Knee injections are treatments given into the knee joint with a needle to ease pain and inflammation in selected cases. This guide explains when they may be considered, how they are given and what to expect from them.
Note: Injections are not right for every patient and do not always treat the cause of the problem. Your doctor will decide after examination whether they suit your case.
When may injections be considered?
A doctor may discuss injections when there is:
- Knee pain from osteoarthritis that initial care has not controlled
- Pain that limits physiotherapy or movement
- Inflammation or swelling of the joint in specific cases
- A wish to delay surgery after the options have been discussed
What conditions are they used for?
Injections are used to ease symptoms of problems such as:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Joint inflammation
- Some long-standing knee pain
Assessment before an injection
Before an injection, the cause of pain must be identified by examination and imaging, as injections are not given without a diagnosis. The doctor reviews your medical history and anything that could rule out an injection, such as infection.
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
Injections are part of non-surgical care. They are usually used alongside other options and are not a replacement for rehabilitation.
Your doctor will choose the type of injection suited to your case and explain its benefits and possible risks, such as soreness at the site or, rarely, infection.
- Adjusting activity and managing weight where appropriate
- Physiotherapy and muscle strengthening
- Injections into the joint in selected cases
- A brace or walking stick when needed
Surgical treatment
If injections and other non-surgical care are not enough, your surgeon may discuss surgical options such as knee arthroscopy in specific cases, or total knee replacement in advanced cases.
After an injection
After an injection the doctor usually advises reducing effort briefly, then returning gradually to your activity with suitable exercises. Response varies from person to person, and some patients may not improve.
- Relative rest after the injection as your doctor advises
- Watching for any pain or swelling
- Continuing muscle-strengthening exercises
- A gradual return to activity
- Follow-up with your doctor to assess your response
When to see the doctor
Contact your doctor straight away after an injection if:
- The knee becomes red, hot or very swollen
- You develop a fever
- Pain increases greatly
- You have signs of allergy such as a rash or trouble breathing, which is an emergency