Real Patient Experiences: What to Expect from HA Injections

If you’re considering hyaluronic acid (HA) injections for knee pain, you probably want to know what real people experience. While medical facts are important, hearing from others who’ve walked this path can help you know what to expect.

We’ve talked to dozens of patients who’ve received HA injections (also called gel shots or viscosupplementation). Here are their stories—including the good, the moderate, and the experiences that didn’t work as hoped.

Key Takeaways

Most patients describe the injection as “less than expected”—quick and manageable
Results vary widely: some get 6-12 months of relief, others see modest improvement, and some don’t respond
The first few days after injection often include temporary soreness or swelling
Patients who respond well often notice gradual improvement over 2-4 weeks
Setting realistic expectations is key—HA injections work best for mild to moderate arthritis

Margaret’s Story: “I Got My Garden Back”

Margaret, 68, had been dealing with knee pain for three years. “I’d wake up stiff every morning,” she recalls. “Getting down to weed my garden beds became impossible.”

Her Experience with the Procedure

“I was nervous about the injection, but it was over in about five minutes,” Margaret says. “The doctor used an ultrasound to see exactly where to place it, which made me feel confident. There was a pinch and some pressure, but honestly, it wasn’t bad at all.”

Recovery and Results

Margaret experienced some swelling for about two days after the injection. “My knee felt a little puffy and tender. I iced it and took it easy like they told me to.”

By week three, she started noticing a difference. “I wasn’t thinking about my knee as much. The morning stiffness was still there but less intense. By week five, I was back in my garden.”

Margaret got about nine months of good relief before gradually noticing the pain creeping back. She’s now considering a second round. “Those nine months were wonderful. I could play with my grandkids, do my gardening, even take walks without planning my route around benches to rest.”

Robert’s Story: “It Helped, But It Wasn’t a Miracle”

Robert, 71, is a former postal carrier who walked miles every day for 30 years. His knee arthritis had progressed to the point where he was limiting his daily walks with his wife.

What He Expected vs. What He Got

“I’d heard stories of people getting complete pain relief, and I guess I hoped for that,” Robert admits. “What I got was more modest—maybe a 40% improvement.”

His Honest Assessment

The injection itself went smoothly for Robert. He experienced minimal discomfort during the procedure but had a rough first week. “My knee was pretty sore for about five days. I wondered if it was worth it.”

Around week two, things started to improve. “The sharp pains when I first stood up got better. I could walk farther before needing to stop. It wasn’t perfect, but it was definitely better than before.”

Robert’s relief lasted about six months. “For me, it bought me time and gave me back some quality of life. I’m managing expectations better now and considering whether to do it again or explore other options.”

Linda’s Story: When HA Injections Don’t Work

Not everyone responds to HA injections, and it’s important to share those stories too. Linda, 66, tried viscosupplementation after cortisone shots stopped providing relief.

Her Experience

“The procedure itself was fine,” Linda says. “No complaints about the doctor or the process. But I just didn’t get the results I hoped for.”

Linda waited the full six weeks that her doctor recommended, monitoring for improvement. “I felt a little better for maybe two weeks, but then I was right back where I started. The pain, the stiffness—it was all still there.”

What She Learned

“I’m not sorry I tried it,” Linda reflects. “My doctor explained that about 20-30% of people don’t respond to HA injections, and I guess I’m in that group. We’ve moved on to discuss other options, including possibly surgery down the road.”

Linda’s story is a reminder that HA injections don’t work for everyone, and that’s okay. Having honest conversations with your doctor about all your options is important.

Thomas’s Story: “The Procedure Was Easier Than I Thought”

Thomas, 73, was particularly anxious about needles. “I almost didn’t go through with it,” he admits. “I kept thinking about a needle going into my knee joint.”

Overcoming Anxiety

His doctor took time to explain the process and offered a topical numbing spray. “That helped a lot. And honestly, once I was in the chair, it happened so fast. The anticipation was way worse than the reality.”

