In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about injections for knee joints, also known as ultrasound-guided knee injections. We’ll include their benefits, how the procedure works and essential aftercare tips. As you’ll soon learn, knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions and there are some excellent, innovative treatment options to help alleviate the impact of knee pain on your daily life.
An introduction to knee pain
Knee pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages and can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain. The knee is a complex joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles which all work together to support movement and the body. Pain can occur from injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions, which can make it difficult to walk, bend or even perform everyday activities. According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) the knee is the second most common site of musculoskeletal complaint (after back pain) in adults.
Knee pain can show up in different ways, including swelling, stiffness, feeling unstable or having trouble moving your knee fully. Sometimes it builds up slowly and other times it comes on quickly after an injury or intense activity. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is important to manage the pain and avoid making it worse. Depending on what’s causing the pain, treatment might include rest, exercises, medicine, or in some cases, injections or surgery. Common causes of knee pain include arthritis, torn ligaments, meniscus injuries, bursitis and tendonitis. Watch this informative YouTube video for more information about knee pain.
What are ultrasound-guided knee injections?
Knee joint injections are a gentle and effective treatment for knee pain and swelling. Using a special imaging tool called ultrasound, doctors can see inside your knee in real time, which helps them place the knee joint injection exactly where it’s needed for the best and most effective results.
Depending on the condition, the knee injection can include specialist Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Hyaluronic Acid or a series of Corticosteroids (Steroids).
Conditions treated with ultrasound-guided knee injections
Below is a list of conditions that can be treated with ultrasound-guided knee joint injections.
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Meniscus tears
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Ligament injuries
- Synovitis (inflammation of the knee lining)
- Baker’s cyst
- Chondromalacia patellae
- Gout and other crystal-induced arthritis
- Post-surgical knee pain or inflammation
- Knee joint effusion
The types of medications used in ultrasound–guided knee injections
- Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are commonly used in ultrasound-guided knee injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They help to calm swelling in the knee joint and provide faster and long-lasting relief for conditions such as arthritis or tendonitis.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is often used in knee injections to help cushion and lubricate the joint, especially for those suffering from osteoarthritis. This treatment can improve mobility and reduce discomfort over time.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that takes a concentrated form of your own blood to promote healing in the knee. PRP is often used to treat chronic knee pain or injuries when other treatments haven’t been successful.
- Local anaesthetics: Local anaesthetics are often added to knee injections to help ease the pain immediately. They work by numbing the area so you feel less discomfort during and just after the treatment. Local anaesthetics are usually combined with other medications to make the whole process more comfortable.
- Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy is sometimes used in knee injections to help the body heal and reduce pain. Stem cells are special because they can grow into different types of tissue, which may help repair damage in the knee.
- Arthrosamid injections: Arthrosamid injections are an innovative new knee injection treatment. It helps relieve chronic knee pain by cushioning the joint and reducing inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis.
The benefits of ultrasound-guided knee injections
- Increased accuracy: One of the main benefits of ultrasound-guided knee joint injections is how precise they are. The doctor uses a live image to see inside your knee and guides the needle to the area that requires attention.
- More effective pain relief: As the injection is placed exactly where it’s needed, ultrasound-guided knee injections often provide faster and more effective pain relief. By targeting the right area the treatment can work more efficiently and quickly.
- Reduced risk of complications: Using ultrasound to guide the injection helps lower the chance of mistakes, such as injecting in the wrong spot or causing damage to nearby tissues.
- They’re minimally invasive: Knee joint injections are a simple and minimally invasive procedure. They’re quick to perform, don’t require surgery and can be done in a clinic.
- Customisable: Injections for the knee joints allow doctors to choose the best medication for your specific condition. Whether it’s steroids to reduce inflammation, hyaluronic acid to lubricate the joint, or platelet-rich plasma to promote healing, treatments can be tailored to the patient’s condition.
The procedure of ultrasound-guided knee injections – What to expect
- Your pain doctor will explain the procedure and will answer any questions you have. You’ll be asked to either sit or lie down comfortably.
- The doctor will clean the skin around your knee thoroughly to prevent infection.
- They will use an ultrasound machine to scan your knee, locating the exact area that needs treatment.
- A local anaesthetic may be applied to numb the injection site for your comfort.
- Using the ultrasound images as a guide, the doctor will carefully insert a thin needle into the targeted area and inject the specialist medication.
- The needle is removed and a small bandage is placed over the area that’s been injected.
It’s a quick and minimally invasive procedure designed to provide long-lasting and effective pain relief.
Recovery and aftercare
Here are a few things to note and procedures to following after having a knee joint injection treatment:
- It’s best to take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours after the knee joint injection. Avoid high-impact activity and exercise to give your knee time to respond to the treatment.
- You might experience mild soreness or swelling around the injection site for a day or two. Applying an ice pack for 15-20 minutes can help reduce discomfort.
- Gradually return to your normal activities as your pain improves. Walking and gentle movement are a good way to keep the joint flexible.
- Your doctor might recommend pain relief medication such as ibuprofen if you experience discomfort.
- Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress and decide if any further treatment is needed.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you notice increased redness, swelling, severe pain, a fever or any signs of infection at the injection site.
Who can benefit from ultrasound-guided knee injections?
Ultrasound-guided knee joint injections are suitable for people experiencing knee pain or inflammation caused by a variety of conditions. This treatment is excellent for the following use cases:
- People suffering with osteoarthritis, a condition where the knee joint gradually wears down over time. Ultrasound-guided joint injections can reduce pain and inflammation, helping to improve movement and make daily activities easier.
- Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can also benefit from ultrasound-guided knee injections by targeting inflammation in the knee joint. This helps reduce pain and swelling, making it easier to move and improving overall comfort.
- Injections for the knee joints can be a helpful treatment for people with knee injuries, such as damage to ligaments, tendons or cartilage damage. The knee injection helps reduce pain and swelling.
- Patients dealing with tendonitis or bursitis. By targeting the affected areas, the knee joint injection will help reduce pain and swelling, allowing for easier movement and faster recovery.
- Knee joint PRP injections are also a great option for people dealing with long-lasting knee pain. When other treatments haven’t worked, these injections can provide targeted relief to help reduce discomfort and improve daily life.
How much do ultrasound-guided knee injections cost?
Costs for knee injection treatment may vary depending on your location, the type of knee injection treatment you need and the clinic you choose. At Manx Pain Clinic, ultrasound-guided knee injections start from as little as £360. Book a consultation today for a full diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan.
Are there any risks or side effects for ultrasound-guided knee injections?
Like any medical procedure, knee joint injections come with some potential risks and side effects, even though they are generally considered safe. Below is a list of some common risks and side effects to be aware of.
- You might feel mild pain or soreness at the injection site after the procedure. This will generally improve within a few days following the injection.
- Some swelling or bruising around the knee can occur but typically resolves soon after the procedure. Place an ice pack around the knee to help reduce swelling.
- Although rare, there’s a small risk of infection where the needle enters the skin.
- Whilst uncommon, patients may react to the medication used in the injection. Please speak to your doctor for a list of ingredients if you have a history of allergies or are concerned.
- There’s a very low chance of damage to nearby nerves or tissues, but ultrasound guidance helps reduce this risk by improving accuracy.
Book an appointment with expert pain doctor, Dr Dashfield
If knee pain is holding you back, it’s time to tackle the root cause and find lasting relief. Book your treatment at Manx Pain Clinic today and take the first step toward saying goodbye to knee pain for good.
View our treatment options for knee pain and book an appointment.