Hylauronic Gel Injections in the Knees...Anyone?

@covidstinks2023 Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about using hyaluronic gel:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hyaluronic-acid-injection-route/side-effects/drg-20074557?p=1
drugs.com says your side effect is a common one. Have you tried warm compresses, to see if that gives you any relief? Just a thought...

I had that type of injection years ago, but it did nothing for my knee. I am, like you, bone-on-bone in right knee, and waiting for approval of a radio frequency ablation.
Ginger

Ginger, Thank you so much for this info. Blessings & Hugs....

I have those inyections- will be my 3 rd time getting it- , help me with mobility… last one didn’t feel much difference, pain is there little less . I’m trying to avoid the knee replacement. Have consulted with orthopedic and knee replacement are less invasive than past years are more successful… I’m hoping keep the shots little longer due to my “young age “, according to my Reumatologist.

I had a total of 10 injections in 2022, five in each knee. It worked for my left knee but not the right knee. Fast forward: I started the injections again in September 2024 but there was a new procedure, now there are seven shots per knee. The shots were causing more pain so I stopped at four. I’m looking forward to Total Knee Replacement in December or January.

@captboat
Afterthought: to add to my original post about the injections. I played a lot of basketball in my life starting with many years of outdoor basketball on the courts in Washington DC. I played 25 years of organized basketball including college and AAU. November 11, 2024. I will be 81 years old, so we may be talking about different uses of the knees over a lifetime.

Has anyone had the needle hit a nerve after insertion?

kamama62, I just got my 2nd set of these injections in my knees in December. The first ones lasted me a year. My doctor injects my knees with a numbing solution before doing the injections. I have never felt like it has hit a nerve. I hardly feel the H.A. injection.

I will say this. This is the 2nd time that my legs have felt heavy after getting the injections. The last time it lasted for several months. My legs are stiffer after the injections, BUT, it's a tradeoff for less pain....I'll take it.

Praying for your nerve pain to go away. I know that's hard. Happy New Year Blessings to you.

My doctor has suggested getting the gel shot. My pain is manageable, my problem is that I can't straighten my knee all the way and it stays slightly swollen all the time. My question is this... will the gel shot take care of this issue or is it a waste of time and money if I can manage the pain in the knee?

bivacioisones, I have had 2 sets of the gel injections. Both times, my knees and legs have become stiffer. That wears off in about 6 months. If there is a side effect, I am the poster child for it!

Initially, the injections make your knees feel heavy supposedly for 24 hours. That lasted longer with me.

I still have to have my knees aspirated & get cortisone injections every 12-14 weeks.

My takeaway on this is that my knees are not as painful with the gel injections and in the long
run I think they are worth it in helping to reduce knee pain.

Blessings & Prayers to you....

@bivacioisones Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Have you had a definite diagnosis to what is going on with your knee, yet? I think that would help in figuring out the next step for treatment. I have arthritis in my knee, along with bone-on-bone tissue breakdown. The gel shots worked for several years, but eventually the damage was too severe to be of any benefit.
Ginger