Knee Arthritis: Injection Options
Knee arthritis is a common condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee joint. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, the smooth tissue that cushions the bones in the joint. As the cartilage wears away, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation.
There are a number of treatment options for knee arthritis, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery. In some cases, injections may also be used to relieve pain and inflammation.
Types of Injections for Knee Arthritis
There are three main types of injections that are used to treat knee arthritis:
Corticosteroid injections. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can help to reduce pain and swelling in the knee joint. However, corticosteroids can also weaken the cartilage in the joint, so they should not be used too often.
Biologic injections. Biologic injections are those made from a patient’s or donor’s blood products or stem cells. Most treatments are still experimental, though evidence has found some promise in biologic treatments being an effective treatment. The most common treatment is platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Hyaluronic acid injections. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that helps to lubricate the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid injections may help to reduce pain and improve function in the knee joint.
When to Consider Injections for Knee Arthritis
Injections may be a good option for people with knee arthritis who have not found relief with other treatments and are not yet ready for surgery. Injections can help to reduce pain and inflammation, which can improve function and quality of life.
Risks of Injections for Knee Arthritis
There are some risks associated with injections for knee arthritis, including:
Pain. Injections can cause some pain at the injection site.
Infection. There is a small risk of infection at the injection site.
Steroid side effects. Corticosteroids can cause side effects, such as stomach upset, weight gain, and mood changes.
If you are considering injections for knee arthritis, talk to us about the risks and benefits. Your doctor can help you decide if injections are the right treatment for you.
Other Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis
In addition to injections, there are a number of other treatment options for knee arthritis, including:
Medication. There are a number of medications that can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint. These medications include over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and prescription medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids.
Physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee joint. Physical therapy can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Weight loss. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce stress on the knee joint and improve pain.
Arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that can be used to clean out the knee joint and remove any loose cartilage or bone fragments. Arthroscopy can also be used to repair damage to the knee joint.
Total knee replacement. In some cases, total knee replacement may be the best option for people with severe knee arthritis. Total knee replacement is a surgery to replace the damaged knee joint with a new, artificial joint.