Hylauronic Gel Injections in the Knees...Anyone?

I had received the knee shots for several years. Around twice a year! I had my knee drained before the injections ! Because of so much fluid on my knee ( the fluid was BAD pain ) helping with draining was a relief !!
The shots were very helpful!
As long as they give relieve! Have the injections !!
I stopped the shots a few. Years ago ! I could not tell they were doing much good !!the first few years. The shots were Great ( and my DR sprayed my knee ) before the injection ! So the I
Injection was not painful ! More of. Pressure feeling !

Over the past several months I am experiencing a significant amount of knee pain after sitting for an hour or so. I do have arthritis in that knee and am wondering if anyone else has had this issue. This is new to me and it only has been happening when I am in a seated position. This is something I now have to take into account when driving, going to a concert, on my computer or doing anything where I'd be seated for prolonged periods.

I have osteochondral (lost cartilage) defect in my left knee. I had taken cortisone injection year and half ago. I started feeling keen pain. Took some rest and pain went away but not completely. It was like 2 out of 10. We did MRI again and doctor advised me for Cortisone but I opted for Knee gel shot this time. I took shot last week and now i am feeling severe pain than before when I walk and when i try to straighten knee. Could it be post gel injection synovitis? There is no fever, swelling or redness.

samhassan, I am so sorry you are having this.

I know not every doctor numbs the knee up with Lidocaine before injecting with the gel
injection. With that said, the injection itself could be very painful if done without numbing.

It has helped my pain greatly, but, I have more stiffness in my knees that takes about 6 months
to wear off. The gel injection lasts me about a year.

I still get cortisone injections, but, I'm not having to get as many.

I would "mychart" the nurse and ask her about your side effect to the gel injection.

My blessings & prayers to you.....

Interesting that you're having stiffness from a hylauronic acid (gel) injection in the knee, as the FDA has only approved use of this drug for the knee. Of course that doesn't mean there are no side effects.

I have a friend who had an injection and had a lot of pain for two days after, so people clearly react differently.

Have you considered having the knee replaced? Current techniques have dramatically improved the outcomes of joint replacements. I've had both knees replaced and my knees feel great. If that interests you, please let me know.

In the meantime, I suggest ice, not heat, for your knees. Heat feels good at first, but draws blood to the area, increasing inflammation. Ice reduces inflammation.

I hope you get some relief quickly.

Joe

I too used the knee injections for several years and then they stopped working. 2024 was the last injections I received but they were too painful after 3 of the 7 shot series. On January 22, 2025 I had a Total Knee Replacement of my right knee. On July 30, 2025 I will have a TKR of my left knee. The first procedure went well and I expect the same of the second procedure. I am 81 and wish I had done this sooner.

Good for you Captain!

I had both of my knees replaced in 2022, four months apart, when I was 67, just a kid! My knees have never felt better and I'm in the gym everyday.

I'm glad you gave up on the injections. After a while all of the injections - cortisone, gel, stem cell - just stop working, regardless of the joint. In my humble opinion, once someone is diagnosed as bone-on-bone, it's time for a replacement. Our joints, all of them, do not get better over time once arthritis strikes, muscles get damaged in the shoulder (rotator cuff), and bones rub against bone - all very painful.

Best wishes on your upcoming replacement. I'm one week behind you, getting my left shoulder replaced on August 6, 2025.

All the best to you sir!

Joe

Hi Sam,

Sounds like it may be time to get the knee replaced. What are your thoughts on that?

Joe

Hey Joe, Thanks for the a formation’s, I used to play racquetball and I miss it now 🥲 Maybe I’ll get a reprieve 😂 I am living proof of the power of prayer so I will be praying for you.
God bless you.

Thank you kind sir!

Joe