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What is a Knee Injection?

Published in Medical Procedures 2 mins read

A knee injection is a procedure where medication is injected directly into the knee joint. The most common type of knee injection includes a mixture of a steroid to reduce inflammation and a local anesthetic to numb the pain.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Purpose: Primarily used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the knee.

  • Common Components:

    • Steroid (Corticosteroid): Such as hydrocortisone. Reduces inflammation within the knee joint. This leads to pain relief, but the effects are typically temporary (weeks to months).
    • Local Anesthetic: Such as lidocaine or bupivacaine. Provides immediate, but short-lived, pain relief by numbing the nerves in the area. This can help confirm the source of the pain is within the knee joint.
  • Other Potential Injections:

    • Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation): This substance mimics the natural fluid in the knee joint, providing lubrication and cushioning. It's often used for osteoarthritis.
    • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Uses the patient's own blood platelets, which contain growth factors, to promote healing. It's used for various knee conditions, including tendonitis and osteoarthritis.
  • Procedure: Typically performed in a doctor's office. The skin around the knee is cleaned, and the medication is injected using a needle. Ultrasound guidance may be used to ensure accurate placement of the needle.

  • Conditions Treated: Knee injections are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

    • Osteoarthritis
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Bursitis
    • Tendonitis
    • Gout
    • Injuries

Knee injections are a common treatment option for knee pain, offering temporary relief and improved function.