It's common for your knee to feel worse after a gel injection, medically known as viscosupplementation, usually due to your body's temporary reaction to the injected substance. While these injections are typically aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility for osteoarthritis, an increase in discomfort immediately following the procedure is a recognized side effect.
Understanding Post-Injection Pain
While the goal of a gel injection is to provide lubrication and cushioning to the knee joint, some individuals experience a temporary flare-up of pain and inflammation. This is often the body's natural response to the introduction of a new substance into the joint space.
The "Post-Injection Flare"
The most frequent reason for worsened knee pain after a gel injection is a phenomenon known as a post-injection flare.
- What it is: This is a short-lived increase in pain and inflammation that occurs shortly after the injection.
- Why it happens: It's caused by a reaction of the joint tissues to the injected material itself, as the body adjusts to the presence of the new substance.
- Duration: Typically, a post-injection flare resolves on its own within a few days.
- Management: To manage the discomfort, your doctor might recommend:
- Applying ice packs to the affected knee.
- Resting the joint and avoiding strenuous activities.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, if appropriate for your health.
Rare but More Severe: Pseudo-Sepsis
While much less common, a more significant reaction known as pseudo-sepsis can also occur. This is an important consideration if pain and swelling are severe or persistent.
- Nature: Pseudo-sepsis is a rare allergic-type reaction specifically to viscosupplementation.
- Symptoms: It can result in significant pain and swelling in the injected knee.
- Distinguishing Feature: The symptoms of pseudo-sepsis can, at times, mimic those of an actual joint infection (sepsis), which is a serious medical condition. This is why it's crucial to differentiate between the two.
- Importance: If you experience severe, persistent pain, redness, warmth, or swelling that resembles an infection after your injection, it is vital to contact your healthcare provider immediately to rule out an actual infection.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While mild discomfort is common, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention:
- Severe or worsening pain: If the pain is intense, unmanageable with typical pain relief methods, or significantly increases over time.
- Persistent swelling and warmth: If swelling, redness, or warmth in the knee joint does not subside after a few days or worsens.
- Signs of infection: Including fever, chills, pus drainage, or streaks of redness spreading from the injection site.
- Limited mobility: If you find it increasingly difficult to move your knee or bear weight on it.
- Any new or concerning symptoms: Always consult your doctor if you have any doubts or new symptoms that concern you.
| Symptom/Condition | Post-Injection Flare | Pseudo-Sepsis |
|---|---|---|
| Occurrence | Common | Rare |
| Severity | Mild to moderate discomfort | Significant pain and swelling |
| Duration | Short-lived (typically days) | Can persist and requires evaluation |
| Cause | Reaction to injected material | Allergic-type reaction |
| Key Feature | Temporary inflammation | Mimics true infection |
