Hyaluronic Acid Injection – Knee Pain Relief FAQ

Hyaluronic Acid injections (Genvisc) FAQ for Joint Pain in Seattle

 

What is Genvisc – hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a product that is mainly used to lubricate knee joints to help alleviate knee pain and help protect from inflammation for our Seattle patients. Genvisc helps knee joint surfaces move with less friction in conjunction with your natural cartilage.

How do hyaluronic acid injections work?

Cartilage between bones helps facilitate a smooth gliding motion within joints. The knee joint must maintain lubrication with a viscous solution in the synovial fluid (the fluid within the knee). Over time, natural wear-and-tear as well as arthritis, causes cartilage to deteriorate and the ability to keep the knee lubricated is decreased.

This can result in painful stiffness of the knee. Hyaluronic acid injections work by replacing the lost synovial fluid to relieve joint pain. Seattle Regenerative Medicine Center provides Hyaluronic Acid Injections for patients in the greater Seattle area.

What are hyaluronic acid injections made of?

Hyaluronic acid is derived from chicken or rooster combs. Therefore, anyone with a poultry allergy should avoid these injections.

What conditions are treated with hyaluronic acid injections?

The FDA has approved hyaluronic acid injections, Genvisc, for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the result of cartilage degeneration and a loss of synovial fluid (the fluid within the knee). Pain from arthritis often restricts knee mobility, causing discomfort and reduced knee function.

When should I have a hyaluronic acid injection?

Seattle patients diagnosed with mild to moderate degenerative arthritis of the knee will benefit from hyaluronic acid injections. The procedure is used for people who do not respond well to medications, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or other treatments. For patients with severe or advanced arthritis, and those with total cartilage deterioration, the procedure may not be effective and is not recommended.

How many hyaluronic acid injections are required?

Depending on the extent of your joint damage and pain symptoms, 5 shots are usually given 1 week apart.

What precautions should I take following the hyaluronic acid injection?

After the injection, it is suggested that you rest at home for the remainder of the day of your procedure. Avoid excessive stress on the injected knee for up to 48 hours. You must not run, jog, lift weights, or engage in prolonged standing for 3-4 days, depending on doctor’s recommendations. Take any prescribed medication immediately after the injection for pain relief and follow any aftercare recommendations suggested by your doctor.

What are the side effects of hyaluronic injections?

Right after the injection, patients may experience a slight increase in pain and joint swelling. Typically, these symptoms are gone within 12-24 hours. Side effects rarely occur, but may include burning, itching, tenderness, and muscle stiffness.

Do hyaluronic acid injections work?

The peak benefit of the hyaluronic acid injection is felt 1-2 weeks after the procedure. The benefits of GenVisc 850 can last for months. In clinical studies many patients experience 6 or more months of pain relief.

What payment options are available?

Most insurance carriers as well as medicare fully cover hyaluronic acid injection treatments at no cost to you. If you’re living in the greater Seattle area and are suffering from knee pain, contact us to schedule a consultation today.