Hyaluronic acid (also called hyaluronan or sodium hyaluronate) is a biopolymer that occurs naturally in the synovial fluid in the space around your joints. Hyaluronic acid helps to maintain the viscosity of synovial fluid and is important for reducing friction in the joint. It also acts as a shock absorber, providing cushioning for the joint.4 In patients with osteoarthritis, the quality of synovial fluid is degraded due to a lower concentration of hyaluronic acid. This can contribute to greater friction and cartilage damage. Injections of hyaluronic acid into the joint (referred to as viscosupplementation) can boost the body’s natural supply, reducing friction in the joint, absorbing impacts, facilitating movement, and reducing pain. By restoring the natural properties of the synovial fluid, viscosupplementation aims to provide protection against cartilage damage.4