Knee gel injections are a treatment for arthritis in the knee. They are actually called hyaluronic acid injections. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that helps lubricate parts of your body. It’s the main part of synovial fluid, which keeps your joints moving smoothly. This fluid has a thick, gel-like texture.
When arthritis affects your knee, it can reduce the amount of synovial fluid and damage the cartilage in your joint.
This causes pain when you move your knee. Hyaluronic acid injections can help replace the lost lubrication and reduce your knee pain. Doctors refer to this treatment as viscosupplementation.
Can Visco Supplementation Help With Arthritis In Other Joints?
Right now, the FDA has only approved viscosupplementation for arthritis in the knee.
They haven’t found enough evidence to recommend it for other joints. However, some doctors still offer it for other joints, and some people choose to have gel injections in those areas as well.
What Happens Before You Get Knee Gel Injections?
Treating knee arthritis pain usually involves a combination of strategies.
Doctors often start with first-line treatments before considering knee injection Singapore. These include:
– Physical therapy
– Low-impact exercises
– Losing weight
– Using hot or cold therapy
– Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
– Wearing a knee brace
– Taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements
Injections, like knee gel injections, are considered a second-line treatment if these options aren’t enough.
Other types of injections include cortisone shots and platelet-rich plasma.
What Is The Procedure For Getting Knee Gel Injections?
You can get knee gel injections in your doctor’s office.
The process is usually done like this:
– The doctor cleans and prepares the injection area.
– They use X-ray or ultrasound to find the knee joint.
– A local anesthetic is injected to numb the area.
– If needed, some fluid is removed from the joint with a thin needle.
– Hyaluronic acid gel is then slowly injected into the knee joint.
– The needle is taken out, and the area is covered with a bandage.
What Happens After The Procedure?
You can go home right away.
Some people may feel mild pain or swelling at the injection site. If that happens, applying ice wrapped in a towel can help. Avoid using your knee too much for the next two days. Light walking is okay, but don’t overuse it or put too much weight on it.