Knee injections are a form of treatment that involve injecting medication into the knee joint to help alleviate pain and inflammation. There are several types of knee injections that can be used for different conditions.
Corticosteroid injections: These are one of the most common types of knee injections. They are made of a type of steroid medication that can reduce inflammation and pain. They can be used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendinitis. These injections usually provide quick pain relief but the effect may be temporary and the injection may need to be repeated.
Hyaluronan injections: These are also known as viscosupplementation, they are designed to mimic the natural lubricating fluid that is found in the knee joint. They can be used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. These injections can take a few weeks to become effective and the effects can last for several months.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: These are made of a concentrated amount of platelets taken from the patient's own blood. Platelets contain growth factors that can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation. They are used to treat conditions such as tendinitis, ligament sprains, and cartilage injuries.
Stem cell injections: These are made of stem cells taken from the patient's own body, such as from bone marrow or fat. These cells have the ability to differentiate into different types of cells and can promote healing and reduce inflammation. These are used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, cartilage injuries and tendinitis.
Knee injections can be given in a doctor's office or clinic, usually performed by an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist. They are relatively safe but like with any procedure, there are some risks and potential side effects such as pain, bleeding or infection. It's important to discuss with the doctor about the benefits and risks of any knee injection treatment before deciding if it is right for you. Contact us here at Wessex knee in Southampton on info@wessex-knee.com for more info.