Which counseling instruction is commonly advised after intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection?

• A. Do not stand on your feet for more than 1 hour at a time during the first 48 hours
• B. Resume vigorous activity immediately
• C. Begin heavy lifting on day of injection
• D. No activity restrictions are needed

Answer: (A)

Post-procedure care after intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections focuses on minimizing joint stress during the immediate healing window. Limiting standing time to about an hour at a time for the first 48 hours helps reduce weight-bearing load and mechanical irritation in the joint as the injected material distributes and the tissue adjusts. This cautious approach lowers the risk of increased pain, swelling, or a post-injection flare, and it supports smoother recovery while you resume normal activities gradually.

Choosing to resume vigorous activity immediately, begin heavy lifting on the day of injection, or have no restrictions at all would place excessive stress on the joint during this early period, which is not recommended for optimal comfort and outcomes.