Knee joint injections are used to alleviate knee pain resulting from a variety of conditions, such as:
Ligamentous injury
Meniscal injury
Osteoarthritis
Synovitis
Tendinopathies
Bursitis
Arthritis
There are several types of knee joint injections used in the treatment of knee pain, including:
Corticosteroids: used to reduce inflammation in the knee and prevent wear and tear from bone-on-bone contact.
Hyaluronic acid: a substance that coats the cartilage of the knee, acting as a lubricant and shock absorber so that the knee can move freely.
Fluid aspirations: the removal of excess fluid to alleviate pain and swelling in the knee. This is often performed prior to corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injection.
Knee joint injections can be performed safely and quickly in an office-based suite, providing significant pain relief for up to 6 months with minimal side effects.
Indications for knee joint injections include the following:
Unexplained effusion
Possible septic arthritis
Gout or pseudogout (CPPD)
Relieve hemarthrosis
Inflammatory arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Individuals seeking rapid relief from knee pain may choose to have a knee joint injection. The temporary pain relief may allow individuals to more comfortably engage in physical therapy, attend an important event, or postpone knee replacement surgery to a later and more convenient time.