Knee Injections

Knee pain can severely impact daily life, making it difficult to move, exercise, or even complete basic tasks comfortably. Knee injections offer an effective solution for those seeking non-surgical pain relief for a variety of knee joint issues.

If you are looking for effective solutions to resolve knee pain, be sure to contact Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO. He is a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin and Georgetown, Texas, who provides expert guidance and tailored treatment options to his patients.

Topic at a Glance

Knee injections can reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by arthritis and injuries.
Several types of injections are available, including corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and stem cell injections.
Most patients can return to normal activities shortly after treatment.
Knee injections may delay the need for surgery.

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What Patients Are Saying

“Dr. Szerlip was very personable, knowledgeable, and took time for all my questions. He gave great explanations of my problem and potential solutions. I have full confidence in his recommendations for treatment and therapy.” — Pam G.

What Are Knee Injections?

Knee injections contain substances or medicine that can help reduce swelling or provide pain relief. They are directly applied to the knee joint through a needle. Knee injections are sometimes used as an alternative to surgery.

How Knee Injections Work to Relieve Pain

The various knee injections have different mechanisms to reduce pain. Some reduce inflammation, lubricate the joint, or promote healing.

Conditions Treated with Knee Injections

Several conditions can be treated with knee injections. Some of the common conditions that can benefit from knee injections include the following:

Knee osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Gout
Bursitis
Meniscus tears
Ligament and tendon injuries

Types of Joint Injections for the Knee

There are many different types of injections for the knee. The following are some of the injections available:

Corticosteroid Injections for Knee Pain

Corticosteroid injections, also known as cortisone shots, are a powerful treatment for knee arthritis. They treat knee pain and reduce swelling in the joint that can last for several months.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

These gel shots are made from the same substance found in the synovial fluid that lubricates your knee joint. Hyaluronic acid lubricates the joint and acts as a shock absorber. People with osteoarthritis of the knee have low levels of this lubricating substance. Injections restore the joint to normal levels.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

The substance in these injections is made from a patient’s own blood cells called platelets. Platelets contain growth factors that promote healing and tissue regeneration. These injections can help an arthritic knee and soft tissue injuries.

Stem Cell Injections

Stem cells can regenerate into many different types of cells. Stem cell treatments can help reduce swelling and aid in the repair of cartilage and tendons.

Who is a Candidate for Knee Injections?

You may be a good candidate for knee injections if the following applies to you:

You have persistent knee pain or swelling
You have mild to moderate osteoarthritis
You have tried other treatments such as NSAIDs and physical therapy, and still need relief
You want to put off surgery, such as a knee replacement

What to Expect During the Injection Procedure

Knee injections can usually be administered in the doctor’s office while you are awake. Your doctor may follow these steps during the procedure:

First, the injection substance is prepared along with a numbing agent.
The injection site is cleaned, and you may be given a local anesthetic.
The needle may be directed by ultrasound or X-ray to ensure the proper location.
Sometimes, a joint aspiration is performed to remove excess joint fluid.
The substance is then injected into the target location. This may be either in the joint capsule or the tissue surrounding the knee.
The doctor will then remove the needle and bandage the injection site.
You can usually return to your normal activities following a knee injection.

It may take up to a week or more for the effects of the injection to take effect.

Recovery and Aftercare Following Injections

Following a knee injection, you should be able to return to normal activities. You may feel some discomfort following the procedure, which can be managed by applying ice or taking over-the-counter NSAIDs.

You should avoid any strenuous activity for at least 48 hours after the injection. It is important to follow any additional instructions from your provider following a knee injection.

Benefits of Knee Injections for Joint Pain

Knee injections can provide the following benefits:

Help treat pain, stiffness, and inflammation associated with knee arthritis.
Provide relief for injuries involving ligaments, tendons, and the meniscus.
Improved function of the knee
The treatment is minimally invasive
Can delay the need for surgery
Relief can last for several months or longer

Risks and Side Effects of Knee Injections

As with any treatment, there are some risks and side effects associated with knee injections:

You may experience mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
There is a small risk of infection from the needle.
It’s possible to have an allergic reaction, although this is uncommon.
Very rarely, an injection could cause damage to surrounding nerves or joint structures.

How Long Do Knee Injections Last?

The length of time a knee injection will last will depend on the condition and the injections used.

Cortisone Injections: These may last several weeks to several months
Hyaluronic acid (gel) injections: Some patients experience pain relief for several months
PRP injections: These can often provide long-lasting to permanent relief
Stem cell injections: Relief can last up to 12 months or longer

It’s important to remember that results vary with each patient.

How Often Knee Injections Can Be Repeated

Repeat treatments will depend on the type of injections used:

Cortisone injections: These should not be administered more than three or four times a year, as they can damage the joint
Hyaluronic acid injections: These can be repeated every 6 months
PRP injections: This treatment may be administered as a single injection or a series of injections to promote the healing process.

Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and the response to the treatment before recommending repeat treatments.

Knee Injections vs. Surgery: When to Consider Each

Knee injections are an effective non-surgical procedure that can address joint pain and stiffness. They may be used as long as they provide benefit.

Surgery may be used when knee injections no longer provide the relief you need. While injections relieve symptoms, surgical procedures like a knee replacement will address the underlying joint damage. Discussing your symptoms with an orthopedic surgeon can help you determine the best course of treatment for your needs.

Find Relief from Knee Pain Today

If knee pain is affecting your quality of life, Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, offers knee joint injections in Austin and Georgetown, TX, as part of a comprehensive approach to pain management and joint health. With extensive experience as a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Szerlip can help you explore the best injection options to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve your overall well-being.

What conditions can knee injections treat?

Knee injections may help treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, meniscus tears, and certain ligament or tendon injuries.

How long does it take for a knee injection to work?

Some patients notice improvement within a few days, while others may need a week or more before experiencing the full benefits of the injection.

How long do knee injections last?

Results vary depending on the type of injection and the individual. Relief may last from several weeks to several months, while some regenerative treatments may provide longer-lasting benefits.

Are knee injections painful?

Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the procedure. A numbing agent is often used to make the injection more comfortable.

When should I consider surgery instead of knee injections?

Surgery may be an option when knee injections, medications, physical therapy, and other non-surgical treatments no longer provide enough pain relief or improve function.

Sources

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/knee-injections