Knee gel injections, also known as viscosupplementation, involve injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the joint space to treat pain from knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the joint fluid that provides lubrication and shock absorption, which is often depleted in an arthritic knee. Understanding the necessary post-injection steps is paramount to maximizing the benefits of the treatment and ensuring a smooth recovery.
Immediate Steps After the Procedure
It is standard practice to minimize the strain on the treated knee immediately after receiving the injection. For the first six to twelve hours, you should plan to keep weight off the joint as much as possible, which allows the newly introduced gel to settle within the joint capsule. While you can typically walk immediately after the procedure, limited standing and movement are generally recommended to prevent forcing the gel out of the injection site or irritating the joint lining.
Localized discomfort, such as a temporary increase in pain or a feeling of fullness, is common. Applying a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the injection site helps alleviate these symptoms by reducing localized swelling. Use the cold pack for brief intervals (10 to 20 minutes at a time), repeating every few hours during the first 24 to 48 hours.
If pain medication is required, acetaminophen is often the preferred choice for managing post-injection discomfort. Physicians often advise against taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen for a few days to a week following the injection. This caution is due to the possibility that anti-inflammatory medications might interfere with how the hyaluronic acid works to reduce pain and inflammation over time. Always confirm the appropriate pain reliever with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Activity Restrictions and Recovery Timeline
For at least the first 48 hours, you must avoid strenuous or high-impact activities that place excessive stress on the treated knee. This includes activities such as jogging, running, jumping, or any intense gym workouts.
Heavy lifting or prolonged periods of standing should also be avoided during this initial two-day window. Light daily activities, such as walking for short distances, desk-based work, and gentle household chores, can usually be resumed immediately. The goal is to minimize joint movement that could push the injected material away or create undue irritation.
After the initial 48 hours, you can gradually begin to reintroduce light exercises, such as gentle stretching and low-impact activities like swimming or cycling. The therapeutic effect of the viscosupplementation injection is not immediate, and it is important to manage expectations regarding pain relief. Patients typically begin to notice a meaningful reduction in pain and improvement in function anywhere from two to four weeks following the final injection in a series. This timeline represents the true onset of action, which is distinct from the short-term recovery period following the procedure itself.
Recognizing Complications and When to Contact Your Doctor
While most post-injection discomfort is mild and temporary, it is important to distinguish between routine side effects and signs of a more serious issue. Mild pain, temporary stiffness, and localized swelling at the injection site are common and typically resolve within a couple of days. These typical symptoms can be managed effectively with rest and ice application as previously outlined.
However, certain signs warrant immediate contact with your healthcare provider. You should call your doctor if you experience severe or rapidly worsening pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication. Similarly, be watchful for signs of a possible infection, which include a fever above 100.4°F, increased warmth, redness that spreads away from the injection site, or any discharge.
A rare pseudoseptic reaction can occur, mimicking infection with severe swelling and pain but without the presence of bacteria. If the knee becomes significantly swollen, hot to the touch, or if you develop systemic symptoms like a fever, seek medical attention promptly. Any sign of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, requires emergency medical care.