How we use hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain relief
Quick answer: Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections—also called gel injections or viscosupplementation—are a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Dr. Edrick Lopez at DFW Interventional Pain Institute injects HA directly into the knee joint to restore lubrication, reduce inflammation and improve mobility, with relief lasting up to six months.
Chronic knee pain has a way of shrinking your world. Activities you used to take for granted—walking the dog, climbing stairs, playing with your kids—start to feel like genuine challenges. For many of our patients at DFW Interventional Pain Institute, the culprit is knee osteoarthritis: a degenerative condition that breaks down the cartilage cushioning your knee joint over time.
The good news? Surgery isn't your only path to relief. Hyaluronic acid injections are one of the most effective non-surgical treatments we offer, and they've helped many of our patients get back to the activities they love.
What role does hyaluronic acid play in healthy knee joints?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance your body produces naturally. It's a key component of synovial fluid—the thick, slippery liquid that lubricates your joints and absorbs the shock of everyday movement. In a healthy knee, synovial fluid keeps cartilage surfaces gliding smoothly against each other.
With knee osteoarthritis, HA levels in the synovial fluid drop significantly. Less lubrication means more friction, more inflammation, and—ultimately—more pain. That's the cycle we're working to break.
How do hyaluronic acid injections work to relieve knee pain?
Hyaluronic acid gel injections—sometimes called viscosupplementation—work by replenishing the HA that osteoarthritis has depleted. Dr. Lopez injects the HA solution directly into the knee joint, where it helps restore that cushioning layer between the bones. If you'd like to know whether you're a good candidate for this treatment, our blog on whether hyaluronic acid injections are right for you is a great place to start.
The injections target knee pain in several ways:
Restore joint lubrication for smoother, more comfortable movement
Reduce pain and inflammation within the joint
Decrease bone-on-bone friction that's responsible for that grinding sensation
Improve mobility and function, making daily activities more manageable
What are the benefits of HA injections compared to other knee pain treatments?
Compared to corticosteroid (cortisone) injections, hyaluronic acid injections tend to offer longer-lasting relief—with many patients experiencing significant improvement for up to six months. Repeated treatment courses have also been shown to maintain or further improve pain reduction over time.
HA injections are particularly well-suited for patients who:
Have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
Haven't found enough relief from physical therapy, NSAIDs, or cortisone injections
Want to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery
For some patients, we also consider platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as a complementary or alternative treatment, depending on the individual's condition and goals.
What can you expect during and after the procedure at DFW Interventional Pain Institute?
Hyaluronic acid gel injections are an outpatient procedure performed right here in our Irving, TX office. The process is straightforward and typically takes less than 30 minutes. Here's what we do:
We clean and numb the knee area
Dr. Lopez may remove any excess fluid from the joint
The HA solution is injected directly into the knee
You'll be advised to rest the knee for about 24 hours before resuming normal activities
Most patients tolerate the procedure very well. Some experience mild, temporary swelling or stiffness at the injection site, but serious side effects are rare. You can find more details about all the treatments and procedures we offer on our services page.
It's worth noting that HA injections don't work overnight. Effects typically build over several weeks, so patience is important. We'll stay in close communication with you throughout the process to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Ready to get back to living your best life?
Knee pain doesn't have to be your new normal. If chronic knee pain is limiting your daily activities, Dr. Edrick Lopez and our team at DFW Interventional Pain Institute are here to help. As a double board-certified, Harvard-trained interventional pain management physician, Dr. Lopez will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Book an appointment with us today and take the first step toward lasting knee pain relief.
Frequently asked questions about hyaluronic acid knee injections
Are hyaluronic acid injections covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover hyaluronic acid knee injections when they're deemed medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend checking with your insurer before your appointment. Our team is happy to help you navigate the process.
How long does it take for HA knee injections to work?
Most patients start noticing improvement within two to four weeks of their first injection. The greatest benefits are typically felt at three to six months. Repeated treatment courses can extend and maintain that relief over time.
Who is not a good candidate for hyaluronic acid knee injections?
HA injections tend to be less effective for patients with severe osteoarthritis where cartilage is significantly worn down. Patients with active joint infections or known allergies to hyaluronic acid products may also not be suitable candidates. Dr. Lopez will evaluate your specific condition to determine the best course of action.
How do HA injections differ from cortisone injections for knee pain?
Both are injected directly into the knee joint, but they work differently. Cortisone injections are anti-inflammatory and tend to provide faster relief, while HA injections focus on restoring joint lubrication. HA injections generally offer longer-lasting results and have fewer side effects with repeated use.
