The knee is one of the most vital joints in the human body. It’s also a hotspot for injury and pain, whether it’s through overuse or inactivity.

Long-term (chronic) knee pain makes it difficult to perform even the simplest of tasks. But it is more treatable than you might think.

In this article we will:

• Outline the different types and causes of knee pain, such as arthritis
• Discuss when to consider injections as a therapy
• Explore the different types of injections for chronic pain.

What causes knee pain?

One of the most common types of knee pain is osteoarthritis. A breakdown of the cushioning cartilage on the bones in your joints causes this condition. It leads to friction between bones and cartilage, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.

Other causes of knee problems include:

• Damage to muscles or connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, cartilage)
• Inflammation from repetitive injury or overuse
• Lack of mobility due to being overweight or inactive
• Bone diseases or fractures

Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, keeping to a healthy weight and using knee supports and braces can assist by relieving pain.

Knee surgery and replacement may be sensible choices for some people. But injections are often a simple and effective treatment for joint pain. Read on to learn more.

Types of injection for knee pain

If you are looking for non-surgical solutions to knee joint pain, injections might help get things moving again.

We are often asked: “When should I consider an injection for knee pain?” As with most musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, there isn’t a cut-and-dry answer.

The type of treatments we recommend depend on the cause of pain. There are different kinds of injection treatment, each with their own benefits, as shown below:

Corticosteroid injections

When joints are swollen or painful due to injury or osteoarthritis, we often treat the condition with corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids are also known as simply steroids but are not the same as anabolic steroids.

The injection goes into the affected joint, such as the knee. Doctors call this intra-articular injection. We can treat other painful joints and muscles this way too.

People usually notice benefits within 24 hours. It’s possible for some patients to experience pain after injection and before the steroid takes effect. The decrease in pain and stiffness typically lasts between six weeks and six months.

Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation, which is often at the root of pain. A common example of a corticosteroid is hydrocortisone.

These injections are not suitable for everyone. Some medicines –  including common pain relief drugs – also affect the way these injections work. Make sure your doctor knows your medical history and what medicines you’re taking.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is a new anti-inflammatory and regenerative treatment. It involves extracting a small amount of your blood and separating the platelets from other blood cells. We then introduce the concentrated platelets into the knee.

PRP therapy stimulates the growth of cartilage and other new tissue to reduce pain. It takes advantage of blood’s natural healing properties. And because the platelets naturally occur in your body, it’s a safe procedure.

Ostenil (hyaluronic acid) injections

Ostenil injections are a treatment for osteoarthritis. The main active ingredient in Ostenil is hyaluronic acid. Ostenil is a brand name, so you will also see this treatment called hyaluronic acid injection.

We inject the drug into the knee or other affected joints that have synovial fluid. All synovial joints enable us to move. These include the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee.

At the end of each bone in a joint is a layer of protective cartilage. The joint cavity contains synovial fluid, which enables the bones to glide smoothly against each other.

Synovial fluid contains a large amount of hyaluronic acid, which helps it to function. When hyaluronic acid breaks down, the body produces more. But when a person has osteoarthritis, their body breaks down hyaluronic acid faster than it can produce it.

As a result, the synovial fluid becomes watery, and wear and tear on the cartilage causes pain. By injecting Ostenil, we reintroduce hyaluronic acid into the joint cavity.

Ultrasound-guided injections

This technique uses high-frequency sound waves (sonography) to create a real-time image of the joint.

Ultrasound-guided joint injections enable us to see exactly where to target the needle. The injection may be a corticosteroid, Ostenil or PRP. The ultrasound imaging helps increase the treatment’s effectiveness and longevity.

See a pain management specialist

What can you expect from a knee injection treatment at Ravenscroft Health?

Our clinics around London and Milton Keynes offer a range of cost-effective pain relief injections and therapies.

We specialise in physiotherapy, rehabilitation and evidence-based injection treatments for musculoskeletal disorders.

Our team of friendly clinicians will discuss options with you in more detail and help you make an informed decision.

Contact us to book a consultation today and take the next steps to getting back on your feet!

Did you know Ravenscroft Health also now offers a range of private GP services? Check out our private GP London page to learn more.