Delaying TKR

Not aware of any special shots. Suggest to talk with your providers about all the options, including any new good ideas you may pick up from your question.

Presuming you have discussed and considered conservative treatment such as physical therapy, lifestyle, NSAIDS if appropriate https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2811009

Regarding injections, they are one option, but recommendations for, or against, vary over the years among professional organizations, as noted in the Journal of the American Medical Association link above, and the following link. If the links don't work try searches such as JAMA knee pain treatment or Mayo Clinic knee pain treatment.
( https://www.jrheum.org/content/49/8/958.abstract )

Perhaps a research trial? As I mentioned, I don't think any special shots have 100% consensus recommendations, research trials may be available?

For what it's worth, I have had relief from occasional knee pain thru the following:
Water jets in a pool, and swimming.
Physical therapy
Sometimes cutting back a few days, on running or too many steps and lifting.

Best wishes

Which gel injection did you have? I had Gel One injection a week and a half ago, and it wasn't painful at all. Ultrasound was used to guide where gel went. Did your doc use ultrasound?

I've also had a hyaluronic gel shot in the knee at Duke sports medicine. They also use an ultrasound to guide. Great local anesthetic. Absolutely no discomfort or pain.

@dna41
I’m 81 and played organized basketball for 25 years. The shots worked for me for years. And then they didn’t. I got my first Total Knee Replacement January 22, 2025. My second July 30, 2025. I had an excellent doctor with an amazing staff. I heard a lot of scary stories too but my wife had both her knees, by the same doctor and I was her care taker. Of course there is pain, it’s major surgery. But with today’s pain management it is doable. We are christains so we bath everything in prayer and it worked for us. This is my 12th day of rehabilitation and we are working through. We’ve been married 56 years my wife was the cheerleader. I hope this helps your decision. Get a good surgeon and then get a second opinion. God bless you.

Your surgeons will always recommend surgery. That’s what they do. I stumbled upon interventional radiology which offers a different approach. My research has just begun. Perhaps you should research it too. Joint pain, prostate problems and more are treated.

Thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely look into that possibility.

Thank you very much for your encouragement. The fact that you have had two replacements this year is very inspiring. I don't have a big problem when walking normally. It's when I need to bend my knees that things get painful. I may be kidding myself that I can do without TKR. Wishful thinking.

I don't recall an ultrasound but he did use a local anesthetic. The pain was excruciating. I had it done two times and could not endure another.

Thank you so much for your thoughts and recommendations. You make very good points and food for thought. I will be considering all your suggestions.

The surgery is painful, but if you have an excellent surgeon and hospital, they will keep the pain level manageable. The knee probably won't get any better over time and you might end up having to get a TKR anyway. I am 85 and had bilateral knee replacement on July 1. I had never had surgery before and didn't know what to expect. It's not a walk in the park but the nurses in the hospital were the best. They made sure I was comfortable and kept the pain level down. Two days ago I started walking without a cane. I am so glad I had the surgery. My advice is if you are having the surgery in September, ask quetions, do researcha dna get all the information you can so you are more comfortable doing the surgery. Then go to PT at least a month ahead of the surgery. I rented a recumbent bike a month before the surgery and that helped to build muscle in my legs. It was a very good investment. This group is the place to be if you have questions. I wish you the best and I am sure you will make an informed decision after you gather all your information. Good luck!