As you age, or for other reasons, your knees wear out, and the pain you experience when walking, climbing stairs, or descending stairs is unbearable, isn't it? Sometimes it's difficult to control this pain with ordinary painkillers. At times like these, your doctor may tell you about a 'gel injection' that you can give to your knee. Today, we're talking about a special injection that is given to your knee, namely Sodium Hyaluronate.
What is Sodium Hyaluronate?
Simply put, it's a gel-like substance that's very similar to the smooth, slippery fluid (synovial fluid) that's naturally found in our joints. It's because of this fluid inside our healthy joints that we can bend and extend our joints without two bones rubbing against each other, sliding smoothly and without pain.
Just think, just as a car's engine needs 'engine oil' to function properly, our joints need this natural fluid to function properly.
As the knee wears down, that is, in the case of osteoarthritis , this natural fluid decreases and its quality also decreases. Then the soft part of the joint called cartilage starts to rub against each other. This is what causes pain, swelling, and difficulty bending the joint.
This injection works by restoring that lost fluid to the joint, acting as a 'lubricant', which acts like a cushion for the joint and reducing pain. This is not a cure, but it does help reduce pain and make life easier.
What should I tell the doctor before undergoing this treatment?
Before deciding to get this injection, it is very important to tell your doctor about your entire health condition. Don't hide anything, even the smallest thing. It is especially important to tell them about these things.
| Health condition or problem | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Various allergies (Allergies) | Tell your doctor about any allergies you have to this medicine, other medicines, foods (especially eggs), and dyes. Some gels are made from chicken parts. So, depending on your allergies, your doctor will choose the right type for you. |
| Bleeding diseases | If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication, you may experience bleeding after the injection. |
| Knee or skin infections | This treatment cannot be performed if there is currently an infection in the knee joint or a skin infection at the injection site. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor about this. |
How is this injection given and what happens after it?
This is not a medicine you can use at home. It must be injected into the knee joint by a trained doctor in a hospital or clinic. This is usually a treatment for adults. If you are giving it to children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it.
Since this is administered by a doctor in the right dosage, the chance of an overdose is very low. However, if you suspect such a thing, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to be careful about after the injection
After getting the injection, you need to be a little careful to get the most out of it.
- The first 48 hours (two days) are very important. Do not put too much strain on your knee during this time. Avoid running, jumping, or lifting weights completely.
- Don't stand for more than an hour at a time.
- Pay attention if you feel any swelling or pain in your knee. Usually, there may be some pain or swelling for two to three days.
- Ask your doctor when you can resume normal activities.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this injection can cause minor side effects. But there is nothing to worry about. Most of these are not serious. But there are some things we should be concerned about.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Dizziness , facial flushing, pain in the limbs, numbness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| At the injection site | Pain, redness, bruising, swelling, or stiffness in the joint. |
| In other parts of the body | Backache, fever, body aches, headache, nausea, stomach ache, fatigue. |
Can there be problems with other medications?
This injection generally does not cause major interactions with other medications. However, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (medicines for other illnesses, vitamins, traditional medicines). This can help prevent unnecessary risks.
Ultimately, you don't have to live with knee pain. Be aware of these treatment options, talk to your doctor, and choose the treatment that's best for you.
Take-Home Message
- Sodium Hyaluronate is a gel-like injection given for pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee.
- This does not cure the disease, but it acts as a lubricant for the joint and reduces pain.
- Before receiving this injection, tell your doctor about all allergies you have (especially to eggs) and all medications you are taking.
- Avoid any strenuous activities on your knee for the first two days (48 hours) after receiving the injection.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms (skin rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), seek medical advice immediately.
- This is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. If painkillers are not enough to control your pain, talk to your doctor about whether this is a good option for you.
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