Do Lubrication Injections Delay the Need for Knee Replacement?

The knees take a beating every day. They carry your weight, absorb impact, and help you move from one task to the next until pain starts getting in the way. For many people with osteoarthritis, the joint’s natural cushioning begins to wear down, leading to stiffness, swelling, and that familiar grinding sound when bending or climbing stairs. When pain persists despite medications and exercise, the question often arises: can lubrication injections buy more time before surgery becomes necessary?

Understanding Lubrication Injections

Lubrication injections, also called viscosupplementation or hyaluronic acid injections, are designed to mimic the fluid that naturally lubricates healthy joints. Hyaluronic acid acts like a shock absorber inside the knee, allowing bones to glide smoothly during movement. As arthritis progresses, this fluid becomes thinner and less effective, making every step feel heavier and more painful.

By injecting a gel-like substance directly into the knee joint, doctors aim to restore some of that lost lubrication. The goal is not to rebuild cartilage but to improve comfort, reduce friction, and enhance mobility, essentially giving the joint a temporary tune-up.

How Effective Are They?

Research shows mixed but encouraging results. Many patients experience several months of pain relief, while others feel little to no change. The difference often depends on the severity of arthritis. People in the earlier stages tend to respond better because there is still some healthy cartilage to protect.

Clinical studies suggest that for mild to moderate knee arthritis, lubrication injections can reduce pain and improve function for up to six months. Some patients even report longer relief after repeated treatments. However, the effect tends to be limited for those with advanced “bone-on-bone” arthritis, where joint damage is too severe for lubrication to make a noticeable difference.

That said, the injections are considered safe and low-risk. Side effects are typically mild, such as temporary soreness, swelling, or warmth at the injection site, and serious complications are rare. Many patients prefer them as a non-surgical alternative, especially if they’re not yet ready for a knee replacement or want to delay it as long as possible.

Do They Really Delay Surgery?

The short answer: sometimes, yes. Studies suggest that viscosupplementation may postpone total knee replacement by several months or even a few years, depending on individual factors. It is not a cure, but it can help maintain quality of life while you plan the next step in your treatment.

For example, a 2024 study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that patients who received intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections were significantly more likely to delay total knee replacement compared to those who did not. The research, conducted in a Korean cohort, showed that the injections helped extend the time before surgery by improving comfort and mobility, allowing patients to stay active and continue managing pain through physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments.

It is important to note, however, that delaying surgery is not always the best goal. If pain remains severe and limits your ability to function, replacement surgery may offer better long-term relief. The value of lubrication injections lies in keeping you comfortable and mobile until that decision feels right.

The Cost-Benefit Perspective

Lubrication injections are generally less expensive and less invasive than surgery, though cost can vary depending on brand, clinic fees, and insurance coverage. Some insurance plans cover them after conservative treatments like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication have been tried.

For patients who experience good results, the investment can be worthwhile. A few rounds of injections may extend the life of your natural joint and give you more time to prepare physically, financially, and mentally for surgery if it becomes necessary. The key is setting realistic expectations since lubrication injections serve as a bridge rather than a destination.

Supporting Long-Term Joint Health

While injections can help, they work best as part of a broader joint care plan. Weight management, muscle strengthening, and low-impact exercises such as cycling or swimming help reduce stress on the knees. Physical therapy also plays a major role by improving flexibility and balance, which supports better joint alignment and reduces wear.

Combining these strategies can make the effects of injections last longer and delay progression of arthritis symptoms. It is all about teamwork. Your body, your healthcare provider, and your commitment to movement all contribute to keeping your knees functioning well.

Finding Relief and Stability with Profysio’s Personalized Care

Many individuals wonder whether they should try lubrication injections or move forward with surgery. The answer depends on the severity of arthritis and long-term mobility goals. At ProFysio Physical Therapy, our team works closely with referring physicians to develop personalized care plans that support recovery and mobility before and after any injection or surgical procedure.

If you are receiving viscosupplementation or lubrication injections, pairing them with skilled physical therapy can enhance the results. These injections often work best when combined with a structured therapy program that strengthens surrounding muscles, improves joint alignment, and restores mobility. The Doctors of Physical Therapy at ProFysio use advanced manual therapy and joint biomechanics expertise to help you maximize the benefits of your treatment and maintain comfort between sessions.

We also collaborate with trusted physician rehabilitation partners who can determine whether you are a good candidate for viscosupplementation injections under fluoroscopy. From there, we guide you through low-impact exercise, strengthening routines, and hands-on therapy designed to keep you active and independent.

If knee pain is limiting your movement, you do not have to simply “live with it.” ProFysio Physical Therapy provides tailored arthritis care to help reduce pain, improve stability, and extend the benefits of your injections so you can move freely and get back to the activities you love.

Call (732) 812-5200 today or request an appointment online to schedule your arthritis physical therapy session. Start your journey toward better mobility and improved knee health with ProFysio Physical Therapy.

Blogs from October, 2025

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