Do The Series of ‘Gel Like’ Injections for Knee Pain Really Work?
I’m referring to Hyaluronic acid injections aka rooster comb, gel injections, viscosupplements, SYNVISC®, Hyalgen®, Euflexxa®, Supartz®, Orthovisc®, etc.
In my opinion the answer to this question is NO, NOT REALLY. Ultimately though you have to decide for yourself… Let me explain…
I have personally treated and talked to many patients who have had the series of three to five injections listed above (3-5 injections are usually administered over the course of a few weeks. Recently, SYNVISC® came out with one injection). Most patients noticed little to no knee pain relief after the injections. Some noticed that their knee pain and swelling got worse after the injections and they developed what’s known as a ‘hot knee’. Others developed an allergic reaction to the shot and were unable to complete the series. Of the few that responded favorably to the injection theyonly noticed temporary pain relief (which in all fairness the injections do claim that the relief is only temporary and usually lasts for up to 6 months).
There are multiple studies indicating that Hyaluronic injections are as effective as placebo injections,[1] [2] [3]and that the effect of anti-inflammatory drugs is 48 times greater than the effect of Hyaluronic acid injections (or rooster comb injections).[4]
One study indicated that the immediate pain relief patients experienced was not due to the injection itself, but from draining the fluid in the knee, a step doctors take prior to administering the injection to prep the knee.
Most patients mistakenly think that the knee injections add ‘cushioning’ or cartilage to their knee. Unfortunately, this is not the case! IF the injections are successful the theory behind them is that they help lubricate the knee joint. The injections do NOT stimulate cartilage or increase the amount of cartilage in the knee.
Based on my personal experience and the multiple studies I have read (not the ones funded by the pharmaceutical companies, but ones written by a third party) about the injections. I believe that there isn’t any real evidence that proves their effectiveness in the treatment of osteoarthritis knee pain.
On the other hand, I do believe that an individual should leave knee surgery as their very last option, so it’s certainly worth giving gel injections a ‘shot’.
If you suffer from knee pain due to cartilage loss, ‘bone on bone’, or osteoarthritis of the knee and you want to avoid a total knee replacement or you cannot undergo a total knee replacement due to other health problems then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program™ may be the answer to your knee problem. Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program™ is considered a complete treatment plan that combines low-level laser treatments (cold laser treatments, cold laser therapy), and other modalities that promote rehabilitation of the knee. Every patient’s program is different depending on whether they suffer from knee pain due to arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, a Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions. If you live in the Dallas /Fort Worth area call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program or visit http://www.HelpMyKneePain.com
Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!
At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…
Dr. Robert Hanson,D.C. an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers non-surgical cold laser therapy programs for the treatment of shoulder, neck and low back pain. He also offers programs that combine both cold laser therapy and spinal decompression therapy for the treatment of herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves in the low back and neck.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C. practices in Irving, Texas a the DFW Spine & Joint Center,-Your Cold Laser Dallas Doctor for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area Since 2001.”
Source:
1. Brandt KD, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2000; 43: 1192-1203
2. Lo GH, et al. JAMA. 2003; 290: 3115-3121.
3. Karlsson J, et al. Rheumatol. 2002; 41:1240-1248.
4. Archives of Internal Medicine February 11, 2002; 162:292-298.
Comments
Your Doctor probably recommended avoiding getting in the hot tub because heat increases blood flow therefore you will experience more swelling in the knees. I would follow your doctors advice and stay away from the hot tub for now.
Good Luck to you!
Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C
http://helpmykneepain.com
DFW Spine & Joint Center
I have knee arthritis as a result of an infection I had in 1998 (I’m 42 now and otherwise completely healthy) – from then until 1 year ago I was able to play sports but lately it has been hurting and I’m considering the Synvisc injection. Had arthroscopic surgery to clean up some dangling cartiledge recently but it didn’t help much. Apparently the arthritis is severe. Do you think the cold laser therapy is a better option then the injections and if so, why? Thank you.
I had the series of 5 shots and found some relief but not much. Now I am looking for something else to help me…I am at “end stage” and need both knees replaced..the Dr. asked me to hold out as long as I could since I am so young (43) and would end up having multiple knee replacements in my lifetime. I am in Easton, PA and would like to know if I am even a candidate for this type of treatment & if so do you know of any Doctors using this treatment in my area? Also there was no form on the right side for me to fill out and receive info regarding these treatments…thanks for your time & have a great day!!
