Knee injections  are a minimally invasive way to manage knee joint problems and osteoarthritis. In addition to alleviating pain and inflammation, these therapies can increase range of motion in the joints, making it easier to perform daily activities and engage in physical exercises.

Understanding knee injections and how they work

People with certain types of knee pain can choose from a variety of knee injections to find relief. By reducing inflammation and improving joint lubrication, injections help sustain cartilage health, encourage tissue healing, and improve the function of synovial fluid, a thick fluid that lubricates joints.

The three most popular types of knee injections are:

• Hyaluronic acid for joint lubrication
• Corticosteroids for pain relief
• Platelet-rich plasma for regenerative medicine

Types of knee injections

The best way to choose which knee injection is right for you is to learn about the different types. You can discuss each option with your doctor to understand the potential benefits and risks, as well as how each type aligns with your condition.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory medicines, and an injection of a corticosteroid into the knee can decrease swelling and inflammation. The reduction of inflammation relieves pressure on the surrounding tissues, leading to pain relief. In addition, corticosteroids temporarily reduce the immune response in the affected region, which is useful for a variety of inflammatory disorders, including tendinitis and arthritis.

Hyaluronic acid  (viscosupplementation)

The therapeutic method known as viscosupplementation makes use of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient in the synovial fluid that normally helps to cushion and lubricate the knee. Osteoarthritis causes a reduction in hyaluronic acid levels, which in turn causes discomfort and restricted mobility. The purpose of injecting a gel-like formulation of this acid into the knee is to replenish lubricant, relieve discomfort, and enhance joint mobility, particularly in the first phases of arthritis.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that employs a concentration of platelets extracted from the patient’s blood to facilitate the repair of injured tissues. PRP injections speed up the healing process of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

Who can benefit from knee injections?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or conditions, knee injections might be a good option for you.

• Cartilage erosion causes discomfort and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Injections of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma can help with pain management and improve mobility. PRP injections also may be used to treat cartilage injuries.
• Cartilage degeneration. Corticosteroid injections that lessen discomfort and halt the progression of joint degeneration may help those suffering from knee cartilage difficulties.
• Chronic pain. Patients whose chronic knee pain prevents them from going about their everyday lives may find relief from swelling, discomfort, and impaired function after receiving an injection. The knee is one of the most common joints to experience synovitis, which is swelling (inflammation) in the synovial membrane that lines joints and contains the synovial fluid.

If you want to know what kind of injection therapy is best for you, it’s important to see a Pain Management expert. They can evaluate your condition and provide you with advice on the best course of non-surgical treatment.

Complementary therapies and lifestyle

An active lifestyle and eating healthy helps to keep your joints in good condition. Patients in rehabilitation  from surgery or an injury may need physical therapy, which involves individualized exercises to increase strength and mobility. Exercise  helps alleviate joint pain and stiffness caused by diseases like osteoarthritis by increasing range of motion and strengthening muscles surrounding the joints.

Eat a diet  rich in anti-inflammatory foods, like berries, omega-3 fatty acids from fish, and vitamins D and C. These foods help with cartilage regeneration and decrease inflammation in the joints. Maintaining a healthy weight will decrease strain on joints and slow the progression of deterioration.

You can use these integrative wellness practices to help support your knee health:

• Strength training. Strengthening the muscles around the joints decreases strain on the joints and enhances overall stability.
• Flexibility exercises. Arthritis is only one of many illnesses that may benefit from regular stretching and flexibility exercises like yoga, which can help increase joint mobility and decrease stiffness.
• Stress management. Meditation and deep breathing are two methods that help reduce cortisol levels, which, when elevated, can exacerbate inflammation and joint discomfort.
• Maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Taking care of one’s basic needs — sleep, water, and nutrition — lays the groundwork for better health in general, which in turn strengthens joints and decreases inflammation.

Many people prefer to take a holistic approach to improving their joint health by using alternative medicine. There are many natural remedies to consider, however it’s very important that you speak with your doctor before starting any new treatment.

Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may find relief from inflammation and improved joint function after taking the herbal supplement  borage oil, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid. Curcumin, the key ingredient in turmeric, also possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that could help loosen up tight joints. Some essential oils , such as eucalyptus and ginger, may reduce inflammation and increase blood flow. This, in turn, helps decrease stress and joint pain when applied topically or inhaled.

Get help and relief

If you suffer from knee pain, you might derive significant benefits from treatments like knee injections and by making lifestyle changes to alleviate the discomfort and maintain joint health. Our Pain Management Department offers patients and their families a host of nonsurgical treatments like injections and radiofrequency ablation. Our unique team of skilled physicians, each highly trained in specific areas of interest, are experts in providing personalized treatment options that help with pain management and enhance mobility. We offer individualized, effective solutions that allow you to take charge of your knee health and improve your quality of life.

Meet Dr. Temperato

Dr. Temperato is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician with subspecialty training in Interventional Spine and Sports Musculoskeletal Medicine.

Dr. Temperato specializes in neck pain, back pain, and degenerative processes in patients of all activity levels, from athletes to weekend warriors and everyone in between. She also treats cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, and sacroiliac joint pain. She is also trained in the use of fluoroscopic guided injections including epidural, trigger point, and hip injections.

Request an appointment with Dr. Temperato today by calling (813) 977-6688.