Discover the Benefits of Knee Gel Injections for Pain Relief

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we are committed to providing effective, minimally invasive treatments to help our patients find relief from joint pain and improve their quality of life. One of the advanced options we offer for knee pain is knee gel injections, also known as viscosupplementation. Knee gel injections are primarily used to manage symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint condition that can cause significant pain, swelling, and loss of mobility due to the breakdown of cartilage.

The gel used in these injections contains hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in healthy joint fluid. By injecting supplemental hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint, we help restore lubrication and cushioning, which can reduce pain and improve joint movement for individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

While the most well-established use for knee gel injections is osteoarthritis of the knee, our experienced pain management team will carefully evaluate your condition to determine if you are a candidate for this treatment. In some cases, patients with other forms of joint degeneration, such as post-traumatic arthritis, may benefit, although the primary indication remains knee osteoarthritis.

It is important to note that knee gel injections are not typically appropriate for inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or acute injuries such as ligament tears or fractures. Our physicians will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure this therapy is right for your specific needs.

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we offer knee gel injections—also known as viscosupplementation—as one of several advanced, non-surgical options to help manage knee pain, particularly for patients with osteoarthritis. This treatment involves injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint with the aim of improving joint lubrication and relieving pain.

Who Can Benefit?

Knee gel injections may be considered for individuals who have not found adequate relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, weight management, or oral medications. Our pain specialists often recommend this procedure for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who are looking for alternatives to surgery.

How Do Knee Gel Injections Work?

In osteoarthritis, the natural hyaluronic acid in the knee’s joint fluid is often reduced, leading to increased friction and pain. By restoring this substance, knee gel injections can help improve the knee’s shock-absorbing and lubricating qualities, potentially easing discomfort and improving joint function over time.

What Results Can You Expect?

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of knee gel injections can vary from person to person. Some patients at San Antonio Pain Consultants report noticeable pain relief and improved mobility that can last for several months, while others may experience only modest benefits. Typically, the full effects develop gradually over a few weeks.

Safety and Considerations

Knee gel injections are generally considered safe, with possible minor side effects such as temporary swelling or discomfort at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare. Our experienced providers will carefully evaluate your medical history and treatment goals to determine whether this therapy is right for you.

Many of our patients begin to notice improvement in knee pain and movement within a few weeks following the injection, though some may experience relief sooner or later. On average, the benefits of knee gel injections last between four and six months. However, this duration can vary depending on factors such as the severity of your arthritis, your activity level, and how your body responds to the treatment. In some cases, relief may last up to a year; in others, it may be shorter.

It’s important to remember that while knee gel injections can provide significant symptom relief and help restore your quality of life, they do not cure osteoarthritis or prevent its progression. As the effects gradually wear off, additional injections may be recommended by our provider if symptoms return.

We offer advanced knee gel injections (viscosupplementation) as a non-surgical treatment option for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. Our experienced medical team is dedicated to providing personalized pain management solutions to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at our San Antonio clinic. During your visit, our pain specialists will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order imaging studies to confirm your diagnosis and assess the extent of joint damage. This thorough evaluation ensures that knee gel injections are the right option for your specific needs.

If you are a suitable candidate, the knee gel injection procedure is performed right here in our comfortable office setting. You will be positioned so your knee is easily accessible, and the skin will be cleaned to minimize infection risk. In some cases, a local anesthetic may be administered to maximize your comfort. If there is excess fluid in your knee, our provider may first remove it through a process called aspiration. This step helps reduce swelling and makes space for the gel injection.

Next, our specialist will carefully inject a gel-like substance—usually made from hyaluronic acid—directly into your knee joint. This substance mimics the natural fluid in healthy joints, helping to lubricate and cushion your knee. Depending on the product chosen, you may receive a single injection or a series of injections spaced out over several weeks.

Following your treatment at San Antonio Pain Consultants, you may be advised to rest your knee and avoid strenuous activities for 24 to 48 hours. Some patients experience mild discomfort or swelling, but these symptoms generally subside quickly. It may take several weeks to feel the full effects of knee gel injections, and results can vary. 

Osteoarthritis can cause the body’s natural hyaluronic acid to break down, leading to increased pain and stiffness. By supplementing the joint with additional hyaluronic acid, knee gel injections help to lubricate and cushion the knee, potentially reducing pain and improving mobility.

Many of our patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis have experienced relief after receiving knee gel injections, especially when other treatments—such as physical therapy, pain medication, or lifestyle changes—have not provided sufficient improvement. While individual responses vary, and some patients may experience only modest or temporary benefits, this treatment remains a valuable option for those seeking alternatives to surgery.

We believe in a personalized, comprehensive approach to pain management. Knee gel injections are just one of the many advanced therapies we offer to help our patients regain their quality of life. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.