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What Causes Swelling And Pain In Left Knee After Taking Hyaluronic Acid Shot?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Sep 2016
Question: I had a hyaluronic acid injection in my l. knee on Thursday. Friday night my knee began to swell and today it is very swollen, painful and difficult to walk. I have osteoarthritis in the knee and had arthroscopic surgery on the 13th of XXXXXXX Last month I had a cortisone shot but was given the hyaluronic acid shot ... now my knee is very swollen and painful and getting worse.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please go to ER:

Detailed Answer:
Hello -

I am sorry it the pain is getting worse instead of better! As you describe it is very painful and getting worse, I think you should go directly to the ER. It's possible either the injection did not get in the right place, or that you are reacting to the hyaluronic acid or other substance in the preparation that was in the injection. It's also possible that the injection resulted in bleeding into the joint space. Infection is also possible within the joint or subcutaneous tissue - not common, but it can happen.

So, please go now and have that knee looked at in person, and any imaging studies that show what might be going on (starting with a plain X-ray).

Good luck, and please let me know how you are doing after you have been evaluated.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (18 hours later)
I called my physician and explained the situation ... especially the hot and cold ... sweating last night and the large swelling and intense pain. His P.A called me back and said that it was "normal". When I reiterated that not only was my knee very swollen but I have been light headed and dizzy. He then told me to call the office first thing tomorrow morning ... told me that the Dr. would be in surgery all day tomorrow but to call the office and explain my situation. Today has been brutal, knee very swollen, very painful and still light headed. I will call his office first thing tomorrow and follow instructions.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I'd go in sooner.

Detailed Answer:
Yikes! If it is getting worse plus light headedness and sweating and chills, please don't wait to be seen!

A PA is not a physician and I have to say that their advise is not always on the mark.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Swelling And Pain In Left Knee After Taking Hyaluronic Acid Shot?

Brief Answer: Please go to ER: Detailed Answer: Hello - I am sorry it the pain is getting worse instead of better! As you describe it is very painful and getting worse, I think you should go directly to the ER. It's possible either the injection did not get in the right place, or that you are reacting to the hyaluronic acid or other substance in the preparation that was in the injection. It's also possible that the injection resulted in bleeding into the joint space. Infection is also possible within the joint or subcutaneous tissue - not common, but it can happen. So, please go now and have that knee looked at in person, and any imaging studies that show what might be going on (starting with a plain X-ray). Good luck, and please let me know how you are doing after you have been evaluated.