Knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life and make everyday activities challenging. If you’ve been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, you may be considering various treatment options, including viscosupplementation or knee gel injections.
Join us for a closer look at this exciting treatment approach that has helped countless patients find relief from their knee pain. We explore what visco gel injections are, how they work, and the benefits they offer. We also discuss the conditions treated with this procedure and what you can expect during and after the injections. Finally, we highlight how our experienced specialists at TSAOG can guide you through the process and help you determine if visco gel injections are right for you.
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What Is a Gel Injection in the Knee?
A gel injection in the knee, also known as viscosupplementation or hyaluronic acid (HA) injection, is a medical procedure for treating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. The procedure involves injecting a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint to supplement natural joint fluid and help alleviate pain. It is typically recommended after conservative treatments have failed.
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How Visco Gel Injections Differ From Other Knee Treatments
- Mechanism of Action: Gel injections lubricate and cushion the knee by supplementing depleted hyaluronic acid. Unlike anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids, which primarily target inflammation, visco gel injections address mechanical joint function.
- Onset & Duration: Relief can start as early as 2 to 4 weeks, usually peaks between 4 to 12 weeks, and may last for up to 6 months.
- Treatment Regimen: Often administered in one, three, or five weekly injections.
- Side Effects: Mostly mild and localized, e.g., pain, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site.
- Cost & Coverage: Visco gel injections can be more expensive and may require prior conservative treatments for insurance coverage.
Learn More: What Are My Treatment Options for Joint Pain Due to Arthritis?
How Visco Gel Injections Work
Visco gel injections supplement the natural synovial fluid in the knee joint, which is depleted or degraded in individuals with osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the synovial fluid that lubricates and cushions the knee joint. In a healthy joint, hyaluronic acid helps to:
- Reduce friction between the articulating surfaces of the bones
- Absorb shock during movement
- Provide nutrients to the cartilage
In osteoarthritis, the concentration and quality of hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid decrease, leading to reduced lubrication and increased friction within the joint. This can result in pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Visco gel injections aim to address these problems.
When the hyaluronic acid gel is injected into the affected knee joint, it supplements the existing synovial fluid, increasing its viscosity and elasticity. The enhanced synovial fluid helps to:
- Improve lubrication and reduce friction between the bones
- Provide better shock absorption during movement
- Create a protective barrier around the remaining cartilage
Visco gel injections can improve the overall joint environment, reducing pain, improving joint mobility, and slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis. The effects of the injections may last for several months, providing extended relief from osteoarthritis symptoms.
Conditions Treated With Visco Gel Injections
Viscosupplementation gel injections are primarily used to treat knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition in which cartilage in the knee breaks down over time. However, these injections may also be used to treat other joint conditions, such as hip, shoulder, or ankle osteoarthritis. Still, evidence is limited, and such uses may not be covered by insurance. Additionally, investigative use in TMJ disorders and other joints exists, but strong evidence is lacking.
Benefits of Visco Gel Injections for the Knee
- Pain Relief: One of the primary benefits of visco gel injections is reducing knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. By providing additional lubrication and cushioning, the injections can help minimize friction and irritation within the joint, leading to decreased pain during movement.
- Improved Joint Function: Visco gel injections can help improve knee joint function by increasing the viscosity and elasticity of the synovial fluid. Enhanced lubrication allows for smoother, more efficient joint movement, which can result in better overall function and mobility.
- Delayed Progression of Osteoarthritis: Visco gel injections may help slow down the progression of osteoarthritis by improving the lubrication and cushioning of the knee joint. The injections can provide a protective barrier for the remaining cartilage, potentially reducing further wear and tear on the joint surfaces.
- Reduced Need for Oral Pain Medications: Patients who experience significant pain relief from visco gel injections may be able to reduce their reliance on oral pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This can be particularly beneficial for patients who experience side effects from these medications or have contraindications to their use.
- Postponement of Knee Replacement Surgery: For some patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, visco gel injections may help to delay the need for knee replacement surgery. By managing pain and improving joint function, the injections can help patients maintain their quality of life and postpone more invasive surgical interventions.
- Non-Surgical Treatment Option: Viscosupplementation provides a non-surgical treatment alternative for patients who may not be suitable candidates for surgery or who prefer to avoid surgical intervention. The injections can be administered in an outpatient setting, requiring no hospital stay or lengthy recovery period.
