OpenHealth Q&A

Unfortunate Hyaluronic Acid Injection Experience

Hello, I’m a 32-year-old woman, and in 2018, I received a diagnosis of Grade II osteoarthritis in both of my knees. This was somewhat expected, given my history of painful growth spurts in childhood. At that time, I was employed as a dog walker, enduring persistent and debilitating knee pain. A friend suggested I consult a sports medicine specialist, which I was eager to do since I have a history of being an athlete, particularly as a former competitive swimmer. My aim was to manage the osteoarthritis in the least invasive manner possible. The doctor recommended hyaluronic acid injections for both knees, and regrettably, my insurance approved this course of action. During the injection in my left knee, I experienced excruciating pain and cried out in agony. I felt faint, but the physician accused me of moving too much. I assure you, it was an involuntary reaction. Even as I was reeling from shock and near unconsciousness, he proceeded to inject my right knee. The pain was so intense that I nearly blacked out. I expressed that I was feeling unwell, but he brushed aside my concerns, claiming, "some people are just more sensitive." He then insisted I was free to leave. I tried to explain that standing would likely cause me to pass out, yet he informed me he had another patient awaiting attention and urged me to exit. My mother and the receptionist had to support me to a chair in the waiting area. I sat there for 20 minutes before I felt steady enough to make my way to the car. By then, my knees were excruciatingly painful and felt as if they were under immense pressure. Approximately an hour and a half after the procedure, the pain escalated dramatically. My knees swelled to the point where I felt like passing out and was on the verge of vomiting. The spasms in my knees and thighs resembled severe cramps, and they swollen to a size comparable to basketballs. This incident occurred on a Friday, and the physician didn’t respond to any of my messages. Residing in a two-story house, I found it utterly impossible to walk, let alone descend the stairs. Sadly, the lack of initial care was compounded by further neglect from both my family and the hospital visit that came when I eventually managed to get down to the ground floor. The aftermath of this procedure was devastating: I spent nearly a month confined to bed, grappling with fever and intolerable pain. I faced a significant decline in mobility, almost losing the ability to straighten my legs. The long-term repercussions of this experience exceeded my original ailment: a Baker’s cyst, aggravation of my arthritis and osteoarthritis, removal of both menisci, chronic pain, persistent swelling, and significant limitations—crouching, sitting for extended durations, standing, or even lying down comfortably required a pillow beneath my legs. Now, I’m seeking answers: what might have transpired above my knees that causes that area to feel colder than the rest of my legs and results in diminished sensation? In 2019, I walked an average of 12 kilometers daily, and this year, I can finally say I feel close to full recovery. The pain has subsided, my legs appear significantly stronger, I can almost crouch for over a minute, and I feel confident enough to consider running again. Nevertheless, I still experience an unusual, “dead” sensation in the area just above my knees that often feels cold to the touch. To this day, I remain uncertain whether the doctor mislocated the injection site or if I had a severe allergic reaction. I suspect it could have been pseudoseptic arthritis, as I developed a high fever and my urine was dark and reddish. When I finally reached the emergency room, the attending physician, who identified himself as a “spine bro,” had no insight into my condition and discharged me without conducting blood tests or providing any pain relief. Initially, my injection specialist advised against taking anti-inflammatories. After voicing my struggles repeatedly, he prescribed Tylex (a combination of acetaminophen and codeine), which did nothing to alleviate my pain. For two weeks, I endured severe discomfort with no effective treatment until he ceased responding to my calls and refused further consultations. At this juncture, my sister, a veterinarian, urged me to begin taking anti-inflammatories. I eventually consulted a private knee specialist who was appalled by my condition and prescribed corticosteroid injections, which significantly improved my quality of life. Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any errors in my English, which is not my first language!

Answers (1)

8/15/2025, 6:02:18 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your experience; it’s clear that you’ve been through a very difficult and painful journey. It’s understandable to have questions and concerns after such an ordeal. From your description, it seems like you're experiencing lingering symptoms above your knees, including coldness and diminished sensation.

Main Points:

1. Coldness and reduced sensation above the knees may be related to nerve issues or circulation changes.
2. Your past injection experience and resultant complications may have contributed to your current symptoms.
3. Focus on specific, manageable steps to address your concerns and enhance recovery.

Explanation:

The symptoms you described — feeling colder than the rest of your legs and diminished sensation above your knees — might suggest nerve involvement or vascular changes. Following your difficult experience with hyaluronic acid injections, there could have been physical trauma, inflammation, or damage that affected surrounding tissues or nerves. This situation could also lead to conditions like reflex sympathetic dystrophy (now known as complex regional pain syndrome), where a previous injury can cause abnormal pain responses and temperature regulation.

It’s also possible that the swelling and inflammation after the injections affected the blood flow or nerve function in that area, leading to the cold feeling and diminished sensation. The severe pain and prolonged immobility you experienced could have caused some neurological changes.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of when you experience sensations of coldness or numbness, noting any accompanying symptoms.

2. Physical Activity: Engage in gentle, therapeutic exercises as tolerated. Activities like swimming or cycling that are typically easier on the joints can help improve blood flow and strengthen muscles around your knee.

3. Pain Management: Discuss with your healthcare provider about using anti-inflammatories or other medications that might be beneficial. You might also explore therapies like physical therapy, which could help improve mobility and manage pain through targeted exercises.

4. Follow-Up: Consider consulting a neurologist or a pain specialist to evaluate your symptoms. They can help determine if there’s a neurological condition causing your sensations or if further imaging studies (like an MRI) are needed.

5. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about complex regional pain syndrome, nerve injuries, and other related conditions so you can have informed discussions with healthcare providers.

Lastly, never hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel unheard, especially given your past experiences. You deserve compassionate and thorough care. Don’t lose hope as you're on a path to recovery, and it's commendable that you’re starting to regain your mobility and confidence. Please let me know if you have further questions or need more specific details!