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, Texas, who provides expert guidance and tailored treatment options to his patients.

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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 are a minimally invasive treatment option designed to manage knee pain and improve joint function. This type of treatment delivers medication directly to the knee joint, targeting areas of inflammation, degeneration, or stiffness.

Patients with conditions like knee osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain, or sports injuries can benefit from knee injections as an alternative to oral medications or invasive surgery. By working directly at the injection site, knee injections provide targeted pain relief and can serve as a “shock absorber” to cushion the knee, allowing for improved movement and reduced discomfort.

Types of Knee Injections and How They Work

There are several types of knee injections, each working in a unique way to treat knee pain and improve joint health:

1. Corticosteroid (Steroid) Injections

How They Work: Steroid injections reduce inflammation within the knee joint by delivering powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the site of pain. These are particularly useful for individuals experiencing acute knee pain caused by swelling or inflammation.
When to Consider: Typically, corticosteroid injections are suitable for temporary relief and may be repeated if symptoms recur. They are often used in cases of osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and other inflammatory conditions.
Outlook: Patients often experience significant pain relief shortly after the injection, with effects lasting from several weeks to months.

2. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections, or “Knee Gel Injections”

How They Work: Hyaluronic acid injections (also known as knee gel injections) work by lubricating the knee joint, mimicking the natural synovial fluid found within the joint. This acts as a cushion or “shock absorber,” reducing friction and pain during movement.
When to Consider: They are ideal for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. A hyaluronic acid injection can be especially helpful when other treatments, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are no longer effective.
Outlook: While the effects of HA injections can take a few weeks to become noticeable, they typically provide relief for up to six months, allowing for easier movement and reduced stiffness.

3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

How They Work: PRP injections utilize the patient’s own blood platelets, which are processed and injected back into the knee joint. These injections promote healing and tissue regeneration by encouraging the body’s natural repair processes.
When to Consider: PRP injections may benefit patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, chronic tendonitis, or joint injuries.
Outlook: The effects of PRP injections can vary, but many patients report improved joint function and reduced pain over time. Multiple sessions may be necessary for optimal results.

4. Stem Cell Injections

How They Work: A stem cell injection contains regenerative cells that help repair damaged tissues by stimulating growth within the knee joint.
When to Consider: Stem cell therapy is often recommended for patients with degenerative conditions, such as advanced osteoarthritis, who seek a longer-term solution to knee pain.
Outlook: Results from stem cell injections can take a few months to develop as they stimulate the rebuilding and healing of knee joint tissue. Some patients experience significant improvement, but results vary.

Who Can Get Knee Injections?

Knee injections are an option for individuals experiencing knee pain who may not yet need—or wish to avoid—surgical interventions. Candidates for knee injections generally include those with the following:

Osteoarthritis of the knee
Sports injuries impacting knee function
Chronic knee pain or stiffness unresponsive to NSAIDs or other conservative treatments
Tendonitis or other inflammatory knee conditions

During an initial consultation with Dr. Szerlip, patients receive a thorough evaluation to determine which type of joint injection best suits their condition, lifestyle, and pain management needs.

Outlook and Recovery After Knee Injections

The recovery process and outlook after knee injections can vary depending on the type of injection and the patient’s condition. Generally, patients experience minimal downtime, though some may be advised to avoid high-impact activities immediately following an injection to allow the joint to rest and adapt.

Steroid Injections: Relief is often felt within a few days, with benefits lasting for weeks or months.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Improvement may be gradual, but effects can last up to six months, providing sustained pain relief and ease of movement.
PRP and Stem Cell Injections: These injections have a longer recovery time, with peak results typically emerging over several months as the body repairs damaged tissue.

Regular follow-ups are encouraged to monitor progress and ensure that the knee injections continue to provide the desired relief. For many patients, knee injections can effectively delay or prevent the need for knee replacement surgery, especially when combined with physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments.

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, 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.

Medically reviewed by Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO

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