What Is a Knee Gel Injection and Who Is It For?

If you suffer from knee osteoarthritis—a condition where the cartilage cushioning your knee joint gradually wears away—you may have heard about knee gel injections as a treatment option. These injections typically involve a gel-like substance, such as hyaluronic acid, which is injected directly into the knee to lubricate the joint and ease pain and stiffness.

Recently, a newer option called Arthrosamid (polyacrylamide hydrogel) has become available in the UK. This innovative treatment shows promise as an alternative to traditional gels. According to recent research, "iPAAG offers comparable short-term efficacy and modest advantage at 6 months. However, long-term superiority is limited." Knowing this can be reassuring if Arthrosamid is recommended for you.

Feeling nervous before your first knee gel injection is completely normal. This guide will walk you through what to expect at every stage—from your initial consultation to the injection procedure itself, the sensations you may experience immediately afterwards, and tailored advice for recovery. Our aim is to help you feel informed and confident throughout the process.

Preparing for Your Injection: What to Expect at the Consultation

Your journey starts with a consultation with your healthcare professional. They will ask about your knee pain, your medical history, and any treatments you’ve tried before. This helps them decide if a gel injection is the best option for you.

You’ll also discuss any medications you’re taking, as some might need adjusting before your injection. Plus, your clinician will explain the benefits and possible risks, ensuring you can give your informed consent before proceeding.

If Arthrosamid is suggested, recent studies offer encouraging news: “iPAAG may be a complementary option in individualised osteoarthritis management.” On the day of your injection, you’ll be welcomed to a clean, sterile clinic where the team will explain the next steps, helping ease any nerves and set clear expectations.

The Injection Procedure: What Happens?

When it’s time for your injection, you’ll be taken into a sterile treatment room. Usually, a nurse and doctor will be with you. The clinician will start by cleaning the skin around your knee and may numb the area with a local anaesthetic to reduce discomfort.

You might feel some pressure or a brief pinch as the needle enters the joint, but the procedure typically lasts only a few minutes. It’s normal to feel a little anxious or uncomfortable, but the medical team will support you throughout.

Once the injection is complete, the needle is withdrawn carefully, and a small dressing is placed over the injection site. You’ll then be asked to rest for a short time as the team checks how your knee is responding and provides initial aftercare advice.

How Your Knee May Feel After the Injection

After the injection, it’s common to experience mild pain, swelling, tightness, or tenderness around your knee. These sensations usually reach their peak within a few hours or days, then gradually improve.

Early pain relief is a common benefit. One study showed that patients’ pain scores dropped significantly within three months: “Baseline median VAS was 7, dropping to 3 in all groups at 3 months.”

To manage any discomfort at home, rest your knee as much as possible in the first day or two. Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling, and over-the-counter painkillers—taken as advised by your doctor—may ease any soreness.

Keep an eye out for symptoms like severe pain, increased swelling, redness, warmth around the knee, or fever. These signs could indicate an infection or other complications, and you should contact your healthcare provider promptly if they occur.

Aftercare and Getting Back to Daily Life

Proper care following your injection is vital for a smooth recovery. Start by resting your knee and avoid heavy or strenuous activity for the first couple of days. Gradually introduce gentle, low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming, following your clinician’s advice.

While results vary, some patients experience lasting improvements. A recent study found that "by 12 months, VAS returned to baseline in HA and Steroid groups, while iPAAG remained slightly improved."

Usually, pain relief begins within the first week, with ongoing improvements in mobility over several weeks. It’s important to listen to your body and progress exercise carefully.

If you notice any unusual symptoms or worsening pain, seek medical advice. Most people find they can return to their regular activities with less knee pain and improved movement after treatment.

This guide is designed to help you approach your first knee gel injection with confidence and clarity. Understanding each step—consultation, procedure, sensations, and recovery—can empower you to take positive steps towards better knee health.

References

Aykaç, B., Dinç, M., Nar, Ö. O., Karasu, R., & Bayrak, H. Ç. (2025). Comparative efficacy of polyacrylamide hydrogel versus hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids in knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective cohort study. Medicine, 104(38), e44655. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000044655