time
Hyaluronic acid only works in the joint space. Live ultrasound makes sure that's where it goes.
One injection, not three
We use Ostenil® Plus, a single-injection treatment, so there's no weekly course to fit in.
HIW regulated
Inspected by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, with GMC-registered consultants.
Putting the cushioning back into the joint
Healthy joints are lubricated by synovial fluid, which is rich in hyaluronic acid. In osteoarthritis that fluid becomes thinner and less able to cushion the joint, so movement becomes stiff, grinding and painful.
A hyaluronic acid injection tops the joint back up. Ostenil® Plus contains sodium hyaluronate, which helps restore the balance between the breakdown and production of hyaluronic acid in the joint. This is called viscosupplementation, and it can reduce pain and stiffness and make everyday movement easier.
The sodium hyaluronate in Ostenil® Plus is highly purified, made by fermentation and contains no animal proteins, so allergic reactions are very unlikely. It's also steroid-free, which makes it a good option if you're diabetic or have already had several steroid injections.
Hyaluronic acid may suit you if any of these apply
For arthritis in any synovial joint
All ultrasound-guided and consultant-performed.
Knee
The most common joint we treat with hyaluronic acid, for pain, stiffness and grinding from knee osteoarthritis.
Hip
Guided into the deep hip joint on ultrasound, which is very hard to reach accurately without imaging.
Shoulder
For osteoarthritis of the main shoulder (glenohumeral) joint.
Ankle
For arthritic ankle pain and stiffness, often after an old injury.
Thumb & hand
For the base of the thumb (CMC joint) and other small, arthritic hand joints.
Foot
For the big toe joint and other small foot joints affected by arthritis.
How hyaluronic acid compares to other joint injections
Every joint is different. We'll always tell you honestly which option suits you best.
Hyaluronic acid
- Typical relief
- 6–12 months
- Treatment
- Single injection, steroid-free
- Price
- £399
Arthrosamid®
- Typical relief
- 2–3+ years
- Treatment
- Single injection, knee only
- Price
- £2,700
Your injection, step by step
Meet your consultant
A short chat about your joint, history and medication. Ask anything.
Ultrasound check
We look at the joint on ultrasound and plan the safest route into the joint space.
Guided injection
Skin cleaned, then the needle is guided into the joint on live ultrasound. Under a minute.
Home the same day
Aftercare advice before you leave and a written report to follow.
How quickly it works, and how long it lasts
First 48 hours
The joint may feel a little sore, warm or swollen. Rest it from heavy or high-impact activity.
Weeks 1–2
Back to normal activity. Don't expect a big change yet: hyaluronic acid works gradually.
Weeks 4–6
Most people notice pain and stiffness easing, and movement feeling smoother.
6–12 months
Typical length of relief, depending on how advanced the arthritis is in that joint.
When it wears off
You can have another injection if your consultant agrees it's appropriate. There's no strict yearly limit.
If it doesn't help
We'll look at the alternatives: a steroid or combo injection, PRP, Arthrosamid® for the knee, or a surgical opinion.
Preparation — no fasting needed
How to prepare for your hyaluronic acid injection
Afterwards: rest the joint from heavy or high-impact activity, like running or heavy lifting, for 48 hours. Normal daily activity is fine. Then build back up gradually.
What our patients say
I was given an almost immediate appointment with clear guidance. Dr Syed conversed with me in a reassuring manner. I left with excellent aftercare advice. The next day I am completely pain free!
Very professional clinic. I felt safe and looked after by Dr Syed Junaid and his team. I travelled far to the clinic, and am very pleased I did.
Excellent service. From a fantastic easy online booking service to the procedure itself — the doctor fed back the result directly to me. Very efficient and professional.
Transparent, all-inclusive
One injection, one price. No course of three to pay for.
