Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key ingredient of healthy joint fluid, and is considered a major lubricating component. It is also a component of healthy joint cartilage. One of the most researched benefits of hyaluronic acid is its ability to alleviate pain in osteoarthritic joints. Its effectiveness in this area isn’t surprising, since hyaluronic acid is especially concentrated in the knees, hips, shoulder, elbows, and other joints. HA is a major component of both cartilage and the synovial fluid that supplies protection to these joints, binding to water to create a thick, gelatinous substance that lubricates and protects the cartilage. Together, synovial fluid and cartilage act as shock absorbers that can withstand a tremendous amount of wear and tear. However, in joints afflicted by osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid levels are extremely low, causing the synovial fluid to become less viscous and the cartilage to be more susceptible to injury.

At South Paws, we routinely use Polyglycan™ which is a combination of not only HA, but also other beneficial components (Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine) to protect arthritic joints. Polyglycan is also often used as final lavage of surgically operated joint.

Polyglycan components

Hyaluronic acid sodium salt 50.0 mg
Sodium chondroitin sulfate 1000 mg
N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 1000 mg