This article provides general information about orthopedic injectable gels and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor to determine if these treatments are appropriate for your specific condition.
Injectable gels that provide pain relief and bettersafe movement have become an important treatment for joint problems. These medications can be injected right into sore joints, reducing the need for surgery. They are most widely used for osteoarthritis, which causes joint damage over time. The gels help cushion joints and allow them to move more smoothly. Patients appreciate these minimally invasive injections because they quickly ease pain and improve mobility. The gels have relatively mild side effects compared to surgery or strong oral medications. Though simple, injectable orthopedic gels are providing welcome relief to many people with worn-out knees, hips, shoulders and other joints.
What Are Orthopedic Injectable Gels?
Orthopedic injectable gels are medical treatments administered directly into joint spaces to alleviate pain and improve function.
Typically composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) or similar substances, these gels mimic the properties of synovial fluid, a natural lubricant in joints that decreases with age or due to conditions like osteoarthritis. By supplementing this fluid, injectable gels aim to restore joint lubrication, reduce friction, and ease movement.
How They Work, What They Do, Benefits, and Side Effects
Mechanism of Action: Orthopedic injectable gels work by enhancing the viscoelastic properties of the synovial fluid within the joint. This increase in fluid viscosity aids in cushioning the joint, reducing pain upon movement, and improving overall joint functionality.
Benefits:
- Pain relief: Significant reduction in joint pain, enhancing quality of life.
- Increased mobility: Improved joint function allows for easier movement and activity.
- Delayed surgery: For some patients, gel injections can postpone the need for joint replacement surgery.
Side Effects: While generally safe, side effects can include pain at the injection site, swelling, heat, and, rarely, allergic reactions. Most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving within a few days.
Who Can Use Them
Orthopedic inject able gels are suitable for a wide range of patients experiencing joint pain, particularly those with osteoarthritis. However, the best candidates are those who have not responded adequately to more conservative treatments.
Here’s a quick table to get a more comprehensive understanding of who can benefit from these treatments.
| Criteria | Suitability | Explanation |
| Age Group | Adults, especially those over 50 | As we age, the natural hyaluronic acid in our joints decreases, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. Injectable gels are particularly beneficial for older adults experiencing joint pain and mobility issues due to this decrease. |
| Stage of Joint Condition | Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis | Orthopedic injectable gels are most effective in the early to middle stages of osteoarthritis. At these stages, the goal is to supplement the joint’s natural lubrication to ease pain and prevent further cartilage wear. In severe cases, the damage might be too advanced for gels to provide significant benefits, making surgical options more appropriate. |
| Previous Treatments | Ineffective response to NSAIDs, physical therapy | Patients who have tried non-invasive treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or physical therapy without sufficient relief may be good candidates for injectable gels. This indicates that the pain is likely due to mechanical issues within the joint that can be directly addressed by improving the lubrication and cushioning. |
| Activity Level | Moderately Active | Individuals who are still relatively active but limited by joint pain may see considerable improvement with injectable gels. These treatments can enable them to maintain or even increase their activity levels by reducing pain and improving joint function. |
| Pain Severity | Moderate to Severe, not relieved by oral medication | Patients experiencing moderate to severe joint pain, particularly those for whom oral pain relievers provide little to no relief, may find injectable gels to be an effective alternative. The direct application to the joint area can offer targeted pain relief. |
| Allergy and Reaction History | No known allergies to gel components | Before proceeding with orthopedic injectable gels, it’s crucial to ensure the patient has no allergies to the components of the gel, particularly if derived from avian sources, as some gels are. A thorough medical history can help identify any potential risks. |
| Joint Health | Joints with intact joint space | Injectable gels are most suitable for patients whose joint space hasn’t completely deteriorated. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, can help determine the integrity of the joint space, ensuring that the gel has a cavity to fill and can perform its function effectively. |
This table provides a detailed overview of the suitability of orthopedic injectable gels for various patients, highlighting the importance of individual patient assessment in determining the best treatment plan.
By carefully considering these factors, roca healthcare providers can identify the patients most likely to benefit from this form of therapy, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Common Brands
Several brands of orthopedic inject able gels are available, each with its unique formulation and intended use.
SUPARTZ® is one such brand, renowned for its efficacy in treating knee osteoarthritis. Made from highly purified hyaluronic acid, Supartz is designed to replenish the depleted stores of synovial fluid, thereby reducing pain and improving joint mobility.
Unlike some other treatments, Supartz can be a good option for patients at various stages of osteoarthritis, offering a tailored approach to pain management and mobility enhancement. You can buy Supartz at medical retailers like Medical Sparx.
Other common brands include: ORTHOVISC®, HYALGAN® or CINGAL®
Conclusion
Orthopedic injectable gels represent a significant advancement in the treatment of joint pain and mobility issues.
With products like Supartz leading the charge, patients now have access to effective, minimally invasive options for managing their conditions.
As research continues and these treatments evolve, the future for those with joint pain looks increasingly bright, promising improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
References
- Therapeutic Mechanisms of Hyaluronic Acid Treatment in Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Journal of Biomedical Science, Chang et al, 2009.
- Efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid in treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Modern Rheumatology, Wang et al., 2021.
- The efficacy and safety of intra-articular hyaluronan derivatives in the treatment of osteoarthritis knees: a systematic review and network meta-analysis, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, Han et al., 2021.
- Appropriate use criteria for hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in the United States, Cartilage, Jevsevar et al., 2017.
- Intra-Articular Injections and Return to Play: A Systematic Review Examining Postinjection Recovery Times of Corticosteroids, Platelet-Rich Plasma, and Hyaluronic Acid on Athletic Performance, Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, Woolf et al., 2021.
