About Liv

What Is the New Injection Instead of Knee Replacement and Does It Work?

Last Updated on November 18, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir

What Is the New Injection Instead of Knee Replacement and Does It Work?
What Is the New Injection Instead of Knee Replacement and Does It Work? 2

For those with knee osteoarthritis, a new non-surgical alternative to knee replacement is here. Medical tech has advanced, bringing hydrogel injections to the table. This treatment offers relief without surgery. We focus on the latest, most effective treatments, like Gel-One Hyaluronate injections, which can last up to six months.

These gel injections use sodium hyaluronate, a natural substance. They only need one doctor visit. This makes them a great choice for those wanting to skip knee replacement surgery.

Key Takeaways

  • Hydrogel injections offer a non-surgical alternative to knee replacement.
  • Gel-One Hyaluronate injections provide relief for up to six months.
  • A single visit to the Liv hospital is required for treatment.
  • Made from naturally occurring sodium hyaluronate.
  • Significant relief from knee pain and stiffness.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis and Traditional Treatments

A detailed cross-section of a human knee joint

It’s important to know about knee osteoarthritis to find new ways to treat it instead of surgery. This disease makes millions of people worldwide suffer from pain and trouble moving.

As we get older, the cartilage in our knees wears out. This leads to bone rubbing against bone, causing pain and stiffness. It not only hurts our quality of life but also costs a lot in healthcare and lost work.

The Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis gets worse in stages, from mild to severe. At first, people might feel a little pain and stiffness, mainly after resting or being inactive. As it gets worse, the pain gets stronger and can really limit how well you can move.

The disease makes cartilage disappear, changes bones, and causes inflammation. Knowing how it progresses helps find the best treatment at each stage.

“Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability among adults, and its impact is expected to grow as the population ages.”

— Arthritis Foundation

Limitations of Conservative Treatments

Traditional treatments start with non-surgical methods like physical therapy, pain meds, and changing your lifestyle. These can help some people, but they have their limits.

For many, these treatments don’t work well as the disease gets worse. Then, they might need more serious options like knee replacement surgery. But, there are newer treatments that are getting attention.

Treatment Description Benefits
Physical Therapy Exercises to improve knee mobility and strength Improves function, reduces pain
Pain Management Medications Medications to alleviate pain and inflammation Reduces symptoms, improves quality of life
Lifestyle Modifications Weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes Slows disease progression, improves overall health

Exploring new treatments means looking at different types of knee shots. These include cortisone, hyaluronic acid gel, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Each has its own benefits and is right for different stages and severities of knee osteoarthritis.

What Is the New Injection Instead of Knee Replacement?

Detailed close-up of a human knee joint, with a doctor's hand administering a hydrogel injection into the affected area

A new treatment for knee osteoarthritis has been found. It’s called hydrogel injections. This method helps restore knee function and eases pain without surgery.

Hydrogel Injections: The Latest Innovation

Hydrogel injections are a big step forward in treating knee osteoarthritis. They use a hydrogel material that acts like a protective, elastic scaffold in the joint. This helps make more synovial fluid and reduces inflammation, giving patients relief.

Key Benefits of Hydrogel Injections:

  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Potential to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery
  • Enhanced joint lubrication and reduced inflammation
  • Promotes cartilage health and regeneration

How Hydrogel Works in the Knee Joint

The hydrogel in these injections is made to mimic the knee joint’s natural environment. When injected, it forms a scaffold that supports cartilage and boosts synovial fluid production. This reduces pain and inflammation and improves joint mobility.

Characteristics Hydrogel Injections Traditional Knee Replacement
Procedure Type Minimally Invasive Injection Major Surgery
Recovery Time Short, often immediate mobility Extended, several months
Pain Relief Significant reduction in pain Variable, depends on surgery success
Impact on Cartilage Supports cartilage health Involves replacing the joint

Understanding how hydrogel injections work and their benefits helps patients and doctors decide if it’s right for them.

Types of Knee Injections Available Today

There are many knee injections for osteoarthritis and other conditions. Each has its own benefits. They are chosen based on the patient’s needs and how severe their condition is.

Cortisone Injections

Cortisone injections are a common treatment for knee osteoarthritis. They contain corticosteroids, which are strong anti-inflammatory medicines. Cortisone injections can provide quick relief from pain and inflammation. They are a popular choice for managing flare-ups.

