Common Conditions Treated with Cingal Injections

Cingal is most commonly used for:

• Knee osteoarthritis

•  Flare-ups in a degenerative knee joint

• Persistent knee joint pain despite physiotherapy or oral medications

Cingal can be helpful for knees that are inflamed (swelling and pain at rest) and have pain during loaded activity (walking/ standing/stairs). 

How Does Cingal Work?

Cingal delivers two powerful treatments in one injection:

1. Hyaluronic acid (HA): Restores lubrication and cushioning within the joint, improving smoothness and reducing wear

2. Corticosteroid (triamcinolone hexacetonide): Provides fast, targeted relief by calming inflammation and reducing pain

Together, they address both the short-term symptoms and the underlying joint mechanics, making it easier to stay mobile and engage in rehab.

How Many Cingal Injections Can You Have?

Cingal is typically given as a single injection. In many cases, one treatment provides relief for up to 6 months.

Repeat injections can be considered if symptoms return, but current guidelines recommend spacing them out at least 6 months apart, with your overall treatment plan monitored by a clinician.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• First, you will have a detailed discussion with the specialist physiotherapist about your condition, followed by a thorough assessment.
• The next step is to ensure you understand the risks of the procedure and give your consent for it to happen
• The injection itself is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that usually takes around 10–15 minutes.

• Most people are able to resume light activity shortly afterwards. However we recommend up to 5 days of rest from heavy or high loaded activity following your injection.

When Are Cingal Injections Most Effective?

Cingal is particularly effective when:

• You have knee osteoarthritis with both pain and stiffness and swelling

• You’ve tried steroid or hyaluronic acid injections separately without long-lasting relief

• Pain relief from oral medications or physiotherapy isn’t lasting

• You need both quick pain relief and long-term improvement in joint function

• You want to stay active or delay surgery

It is often used when patients are looking for a next-level injection option that addresses both inflammation and lubrication in one go, working best when combined with tailored physiotherapy, joint strengthening, weight management, and activity modification.

Learn how Cingal compares with other treatments. Explore our full joint injection comparison chart

Are Cingal Injections Safe?

Yes. Cingal has been studied in clinical trials and is approved for treating knee osteoarthritis. It is well tolerated in most people, with a low risk of side effects when performed by a qualified professional.

Possible (rare) side effects include:

• Mild swelling or joint discomfort

• Temporary increase in pain after the injection

• Infection (very rare)

Your clinician will discuss risks, benefits, and aftercare to ensure your experience is safe and effective.

When Will I Feel the Benefits?

• Most patients feel rapid pain relief within a few days due to the steroid

• The hyaluronic acid then begins to work over the following 1–4 weeks

• The full benefits can last up to 6-12 months, often longer than a steroid or hyaluronic acid injection alone