Viscoelastic Injection Therapy for the Knee at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Lubricate & Protect with Advanced Gel Injections

When knee pain from arthritis or wear-and-tear makes daily movement difficult, viscoelastic (gel) injections may provide a natural way to restore lubrication and comfort in the joint.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we focus on education and transparency, helping patients across Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas understand how gel injections can support their recovery and mobility goals.

Revolutionary Cartilage Restoration
Long-Lasting Results
Minimally Invasive Procedure

What Are Gel (Viscoelastic) Injections?

Viscoelastic injections—also called hyaluronic acid (HA) injections or
viscosupplementation—deliver a gel-like substance into the knee joint to replace the natural cushioning fluid that has thinned due to arthritis or aging.

In healthy knees, hyaluronic acid acts as a shock absorber, keeping the joint smooth and well-lubricated. When osteoarthritis develops, that fluid becomes thinner and less effective, leading to friction and pain.

Injecting HA directly into the joint helps:

Restore lubrication for smoother movement
Reduce joint friction and stiffness
Provide a cushioning layer that may protect cartilage

Unlike some treatments, viscosupplementation is FDA-approved specifically for knee osteoarthritis, making it one of the most established non-surgical options available for joint comfort.

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

Why It’s Ideal for Knee Pain

The knee joint endures more strain than any other in the body, making it particularly prone to degenerative changes.

Viscoelastic injections may be most beneficial for individuals who:

Have mild to moderate osteoarthritis
Have not achieved sufficient relief from medications, therapy, or cortisone injections
Wish to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery while staying active

These injections can help maintain movement, support everyday activity, and enhance comfort over time.

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

What the Research Shows

Clinical research supports the use of HA injections for symptom relief in osteoarthritis:

A 2022 BMJ review found measurable pain and function improvements lasting 5–13 weeks compared to placebo.
Meta-analyses indicate HA offers similar pain relief to NSAIDs but with a more favorable safety profile.
Many patients report relief lasting up to six months, and repeated injections can safely extend benefits.
Real-world studies show around 60% of patients experience meaningful improvement in mobility and pain reduction.

Guideline overview:

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) offers a conditional recommendation (neither for nor against) for HA use.
The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) supports its use for patients over 60 with Grade II–III arthritis and conditionally for younger adults.

“Our goal is to improve quality of life—not to push the latest trend. Gel injections may not cure arthritis, but for the right patient, they can make movement possible again.” — Dr. Robert L. Burke

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

How Viscoelastic Injection Therapy Works at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

1. Evaluation & Education

Dr. Burke performs a full knee exam and reviews imaging to evaluate the degree of degeneration.
During your visit, you’ll learn about:

How HA compares to cortisone and PRP injections
Expected results, timeframes, and possible side effects
Alternative and complementary options

2. Injection Procedure

The injection is completed during an office visit:

The knee is sterilized and may be numbed for comfort
Ultrasound or X-ray guidance may be used for precise placement
HA gel is slowly injected into the joint
The knee is bandaged, and you can walk out immediately after

3. Post-Injection Care

Mild soreness or swelling may occur for 24–72 hours.
Dr. Burke typically recommends:

Rest and ice during the first 24 hours
Avoiding high-impact activities for 48 hours
Gradual return to light movement and stretching

4. Series & Follow-Up

Depending on the product and your condition:

Most patients receive 1–5 injections spaced over several weeks
Relief often begins within 4–6 weeks
Results may last up to 6 months
Re-treatment is available when symptoms return

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

Who Benefits Most?

Viscoelastic injections are most effective for patients who:

Have Grade II–III osteoarthritis confirmed by imaging
Seek to delay knee replacement surgery
Cannot tolerate steroids or anti-inflammatory medications
Want to stay active without invasive procedures

Evidence is strongest for adults over 60, though younger patients with early arthritis may also experience relief.

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

Comparison With Other Injections

Method	Onset of Relief	Duration	Considerations
Cortisone	Days	2–3 months	Effective short-term relief; repeated use may be limited
Hyaluronic Acid (Gel)	3-6 Weeks	4–6 months	Mild side effects; few restrictions; FDA-approved for knee OA
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)	4–8 weeks	6–12 months	Investigational; insurance may not cover

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

Free Patient Guide

Download “Knee Lubrication 101: Viscoelastic Therapy Explained”

Expected Benefits

Patients who respond well to HA injections often experience:

Moderate pain reduction within 4–6 weeks
Improved knee flexibility and walking comfort
Fewer side effects compared to steroid injections
Delaying the need for surgery in some cases

Possible temporary side effects include mild swelling, localized pain, or rare allergic reaction. Dr. Burke reviews all precautions before your procedure to ensure comfort and safety.

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

Why Patients Across Houston & Pearland Trust Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with 20+ years of experience in joint preservation
Precision injection techniques using advanced imaging guidance
Evidence-based recommendations—not sales tactics
Personalized follow-up and comprehensive care for lasting outcomes

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

What Patients Are Saying

“After gel shots, my stiffness and pain eased—enough to start walking again with less worry.”
— Diane H., Houston

“It took three weeks to feel better—but the relief lasted nearly six months. Worth exploring before thinking of surgery.”
— Mark L., Pearland

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

We Also Explore Other Regenerative Options

While this page focuses on gel injections, Dr. Burke Orthopedics also offers education on other regenerative and restorative techniques such as PRP therapy and MACI cartilage restoration.
Every consultation begins with education—not persuasion—so you can make an informed decision about your treatment path.

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

Key Takeaways

Gel injections are FDA-approved for knee osteoarthritis and offer a low-risk, non-surgical option for symptom relief.
They are most effective in mild to moderate arthritis and can delay surgical intervention.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, every injection is performed with precision, education, and honest guidance.

Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Personalized Care
FDA-Cleared Procedure

Schedule an Educational Consultation

If you’re considering viscoelastic injections for knee pain, start with trusted orthopedic insight.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer no-obligation educational visits to help you understand whether gel injections are right for your joint health and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it painful?

You may feel mild discomfort during or after injections. Most tolerate it well.
What's the injection schedule?

Typically 3–5 weekly injections, depending on product used .
How quickly do I improve?

Full benefit often appears in 4–6 weeks; some may get earlier relief.
Is it covered by insurance?

Many plans cover HA products; we can assist with insurance questions.
Are repeat courses safe?

Yes. Patients often repeat injections every 6 months with no increased risk OrthoInfo.

Viscoelastic Injection Therapy