What are Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections (gel shots)?
Hyaluronic Acid is a hyaluronate that is injected directly into the knee for the relief of pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA). These injections are commonly called “gel shots.” Hyaluronate is a natural substance found in high amounts in your body’s joint tissue and joint fluid. It acts as a lubricant and shock absorber inside the joint, enabling your knee to work properly. Treatment usually includes 3 or more injections into the affected knee(s), each injection one week apart. Relief from pain can last 6 months or more.
What is osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee?
Are you experiencing pain or stiffness in your knees? Or has your doctor already diagnosed you with a condition called osteoarthritis of the knee? OA is a common condition that causes joints to become stiff and painful. OA causes the smooth cartilage that covers and protects the ends of your bones to break down. In severe cases, your cartilage thins so much that your bones may begin to rub against each other. The lubricating ability of the natural fluid in your knee
diminishes, and the cartilage no longer cushions the joint as well as it once did. This results in stiffness, swelling, and pain that can make walking difficult.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections (gel shots):
- It may help you avoid surgery.
- It can help reduce pain for 6 months or more.
- Treatment and recovery time are minimal.
- Covered by some health insurance plans.
