Pura Vida Group

In a healthy joint, synovial fluid contains high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, which acts as both a lubricant during slow movements and a shock absorber during high-impact activities. In an osteoarthritic joint, the concentration and molecular weight of this HA decrease, leading to increased friction and cartilage wear.

Viscosupplementation works by introducing exogenous HA to restore these viscoelastic properties. Beyond simple lubrication, modern 2026 research confirms that HA interacts with cellular receptors (like CD44) to inhibit inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and stimulate the production of the body's own natural lubricants, effectively shifting the joint from a "catabolic" (breaking down) state to an "anabolic" (building up) state.