Did you know that in 2021, arthritis affects more than 350 million people globally?
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you know the pain and limitations it can bring to your life. In addition, the medications used to treat your arthritis can cause harmful side effects.
If you’ve been struggling with existing knee pain, you might consider gel knee injections.
If you want to know more about them, we’ve got all the information you need. Keep reading to learn all about these injections.
What Are Gel Knee Injections?
These injections are a viable treatment option for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis and other related conditions. The procedure involves injecting the gel into the knee joint. This can help the body rebuild and lubricate the articular cartilage in the joint.
The gel consists of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring lubricant found in the body. The gel material helps improve slide and reduce friction in the joint, resulting in less pain and stiffness. Depending on the severity of the condition, the effects can last anywhere from several months to several years.
Benefits
Gel knee injections are becoming increasingly popular for treating painful knees due to conditions such as osteoarthritis and tendonitis. These injections can provide significant relief for those suffering from knee pain and reduce the need for painkillers.
It can also help support the knee joint, increasing stability and strength. It also helps provide improved shock absorption by reducing friction between the bones. The gel may also aid in reducing swelling, inflammation and increasing range of motion of the knee joint.
Additionally, they are less invasive than other treatment options, with less risk of infection and scarring. Depending on the severity of the condition, the effects can last anywhere from several months to several years.
Risks
While there are some benefits of gel knee injections, there are also associated risks with the injections. Common risks include skin rashes, minor swelling, and a slight sensation of heat at the site of injection.
The injected gel can be a potential allergen for some patients, leading to an adverse reaction. Additionally, due to the fact that the needle penetrates deep into the knee joint, infection is possible. This can lead to arthritis flaring up, making pain even worse than before the injection.
Overdosing on gel injections can lead to cartilage damage, which can be very difficult to repair. Serious inflammation or damage to the nerves around the injection site is also possible. Lastly, improper injection technique can also cause the gel to leak into undesired locations of the joint capsule.
As with any procedure, it is important to discuss these risks with your doctor before undergoing a gel knee injection. Make sure to choose the best provider to ensure that the injections are safe. To help you find one, check out santiamhospital.org.
The Effectiveness of Gel Knee Injections
Viscosupplementation treatment with gel knee injections is a safe and effective procedure that can reduce knee pain often caused by osteoarthritis. Careful consideration of the associated risks and benefits helps determine which treatment is best.
Before undergoing this procedure, you should consult your physician to ensure that these injections are the right course of action for your medical needs.
Do you need more medical advice? Check out the health articles on this website to find more helpful information.