Steroid + HA combo
- ✓Steroid and hyaluronic acid in one injection
- ✓Quick relief for a flaring joint, plus lubrication
- ✓Ultrasound-guided by a consultant
Hyaluronic acid
- ✓Single Ostenil® Plus injection
- ✓Typically 6–12 months of relief
- ✓Suitable for people with diabetes
Arthrosamid®
- ✓Single hydrogel injection for knee arthritis
- ✓Typically 2–3+ years of relief
- ✓Starts with a free 10-minute call
Please note: a referral is required for all injections. This can come from your GP, physiotherapist, podiatrist or consultant, or you can see one of our doctors first. Please email your referral to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment.
All prices include consultation, ultrasound-guided injection, medication, written report and aftercare advice.
Injections at our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Cowbridge, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about hyaluronic acid injections
How much is a hyaluronic acid injection in Cardiff?
A hyaluronic acid (Ostenil® Plus) injection at Acorn is £399 all-inclusive. That covers the consultant consultation, the ultrasound-guided injection, the medication, sterile equipment, a written report and aftercare advice. A combined steroid and hyaluronic acid injection is also £399.
What is Ostenil® Plus?
Ostenil® Plus is a solution of sodium hyaluronate, a natural component of the fluid that lubricates your joints. It's made by fermentation and contains no animal proteins, so allergic reactions are very unlikely. Unlike standard Ostenil®, which is given as three weekly injections, Ostenil® Plus needs just one injection.
How does hyaluronic acid work?
In osteoarthritis, the joint fluid becomes thinner and less able to cushion and lubricate the joint. Hyaluronic acid injected into the joint helps restore that balance, a treatment called viscosupplementation. This can reduce pain and stiffness and make movement easier.
How quickly does it work, and how long does it last?
It's not instant. Most people start to feel less pain and stiffness gradually over 4–6 weeks. Relief typically lasts 6–12 months, depending on how advanced the arthritis is.
Is hyaluronic acid better than a steroid injection?
They do different jobs. Steroid works faster and is best when a joint is inflamed and flaring. Hyaluronic acid works more slowly but usually lasts longer and contains no steroid. If you want both, a combined steroid and hyaluronic acid injection (£399) gives you fast relief plus longer-lasting lubrication in one appointment.
I'm diabetic. Is hyaluronic acid a good option?
Often, yes. Hyaluronic acid contains no steroid, so it doesn't raise blood sugar the way a steroid injection can. That makes it a popular choice for people with diabetes who have arthritic joints.
Which joints can be treated?
Ostenil® can be used in any synovial joint. We most often inject the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, base of the thumb and small joints of the hands and feet. All injections are ultrasound-guided, which matters most for deep joints like the hip.
Can I have it again when it wears off?
Yes. When the effect starts to fade, you can have another injection if your clinician agrees it's appropriate. Unlike steroid, there's no strict limit on how many you can have in a year.
Do I need a referral?
Yes, a referral is required for all injections. It can come from your GP, physiotherapist, podiatrist or consultant. Please email it to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment. No referral? Book a £120 consultation with one of our doctors first; if an injection is right for you and you have it the same day, the fee is credited.
Are there side effects?
They're uncommon and usually mild. The joint may feel a little painful, warm or swollen for a day or two. Allergic reactions are very unlikely because Ostenil® Plus contains no animal proteins, and infection is very rare with sterile technique.
Is the injection painful?
Most people find it briefly uncomfortable rather than painful. Local anaesthetic is used where appropriate, and because we can see the joint on ultrasound there's no probing with the needle. The injection itself takes under a minute.
What should I avoid afterwards?
Rest the joint from heavy or high-impact activity, like running or heavy lifting, for 48 hours. Normal daily activity is fine. Then build back up gradually.
Is hyaluronic acid covered by health insurance?
Cover varies between insurers and policies, and some don't include hyaluronic acid. Check with your insurer before booking and ask for an authorisation code if they will cover it. Self-pay is £399 all-inclusive.
Where can I get a hyaluronic acid injection near Cardiff?
At our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, Stanwell Road, CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre with free street parking.
Move more easily.
One steroid-free, ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injection for osteoarthritis, with 6–12 months of typical relief. £399 all-inclusive, most appointments within 48 hours.
Still not sure? Start with a £120 consultation.
We'll examine you, scan if needed and recommend the right treatment. Book your injection the same day and the £120 is credited against it.
Book a consultation