Knee pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages. For individuals suffering from chronic discomfort, knee gel injections, often containing hyaluronic acid, are a popular treatment option. These injections aim to minimize pain and improve the quality of life for those struggling with knee osteoarthritis or related conditions.
However, for some, knee pain worsens after a gel injection, leaving patients frustrated and concerned with such side effects. Below, we’ll explore why this happens, what you can expect during the treatment process, and how to manage post-injection discomfort in the arthritic knee effectively.
What Are Gel Injections for Knee Pain?
Gel injections are a procedure used to manage knee arthritis symptoms. They involve injecting a substance, typically made from a naturally occurring chemical in the normal synovial liquid, such as hyaluronic acid, directly into the knee joint.
This compound acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, mimicking the function of healthy cartilage to ease knee pain and stiffness. While not a cure for knee arthritis, these injections can provide significant relief, especially for those with mild osteoarthritis.
How Gel Injections Work to Relieve Knee Pain
In a healthy knee joint, hyaluronic acid exists as a naturally occurring substance within the synovial fluid. It helps maintain the smooth movement of the joint and reduces friction. However, in conditions like osteoarthritis, this fluid becomes less effective due to the loss of hyaluronic acid, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Gel knee injections work by replenishing this lost hyaluronic acid, helping the joint function more efficiently. For many, this treatment minimizes pain, improves range of motion, and delays the need for more invasive measures such as knee replacement surgery. Three or four injections may be given if symptoms recur.
But when a patient requires more than one injection, it may indicate a need to revise the treatment plan. Continuous knee gel injections can decrease in effectiveness over time. In such cases, doctors suggest alternatives, including knee replacement or physiotherapy.
Experiencing Knee Pain Worse After Gel Injection: Possible Reasons
All the side effects can be disheartening, but it’s important to understand that this doesn’t always indicate a failure of the treatment. Here are some potential reasons:
Temporary pain and swelling. After the knee gel injections, it’s normal to experience temporary swelling. This mild pain is often due to the body’s response to the injection itself rather than the gel. Acute swelling may occur as the substance typically binds with synovial fluid, creating a short-lived inflammatory reaction.
Incorrect injection technique. Like any medical procedure, knee injections require precision. If the injection isn’t administered properly, it might irritate surrounding tissues, causing pain and discomfort.
Individual reactions. Every person’s body reacts differently. While gel injections are designed to provide relief, some individuals may experience adverse reactions due to factors like existing inflammation or allergies.
Pre-existing severe pain. For patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis or intense pain, the initial stages of treatment might feel more uncomfortable before improvement begins.
Normal vs. Severe Post-Injection Pain: What to Expect
It’s crucial to distinguish between normal post knee gel injections symptoms and signs that indicate a problem. Temporary pain, mild swelling, or stiffness for a few weeks are common and expected. These symptoms usually subside as the gel integrates with the joint.
However, severe pain, redness, or significant swelling could suggest complications such as infection or a side effects. If these symptoms occur, seeking immediate medical advice is essential.
How Long Does Your Knee Hurt After Gel Injection?
The duration of discomfort varies from person to person. On average, most patients experience some level of pain and swelling for about three to five weeks. However, this timeline depends on factors like the extent of knee arthritis, the patient’s overall health, and how well they follow post knee gel injections care instructions. While the initial discomfort may be discouraging, many patients report considerable relief within a few weeks of the procedure.
Other Factors Influencing Post-Injection Pain
Several factors can affect how your body responds to knee injections:
Osteoarthritis symptoms and stage. Patients with moderate osteoarthritis often respond better to gel injections than those with advanced or severe arthritis.
Physical therapy. Engaging in a formal physical therapy program before and after the injection can enhance symptom improvement. Exercises that strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve range of motion are particularly beneficial.
Individual health conditions. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases can impact healing and increase the risk of side effects.
Why Some Patients Experience Increased Pain Before Relief
For some individuals, the journey to pain relief after a gel injection is not linear. A common and often unexpected phenomenon is the experience of growing pain in the days or weeks immediately following the procedure.
Understanding why this happens can alleviate concerns and clarify the treatment’s progression:
Inflammatory response after the knee gel injection. When the gel is injected into the knee joint, it interacts with the synovial fluid and surrounding tissues. This process can sometimes trigger a mild inflammatory response as the body adjusts to the introduction of a foreign substance. While this reaction is temporary, it may cause increased pain, swelling, or stiffness in the initial days after the procedure.
Joint sensitivity to other injections. The knee joint is a complex structure, and for some patients, the injection itself can irritate sensitive tissues. This is particularly true for individuals who already have inflamed joints or severe osteoarthritis. The increased pressure within the joint caused by the injection may contribute to the sensation of discomfort.
Healing progression and “Flare-Ups”. Before the gel begins to provide relief, the body may go through a phase where symptoms fluctuate. These “flare-ups” are often a part of the natural healing process as the gel integrates with the joint. During this phase, patients may feel discouraged, but it is important to remember that this is not side effects, it is typically a precursor to long-term symptom improvement.
Reassurance and patient education. Healthcare providers should prepare patients for this possibility, as understanding the cause of the pain can ease anxiety and ensure compliance with post knee gel injections care instructions. With time and proper management, most patients transition from this phase to experiencing considerable relief, making the temporary discomfort worthwhile.
Managing Knee Pain After Gel Injections
If new knee joint pain persists after gel injections, there are several steps you can take to manage discomfort and promote healing:
Apply ice packs. Ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling. Apply them to the affected area for 15–20 minutes, several times a day.
Take pain relievers. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can provide temporary relief. However, always consult your doctor before starting any new medication.
Engage in physical therapy. A personalized treatment plan from a sports medicine specialist or physical therapist can help restore joint function.
Avoid strenuous activities. Give your knee time to heal by avoiding high-impact activities like running or jumping. Also, it will be great to buy Orthopedics products.
Follow up with your doctor. Regular check-ups ensure your treatment process stays on track. Your doctor may measure pain numbers after the physical examination or adjust your treatment plan as needed.
When to Consider Other Treatments for Knee Pain
If knee gel injections don’t provide the desired relief, or if pain and swelling persist, you may need to explore other treatments.
Corticosteroid injections. Cortisone Injections tend to decrease pain and inflammation faster, especially for acute swelling.
Knee surgery. For patients with advanced osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery may be the most effective solution.
Pain medication. Prescription medications may help manage symptoms for those with severe arthritis. As your knee begins to recover, you will notice that your dependence on pain medication decreases.
Weight loss. Losing weight can reduce the stress on your knee joint, relieving pain and improving mobility.
Other prophylactic injections. Some patients may benefit from other types of injections, such as viscoelastic supplement injections, which provide additional cushioning to the joint.
Conclusion: Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Gel Knee Injections
Knee injections have helped countless individuals manage their symptoms and regain their quality of life. While it’s not uncommon to experience growing pain after the procedure, understanding the potential reasons and knowing how to manage the discomfort can make a significant difference.
It’s also vital to remember that treatment outcomes vary. A combination of gel injections, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments provides the best results. Always consult with your healthcare provider to develop a special treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
For many, the benefits of hyaluronic acid injections outweigh the risks, offering a chance to resume normal activities and enjoy improved mobility. If you’re considering this treatment or facing challenges with your current knee pain, don’t hesitate to seek expert guidance.