Knee Joint Injection

What is a knee joint injection?

A knee joint injection is a simple procedure used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in your knee. It is often recommended for conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, or other inflammatory joint problems.

The injection delivers medication directly into your knee joint, usually containing:

• A corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.
• A local anaesthetic to provide immediate pain relief.

Knee joint injections can also help diagnose the source of your pain by confirming if the knee is causing your symptoms, while also offering temporary relief.

When is a knee joint injection recommended?

Knee joint injections are commonly used to:

• Relieve pain and inflammation: Especially for conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, where inflammation causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Diagnose knee pain: If other tests, such as scans, haven’t confirmed the source of your pain, the injection can help identify whether the knee is the problem.
• Delay surgery: In some cases, regular injections can help manage symptoms and delay the need for more invasive procedures, like a knee replacement.

By improving mobility and reducing discomfort, knee injections allow you to carry out daily activities with greater ease.

Benefits of a knee joint injection

Knee joint injections offer several benefits:

• Pain relief: Many patients feel significant relief within a few days of the injection.
• Improved mobility: By reducing inflammation, the injection helps your knee move more freely.
• Diagnostic clarity: The injection can confirm whether your knee is the source of your pain.
• Delay of surgery: Regular injections may help you manage symptoms for longer, postponing the need for more invasive procedures.

What does a knee joint injection involve?

Knee joint injections are typically performed in an outpatient clinic and usually take 15–30 minutes.

Here’s what happens:

• Preparation: You may be asked to change into a gown and lie comfortably on an examination table. The area around your knee will be cleaned with an antiseptic to minimise the risk of infection.
• Anaesthetic: A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable.
• Injection: Your doctor may use imaging guidance, like an ultrasound, to ensure the needle is positioned accurately in your knee joint. The medication is then injected directly into the joint space.

After the injection, you’ll be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate reactions. Most patients can go home the same day and resume light activities shortly after.

What are the potential risks and complications of a knee joint injection?

Knee joint injections are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, there are some risks and side effects:

• Minor bleeding: This can occur, especially if you are taking blood-thinning medication.
• Infection: Rare but possible at the injection site.
• Allergic reaction: Uncommon, but it’s important to let your doctor know about any allergies beforehand.
• Temporary soreness: It’s normal to feel some discomfort at the injection site for a few days.

In rare cases, the injection may not provide the expected level of pain relief, and alternative treatments might need to be considered.

If you experience severe pain, swelling, or any unusual symptoms after the procedure, contact your doctor immediately.

Aftercare and recovery

After a knee joint injection, proper aftercare is essential for recovery:

• Rest: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for 24–48 hours.
• Ice packs: Applying an ice pack to the knee can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Monitor your knee: Watch for any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain or swelling, and seek advice if needed.

You’ll also need to attend any follow-up appointments to discuss how well the injection worked and explore further treatment options if necessary. Your doctor may recommend physiotherapy or other supportive treatments to maximise the long-term benefits of the injection.