7 Reasons Hyaluronic Acid Gel Injections Might Be Helpful For Knee Arthritis 

I had the series of three injections back in 2006 and it gave me great relief. No issues for years. I just started to have knee pain again (2024). I have a new orthopedist because I had moved. I asked him about the injections, and we are going to start those in July. He did say it doesn’t work for everyone, but when it does, people find they have relief for a longer period of time. I think it’s well worth looking into.

I am on my 2nd round of gel injections had 6 months ago for 5 weeks on both knees, now just finished my 2nd round of gel injections, my knees feel so much better, and if you have Medicare it is covered 100% every 6 months, I will continue with these gel shots my life is so much better since having them

Excellent advice and pl continue.

Thank you for this... I've had 2 and going in for another in my other knee soon.

Thank you again for your most valuable information Iwould very much appreciate your further guidance for recovery

Doc thanks for your great information

Thanks. That helped me take a decision.

Thanks Doc…I always appreciate you and your videos…God bless you Sir

I have had two of these now in my right knee, completely free, 6 months apart. I am due my next shot in about 5 weeks and have been offered it in both knees. I have found it really life-changing. Did a long distance walking trail here in Spain after the last one. No pain from the injection at all.

I'm waiting for approval from the insurance company right now. I have severe osteoarthritis and a torn meniscus. Praying this will give me some relief so I can buy some time to improve muscle imbalance.

Thank you for the great overview!

Well explained...thank you so much sir..

Very Very good information 👍

Thanks so Much for Explaining the Gel Injections, helps my Questions, hoping to not have to go under the knife!

At age 72 suffering from serve knee pain in both knees I was diagnosed with bone on bone with both as was given cortisone shots for a 3 year period before I caved in and had full knee replacement on the left knee being told there were no other options, 5+ months later I'm still in excruciating pain, very immobile and would never under any circumstances have the right knee replaced. Got a 2nd opinion last week from a pain management practice and they said my bone and bone in the right knee is a level 4 and Hyaluronic Acid Gel injections may be of no benefit but its up to If I want to try it, I'm at my wits end!.

More good info. 👍👍

You are the most knowledgeable person I have listened to. I had a knee replacement 2 years ago have nothing but pain since. I have been to three different specialists they say there's nothing wrong with the surgery yet I continue to be in pain. I don't know what to do. any suggestions appreciated. They also are every 3 months draining fluid from my knee up until a month ago it was bloody every time. Thanks

Worked well for me

Thank you for the video. I will be getting my knee scoped on 2 hours with the plan of going with the Hymovis injection. I'm not able to do the rooster comb injection due to an egg allergy.

I just got the 3rd EUFLEXXA injection (one weekly X 3) yesterday and maybe it’s getting better, but pain was enormously increased after the first and second injections. My doc said I won’t know if it’s going to help till a few weeks after the last injection, so I’ll try and remember to come back here and report on it. My pain stems from arthritic changes following a medial meniscus tear, which I had surgery to clean up 8 years ago. I’m lean and fit -- hike and bike a lot, etc, but the old injury keeps flaring up.

It works well for me have been having it for years I am allergic to cortisone

Thanks!

I have had miraculous results from Synvisc One. My first was in 2016 The first shot lasted 9 months before pain returned. The next shot lasted 18 months , the third shot lasted almost 4 years. In Jan 2023. Had my fourth shot. At the time I could barely walk without pain. I am pain free currently. I have been focusing on improving my muscle imbalance since that time. According to my MRI I should have constant pain and be setting up a knee replacement. I do know 2 people who had a different hyraluronic injection and it unfortunately did not work for them.

Great info thank you! What's your take on the hyaluronic injections for grade 3 hip arthritis

Your videos are so helpful. I just had a gel injection to soon to tell. What are your thoughts on taking the hyaluronic supplements.

Thank you for this video, Dr. David. I wrote to you about a month ago re: bone n bone and my spinal stenosis. I received 2 cortisone shots for both my knees in October and I am scheduled for a Hylagen injection in December. Thanks for all this information…..it sounds hopeful! Good to know about the diabetic issue since I am 6.0 Btw, the glute exercises have been helping and it is tough when squeezing while walking takes lot of concentration 😅.

I had the Supartz FX shots back in March they have helped me so far.

It works.

I have had cortisone shots, SynviscOne injections and Radio Frequency Ablation to both knees - all with very little pain relief. The last 3 days I have been doing 3 of your exercises and they have been helping the most I think. I exercise at a slower pace. But because I am retired, I can do a little bit several times a day. I plan on forgetting everything except the exercises and keto diet. My doctor, sports medicine doctor and orthopedic surgeon want me to have bi lateral knee replacement. But because I am feeling better with the exercises, I'm going to put surgery on hold - hopefully permanently.. The last 2 days I have not had any Ibuprofen - just rest if I feel I need to. Thank you for your videos. I am learning a lot - especially how to ride a recumbant stationary bike the correct way.

