Do you also have pain in your knees when you climb stairs or walk for a short distance? Do you feel a clicking sound when you get up from a chair? Most of the time, this is due to wear and tear on the knee joints, which in medical terms is called arthritis. This pain makes it very difficult to do your daily activities. So, among the treatments available for this, one effective way to reduce pain without having to undergo surgery is to inject gel into the knee. Let's talk about this simply today.
What is this gel injection for the knee called?
Simply put, knee injections are a treatment for arthritis in your knee. This is medically known as `(Viscosupplementation)`. This injection contains a substance called `(Hyaluronic acid)`.
Think of it this way, `(Hyaluronic acid)` is like a lubricant that is naturally produced in our own body. To be precise, it is the main component of `(Synovial fluid)`, the joint fluid that helps our joints slide easily without rubbing against each other. It is a bit thick, gel-like in texture.
When arthritis develops in the knee, this natural amount of joint fluid and the cartilage that covers the joint wear out. That's when you feel pain every time you bend or straighten your knee. So this gel injection works by restoring that lost lubrication to the joint, reducing pain and making the knee easier to move.
Is this treatment only used on the knee?
Currently, the world's major health agencies have only approved this gel injection for the treatment of knee arthritis . This is because there is sufficient research evidence to support its effectiveness. However, in some cases, doctors also prescribe this treatment for pain in other joints (for example, the hip joint). However, this is a decision that only your doctor can make after examining your condition.
Things to consider before gel injections
Treating knee arthritis pain doesn't start with a shot. Doctors usually first recommend what we call "first-line treatments." Only if these don't control the pain do they turn to "second-line treatments," such as shots.
First-line treatments:
- Physical therapy: Special exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee.
- Low-impact exercise: Exercise that does not put too much strain on the knees, such as walking and swimming.
- Losing weight: Losing weight greatly reduces the pressure on the knees.
- Hot and cold therapy: Soaking with hot water or ice packs.
- Painkillers: Take `(Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs)` as directed by your doctor.
- Wearing a knee brace .
- Taking nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin (these should also be taken under medical advice).
If these things don't relieve the pain, your doctor may consider injection treatment.
Second-line treatments (vaccines):
- Cortisone shots
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Gel injections into the knee (Viscosupplementation)
How does the vaccination process work?
This is usually a simple procedure that can be done in the doctor's office. It doesn't require much preparation.
| Steps | What is happening? |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | The injection site (knee) is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution. |
| 2. Location identification | Using an X-ray or ultrasound scan, the exact joint cavity where the injection should be injected is selected. |
| 3. Numbness | A small local anesthetic is given to the area so that you don't feel any pain. |
| 4. Removing excess liquid (if necessary) | Sometimes the knee may be swollen and filled with extra fluid. If so, the extra fluid is removed with a syringe. |
| 5. Drilling the gel | Then, the hyaluronic acid gel is slowly injected into the joint cavity. |
| 6. Finishing | The splinter is removed and a small plaster is applied to the area. That's it! |
What should you do after the vaccination?
You can go home straight after the treatment. Some people may experience some pain or swelling at the injection site. If this happens, applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the area for a few minutes will help reduce the pain.
Most importantly: Avoid putting too much weight on your knee for the next 48 hours after getting the shot. It's okay to walk lightly, but avoid running, jumping, lifting weights, or doing any strenuous exercise.
Gel injections and cortisone injections: What's the difference?
A question that many people have is whether this gel injection or the more commonly used cortisone injection is better. Although both are pain treatments, there are differences in the way they work and the results.
| Feature | Gel Injections | Cortisone Shots |
|---|---|---|
| Main action | Providing lubrication to the joint. | Eliminating inflammation in the joint. |
| Speed of results | It may take several weeks. Results are slow. | The pain will subside quickly (in a few days). |
| Results duration | It usually lasts about 6 months . | It only lasts a short time, like 2-3 months. |
| Side effects | Low. There may be slight pain at the injection site. | Regular consumption can damage cartilage and increase blood sugar and blood pressure. |
| Retrieval | Can be safely retrieved again and again. | It is not recommended to take it frequently. |
Especially for someone with diabetes or high blood pressure, as cortisone injections can temporarily increase blood sugar and blood pressure, gel injections may be a safer option.
When do you need to talk to the doctor?
Although there are usually no major side effects, if you experience the following symptoms after receiving the vaccine, you should contact your doctor immediately .
- Unbearable pain
- Severe swelling of the knee
- If your knee or foot feels numb
- If you get a fever
A symptom like this could indicate an infection or a severe reaction inside the joint, so it's important to inform your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Knee Gel Injections are a treatment for arthritis pain that adds a natural lubricant to the joint.
- This doesn't give the same results for everyone, but for those who do get results, it helps them live for about 6 months without pain or surgery.
- It has fewer side effects than cortisone injections. This may be a good option, especially for people with diabetes and high blood pressure.
- It is always best to talk to your doctor to decide if this treatment is right for you and how much you will benefit from it.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න