Hyaluronic Acid Gel Injections (Viscosupplementation)

Hyaluronic acid gel injections, also known as viscosupplementation, aim to restore the natural lubrication of the knee joint. This treatment is beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis. It helps reduce friction and alleviate pain.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma to stimulate healing in the knee joint. PRP injections have gained popularity for their ability to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy involves injecting a solution that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. It promotes the growth of new tissue in the affected area. This treatment aims to strengthen the ligaments and tendons around the knee joint. It provides stability and reduces pain.

Effectiveness of Gel and Hydrogel Knee Injections

Gel and hydrogel knee injections are seen as a hopeful treatment for knee osteoarthritis. They are backed by growing evidence. These injections aim to ease pain and boost joint function in those who haven’t seen results from other treatments.

Clinical Research Findings

Many studies have looked into how well gel and hydrogel injections work for knee osteoarthritis. Research shows they work best for patients with mild to moderate arthritis. Patients who got hydrogel injections saw big drops in pain and better function than those who didn’t.

Some key benefits from clinical trials are:

  • Less pain when moving and resting
  • Better joint lubrication and function
  • Less need for surgery in some cases

Duration of Pain Relief

The length of time pain relief lasts from gel and hydrogel injections varies. It depends on how severe the osteoarthritis is and the type of injection. Usually, patients get relief for several months, with some studies showing benefits for up to a year or more.

Here’s a quick look at how long pain relief lasts:

Treatment Type Average Duration of Relief
Gel Injections 6-12 months
Hydrogel Injections 12 months or more

We’re excited about the evidence supporting gel and hydrogel injections for knee osteoarthritis. This is true for those with mild to moderate symptoms. As research keeps growing, we expect these treatments to get even better.

Ideal Candidates for Knee Injection Therapies

Finding the right people for knee injection therapies is key. We must carefully check who will get the most help from these treatments.

The severity of osteoarthritis matters a lot. Mild to moderate osteoarthritis is usually the best time for these treatments.

Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis

People with mild to moderate osteoarthritis are often the best fit for knee injections. At this point, the damage isn’t too bad. The injections can help reduce pain and make the joint move better.

The good things about knee injections for mild to moderate osteoarthritis are:

  • Less pain and swelling
  • Better joint movement
  • Less need for surgery

These injections can really help. They let patients keep living their lives without too much trouble.

When Injections Are Not Recommended

Even though knee injections help a lot, they’re not for everyone. For example, those with severe osteoarthritis might not see much improvement from injections alone.

Other times when injections might not be a good idea include:

  1. Active infections or serious joint damage
  2. Bad reactions to the injection ingredients before
  3. Severe joint instability or shape problems

Healthcare providers need to do detailed checks to see if knee injections are right for each patient.

The Injection Procedure: What to Expect

Getting ready for your knee injection? Knowing what happens from start to finish is key. We’ll walk you through each step for a smooth experience.

Before the Procedure

You’ll have a chat with your doctor before the injection. They’ll talk about the procedure and answer your questions. Remember to tell your doctor about any medicines you’re taking. Some might need to be changed or stopped.

  • Look over your medical history for any risks or issues.
  • Find out which injection you’ll get, like cortisone or PRP.
  • Learn about what you can expect and any possible side effects.

During the Injection

Your doctor will clean your knee and might numb the skin with a local anesthetic. The actual injection is very quick, just a few minutes. We use ultrasound to make sure the injection goes exactly where it should.

  1. The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
  2. A local anesthetic is applied to reduce pain.
  3. The injection is given into the knee joint.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the injection, you might feel some mild pain or soreness. This can be helped with over-the-counter pain meds. It’s best to avoid hard activities for a bit to let your knee heal.

  • Use ice to help with swelling.
  • Rest and don’t do heavy lifting or bending.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice for aftercare.

Knowing what to expect before, during, and after your knee injection makes you feel more ready. Our team is here to give you the best care and support every step of the way.

Cost and Insurance Coverage for Knee Injections

For many patients, the cost and insurance coverage of knee injections are key factors. It’s important to know the average costs and insurance needs.

Insurance Requirements and Coverage Criteria

Insurance coverage for knee injections varies. Insurance companies often require a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and may ask for conservative treatments first.

To get insurance coverage, patients should:

  • Consult with their healthcare provider to find the best injection type for their condition.
  • Get pre-approval or pre-authorization from their insurance before treatment.
  • Make sure the healthcare provider is in their insurance network.

Some insurance plans may cover part of the cost for certain knee injections, if they are medically necessary. Patients should check their insurance policy and talk to their provider about coverage.

