Say Goodbye to Knee Pain with Long-Lasting Gel Injections
Chronic or severe knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Knee gel injections can offer lasting relief with almost no risk of side effects. Knee injections are a great alternative to more invasive procedures, like surgery, and can also be used alongside other knee pain treatment options like rehabilitative therapy, hydrotherapy, and exercise therapy. Here is your ultimate guide to understanding how knee gel injections work so that you can decide if they’re the right choice for you.
What Are Gel Injections for Knees?
Knee gel injections are an all-natural, minimally invasive treatment for knee pain. They consist of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. They work by providing added lubrication to the knee joint, which enhances cushioning and restores mobility. The injections can be administered as an alternative to or in addition to other treatment options. If you have tried prescription painkillers and physical therapy and are still suffering from chronic knee pain, you may be a good candidate for knee gel injections.
Alternative Names for Knee Gel Injection Treatments
When you talk to your doctor or look for information online about knee gel injections, you may see references to many different names. All of these names refer to the same treatment, however. That is because knee gel injections have other names that are interchangeable, including:
- Viscosupplementation
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- Gel shots
- Knee pain shots
- Visco shots
- HA shots
- Rooster comb injections
What Conditions Are Treated With Knee Gel Injections?
Knee gel injections are most effective at treating joint-related knee pain. Because they restore the natural lubricating and cushioning properties of your joint fluid, they can be effective at treating conditions that stem from a lack of fluid or joint fluid deficiency. Talk to your doctor about knee gel injections if you have any of the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Hip and ankle joint degeneration
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Meniscus injuries
- Cartilage tears
How Effective Are Knee Gel Injections?
Research studies have shown that knee gel injections can offer a 50% improvement in pain as well as a reduction of knee stiffness. However, results vary based on the patient’s age, diagnosis, overall health, lifestyle, and the severity of their condition. While knee gel injections aren’t a cure, they can offer pain relief and make it easier to walk, which in turn can give your body the chance to heal and rehabilitate.
Types of Gel Injections for Knees
Your doctor will design a specific knee pain treatment plan for you based on your condition, symptoms, lifestyle, and health. There are two primary types of gel injections for knees:
- One-time Injection – Some people may find significant and lasting relief after just one injection. Your doctor will start off with one to see how you respond and how much relief you feel. If you are able to return to your normal daily routine, you might not need another injection.
- Series of Injections – Because it might take a few injections before you feel the full benefits, your doctor may recommend that you get a shot each week for three to five weeks. If those shots are effective, you may not need another for three to six months. However, because the injections are all-natural, you can get them repeatedly for as long as you need them.
The Knee Gel Injections Procedure
The knee gel injection procedure is simple. Your doctor will clean and sterilize the injection site and then use a mild anesthetic to numb the area. They will then use a thin needle containing hyaluronic acid to administer the injection directly into your knee joint. You may feel a slight pinch or sting.
How Soon Does Relief Arrive?
Some people experience immediate pain relief; however, for others, it may take a series of injections over four or five weeks to start noticing any benefits. The full effect of the injections might show after about two months. The gel injection in knee recovery time varies from person to person as well. Some people have mild, temporary swelling after the injection. In general, the results of an injection can last for six months or longer.
Find Lasting Knee Pain Relief at Texas Institute of Pain & Spine
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of knee gel injections for chronic knee pain, we can help. At Texas Institute of Pain and Spine, we offer highly personalized and targeted chronic pain treatment using safe, all-natural therapies. We take a holistic approach to pain management, treating the root cause of the pain and taking the time needed to fully understand how the pain is affecting your life. Our goal is to help you find relief without needing an invasive or surgical procedure or increasing your reliance on prescription pain medication. Call us now or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation and find out if you’re a good candidate for knee gel injections in Pearland, TX.