- Repeatable Treatment: If patients experience positive results from visco gel injections, the treatment can be repeated as needed. Most patients receive a series of three to five injections, with the effects lasting for several months. The injections can be administered again when the benefits begin to diminish.
What to Expect After a Knee Gel Injection
Immediate post-injection effects:
- Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site.
- Swelling or stiffness in the knee joint.
- These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
First few days after the injection:
- Patients may continue to experience some pain, swelling, or stiffness in the knee.
- It’s important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions regarding rest, ice application, and any prescribed medications.
- Patients should avoid strenuous activities or excessive weight-bearing on the treated knee during this time.
Gradual improvement:
- Over the next several weeks, patients may notice a gradual decrease in knee pain and stiffness.
- Improved knee joint function and mobility may become apparent as the hyaluronic acid gel integrates with the existing synovial fluid.
- The full benefits of the injection may not be experienced until 4-6 weeks after the procedure.
Follow-up injections:
- Viscosupplementation typically involves a series of one, three, or five injections, administered at weekly intervals.
- Patients should attend all scheduled injection appointments to get optimal results.
- Some patients may require additional injection series in the future to maintain the benefits of the treatment.
Long-term outcomes:
- The duration of pain relief and improved knee function can vary from patient to patient.
- Some patients may experience benefits for 6 months or more, while others may require more frequent injections to maintain relief.
- Patients should continue to engage in other conservative management strategies, such as exercise, physical therapy, and weight management, to optimize long-term outcomes.
Potential complications:
- While rare, some patients may experience complications such as allergic reactions, infections, or nerve damage.
- Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in the knee or develop a fever or other signs of infection.
When to See a Specialist at TSAOG
We recommend individuals see a specialist for knee pain or osteoarthritis in the following situations:
- Persistent Pain: If you experience knee pain that persists for several weeks or months despite self-care measures like rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s a good idea to consult a specialist. Persistent pain may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
- Limited Mobility: If knee pain or stiffness significantly limits your ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of chairs, it’s time to see a specialist. Reduced mobility can lead to further joint damage and decreased quality of life.
- Severe or Sudden Pain: If you experience severe knee pain or sudden onset of pain, particularly following an injury or trauma, seek medical attention promptly. Severe pain may indicate a more serious condition, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscus damage.
- Swelling or Deformity: A specialist should evaluate significant swelling, redness, or warmth in the knee joint or visible deformity of the knee. These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical intervention, such as an infection, inflammatory arthritis, or advanced osteoarthritis.
- Prior to Starting New Treatments: If you are considering new treatments for knee osteoarthritis, such as viscosupplementation gel injections, it’s essential to consult with a specialist first. They can help determine whether the treatment is appropriate for your specific condition and guide you through the process.
- Unsuccessful Conservative Treatment: If you have tried conservative treatments for knee osteoarthritis, such as physical therapy, exercise, weight management, and oral medications, but have not experienced adequate relief, it’s time to consult a specialist. They can help explore additional treatment options, such as viscosupplementation or surgical interventions.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your knee health, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, it’s important to work closely with a specialist to manage your knee osteoarthritis in the context of your overall health.
TSAOG is here to help. Book an appointment today.
Visco Gel Injection FAQs
Are gel injections in the knee worth it?
Gel injections can be worth it for many patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, providing pain relief and improved function for several months, but individual results vary from person to person.
What should you not do after a gel shot in your knee?
After a gel injection, avoid strenuous activities, excessive weight-bearing, and high-impact exercises for at least 24-48 hours to allow the knee to recover.
How long does a visco gel injection last?
The effects of visco gel injections can last for several months, with some patients experiencing benefits for 6 months or more, depending on individual factors.
How many times can you get gel injections in the knee?
Patients typically receive a series of one, three, or five injections, and the cycle can be repeated every 6 months to a year as needed to maintain symptom relief.
Are gel shots better than cortisone?
Gel shots and cortisone injections serve different purposes. Gel shots provide longer-lasting lubrication, while cortisone offers quick anti-inflammatory relief. The choice is dependent on individual needs and preferences.
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Reference:
- https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/disease-management/hyaluronic-acid-injections-for-knee-pain
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7114596/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6573776/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4775491/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6091395/
