Gel Injections for Knee Pain in Boston
Viscosupplementation (gel injections) replaces hyaluronic acid in the knee joint to reduce pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis — available at all four offices of Boston Concierge Orthopedics.
Call 978-969-3624 Book an Appointment
What is viscosupplementation treatment for arthritis?
During viscosupplementation treatment for arthritis, Dr. McLaughlin injects hyaluronic acid into your joint. This fluid may help reduce pain and swelling in your arthritic joint — most commonly, the knee.
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, named a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026. He sees every patient himself.
The bones that make up your joints normally have a cap of cartilage on their ends, and the joint contains synovial fluid with hyaluronic acid. This works like a lubricant and shock absorber in the joint. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage cap breaks down, leaving raw bone. When this happens, the bones rub against each other abnormally, causing pain and inflammation. People with osteoarthritis generally have less hyaluronic acid in their joint fluid than they should.
The idea behind viscosupplementation is that replacing this hyaluronic acid may help reduce symptoms. A solution containing concentrated hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint space. You should not expect this to reduce your pain right away. After the full course of treatment, however, you can notice decreased pain and inflammation.
- Treatment Hyaluronic acid injection into the knee joint
- Best for Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
- In-office procedure Quick, during a normal office visit
- Ultrasound guidance May be used for accurate injection placement
- Timeline Several weeks to notice improvement; relief may last months
- Appointments Same-day or next-day available
Who may benefit from gel injections for knee arthritis?
You may have already tried other treatments for your arthritis, like over-the-counter pain medicines and cortisone injections. If you still have significant symptoms, viscosupplementation could be a good choice to help reduce your pain, stiffness, and swelling.
The treatment works best in people with mild or moderate arthritis. It may also make sense if you are trying to delay having a joint replacement. Gel injections may also suit people who cannot take anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). Healthcare providers generally use viscosupplementation to treat osteoarthritis, but the technique may also benefit people with certain other kinds of arthritis. The knee is the standard injection site.
How the procedure works
Viscosupplementation is a quick procedure that you can have done during a normal office visit. The injection site is cleaned and an anesthetic spray is typically applied prior to the injection. In some cases, ultrasound imaging is used to ensure the injection is placed into exactly the right spot. A small bandage is applied after the injection.
If the knee is swollen with fluid, Dr. McLaughlin can drain the joint (aspiration) in the office. You should not expect a gel injection to relieve your symptoms immediately. It may take several weeks before you begin to notice a difference. Relief from symptoms may last for several months. If viscosupplementation is effective for you, you may be able to repeat the injection in about 6 months.
Gel injections or cortisone injections?
Cortisone and gel injections work in different ways. A cortisone injection reduces inflammation and often brings faster, shorter-term relief. A gel injection restores lubrication and cushioning inside the joint, so relief builds more slowly but may last longer. Gel injections are often considered when cortisone no longer helps enough, or for patients who need to limit steroid injections. Dr. McLaughlin can also discuss PRP injections as another non-surgical option.
Possible side effects and aftercare
Most people have no problems after a gel injection. The knee may feel sore, warm, or slightly swollen for a short time, and ice can help. Infection and allergic reactions are rare. Avoid strenuous activity, such as jogging or heavy lifting, for a short time after the injection. Call the office if swelling, redness, or pain increases instead of settling.
Gel injection questions
What are gel injections (viscosupplementation) for knee pain?
During viscosupplementation treatment, Dr. McLaughlin injects hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. This fluid may help reduce pain and swelling in an arthritic joint. Hyaluronic acid normally acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joint. In osteoarthritis, cartilage breaks down and the bones rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation. Replacing hyaluronic acid through gel injections may help reduce those symptoms.
Who might benefit from gel injections for knee arthritis?
Gel injections may be a good choice if you have tried other treatments for arthritis, such as over-the-counter pain medicines and cortisone injections, and still have significant symptoms. The treatment works best in people with mild or moderate arthritis. It may also make sense if you are trying to delay having a joint replacement.
How long do gel injections take to work?
You should not expect a gel injection to relieve symptoms immediately. It may take several weeks before you begin to notice a difference. Relief from symptoms may last for several months. If viscosupplementation is effective for you, you may be able to repeat the injection in about 6 months.
Do gel injections work for bone-on-bone knee arthritis?
Gel injections tend to work best for mild to moderate arthritis. For advanced arthritis, Dr. McLaughlin discusses all options honestly. He does not perform knee replacement.
How do I book a gel injection appointment?
Call 978-969-3624 Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. Same-day or next-day appointments are available at offices in Boston, Norwood, Revere, and Beverly.
Does insurance cover gel injections?
Boston Concierge Orthopedics can bill insurance for gel injections, but most gel injections are self-pay. Call 978-969-3624 so the team can check your plan.
Is it one gel injection or a series?
Some gel products are given as one injection; others are a series of weekly injections. Dr. McLaughlin offers both and recommends the option that fits your knee.
Do gel injections work for everyone?
Results vary. Some people get several months of relief and others notice little change. Gel injections ease symptoms but do not rebuild cartilage.
Gel injections available at all four offices
One phone number for every office: 978-969-3624. Phones are answered Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Boston
115 Newbury Street5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions
Norwood
520 Boston Providence Tpk.Suite 14
Norwood, MA 02062 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions
Revere
385 BroadwaySuite 201
Revere, MA 02151 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions
Beverly
900 Cummings CenterSuite 221U
Beverly, MA 01915 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions