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Illinois (309) 762-3621
Illinois (309) 762-3621
At ORA Orthopedics, we understand how chronic knee pain can impact your daily life. As the leading providers of orthopedic care throughout the Quad Cities, our specialists are committed to helping you find relief and restore your mobility. One of the advanced, non-surgical treatment options we offer is viscosupplementation injections—commonly known as knee gel injections—for patients living with knee osteoarthritis.
Healthy joints rely on two key components to move smoothly: cartilage and synovial fluid. Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones, while synovial fluid serves as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joint. Osteoarthritis, a common condition affecting the knee, causes the cartilage to wear down and the synovial fluid to lose its protective properties. This leads to painful rubbing of the bones and persistent discomfort.
Viscosupplementation injections are designed to relieve pain and improve joint function for patients who have not found relief from other conservative treatments, such as medications, steroid injections, or physical therapy. These injections contain hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps lubricate and cushion the knee joint. As we age, the amount and quality of hyaluronic acid in our joints diminish, making movement more difficult and painful.
Treatments & Conditions
During the procedure, a dense gel containing hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the knee joint. This replenishes the depleted synovial fluid, enhancing the joint’s lubricating and shock-absorbing properties. By restoring this natural cushion, viscosupplementation injections can reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness, allowing you to move more comfortably.
There are two main types of hyaluronic acid preparations available:
Your ORA Orthopedics provider will help determine which option is best for you, taking into account any allergies and your insurance coverage.
Viscosupplementation injections are most effective for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who have not responded to other non-surgical treatments. If you experience chronic knee pain, stiffness, or swelling that limits your daily activities, and conservative therapies have not provided relief, you may be a good candidate for this procedure.
Patients who cannot tolerate steroid injections or pain medications due to other health conditions may also benefit from viscosupplementation. Our team will carefully evaluate your medical history and symptoms to ensure this treatment is appropriate for you.
Viscosupplementation is a quick, office-based procedure performed by our experienced orthopedic specialists. The injection site is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. In some cases, ultrasound guidance may be used to ensure precise placement of the gel within the knee joint.
Depending on the product used, you may receive a single injection or a series of injections spaced one week apart. Most patients report only mild discomfort during the procedure, and any soreness or swelling typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Applying ice to the area can help relieve these symptoms.
After your injection, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities—such as jogging, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing—for the first 48 hours. Most patients can return to their normal routines shortly after the procedure.
Viscosupplementation injections can provide significant pain relief and improved mobility for many patients. While results vary, studies show that up to 60% of patients experience successful outcomes, with benefits typically appearing four to six weeks after treatment. Relief can last for up to six months, and the procedure may be repeated if symptoms return.
Compared to corticosteroid injections, knee gel injections offer longer-lasting relief and fewer potential side effects. They are also a valuable option for patients seeking to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.
Viscosupplementation is considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure. The most common side effects are mild soreness, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site, which usually resolves quickly. Rarely, patients may experience a pseudoseptic reaction—redness and swelling that mimics infection but is not caused by bacteria. Rest and ice typically resolve this issue within one to two weeks.
Patients with allergies to animal-derived products should discuss non-animal-derived options with their provider. Infection and other serious complications are extremely rare.
At ORA Orthopedics, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. We focus on conservative, non-surgical treatment options first, helping you avoid or delay the need for joint replacement whenever possible. If surgery becomes necessary, our highly experienced total joint surgeons will guide you through your options and support you every step of the way.
We are proud to serve the joint health needs of residents throughout the Quad Cities, offering advanced treatments and personalized care to help you get back to the activities you love.
If you’re struggling with knee pain and want to learn more about viscosupplementation injections, contact ORA Orthopedics today to schedule an appointment. Our specialists are here to answer your questions and help you find the best solution for your joint health.
Viscosupplementation injections are treatments that involve injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint to help lubricate and cushion the joint, often used for patients with osteoarthritis.
Patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who have not responded well to other treatments like physical therapy, NSAIDs, or corticosteroid injections may benefit from viscosupplementation.
These injections supplement the natural hyaluronic acid in the joint, improving joint lubrication and potentially reducing pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. A local anesthetic may be used to reduce pain during the injection.
Relief may begin within a few days to a few weeks after the injection, with peak effectiveness typically occurring around 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment.
The benefits can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient’s condition and activity level.
Common side effects include mild pain, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site. Serious complications are rare but can include infection or allergic reaction.
Yes, many patients receive repeat injections every 6 months to maintain symptom relief, depending on their physician’s recommendation.
