Hyaluronic Acid Gel Injections

Reviewed by Greg Jaroszynski MD, FRCSC | Last updated May 2026

Hyaluronic acid injections, often called gel injections or viscosupplementation, are most commonly discussed for knee osteoarthritis.

Why gel injections are used

Hyaluronic acid is a component of joint fluid. The goal of a gel injection is to improve the joint environment and reduce pain, not to rebuild cartilage or reverse arthritis.

Evidence and patient selection

The evidence for hyaluronic acid in knee arthritis is mixed. Some patients report benefit, but major guidelines do not recommend routine use for all patients with knee osteoarthritis. It may still be discussed in selected situations when other non-surgical options have not provided adequate relief or cannot be used safely.

Soft-tissue conditions

Hyaluronic acid has been studied in selected soft-tissue conditions such as tendinopathy and ligament sprains. At present, it remains an adjunctive or emerging option rather than a routine first-line orthopaedic injection for ligament sprains, tendinopathy, or partial tendon tears.

Risks

Possible risks include injection site pain, swelling, a temporary inflammatory flare, allergic or inflammatory reaction, bruising, and rare infection.

Important: Injection treatment should be matched to the diagnosis, physical examination, imaging, health history, and goals. It is usually used to reduce symptoms and improve function, not to guarantee tissue regrowth or cure a structural problem.

More injection information

For a broader explanation of injection choices, evidence limits, safety issues, and references, review the main Injection Therapy section.

PRP injections PRP for knee arthritis PRP for degenerative meniscal pathology PRP for tennis elbow Cortisone injections Hyaluronic acid gel injections Shoulder injections