His Results

Thomas got about eight months of solid improvement. “I’d say I went from a 7 out of 10 on the pain scale to about a 3. That’s a huge difference when you’re trying to live your life.”

He particularly appreciated being able to return to his woodworking hobby. “I do a lot of standing at my workbench. Before the injection, I could maybe manage 20 minutes. After, I could work for a couple hours at a time.”

What These Stories Tell Us: Common Themes

Looking across many patient experiences, several patterns emerge:

The Procedure Itself

Most patients agree that the injection is quick and more manageable than expected. The anticipation is often worse than the reality. Using imaging guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) seems to improve both comfort and outcomes.

The First Few Days

Expect some temporary soreness, swelling, or a feeling of fullness in the knee. Most people manage this with ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication. This typically resolves within 3-5 days.

The Waiting Period

Don’t expect immediate results. Most patients start noticing improvement somewhere between 2-4 weeks after injection. Some take the full 6 weeks to see maximum benefit.

The Duration of Relief

For those who respond well, relief typically lasts 6-12 months. Some get shorter benefit, others get longer. The duration seems to depend on the severity of arthritis, activity level, and individual factors.

The Variation in Results

This is perhaps the most important takeaway: results vary significantly from person to person. Some get dramatic relief, others get modest improvement, and some don’t respond at all.

What Increases the Chances of Success?

While individual results vary, certain factors seem to correlate with better outcomes:

Milder arthritis: Patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis tend to respond better than those with severe, bone-on-bone arthritis.

Proper technique: Injections guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy appear more effective than “blind” injections.

Following post-injection instructions: Avoiding heavy activity for 48 hours after injection seems to help the HA settle properly in the joint.

Realistic expectations: Patients who understand HA injections are about pain reduction and improved function—not a cure—tend to be more satisfied with their results.

Medicare compliance: Working with providers who follow evidence-based protocols and proper billing practices ensures you’re getting appropriate care.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Based on what patients wish they’d known before getting HA injections, consider asking:

What percentage of your patients get good relief from HA injections?
How long does relief typically last?
Do you use imaging guidance for the injection?
What should I expect in the first few days after injection?
How will we know if it’s working?
What are my other options if HA doesn’t work for me?
Is this covered by my insurance?

The Bottom Line

HA injections can be an effective option for knee arthritis, but they’re not magic. Real patient experiences show a wide range of outcomes, from excellent relief to minimal benefit.

What most patients appreciate is having a non-surgical option that can provide months of improved quality of life. Even those with modest results often feel the attempt was worthwhile.

The key is going into it with realistic expectations, working with a qualified provider, and understanding that if it doesn’t work for you, there are other options to explore.

Is Viscosupplementation Right for You?

Every person’s situation is different. Factors like the severity of your arthritis, your overall health, insurance coverage, and personal goals all play a role in determining the best treatment approach.

If you’re considering HA injections, talk to your doctor about whether you’re a good candidate based on your specific condition and circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is the HA injection procedure?

Most patients describe it as a brief pinch followed by pressure. Many say it’s less painful than they expected. The procedure typically takes less than 10 minutes, and any discomfort during the injection is brief.

How long before I know if it’s working?

Most patients start noticing improvement between 2-4 weeks after injection. Some feel better sooner, others take up to 6 weeks to experience maximum benefit. Your doctor can help you monitor progress.

What percentage of people get relief from HA injections?

Research suggests that about 60-70% of patients experience meaningful pain relief from HA injections. However, the degree of relief varies significantly, from modest improvement to substantial pain reduction.

Can I get HA injections more than once?

Yes, if the first round provides relief, many patients receive HA injections again when the benefit wears off. Medicare and most insurance plans cover repeat injections following appropriate guidelines and timing intervals.

What if HA injections don’t work for me?

If HA injections don’t provide adequate relief, your doctor can discuss other options such as physical therapy, different types of injections, or in some cases, surgical interventions. Not responding to HA doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Individual results vary. The experiences described are composites based on common patient reports and are not guarantees of specific outcomes. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment options. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Last medically reviewed: March 2025