‘End stage’ or bone on bone knee pain is the most common cause of knee pain that is treated in my office. However, in order to determine whether you’re a candidate for my Cold Laser Knee Program I would need to exam your knee and review your x-rays.
I agree that at 43 years young most orthopedic surgeons would consider you too young for total knee replacements, so you’re in a difficult situation.
Unfortunately, I have not mentored anyone in the Pennsylvania area and I do not know of any doctor who uses my Program.
If you are ever in the Dallas-Fort Worth area please feel free to contact my office at 214-596-1051.
Thank You,
Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C.
http://www.HelpMyKneePain.com
http://www.facebook.com/kneepain
I just got my 3rd shout yesterday here in Fortmadison Ia and the pain got real bad last night and swelling and the pain got so bad in bed every time i try to move my knee it killed me and now there heat comeing from it… the vicd and ibuprofen not kick the pain…. plus the ice pump….. the first shout didnt fell nouthin the 2nd start to hurt that night but this last one is just made my knee a whole lot worse…
I would like to know if anyone in the Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, Florida area performs the Cold Laser Knee Program.
Thank you.
Unfortunately, no doctor in the Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, Florida is licensed to use Dr. Schnee’s protocol system.
Thank You.
Alexis
Patient Coordinator
DFW Spine & Joint Center
I have had 3 ACL repairs. I have been to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the San Diego area. Not one Dr has even offered the Injections. I am 54 years old ballet dancer. I have screws and staples in one knee. Should I even waste my time with injections?
Do you know of anyone in the Detroit area that uses the Cold Laser system???
I had the series of 5 injections to delay knee replacement however I developed severe swelling and acute pain in my knee following the 5th injection. My knee has been drained twice during the past 3 weeks however the pain has worsened and I am experiencing spasisms in my calf and around the knee. I am now using a cane and/or crutches. How long do the reactions to the gel injections typically last? I doubt that I would be a candidate for the cold laser knee program in my current condition. Do you have recommendations?
Is there anyone in the Winston Salem NCarea that does the knee laser procedure ?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a doctor in the Winstom/Salem area that uses Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Therapy protocols. The next best thing to do is to find a doctor in your area who specializes in cold laser therapy for knee pain.
Thank You,
Alexis M.
Patient Coordinator
DFW Spine and Joint Center
214-596-1051
http://www.HelpMyKneePain.com
It sounds like you had a horrible reaction to the injection. On the other hand you could have a baker’s cyst that got exacerbated by the injection. You will definitely want to call your doctors office to rule out a baker’s cyst. If it is a baker’s cyst then draining it will not help the situation; however, cold laser therapy works great for eliminating inflammation and swelling so you may want to investigate the treatment further.
Dr. Alexandra Schnee, DC
DFW Spine and Joint Center
214-596-1051
http://www.helpmykneepain.com
No, we don’t know of anyone in in the Detroit area using Dr. Schnee’s System.
Alexis M.
http://www.helpmykneepain.com
Its possible that you may not have enough cartilage left in your knee joint for injections to be effective. It wouldn’t hurt for you to have a conversation with your doctor about it.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alexandra Schnee
DFW Spine and Joint Center
http://www.helpmykneepain.com
Anyone in the Chicago area do this procedure?
Unfortunately, were not aware of anyone that uses Dr. Schnee’s knee protocols in the Chicago area. However, you may be able to find someone who uses cold lasers -just make sure that they specialize in the knee joint.
Andrea J.
DFW Spine & Joint Center
Gel injections are indicated for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis in the knee. If you are ‘bone on bone’ then technically your knee is not a candidate for gel injections. So yes, I believe the effectiveness of the injection is directly related to the amount of cartilage available.
Good Luck!
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, D.C.
http:/www.helpmykneepain.com
About two years this November, I had micro fracture and also my monistic fixed. I went to physical therapy for about 5 time did some on my own. My doctor stated I had no cartridge left in my knee. I am a runner and a year after my surgery I was able to do a few 5ks. Now I am not able to finish two miles without pain and swelling. I am 50 what do you recommend. I am in Dallas. Than you.
I had arthroscopy surgery and I am at the end of the healing stage. My doctor wants to do gel injections because I am still having stiffness and cracking noises. After reading all the comments I am kind of leary on having them done. I had pcs of cartlidge removed and he scrapped my knee due to a fall I had. Do you think the injections would help for something like this? Thanks
I,m getting the 3-series gell shot’s. My doctor at Rochester Orthopedic, in Rochester,In. say’s there alright to have done . Their the last procedure to try before knee replacement, of which i don’t waqnt done. How sfe are they?