Thanks

I have had 3 of these injections each one has lasted several years per injection.I am planning on having another. The benefits have been great. They cost me $500. I would never take a steroid or cortisone because they break down cartiledge. Bad spelling sorry. Also love this channel.

I am 68 and have had 3 shots, one week apart, to my right knee every six months for the past 2 years. I have a torn meniscus and some osteoarthritis. My knee had been locking up with a sharp pain with walking, and I had come close to falling a couple of times when I sought treatment. Along with exercise to strengthen my leg and glute muscles, this treatment has almost completely solved my knee problems for now. My PA recently commented that he was surprised and pleased I had avoided knee replacement surgery. Hoping for many more years. I am moderately active. I walk, dance, ride a bike, and take Zumba classes (low impact). The injections are covered 100% by Medicare. The injection is sometimes slightly painful. He did hit a small nerve once, ow, ow, ow. Then the next week's shot was pain-free. I haven't had any swelling or discomfort after the quick injection. Worth a try, and best to put off or avoid surgery. 🙂

Great video with great info. I recieved my first ha acid shot last week , i got a good amount of pain relief from it is one shot in both knees enough or do you need all 3 series?

I just had my third injection yesterday. I feel some relief from the pain. I'm going to keep track of the progress. My insurance didn't cover them. The manufacturer charged me $290 for the three. Three members of my family have had knee joint replacement, grandma, mom and last year my sister. Mom and my sister had cortisone injections.

I have had 3 knee operations, the 4th with a total knee replacement, (cobalt chrome &titanium). Prior to all of this, I had a total of 6 Synvisc (rooster comb) injections in my right knee. My doctor said either it works or it won’t work, and there was nothing to lose. The needle was SO long. I couldn’t bare to look at it, but worse than that, the pain from the shot left me in tears. And I’m no baby. I woke up on the table during gallbladder surgery. The shots ($700.00 each at the time) did nothing for my knee. I wish anyone else having this done has good luck, but I would never do this again. 💉

I go Friday for my injection

I just got my first Gel injections. They definitely did help. Medicare pays 100% including the mandatory XRays.

Finding so much help in your videos. I was told not to use a pillow underneath the knees because it could make the bone on bone knee issue worse and keep them bent. Do you have any word on this? Something to do less or more often? Thanks

I came across your videos last week. I've been desperate for pain relief for a few months now. Over 15 years ago I had a knee scope done on my rt knee the pictures looked like the bottom of the ocean. The doctor cleaned up all the debris in my knee but,Iam bone on bone. Can't remember if my my meniscus was torn I think my ligaments were I believe. I was a mess..lol. Now over the years I exercised and,was doing good. Then one year I slipped n fell on my knees rt one more 3 times 4 months. Going over a baby gate n being 4'11" didn't help. And,one was in the winter n slipped n slammed my rt knee hard. Hubby saw me when I got home went back inside babysitting. 10 mins later he checked on me. I was stuck on the snow n couldn't move off slippery ice. I was fine after a day but,knees complained after a work day. That was 5 years ago I was due to get knee replacement on the rt.side but,pandemic hit. Now over 6 years or so I have had the gel injections the first one you mention syn I think it started with. Thank GOD I had good insurance so I had both done so since my left was in bad shape also. Did that every 6 to 7 months it was painful poor nurse pract he would say sorry sorry with every push. Lol when he left to go to another place the new nurse pract.waz quick n kinda painless. But,during the last two years I asked my gp if I can take something other than 800mg of ibprophen. I already gone through all others so she started me on Voltaren pills twice a day. They were a life saver! Been on those for 2 years till recently now off of them n all other pain relievers. Got a gastric ulcer from them been suffering a few years. The last set of pills didn't help. Any hoo I'm not doing well standing for 10 minsin one place . I work in a deli so I walk back in forthin the department but,I also stand still. So my knees are stiff I tell others I feel like I have popsicle sticks for legs. I've tried to be conscience on how I stand walk but, at home I'm good. I don't do anything lol but,the min I'm at work out the door it goes. It is frustrating n I had panic attacks before work. So worried I was on pain n walking stiffly around customers n co workers. Some days...I can do it okay then there were others where I just wanted to cry. Sitting oh my was horrible . I had my injection at the end of Feb. Now yeah it takes time to feel anything I take 2 days off but,bend my knees to lubricate n help spread out the gel. That is what they told me what to do n ice it. But,that was when I could also take Voltaren been off it now month because I was anemic for a year now. Then they found out I had a bleeding ulcer from all the meds. Tylenol is all I take...great for headaches but,the other... But,I'm working on your exercises it is hard I can feel it n it's easy to get the butt muscles working. You can feel it but,I'm trying n standing with my feet kinda helps. Welll that's all I know this is super long but,I thought I tell you my story. Oh and,apparently I'm on my hubby's account so this is Denise not James n I'm 56yrs.

