Knee specialists offer a wide range of therapies and treatment options to alleviate knee pain and enhance knee joint mobility.While self-care practices like diet, exercise, physical therapy, and oral or topical medicines help, there comes a time when the knee joint requires more support to function successfully. And one such knee osteoarthritis treatment option is joint pain injections to the knee.
Especially for people who haven’t gotten relief from NSAIDs or those who cannot take medications due to side effects, joint pain injections emerge as a preferred choice. But what exactly are knee injections, how do they work, what are the different types of gel injections for knees, and when are they considered?
If you are seeking answers to any of these questions, then this blog is for you.
With input from the leading knee replacement surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Divyesh Bukalsaria, we provide all the necessary information to help you increase your awareness about joint pain injections for knee osteoarthritis. Read on:
What are Joint Pain Injections?
Knee joint injections are medications that are injected directly into the knee joint to reduce inflammation and pain. Various types of joint pain injections can quickly alleviate pain, and they play a crucial role in managing knee osteoarthritis. And some of the most common types of knee joint injections include:
1. Corticosteroid Injections (Steroid Shots)
Also called steroid shots, corticosteroid injections are powerful anti-inflammatory medications. A small amount of corticosteroid, usually mixed with a local anaesthetic, is injected directly into the knee joint by a knee specialist.While the anaesthetic provides immediate but short-term relief, the corticosteroids typically begin to take effect within two to three days. They reduce inflammation and deliver pain relief that can last from a few weeks to several months.
2. Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Gel Injections)
Our knees contain a natural gel-like substance filled with hyaluronic acid that helps in lubrication and cushioning. In cases where osteoarthritis depletes this, hyaluronic acid injections help replenish the fluid, improving cushioning and lubrication. While relief isn’t instant, it slowly develops over several weeks and shows significant improvement in pain and mobility.The effects of the pain relief can last for months or even longer. These are also known as gel injections, and various types are available on the market, prescribed by knee specialists based on the specific case and severity of osteoarthritis.
3. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections
PRP injections for knee pain are an experimental technique in which a patient’s blood is drawn, processed to create a platelet-rich solution, and then injected directly into the knee. These platelets stimulate healing and aid the body’s natural repair processes. The pain relief begins within 2 to 5 weeks, and the healing process continues to unfold over time.
4. Stem Cell Injections
Another experimental technique, stem cell injections, typically involves extracting stem cells from fat tissues or bone marrow, which are then injected into the arthritic knee. Similar to PRP, stem cells promote the natural healing of damaged cartilage while reducing inflammation.Though experimental, these procedures are showing promising results. Pain relief and improved joint function can begin after 2 to 6 weeks as the regenerative effects of the stem cells start to unfold, according to Dr. Divyesh Bukalsaria, a top knee specialist in Mumbai.
When to Consider Knee Joint Pain Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee pain injections are considered by knee specialists when all self-managing avenues for managing osteoarthritis, such as physiotherapy, medication, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices are strictly followed but still fail to manage the growing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
“Joint pain injections for knee osteoarthritis can significantly reduce pain, cut down inflammation, and increase mobility for patients who do not get the required relief from medications and other management options,” says top knee replacement surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Divyesh Bukalsaria.
However, if the knee osteoarthritis has progressed significantly, the injections and medications may no longer provide consistent relief. Injections, though effective for temporary relief, do not change the course of the disease (which is progressive). If a patient must rely on knee joint injections for pain management and mobility, it may be the right time to consult a knee specialist to discuss more effective and long-term options, such as knee replacement surgery.
If you are in Mumbai and are looking for more information regarding the risks, effects, and effectiveness of joint injections for osteoarthritis – or if you want to explore more options for your pain relief and mobility improvement, knee surgeon Dr. Divyesh Bukalsaria and his team of knee specialists and physiotherapists will be happy to help guide you toward the right solution.
Please feel free to contact us at Divi Orthopaedics & Rehab Center.