Comparing Knee Injections to Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee injections and knee replacement surgery are two ways to deal with knee osteoarthritis. Knee injections are less invasive, while knee replacement surgery is more definitive for severe cases.

Benefits and Limitations of Injections

Knee injections, like those with hyaluronic acid gel or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), are popular for pain relief and better joint function. They’re good for those with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who don’t want surgery yet. But, their success varies, and they might not work for everyone, mainly those with severe osteoarthritis.

One big plus of knee injections is they’re minimally invasive, so patients can get back to their daily life quickly. They can also be done again if needed, helping manage symptoms over time. Yet, it’s important to remember that injections don’t cure osteoarthritis; they just help manage the symptoms.

New gel-based cartilage substitutes are showing great promise. Some studies suggest they could be stronger and more durable than natural cartilage as reported in a study. This could make knee injections even more effective in the future.

When Surgery Becomes Necessary

Even with the benefits of knee injections, some people might need knee replacement surgery. This is usually when osteoarthritis gets too severe, causing a lot of pain and making it hard to move.

Choosing to have knee replacement surgery is a big decision. It involves looking at how bad the osteoarthritis is, the patient’s health, and what they prefer. Surgery is more invasive and takes longer to recover from. But, it can offer lasting relief for the right patients.

In summary, knee injections and knee replacement surgery are two different ways to treat knee osteoarthritis. Knowing the pros and cons of each helps patients and doctors make the best choice for treatment.

Conclusion: Are Knee Injections Worth Considering?

Knee osteoarthritis is a serious condition that affects millions. Traditional treatments often don’t last long. This leads many to think about knee replacement surgery. But, new injection therapies offer hope.

Knee gel injections, like hydrogel and hyaluronic acid, show great promise. They can lessen pain and make joints work better. So, are knee gel injections worth it? For many, the answer is yes. They offer real relief, mainly for those with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

But can injections fix bad knees? They’re not a magic solution, but they can greatly improve life. By easing pain and swelling, they might prevent the need for surgery. This makes them a good option to consider.

We think knee injections are a good choice for those wanting to avoid surgery. They can offer a lot of pain relief and better joint function. Always talk to a doctor to see if they’re right for you.

FAQ

What is the new injection instead of knee replacement?

Hydrogel injections are a new treatment for knee osteoarthritis. They offer a possible alternative to knee replacement surgery. These injections add back the joint’s natural cushioning, reducing pain and improving function.

Are knee gel injections worth it?

Knee gel injections, like hyaluronic acid gel, can help with knee osteoarthritis. They provide pain relief and improve joint function. But, their success varies from person to person, and they might not work for everyone.

Do knee injections work?

Knee injections, including cortisone, hyaluronic acid, and PRP, can reduce pain and improve function. Their success depends on the type of injection, the osteoarthritis’s severity, and individual factors.

Are knee gel injections covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for knee gel injections varies. It depends on the insurance provider and the treatment. Some plans cover hyaluronic acid gel injections, while others don’t. Always check with your insurance to see what’s covered.

Can injections really help bad knees?

Yes, injections can help with knee osteoarthritis. They can reduce pain and improve function. The type of injection and its success depend on the osteoarthritis’s severity and individual factors.

What knee injection lasts 3 years?

Some studies show that hyaluronic acid gel injections can last up to 3 years or more. But, the pain relief duration varies among people.

Can you have knee surgery after gel injections?

Yes, you can have knee surgery after gel injections. Gel injections might delay or avoid surgery, but they’re not a guarantee against it.

Can you get cortisone injections after knee replacement?

Cortisone injections are usually not recommended after knee replacement. They can harm the implant or surrounding tissue. Always talk to your orthopedic surgeon about this.

What are the types of knee shots available?

Common knee injections include cortisone, hyaluronic acid gel, PRP, and prolotherapy. Each has its own uses, benefits, and risks.

Is synovial fluid replacement a treatment option?

Hyaluronic acid gel injections can be seen as a form of synovial fluid replacement. They aim to restore the joint’s natural lubrication and cushioning.

Can injections fix bad knees?

Injections can help with pain and improve function, but they can’t completely fix bad knees. They’re a treatment option to manage symptoms and potentially delay surgery.

What is the cost of knee injections?

Knee injection costs vary by type, location, and healthcare provider. On average, they can cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per injection.

Can silicone injections be used for knee joint treatment?

Silicone injections are not a standard treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Common treatments include cortisone, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and prolotherapy.

References

Subscribe to Liv E-newsletter