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Knee gel injections How hyaluronic acid injections work, and who they may help
Gel injections for the knee place hyaluronic acid, a thick, slippery substance that is a natural part of joint fluid, directly into the knee joint. They are used for knee osteoarthritis when exercise, weight changes and other measures have not eased pain enough. Some people get pain relief for a period of months, others get little benefit, and the gel does not rebuild cartilage. Placing it inside the joint matters, so our clinicians use ultrasound to guide the needle.
Healthy knee joint fluid is thick and slippery, which helps the joint glide. In osteoarthritis that fluid becomes thinner and the cartilage wears, so the knee can feel stiff, achy and “bone on bone.” A gel injection, also called viscosupplementation or a hyaluronic acid knee injection, adds hyaluronic acid back into the joint. This post explains what the videos above show and how to decide if it is worth trying. For other causes and treatments, see our knee pain treatment page.
How a hyaluronic acid knee injection works
The gel is injected into the space inside the knee joint, where it adds to the natural joint fluid. Depending on the product, it is given as one injection or a short series. It is not a painkiller and it does not regrow cartilage. For some people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis it eases pain and stiffness for a period of time, which can make it easier to keep up with exercise.
Why ultrasound-guided gel injections
The gel only helps if it ends up inside the joint. In these videos the clinician holds an ultrasound probe on the knee to see the joint and the needle on screen while injecting. If the knee is swollen, the extra fluid may be drained first; here is what draining fluid from the knee involves.
Who gel injections for the knee may help
- Adults with knee osteoarthritis confirmed by an exam and, usually, X-rays
- People whose pain has not settled enough with exercise, physical therapy, weight changes and safe pain medicine
- People who want to delay surgery or cannot have it, as covered in alternatives to knee replacement
They are not used when the knee or the skin over it is infected. Tell your clinician about allergies and blood thinners. Insurance coverage varies, so the office can check your plan.
Gel injection or steroid injection?
A corticosteroid injection calms inflammation and often works within days, but the number of shots to the same joint is limited; see what to expect from a cortisone shot in the knee. A gel injection may take a few weeks to help, and the benefit varies more from person to person. Your clinician can explain which fits your knee; read more about joint injections and about chronic knee pain treatment.
What to expect after a knee gel injection
- Mild soreness or a feeling of fullness for a day or two is common
- Go easy on hard or high-impact activity for a couple of days unless told otherwise
- Keep doing your strengthening exercises; see physical therapy for knee pain
Call the office if the knee becomes hot, red and very swollen or you develop a fever.
More knee gel injection videos
More clips from our YouTube channel @precisioncaremedical about gel injections for knee arthritis.
Related care at Precision Care
Knee gel injections near you
Knee gel injections start with an evaluation by one of our pain management physicians. For knee arthritis treatment in Brooklyn, on Staten Island or in Midtown Manhattan, see Ashley Marcus, MD at our Brooklyn office, convenient to Gravesend and Sheepshead Bay, Jake Stephen, DO at our Staten Island office, and Yuri Gordin, MD at the Precision Care Spine & Pain Center in Midtown Manhattan, serving patients from Spanish Harlem, Washington Heights and the Upper East Side. The physician at each office evaluates your knee and treats it or refers you on. Injections and procedures are planned by a physician after an exam; call to confirm which office offers the procedure you need. Physical therapy is offered in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Request an appointment or call the office closest to you.
150 E 55th St, Suite 401, New York, NY 10022
(212) 840-0135
Questions patients ask
What is a gel injection for the knee?
It is an injection of hyaluronic acid, a natural part of joint fluid, into the knee joint. It is used for knee osteoarthritis and is also called viscosupplementation.
Do knee gel injections work?
Some people with knee osteoarthritis get pain relief for a period of months, and others get little benefit. They do not rebuild cartilage, so they work best alongside exercise.
How long does a hyaluronic acid knee injection take to work?
It can take a few weeks to notice a change, unlike a corticosteroid injection, which often helps within days.
Why is ultrasound used for gel injections?
The gel needs to go inside the joint. Ultrasound shows the joint and the needle on screen so the clinician can place it accurately.
Are gel injections better than steroid injections?
Neither is better for everyone. Steroid shots tend to work faster but are limited in number; gel may help some people for longer. Your clinician can help you choose.
Where can I get knee gel injections near me?
Precision Care physicians evaluate knee arthritis in Brooklyn at 2781 Shell Rd, Suite 101, (718) 648-1234, on Staten Island at 1630 Richmond Rd, Suite 101, (718) 339-7100, and at the Precision Care Spine & Pain Center, 150 E 55th St, Suite 401, in Midtown Manhattan. Call to confirm which office offers the injection you need.
Educational only, not medical advice. These videos and this article explain common problems and treatments in general terms. They are not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for you. Results vary from person to person. See a qualified clinician about your own symptoms, and call 911 or go to an emergency room for an emergency.
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