I am having my second round of gel injections. The injections are not that painful. They work for me.

Dear Dr. David, Thank you so much for your videos! It's such an eye opening! Could you please help me evaluate if Hyaluronic Acid Gel Injections are helpful in my case? Also, could you please evaluate if Autologues conditioned plasma ACP therapy (3 times monthly injections) is more or helpful/recommended? I had a torn meniscus III degree (inner vertical-crescent shaped) and had a trimming surgery 3.5 months ago. The research I've read on ACP shows the evidence of restoring the cell environment and recommended after meniscus surgeries especially for athletes. As far as I understand, it even restores cells of meniscus? Though, this therapy is the most expensive. I also consider if it's worth the cost in my case of the trimmed meniscus. I've visited 2 rehabilitation doctors after my meniscus surgery and I do exercises that you and they recommend to regain my muscle mass and strength (I haven't danced or used my injured leg completely normally since March). The doctors I've seen don't seem to be keen to recommend any injections. They only recommend to train muscles, which I understand that it's crucial, but I need to have more ways to protect my knee as I'm a dancer and would like to go back to my normal activities. My knee still swells a bit and/or feels heavy especially by the end of the day as I have a teaching standing job (not teaching dance now). Thank you in advance!!!

Works for me!! ❤

Hi - Thanks for the info. I go and see my Ortho Dr today and am hoping for the best. Continued success. Love PegEgg

How long is the recovery time after knee the last knee injection

Thank you for the info about hyaloronic acid for knee osteoarthritis. Can it help walking up and down stairs if this is something I cannot do?

They only last a few months at best, had 3 now. Can you review Arthrosamid which is the latest treatment and potentially lasting years

I am 66, got my first HA injection in my knee yesterday and it already feels like it is helping. I am hopeful! It was all covered by my Medicare and supplement insurance. The injection itself was pretty painful, and immediately afterwards it was quite stiff. Yesterday I took it easy. Woke up this morning with it feeling better than it has in a while. Well see how I do all day, but just getting out of bed it felt really good .

Please give some advice taking GLUCOSAMINE HCL with M S M. I am 77 years old male.

Hello Doctor , I'm due to have this injection in a couple of weeks time, I've had : a right knee arthroscopy, partial medial meniscectomy & chondroplasty 4 months ago. I used to be very active before my surgery, I'm wondering if it will be ok to resume some light jogging & basic boxing training (as I used to do prior to my knee operation) OR should I wait a bit longer ? Thank you doctor for all your informative videos.

Hi, can you please advise if HA injection is recommended for bilateral chondromalacia pattela grade 4? Thanks!

Will the gel help with muscle pain in the knee?

I have prp but no use three prp

I think the results depend on how advanced your OA is in your knee. I have grade 3 OA in my knee, so I'm not at bone on bone. If you're at bone on bone and in pain everyday, this may not help. I'm waiting to see if my insurance will cover gel injections. I have BCBS. I slipped and hyperextended my right knee a few weeks ago. No ligament or tissue damage, just really sore. In the meantime, I got a cortisone shot and it has helped. Many say that if the cortisone helped, so will the gel injection. I'm 61 with a history of sports related knee injuries. I can't run or jump anymore, but I do enjoy disc golf and can do that without much pain. A friend of mine (he's 75) got the gel injection and it really helped him. He's at a year and still having good results. Hopefully, I will have the same result he did.

What are the longterm impact and/or side effects. It is synthetic and may not breakdown properly in our body. How long does it take for our body to eliminate this drug or does it build up?

Hi doctor. Will this be useful for a cartilage defect?

I have hyaluronic injections in both the knees three weeks back in consecutive two days I have worst kind of knee conditions I am still having pains on the back of both the knees frequently and walking with help of walker. Could you please advise me what to do for further recovery. Thanks

Will this help with a torn meniscus

How about taking supplement with hyaluronic acid is it effdctive?

Does having complex regional pain ( crps) reduce the effects of shots?

