If you’re experiencing knee pain, your doctor may recommend a knee injection as a treatment option. This procedure involves administering medication directly into your knee joint to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Here’s what you can expect during a knee injection appointment:
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Before your knee injection, you should review any medications you’re taking with your doctor, as well as any allergies or medical conditions that you have.
You may need to stop taking certain medications a few days before the procedure, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Your doctor will give you additional instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.
The Procedure
A knee injection is typically performed in a doctor’s office or clinic and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Here’s what you can expect during the appointment:
Step 1: Cleaning the Injection Site
First, the doctor will clean the injection site with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
Step 2: Numbing the Injection Site
Next, the doctor may inject a local anesthetic to numb the area around the injection site.
Step 3: Inserting the Needle
Using a sterile needle, the doctor will insert the needle into the knee joint. They may use an ultrasound to guide the needle and ensure that it is in the correct position.
Step 4: Injecting the Medication
Once the needle is in the correct position, the doctor will inject the medication into the knee joint.
The medication may be a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation or a hyaluronic acid to provide lubrication.
Step 5: Removing the Needle
After the medication has been injected, the doctor will gently remove the needle from the knee joint.
Step 6: Applying a Bandage
Finally, the doctor will apply a bandage to the injection site. You may be asked to rest and ice your knee for a period of time after the procedure.
Post-Procedure Care
After your knee injection, you should follow your doctor’s instructions on caring for your knee. This may include:
- Resting your knee
- Refraining from any strenuous activity
- Applying ice to the injection site
You may also be prescribed pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication to help manage any discomfort or swelling.
Types of Knee Injections
There are several types of knee injections that your doctor may recommend based on the underlying cause of your knee pain and your individual needs.
Here are some of the most common types of knee injections:
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are one of the most common types of knee injections.
They contain a synthetic form of cortisone, which is a hormone produced by the body that helps regulate inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the knee joint, which can relieve pain and improve mobility.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections are also known as viscosupplementation. The procedure involves injecting a gel-like substance into the knee joint to provide lubrication and cushioning.
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body and helps lubricate the joints, but levels can decrease as we age or due to injury.
These injections can help improve joint function and reduce pain in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP injections involve:
- Withdrawing a small amount of blood from the patient (in a similar fashion to a blood draw)
- Processing it to concentrate the platelets
- Injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the knee joint
Platelets contain growth factors that promote healing and tissue regeneration. PRP injections may be used to treat knee osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and other types of knee pain.
Prolotherapy Injections
Prolotherapy injections involve injecting a solution of irritants, such as sugar or saline, into the knee joint to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
The procedure is thought to promote the growth of new tissue and improve the strength and stability of the knee joint.
Prolotherapy may be used to treat:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Ligament injuries
- Other types of knee pain
Your doctor can help you determine which type of knee injection is right for you based on your symptoms, medical history, and other factors.
It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of each type of injection with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.
Knee Injections for Arthritis in Dallas, TX
While a knee injection may seem intimidating, it is a relatively simple and safe procedure that can help reduce knee pain and inflammation. By understanding what to expect during a knee injection, you can feel more prepared and confident about undergoing this treatment option. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, be sure to consult your doctor.
You can depend on Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine if you are looking for knee injections for arthritis in Dallas, TX. Our sports medicine providers are highly experienced and knowledgeable in these treatments. Under our care, you can rest assured you will receive the best care and services. You may reach us at (972) 503-7272 if you have any questions or concerns. You can also use our secure online scheduling app to book a visit for knee injections.
We look forward to serving you!
