Knee gel injections are a popular and FDA-approved treatment option among patients with osteoarthritis—a very common degenerative condition characterized by the deterioration of cushioning joint cartilage. Also referred to as viscosupplementation, hyaluronic acid shots, and even “rooster comb” shots, knee gel injections involve administering hyaluronic acid directly into the knee to provide much-needed lubrication in the joint space and improve the knee’s ability to absorb shock. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that helps facilitate smooth, comfortable movement and can reduce the discomfort related to bone-on-bone contact from osteoarthritis. For some patients, knee gel injections may help delay or avoid the need for knee replacement surgery.
The effects of knee gel injections may last for about six months, with noticeable results typically occurring 4 or 5 weeks after treatment. This period of relief is considerably longer than other injection therapies. However, it’s important to note that every person is different. Results from knee gel injections can vary based on the severity of each patient’s arthritis and symptoms, as well as his or her overall health, age, and activity levels.
When are Knee Gel Injections Appropriate?
Knee gel injections may be a viable treatment option for osteoarthritis patients with symptoms that do not improve with many common care approaches, such as:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers
- Physical therapy
- Avoidance of high-impact activities
- Losing excess weight
If knee gel injections are considered appropriate for a patient, one to five shots may be administered over the course of several weeks. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours after each injection. Side effects are minimal, and usually involve temporary pain, swelling and warmth at the injection site.
Knee Gel Injections at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group is the longest-operating orthopedic practice in the Tampa area. A division of Florida Medical Clinic, our center can be your first choice for osteoarthritis treatment, knee gel shots, and other progressive therapies from friendly, local physicians.
Our practice is led by orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine physician Dr. Arnold Ramirez—two board-certified specialists who collaborate with other experienced clinicians to provide well-rounded care for a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions. Patients with osteoarthritis have access to knee gel injections from leading brands, including Synvisc One and Hyalgen, and attentive, personalized care from our experts. We make it a priority to educate our patients about all of their treatment options and help them make informed and confident decisions about their care.
Learn More Information
Contact our friendly team at Tampa Orthoapedic & Sports Medicine Group today to learn more about our approach to osteoarthritis treatment and knee gel injections. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about our physicians, therapies, and accepted insurances. You can also contact us to schedule an appointment, or you may reserve an appointment quickly and easily on our website. We look forward to helping you achieve your best orthopedic health.