I have done the Monovisc one shot every 6 months in my right knee. I have done it for 3 yrs it’s wonderful. My copay is $300 but well worth it. Insurance picks up cost of rest. The secret is to stay off or away from exercise for 48 hours then go back.

Have had chronic knee pain for about 4 years - at 2 years I went to my GP who's assistant gave me a cortisone shot - I've had others in other parts of my body with no problem - this time I thought I was going to die; I literally screamed during the procedure. But it did give me about 2 months of some relief...but it was not worth the pain of the procedure. A few months after that my knee started to swell and never recovered. Pain was regular but not unbearable. Two years after the injection, I went to another doctor. I did 12 PT sessions. That was odd; sometimes after a session it was worse than ever - and needed pain meds just to sleep; other times I felt great for days! After that, my new doctor prescribed meloxicam on an as needed basis and scheduled the gel injection: 1 injection for 3 weeks. I can't say 'I'm heeled' - but with the injections and meloxicam a couple times a week, I have been able to do things - like walking (a mile so far), which I've never been able to do in years. Some days it hurts for no reason; some days my knee feels great - exercising definitely helps! Some doctors feel it is moderate arthritis based on the x-rays - others feel it is inconclusive; personally, I think it is a tendonitis, but I'm not a doctor. :-)

Would this work for someone with level 3 cartilage loss?

How’re you Dr. David? 72 yo female. Been watching you often, follow your exercises. This time I am scheduled to have HA on February 2, 2024 for severe OA, and RA. Travel scheduled for March 20,2024. Questions: does it need ultrasound scanning while HA is being injected as other drs claims. 2. Is 6 mos good enough before traveling? Thank you

I had a meniscus surgery and still in pain. can't walk too far .Can these injections help?

Well, they give horses hyaluronic acid orally for pain relief and to repair their joints and those joints are carrying about 1,000 lbs. I know several people who take it orally and have found it to turn their lives around.

I had this injection inmy ankle 4 days ago and it's crazy sore now, not swollen but the pain is exactly like a sprained ankle is this normal?

I had a cortisone injection in my knee two months ago and it really helped. Some have told me, that if cortisone helped, the hyaluronic acid injection will help much better and last longer. True?

Thanks doctor I have severe swelling and pain getting worse. Now it’s three months without any treatment for loss of knee cartilage and meniscus tear discovered in February I’m in New Zealand where the medical system is crumbling downhill doctor has proposed a Cingal injection with a steroid combination. Can I ask him for only the Cingal without steroids. Thanks for your kind advise❤

Can a person continue to have hyraulonic injections indefinitely (how many years can I get them as I get very good pain relief)? Or at what point is surgery really necessary?

I was a runner off and on my whole life. I had to stop running and started walking with my disabled husband. We also ride a double recombant bike. The problem is we live at the top of a big hill. My first trip to the doctor showed stage 4 OA in both knees. How do i go from running to stg 4 that fast? My pain now is not in the knee but the muscles above and below. Stairs are the worst and standing for a long time. I've stopped all excersize and mostly sit with my disabled husband. Ive had the shots twice but they only help for 2 months. I'm trying massage and started your glute exercise. I'm hoping that helps enough to get me back to walking. Thanks for your help.

I use ice packs whenever I get swelling (bakers cyst). Works well, I also use knee sleeves overnight. Knee traction after a long day standing also is good. Luckily this mostly controls it (along with glute and leg exercises) and costs next to nothing..

Thank you for the information. I got this last year it lasted a year in one knee. This year I’m getting in both knees this year. It is better than the cortisone shot.

Today is the video I needed it. Next month I will have my knee injections; in both knees. I am having these injections for 5 years. This year I will have a different kind of brand. "Hyalgan" will be only one instead than 3. New doctor my old doctor retired. I still don't understand why is only one in another series of 3. Do you know why? I will ask my doctor on the 16 f November. Insurance does not cover it. I have to pay I will tell you how much when I go. The last year was 1.200 dollars for 6 injections, and they recommended 2 days not doing too much like running or working too much. I am a nursing assistant and I need to be on my feet all night. I just want to work in the work I love. Insurances are a trap. Continue educating people thanks

We're in Indonesia on family business, the wife needs this in her right knee. I checked Google for a price and they're available OTC! Rp 1,850,000 which works out to about $130! No way I'd try this, we have a very good Doctor but still....!

Will this help someone who has all their meniscus taken out?

I had a synvisc one injection a couple years ago and it cost about$700 for the product plus several hundred to administer. Last spring I had one and the cost was$1,700 for the same shot, ridiculous price increase. Unfortunate, because I think they do help.

