Injections into the knee can be helpful to settle symptoms and may delay/avoid the need for surgical treatments.
For patients with symptoms from early arthritis visco-supplementation injections can be helpful (Durolane, Smith&Nephew). The knee is injected with a lubricant similar to naturally occurring lubricant fluid found in the normal joint. These often need to be repeated over a short course.
During flares of arthritic symptoms, particularly when the knee is swollen and inflamed injections of local anaesthetic and steroid can be helpful in settling the knee down.
All injections can be slightly uncomfortable (similar to having a blood test). There are very small risks of introducing infection. If after an injection the knee joint becomes very hot swollen and uncomfortable and you start feeling unwell please contact us immediately so we can assess you.