What Can I Expect After Knee Gel Injections

July 4, 2024

Discover what to expect after knee gel injections, from managing discomfort to evaluating their effectiveness.

Understanding Knee Gel Injections

The first step in managing expectations after knee gel injections is understanding what these injections are and the benefits they offer.

What are Knee Gel Injections?

Knee gel injections, also known as viscosupplementation, involve the injection of a substance called hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. These injections are primarily used to provide lubrication, pain relief, and improved function for patients suffering from osteoarthritis, a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints [1].

Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, acts like a lubricant and shock absorber in the joints. People with osteoarthritis have lower concentrations of hyaluronic acid in their joints, and the procedure aims to replenish this important component to facilitate movement and reduce pain.

Benefits of Knee Gel Injections

The primary benefits of knee gel injections are their ability to provide pain relief and improved function for osteoarthritis patients. By injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint, these injections help to replace lost hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid, the liquid that helps lubricate and cushion the knee joint [3].

These injections are particularly beneficial for patients who have not found relief with pain relievers and other treatments [4].

Given once a week for three to five weeks, knee gel injections offer a safe and effective treatment option for managing osteoarthritis symptoms. Common side effects such as pain and swelling at the injection site usually resolve within a few days, making this a relatively low-risk procedure with potential high rewards for those dealing with knee pain.

Post-Injection Experience

Following knee gel injections, patients may have questions about what to expect. This section will provide guidance for the immediate aftercare, managing discomfort and swelling, and long-term care recommendations.

Immediate Aftercare Instructions

Directly after receiving knee gel injections, it is important to avoid strenuous activities such as running or jumping, as well as heavy lifting or excessive bending of the knees. Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling are recommended instead. For patients who received SYNVISC injections, they are advised to avoid strenuous or prolonged weight-bearing activities for approximately 48 hours following each injection. Consultation with a doctor is recommended before resuming such activities.

Managing Discomfort and Swelling

In the initial days post-injection, patients might experience some discomfort or swelling in the knee area. Applying ice packs to the injected knee can help reduce swelling and provide pain relief. It is important to follow the recommended duration and frequency of application. Pain medication may also be prescribed or recommended to manage discomfort. It is crucial to follow the recommended dosage and frequency.

Long-Term Care Recommendations

For long-term post-injection care, several practices can contribute to maintaining knee health and maximizing the benefits of the injections. These include:

Participating in physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee.
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on the joint.
Practicing proper body mechanics.
Wearing supportive footwear.
Incorporating low-impact activities into the exercise routine.
Considering alternative therapies.
Practicing good hygiene.
Monitoring for side effects such as redness, swelling, pain, itching, fever, and difficulty breathing [1].

Most patients can experience the greatest relief from osteoarthritis knee pain 8 to 12 weeks after the first SYNVISC injection, although responses may vary. It is recommended to complete all three injections to achieve maximum benefit.

Remember, long-term care for your knee after gel injections is a crucial part of maximizing the benefits of the treatment and maintaining your knee health. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice after knee gel injections.

Potential Side Effects

Despite the benefits of knee gel injections, like any medical treatment, they may cause some side effects. It's important to be aware of these potential issues and to consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerns following the procedure.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects after knee gel injections typically include temporary pain, swelling, heat, redness, and fluid build-up in or around the knee. These are generally mild and do not last long [6]. Applying ice packs to the injected knee for the first few days can help reduce swelling and provide pain relief. It's important to follow the recommended duration and frequency of application. Pain medication may be prescribed or recommended to manage discomfort or pain after knee gel injections. It's crucial to follow the recommended dosage and frequency [1].

Rare but Serious Side Effects

While most side effects are mild and temporary, there are some rare but serious side effects that could occur. Allergic reactions, some of which can be severe, have been reported during the use of Synvisc-One. It's also important to note that patients should call their doctor if the pain or swelling persists or becomes worse after the injection.

These are some of the potential side effects that might be experienced after receiving knee gel injections. It's crucial to communicate with your healthcare professional if any side effects occur or persist. As every patient's body reacts differently to treatments, understanding these potential side effects can help prepare for what to expect after knee gel injections.

Effectiveness and Duration

When considering knee gel injections as a treatment for knee pain and osteoarthritis, it's important to understand the potential effectiveness of the procedure and the duration of pain relief you can expect.

Efficacy of Knee Gel Injections

Knee gel injections, also known as viscosupplementation, involve the injection of hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. This procedure aims to provide lubrication, pain relief, and improved function for osteoarthritis patients.

Repeated courses of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IA-HA) injections have shown to be an effective and safe treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA), maintaining or further improving pain reduction without an increased safety risk. Studies demonstrated that pain decreased after the first course of injections and continued to decrease throughout the subsequent repeated courses, with approximately a 55% reduction in pain compared to baseline after 25 months of treatment.

However, it's important to note that not all research has found viscosupplementation to be significantly effective in reducing pain or improving function for knee arthritis. While some patients experience pain relief with the injections, others are not helped by the procedure [2].

Duration of Pain Relief

The duration of pain relief from knee gel injections can vary from person to person. A series of shots of hyaluronic acid injection is given one week apart for a total of three or four injections. It may take more than one injection for the pain to go away.

Some patients have reported pain relief lasting several months. However, the duration of effects varies, and the injections may need to be repeated after around 6 months [2].

Overall, the effectiveness and duration of pain relief from knee gel injections can vary, and it is important for individuals to discuss with their healthcare provider to understand what they can expect after knee gel injections.

Comparison with Other Treatments

Understanding the different treatment options available for knee pain can help individuals make informed decisions about their health. In this section, we'll compare viscosupplementation or knee gel injections with corticosteroid injections, and discuss the long-term benefits and considerations of these treatments.

Viscosupplementation vs. Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections are another commonly used treatment for knee pain. Similar to knee gel injections, corticosteroid injections can provide relief from pain and improve mobility. This relief is most prominent within the first few weeks after the injection and can last for several months, often up to 6 months [8].

However, unlike knee gel injections, the frequency of corticosteroid injections is typically limited to 2 or 3 times a year due to the medication within them. Therefore, any specific information on how frequently a person can obtain these knee injections safely should be provided by their doctor.

Long-Term Benefits and Considerations

While knee injections, including both knee gel injections and corticosteroids, provide temporary pain relief and enhanced mobility, they do not offer long-term benefits. The pain may return once the injected medication wears off within 6 to 8 months. Research has shown that knee injections are more of a short-term solution to the symptoms rather than a cure [8].

However, the risks of adverse reactions to knee injections are generally low, and they often create a minimal amount of discomfort when placed in the knee joint. Many individuals find that knee injections can help them move more easily, walk longer distances, reduce stiffness, and engage in activities they enjoy, thereby improving their quality of life.

Once the benefits of knee injections wear off, discussions with a healthcare provider may be necessary to explore alternative treatments. For continued pain relief and management, surgical procedures to repair or replace the knee joint might be considered [8].

It's crucial for individuals to understand their options and discuss these with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. This will ensure they have a clear understanding of what to expect after knee gel injections or any other treatment they opt for.