Knee injections are administered to help treat a variety of conditions, including knee osteoarthritis. Used to reduce pain and improve mobility, they can greatly help to improve a patient’s quality of life. However, with several different types available, it helps to be aware of your options.
There are different types of knee injections, each offering their own set of benefits. Here, we look at the best injections for knee pain available to patients.
What are the different types of knee injections for pain?
These days, patients have a lot of choice when it comes to knee injections. From modern PRP injections to steroid injections, there are many different options to help ease pain and improve mobility in the joint. Here is a brief rundown of the main types of injections available…
Steroid injections
Also known as Corticosteroid injections, steroid injections are one of the most frequently used to treat swollen or painful knee joints such as occur in osteoarthritis. They work by reducing inflammation in the joint, providing relief within just 24 to 48 hours. There is extensive research that steroid injections provide effective short-term pain control compared with oral medication.
However, studies show that doing physical therapy exercises can help more over the long term than steroid injections can.
Results last for 6 to 12 weeks, though they shouldn’t be used too frequently as they may start to lose their effectiveness. Most patients have steroid injections two or three times a year.
Hyaluronic acid injections
The fluid in your knee is mostly hyaluronic acid. When you develop knee osteoarthritis, the acid begins to thin, leading to pain and mobility issues. Hyaluronic acid injections replace the natural fluid in the knee, in some cases providing better pain relief than pain medication.
While these types of injections aren’t the first treatment of choice, they are recommended to those who haven’t experienced any benefits from steroid injections and other treatments. They may also be a great alternative for those who are at risk of side effects from steroid injections.
Platelet Rich Plasma injections (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma injections are one of the newest types to enter the market. They use the patient’s blood to deliver platelet rich plasma to the joint, reducing the risk of side effects while providing pain relief.
As these injections are still new, there is little evidence to prove they actually work. For this reason, patients are advised to stick to proven injections such as steroid and hyaluronic acid injections.
How do knee injections work?
Knee injections are a fast, often painless treatment for those suffering with joint pain and stiffness. They are usually carried out under local anaesthetic, and patients will need to rest for a few minutes after the treatment before they can carry on with their daily activities.
For a few days, you may experience pain, swelling, or bruising around the injection site. This is normal and any pain can be controlled via an ice pack and over the counter painkillers.
How long does it take to experience results from knee injections?
The length of time it takes for knee injections to work will depend upon the type used. Steroid injections tend to offer immediate relief, whereas hyaluronic acid injections can take up to four months to prove effective, depending upon the patient.
To find out if knee injections would be a suitable treatment for your knee condition, book a consultation with Mr Shah Punwar.