I got my 1st synvic shot..I didnt know it takes at least a month to feel better

How about nerve blocks

I have a baker cyst due to excess fluid flowing to the back of my knee which makes my knee stiff and i can't kneel down, doctor recommended knee fluid aspiration , isn't hyaluronic acid injection the opposite for not having enough fluid, so not suitable when the knee is having too much fluid swelling ??? Please explain

Hi questions I had gel shots two times if takes me Personity weeks to recover from the can I have a cortisone shot to get me through summer? I work summer camp hard to get time off I do for a shot June when I am due,

Many many thanks from India. In last few weeks, OA is agGravatex. Whatever question came in my mind, I got all answers. Doctor told one shot in each knee . Is it enough ?

after one of these shots after soreness went away from shot, I walked a lot went on trips I feel it helped I did have about 3 flare ups, but I over did it. In Jan 3 I go for my 2nd one in both knees I know now to take a day off after, But I feel it's good for me.

I did 16 day go and still is pain and swollen is normal?

Which particular insurance covers this procedure?

ASuparts is the stuff I get and it helps a whole lot. I am bone-on-bone for over 10 years and this stuff helps. I am not a fan of surgery. At all. My KP senior advantage covers this for a $5 co-pay. I have Brown-Sequard and my knee hurts, but because I don't feel pain on my left side from T10 down except for the sciatic and peripheral nerves and the knee hurts a lot less than it could.

This page is so helpful got my first gel injection this morning told my ortho doc Dr.Zanotti " now I know how a car feels when it gets an oil change,have some discomfort but tolerable hope it works.

Would you recommend HA injections for a young patient after a partial meniscectomy to prevent arthritis??

I’ve had multiple steroid injections over the years, and they have been very helpful. However, this past year I’ve had a lot of swelling and difficulty walking. I had the hyaluronic acid injections in both knees weekly x 3. I felt that the steroids helped more than the hyaluronic acid, and the steroid injections were less painful. I also have a Baker’s Cyst behind my right knee. The physician aspirated 50 cc before starting the hyaluronic acid. I got a lot of relief almost immediately.

Watching for my mum, who's an otherwise fit and healthy 82 yr old. She's had chronic moderate ostoe for decades, but in the past 3 months her low-key painful knee has gone acute, along with the pain level. She sleeps well, so can recover, but it's impairing her mobility now. When she stands up there's an audible snap sound. Here in England our malfunctioning, not-fit-for-purpose NHS offers anti-inflammatories as a first line of attack. She's not up for taking them, having done so in the past, so this info on alternatives was very useful. Thank you. Can anyone comment on cortisone v hydrogel from experience? I feel she should be supplementing more too. I don't even know what, if anything she's be entitled to free of charge...?

My knee only hurts when im walking.

I also wanted to ask a question about diet? Do you have any diet recommendations that reduce knee joint inflammation? I do keto but found when I went on a particular 5 day diet my joionts felt much better. Several people on the diet thread reported the same. The only thing I did different on that diet was eliminate red meat and add avacado and more vegetables. Also there was no dairy other than one TBLS of Kerigold butter. Do you have a link you can refer me to or any other reading material on diet recommendations? Thank you.

Better than PRP or should I do both? I have an enlarged lateral meniscus, with a small tear. My cartilage is all good, but that meniscus tear hurts like hell trying to go up and down steps.

hi thank you for this information I am getting my 2nd gel injection soon. The first time I was so sore couldn't walk for days so I took two days off after this time any tips to sleep after this.

I had the hyaluronic acid injections they helped had them every other year x4 the 5th time I had a severe allergic reaction to the same shot. My knees swelled and were hot and red to the touch. They said that they might have changed some thing in the shot. So I can no longer use them.🤔

Thank you for this information! I have Medicare, bone on bone, and have first injection scheduled in 2 weeks. In the comments I see that gel injections may be beneficial by repeating every 6 months. Can they potentially be used to avoid knee replacement all together?

Hello Dr. David, I'm new to your channel and am so glad I discovered it. I have OA in both knees. I had hyaluronic acid gel injections in both knees one week ago. I was unprepared for how excruciatingly painful the injections were. I don't know yet if they will prove to be helpful in reducing my knee pain as I understand they take several weeks if not months to take effect. However when I hear you say doctors can recommend repeats monthly and even weekly, I don't think I could stand to have even one more. Is it normal to feel so much pain as the gel is being pushed into the joint? Could it have been badly administered or my own physiology perhaps? Also, where do I find the 28 day knee plan?

Does the needle hurt

Ive had 5 injections. 1 a week. Monrh ago. Its worse. Ive tried Everything. No luck. So surgery In january. Ugh.

Please Hindi me bataye

Do this help bone or bone or baker cyst