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Knee injections may be a recommended treatment option before invasive surgery is considered.
Why do patients get knee injections?
Thirty million American adults suffer from joint pain. Whether caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injury, or other conditions, knee joint pain can be temporarily treated with injections. Knee pain can greatly affect your everyday life and activity levels. Injections can help reduce inflammation and swelling as well as ease this pain or help lubricate the joint. Knee injections may be a recommended treatment option before invasive surgery is considered.
What are the different types of knee injections?
There are several types of knee injections. The three most common types include corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections. Corticosteroid injections help to reduce inflammatory cell activity in the joints and can reduce pain brought on by inflammation and swelling. Hyaluronic acid injections are often used if corticosteroid injections do not provide relief or if there are no obvious signs of inflammation in the knee joint. Usually only approved for use in the knee joint, hyaluronic injections are chemically similar to joint fluid and work as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joint. Platelet rich plasma injections use your own blood in order to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
What does the knee injection procedure involve?
Knee injections can be administered in your doctor’s office. The procedure is minimally-invasive and only takes a few minutes. An ultrasound may be performed in order to help guide the needle. The insertion of the needle may cause some pain and discomfort initially, and the doctor may also remove a small amount of joint fluid if necessary. You will be able to return home immediately after the procedure but will need to avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day. You may take over the counter pain medication if needed.
How long do knee injections last?
Corticosteroid injections can last three to four months but some patients may experience more extended relief. Hyaluronic injections can last for a similar time. Platelet rich plasma injections are effective for up to nine months. Knee injections generally do not provide permanent relief for knee pain. If arthritis, injuries, or other conditions cause long term pain and affect your mobility after receiving injections, you may want to talk to your doctor about other treatment options. Physical therapy may be used in conjunction with knee injections. Physical therapy can promote mobility as well as strengthen muscles around the knee which can help to reduce knee pain.
Make an appointment with our practice to discuss your options.
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If you're experiencing tingling, numbness, or weakness in your limbs, it could be a sign of nerve compression. Fortunately, there are effective treatments and therapies available to manage these conditions.
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