If you’re struggling with knee pain and swelling due to arthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the knee, you may be looking for effective treatment options beyond oral medications and physical therapy. One treatment option that has gained popularity in recent years is viscosupplementation. This procedure involves the injection of a gel-like substance, often hyaluronic acid, directly into the knee joint to help ease pain, reduce swelling, and improve mobility.
What Is Viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation is a type of joint injection therapy designed to restore the natural properties of synovial fluid in the knee. Synovial fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber within the knee joint, allowing smooth movement and protecting cartilage from wear. In patients with knee osteoarthritis—a form of arthritis characterized by the breakdown of cartilage—the synovial fluid becomes thinner and less effective. This leads to pain in and around the knee, stiffness, and inflammation.
Injections of hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in synovial fluid, can help supplement this loss. These hyaluronic acid injections (also known as knee gel injections or HA injections) are designed to improve joint function, reduce pain, and delay the need for knee replacement surgery.
Who Should Consider Viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation is typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who have not experienced sufficient relief from anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, or other conservative treatments. It is especially suitable for patients who want to delay the need for knee replacement.
You may want to consider viscosupplementation if:
- You have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis that interferes with daily activities
- You are experiencing chronic pain and inflammation in your knee
- You are not ready for or want to avoid knee replacement surgery
- You have not responded well to corticosteroids, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications
How Do Viscosupplementation Injections Work?
Viscosupplementation injections contain hyaluronic acid, which is either synthetically produced or derived from rooster combs. When injected into the joint, the substance helps to lubricate and cushion the knee, improving movement and helping to reduce pain. These injections may also stimulate the body to produce more natural hyaluronic acid.
There are different types of injection schedules. Some products require a series of injections—usually weekly injections over three to five weeks—while others are a single injection designed to deliver long-lasting relief. Your provider will help determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
Benefits of Viscosupplementation
- Pain Relief: Viscosupplementation has been shown to help reduce pain and swelling in your knee caused by arthritis.
- Improved Mobility: Patients often report better joint movement and less stiffness after a course of treatment.
- Delays Surgery: For many, it can delay the need for knee replacement surgery.
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike surgery, injections into the joint are non-invasive and performed in an outpatient setting.
- Fewer Systemic Side Effects: Compared to long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications, HA injections pose fewer risks to other organs.
How Does It Compare to Corticosteroid Injections?
While corticosteroid injections are commonly used for short-term pain relief, they do not improve the quality of synovial fluid or address cartilage loss. Viscosupplementation, on the other hand, helps restore the natural shock-absorbing properties of the knee joint. Some patients benefit from both types of joint injections at different stages of arthritis management.
Risks and Considerations
Viscosupplementation is generally well-tolerated, but like all medical procedures, it carries some risks. Common side effects at the injection site include:
- Swelling and pain
- Redness
- Warmth or bruising
These symptoms are typically mild and resolve within a few days. Rare adverse effects include infection or allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitivities to animal-derived products.
Effectiveness of Knee Gel Injections
Studies show that viscosupplementation is effective for many patients, particularly those with mild to moderate osteoarthritis in the knee. While it may not work for everyone, it remains a valuable option in the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis.
How long do gel injections last?
Relief can vary but often lasts for several months. Some patients receive repeat injections every 6 to 12 months based on symptom recurrence and provider recommendations.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- The area around the knee is cleaned and prepped.
- A local anesthetic may be used to reduce discomfort.
- The hyaluronic acid gel is injected into the knee joint, sometimes guided by ultrasound.
- You may be asked to rest for a day or two and avoid strenuous activity.
Is It Right for You?
If you are dealing with arthritis in the knee and struggling with pain and swelling that disrupts your daily life, viscosupplementation may be a suitable treatment option. It’s particularly effective for patients with knee osteoarthritis who are not ready to undergo total knee replacement.
Speak with a specialist at Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of Long Island to determine if you are a good candidate for this type of treatment. Our team is experienced in using viscosupplementation injections to help patients manage pain, improve mobility, and delay the need for surgery.
Contact Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island For Injection Therapy Today
Knee pain and swelling from osteoarthritis can be debilitating, but you don’t have to live with it. Viscosupplementation is one of the most common and effective options for treating knee arthritis when other treatments haven’t worked. By restoring lubrication within the knee joint, this gel-like injection can help manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life. From single injection options to a full series of injections, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of Long Island offers a range of solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about injections to help with joint pain and whether viscosupplementation is the right treatment for your knee.