Dos and Don’ts After Orthovisc Knee Injections​

ORTHOVISC® injections are a non-surgical treatment option for individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA), offering pain relief and improved joint function. The injection itself is a key step in managing osteoarthritis, it is equally important for patients to follow post-treatment guidelines. Understanding how to care for the knee after injection can help patients avoid complications, minimise discomfort, and maximise the benefits of the treatment. This guide will help both medical professionals and their patients understand the importance of post-treatment care after ORTHOVISC® injection.

What Happens After Orthovisc Knee Injections?

Many patients are wondering what is ORTHOVISC, and it is important for them to known that it is a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) injection, designed to relieve the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body, acting as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joint. In osteoarthritic knees, the synovial fluid becomes thinner and less effective. ORTHOVISC® replenishes this fluid through a process known as viscosupplementation, enhancing joint lubrication and reducing friction during movement.

Inside the Joint

Once injected into the knee, ORTHOVISC® begins working by restoring the natural viscosity of the joint fluid. This helps cushion the joint, reduce pain, and improve mobility over time. Relief may not happen immediately, and many patients might begin to notice improvements after the second or third injection in the treatment series. Maximum results are often experienced several weeks after completing the injection treatment. 

Common Side Effects

ORTHOVISC® injections are generally tolerated well by patients, but there are some mild and temporary side effects that can occur in the first few days after the injection. These may include:

• Mild swelling or warmth at the injection site
• Joint pain or stiffness
• A sensation of pressure inside the joint
  

All of the symptoms listed above are usually temporary and tend to go away without any special care. However, patients who experience prolonged complications and unusual reactions to the treatment should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Top Dos After Your Injection

Following a proper post-injection care protocol can make a significant difference in how well the body responds to the treatment. That is why patients who undergo ORTHOVISC® injections should adhere to these simple tips that can reduce discomfort and support faster recovery:

Rest the Knee for 24–48 Hours

After the injection, give your knee some time to rest and settle. In practice, this means you should avoid high-impact movements and minimise walking or standing for long periods during the first 24 to 48 hours post-injection. There is no need to opt for complete bed rest, but avoiding pressure and strain will help the injection settle properly in the joint.

Use Ice to Reduce Swelling

In case of mild swelling, apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the injection site. Use the 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off method to avoid overcooling the area. This strategy can be particularly useful within the first 24 hours.

Resume Light Walking or Normal Activities Slowly

A day or two after the injection, it is generally safe to return to light daily activities such as walking around the house, doing simple chores, or taking slow and gentle walks. Here, it is important to listen to your body. If your knee begins to feel sore, do not overuse it by trying to push through the pain.

Follow Your Physician’s Pain Management Plan

Your doctor might recommend certain pain relief strategies after the injection. Be sure to follow their advice, especially when it comes to the information regarding which medications are safe to use. Some physicians may ask you to avoid NSAIDS like ibuprofen or naproxen to preserve the effectiveness of the hyaluronic acid.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Proper hydration and nutrition can play a huge role in recovery, even though they are frequently overlooked when it comes to osteoarthritis treatment. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, and nuts can support joint health and reduce systemic inflammation.

Top Don’ts to Avoid

Being aware of what not to do after ORTHOVISC® injections is equally important as following the recommendations listed above. Patients who avoid these common mistakes can prevent discomfort and ensure that the treatment works effectively:

Avoid Strenuous Activities

Do not engage in running, squatting, climbing stairs repeatedly, or participating in sports for at least 48 hours after the injection. These activities can strain the joint and disrupt the therapeutic effect of the injection.

Do Not Apply Heat to the Injection Site Right Away

Heat therapy is sometimes used to help chronic joint pain, it is advisable to avoid heat application right after your ORTHOVISC® injection. Heat can increase blood flow and inflammation, which can cause or worsen the swelling. Therefore, try to stick to use only ice packs in the next 24 hours.

Refrain from Taking NSAIDS Without Approval

Unless advised by your doctor, refrain from taking over-the-counter NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These medications can interfere with the natural inflammation process that the hyaluronic acid needs to work effectively. If pain relief is needed, acetaminophen may be a safer alternative, but always confirm with your physician.

Do Not Ignore Unusual Symptoms

Some discomfort is normal, but increased pain, severe swelling, redness, or signs of infection (like fever or pus at the injection site) are not. If you experience any of these, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent further complications.

Maximising Long-Term Results

Although ORTHOVISC® injections are not a cure for osteoarthritis, they can provide months of pain relief and improved mobility when patients combine them with healthy daily habits. Supporting your joint health after the injection definitely helps prolong the initial benefits. The following tips are valid even if you are still considering the Euflexxa vs ORTHOVISC options:

Stay Active With Low-Impact Exercises

Once your physician approves it, incorporate low-impact activities such as swimming, biking, yoga, or walking into your weekly routine. These exercises strengthen the muscles around the knee, support joint stability, and prevent stiffness.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Extra body weight places added pressure on your knees, accelerating joint damage. By losing even a few pounds, you can significantly reduce joint pain and improve mobility. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a safe, sustainable plan if needed.

Follow Up as Recommended

ORTHOVISC® is usually administered as a series of three injections spaced one week apart. After the initial series, your doctor may recommend periodic injections depending on your response and the progression of osteoarthritis. That is why you should keep your follow-up appointments and monitor your symptoms between treatments.

Conclusion

Recovering from an ORTHOVISC® knee injection is usually pretty simple, but the choices that patients make in the hours, days, and weeks after the procedure can greatly affect how well the treatment works. Resting the knee, managing swelling appropriately, and avoiding certain medications or activities all help the injected hyaluronic acid do its job. As for healthcare practitioners, they can easily buy ORTHOVISC online at Best Buy Fillers and provide their patients with a simple, non-surgical treatment.

References:

Neustadt D, Caldwell J, Bell M, Wade J, Gimbel J. Clinical effects of intraarticular injection of high molecular weight hyaluronan (Orthovisc) in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial. The Journal of Rheumatology. 2005;32(10):1928-1936.

Witteveen AGH, Sierevelt IN, Blankevoort L, Kerkhoffs GMMJ, van Dijk CN. Intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injections in the osteoarthritic ankle joint: effects, safety and dose dependency. Foot and ankle surgery : official journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Bączkowicz D, Skiba G, Szmajda M, Vařeka I, Falkowski K, Laudner K. Effects of Viscosupplementation on Quality of Knee Joint Arthrokinematic Motion Analyzed by Vibroarthrography. CARTILAGE. Published online May 9, 2019:194760351984773.