A knee injection places medication directly into or around the knee joint, where it may help reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis, injury or overuse. There’s more than one type of knee injection, and the right choice depends on what’s causing your pain, what you’ve already tried and your goals.
If you’re looking for an injection for knee pain, an evaluation helps your provider match the option to your diagnosis.
A knee joint injection delivers medication into the space inside the knee, where cartilage, joint fluid and the joint lining can become worn or inflamed. Depending on the medication, the goal may be to calm inflammation, improve joint lubrication or support healing of irritated tissue.
Knee injections are usually one part of a broader plan that may also include strengthening exercises, weight management and activity changes.
A strong anti-inflammatory medication, often combined with a local anesthetic. It may be considered for a flare-up of knee arthritis or inflammation. Relief may start within days, and how long it lasts varies. Because of steroid side effects, providers limit how often these injections are given.
Hyaluronic acid injections designed to supplement the joint’s natural lubricating fluid, most often used for knee osteoarthritis.
Uses a concentrate of platelets from your own blood. It may be considered for certain tendon problems and mild to moderate arthritis.
Prolotherapy is another injection-based option some patients ask about for ligament-related knee pain
Your provider may consider an injection for knee pain caused by:
a knee injection for arthritis is one of the most common reasons patients ask about injections
such as patellar tendinopathy
in selected cases
Facet pain usually doesn’t travel below the knee or into the hand. Pain that shoots down a limb is more often nerve-related, and an epidural steroid injection may be more appropriate. Learn about Epidural Steroid Injection
A knee injection may be an option if:
Your provider may not recommend an injection if you have an infection in or near the knee, an allergy to the medication or certain other conditions.
Your provider examines your knee, reviews imaging and discusses which injection fits your diagnosis. Tell your provider about blood thinners and allergies.
You’ll sit or lie with your knee slightly bent. The skin is cleaned and may be numbed. If there’s excess fluid in the knee, it may be removed first. The medication is injected, often with ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
Most people walk out of the office and return to normal daily activities, avoiding strenuous exercise for a short time as directed.
Mild soreness or swelling for a day or two is common. How quickly you notice relief depends on the injection type: steroids may work within days, while gel and PRP injections may take several weeks. Relief varies from person to person.
Knee injections are generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include temporary pain or swelling, a flare of inflammation after a steroid injection and a temporary increase in blood sugar with steroids. Infection is rare but serious. Call us if your knee becomes red, hot or increasingly painful, or if you develop a fever.
Call our office if your knee becomes red, hot, swollen or increasingly painful, or if you develop a fever.
Seek emergency care right away if you have a fever with chills, a rapidly swelling hot joint, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Coverage depends on the type of injection and your plan. Steroid injections are commonly covered. Gel injections often require documentation of arthritis and prior treatment, and PRP is frequently not covered. Our team can help you check your benefits
There’s no single best option for everyone. The right knee arthritis injection depends on the severity of your arthritis, past treatments and your overall health. Your provider will explain the pros and cons of each.
Most people feel brief pressure or a pinch. Numbing medication and a quick technique help keep discomfort to a minimum.
It varies by injection type and by person. Some people get relief for a few weeks and others for several months.
Steroid injections are usually limited to a few per year in the same joint. Other types have their own schedules. Your provider will recommend what’s appropriate.
Schedule an evaluation at our Rego Park office to find out which knee injection, if any, fits your diagnosis.
