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Knee Injections For Pain Relief

Knee painWhether you are a runner, soccer player or are employed in a job that involves kneeling, squatting or lifting heavy objects, you may experience degeneration changes to your knees. This is known as osteoarthritis. This degeneration can be accompanied by inflammatory processes. The following are some of the causes of knee inflammation.

  • Bone spurring
  • Twisting injuries
  • Sprains to the knee
  • Repetitive use/overuse
  • Narrowing of joint space (osteoarthritis)

Knee pain can be debilitating, preventing you from participating in daily activities as well as favorite sports and hobbies. Fortunately we offer effective solutions.

Suitable for Pain Relief and Joint Inflammation

For pain relief, we use an anti-inflammatory medication along with a numbing medication that is injected into the joint capsule to calm down the inflammatory process that is occurring. If relief is experienced then we believe the source of the pain is in the joint; if not we can look for other sources of pain. Viscosupplement injections, which are hyaluronic acid injections, are also available at the practice as a therapy for osteoarthritis. If it shows on an X-ray that there is osteoarthritis (a narrowing of the joint space) or degenerative changes, we will typically start with the pain relief injections and then move into a series of the viscosupplement injections. These injections are not used for any tears of the knee.

How Many Shots Will I Need?

It all depends based on what you are diagnosed with. If injections are indicated for pain relief there is a series of injections for that specific issue. If the pain is due to osteoarthritis, then there is a series of viscosupplement injections that you will be given based on a protocol. Afterward we like to incorporate strengthening of the lower extremities to keep the muscles surrounding the knee as well as the knee strong to prevent any exacerbations of symptoms. These exercises include strengthening of the quadriceps and hamstrings. We will also teach you the exercises so you can continue them at home. Typically, you would be given an injection once a week for three weeks or once a week for five weeks (based on the medication used dictated by insurance). Jessica DiSante, our nurse practitioner, gives the injections.

What Is the Procedure Like?

A thin needle is used for the injections. We prefer to give the injections in a relaxed sitting position but if needed the injections can be completed in a lying position. The procedure is safe, quick and performed under ultrasound.

How Do I Know If I Am Eligible?

Before we can provide you with knee injections, we will need to complete an exam and review any allergies you may have as well as any medications you are taking. If you are on certain medications, it may limit us in terms of what treatment can be provided. We will discuss the best options that are safe for you. Typically, it is best to begin with an x-ray of the knee to determine the best course of treatment. We will order the x-rays for you to go and have completed. If you have knee pain, we want to help you get relief. Contact South Hills Physical Medicine and Chiropractic today to book an appointment!

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