Hello
I am 54 years old & told by different doctors that I am in need of total knee replacement surgery for both knees.
I live in Bergen County N.J. and was wondering if there was anyone in this area (I am a short drive from N.Y.C.)who was performing the cold laser therapy. I have had both hips replaced due to arthritis (one at 36 yrs old & one at 44)and have heard that the knee is much more difficult operation… I am looking for alternatives that may alleviate some of the pain.
At 54, you are very young to undergo total knee replacement. Cold laser therapy may certainly be an option for you if you’re looking to relieve chronic knee pain. Unfortunately, I don’t know of a reputable doctor in New York or New Jersey who I can refer you too. Search the internet and make some phone calls. Your primary doctor may even know of a good cold laser therapy doctor to refer you too.
Good Luck to you! And I hope you find a cold laser doctor in your area.
Thank You,
Dr. Alexandra Schnee
DFW Spine & Joint Center
http://www.HelpMyKneePain.com
Gel injections or viscosupplements are relatively safe. I’ve have had a few indivduals complain that the injections caused more knee pain, swelling, or even a rash. Some individuals actually develop an allergy to the injection AFTER the fact. You should definitely discuss the possible side-effects with your doctor.
If the gel injections or viscosupplements (Hyalgen, Synvisc, Othovisc, Euflexxa, Supartz) don’t work you should consider trying cold laser therapy to see if that will relieve your knee pain. It sure beats having your knee replaced especially if you’re not ready for surgery.
Best of Luck!
Dr. Alexandra Schnee
DFW Spine & Joint Center
http://www.Helpmykneepain.com
Since the gel injections or viscosupplements (Synvisc, Hyalgen, Euflexxa, Orthovisc, Supartz) act as lubricants in the knee joint; having the injections certainly shouldn’t ‘hurt’ your knee. However, don’t be surprised if the relief is negligible. Keep in mind, you WILL develop more arthritis in the knee AFTER having arthroscopic knee surgery. Your knee has less cartilage now then it did prior to the surgery so its impossible not to feel stiff. (Especially if you had signs of arthritis in the knee joint prior to the surgery).
I’m just not sure if the injections are going to give you the relief you’re expecting, but they’re worth trying. Please note that you should also consider finding a doctor who specializes in cold laser therapy for the knee. Cold laser therapy may definitely help relieve the stiffness in your knee.
Best of Luck!
Dr. Alexandra Schnee
DFW Spine & Joint Center
http://www.HelpMyKneePain.com
I’m assuming that you meant to write that you had your meniscus fixed.
I treat marathon runners that have been diagnosed with bone on bone knee pain and they do great with our cold laser treatment program. However, there is a trade off, as long as they continue to want to ‘pound the pavement’ they will have to maintain their knee by getting periodic treatments in our office.
You are only 50 years young and you are considered too young to have to undergo a total knee replacement. Please consider all of your treatment alternatives so that you can ‘keep’ your own knee for as long as possible.
Best of Luck!
Since you live in Dallas, call my office at 214-596-1051 if you have any questions about Dr.Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.
Dr. Alexandra Schnee
DFW Spine & Joint Center
http://www.HelpMyKneePain.com
I fell on my left knee 3 years ago in soft dirt. It started the arthritis up in that knee. I can walk with a knee brace or use a cane.
The strange thing is when I walk I don’t really have any pain, just a weak feeling but it has changed my life style… where I cannot go shopping unless I have a cart to lean on, no hiking or dancing. Actually my right side seems to suffer also..sort of like it is out of alignment. The doctor says I need a knee replacement, but I’m hesitant because of no crucial pain. I’m 73, 5’2″ and 175 lbs. I’m slowly losing weight which I’m sure will help, but will it really ever get back to where I was before the fall? Would cold laser treatment be a consideration?
August 10th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
I have had two shots already. (this friday is my 3rd) My dr told me that I could not use my hot tub which helps me with my back and shoulder problems a lot..and knees of course…He told me not till after the 3rd shot. Then I am not sure how long he will make wait after the third shot..I am in my hot at least 3 times a day.. Is this true..I have brother in law who was told he could do anything he wanted after the first shot..I just wanted your opionion on this..thank you, Lorraine Strohkirch