Knee Injections

What are Knee Injections?

Knee injections are typically a two-part process. First, a small amount of skin anesthetic (also called a numbing agent) is sprayed on the knee joint where the pain originates. Next, a medication (most commonly hyaluronic acid, but could also be a steroid) is injected to block the pain.

Who Should Have Knee Injections?

OrthoNebraska may recommend knee injections for many people who are too young or wish to avoid knee replacement surgery, but who no longer get adequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory pain medications, physical therapy or lifestyle modifications.

How Well Do Knee Injections work?

For many patients, knee injections last for a few months or even longer, preventing or delaying the need for surgery. Some patients continue to benefit from knee injections for year. For others, the injections will not provide an acceptable level of pain relief. For those patients, other treatments or surgery may need to be considered.

What Can I Expect When I Have Knee Injections?

Knee injections are performed in an office setting rather than in a hospital or operating room. You may not want to drive after the injection as activity in the knee may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. You may experience some mild pain and swelling around the injection site(s). You can use ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure if needed.

Knee injections typically provide pain relief from three to six months, depending on you and your pain tolerance.