Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, and knee injections are among the most effective non-surgical treatments available. Whether you suffer from osteoarthritis, a meniscus tear, patellofemoral pain, or persistent joint inflammation, a precisely placed injection can reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.
At Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte, we specialize in advanced, image-guided knee injections. Our team—led by Dr. Jeffrey Galvin and Ariel Curtis, FNP-C—uses state-of-the-art ultrasound and fluoroscopy to deliver medication exactly where it is needed, ensuring safety, accuracy, and optimal outcomes. We offer a full range of injection therapies, from traditional corticosteroids to cutting-edge regenerative medicine such as PRP.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Jeffrey Galvin & Ariel Curtis, FNP-C | Last reviewed: March 2026
The knee is a complex joint that bears significant weight and is prone to arthritis, injuries, and inflammation. When oral medications, physical therapy, or activity modification are not enough, knee injections offer a targeted approach:
Medication is placed directly into the joint, bursa, or tendon sheath, providing high local concentration.
Many injections provide relief within days.
Performed in the office with little to no downtime.
Effective injections can postpone or eliminate the need for knee replacement.
Corticosteroids, or steroid shots, are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that rapidly reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness. They are commonly used for acute flare-ups of knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid that provides lubrication and shock absorption. In knee osteoarthritis, the natural hyaluronic acid becomes diluted and less effective. Injecting a gel-like supplement can restore lubrication, reduce pain, and improve function.
PRP is a regenerative therapy made from your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate platelets, which release growth factors that reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair. PRP is used for knee osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, and tendon injuries.
At Joint Health Solutions, we never perform blind injections. Every knee injection is guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy. This matters because:
Ultrasound is especially useful for evaluating soft tissues and guiding injections into the knee joint, bursae, and tendons. Fluoroscopy may be used for complex cases or when ultrasound is not optima
We discuss all risks with you before the procedure and take every precaution to ensure safety.
| Injection Type | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Weeks to months |
| Hyaluronic Acid | 6–12 months |
| PRP | 6–12+ months |
Duration depends on the severity of arthritis, the presence of meniscal or ligament issues, and individual patient factors. Some patients achieve lasting relief, while others may benefit from periodic maintenance injections.
Expert Providers
Dr. Jeffrey Galvin and Ariel Curtis, FNP-C, have extensive training in interventional pain management and regenerative medicine.
Precision Guidance
All injections are performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopy for accuracy and safety.
Comprehensive Options
We offer a full spectrum of injection therapies, from traditional to regenerative.
Personalized Care
Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle.
Convenient Charlotte Location
Serving patients from Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Matthews, and surrounding areas.
Most patients feel a brief pinch or pressure during the injection. The procedure is typically well tolerated. If needed, we can use local anesthetic to numb the area. After the injection, some patients experience mild soreness for a day or two.
Corticosteroids often begin working within 24–72 hours, though full effect may take up to a week. Hyaluronic acid may take 2–4 weeks. PRP often causes initial soreness followed by gradual improvement over several weeks to months.
It depends on the type of injection and your condition. Corticosteroids are often used as needed for flare-ups. Hyaluronic acid is usually a series of 1–3 injections. PRP therapy typically involve 1–3 treatments, often spaced several weeks apart.
Corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections are often covered by insurance for knee osteoarthritis. PRP therapy are typically considered elective and are not covered. We provide transparent pricing and can discuss financing options
For corticosteroid injections, we usually recommend resting the knee for 24–48 hours. For PRP therapy, we may advise avoiding anti-inflammatory medications and limiting strenuous activity for a short period. You will receive specific post-injection instructions.
To minimize the risk of cartilage damage, we typically limit corticosteroid injections to 3–4 times per year in the same knee. The goal is to use them strategically for flare-ups while building a long-term plan with physical therapy and other modalities.
It depends on the situation. Cortisone provides rapid relief of acute inflammation and is excellent for flare-ups. PRP works more slowly but may offer longer-lasting improvement by addressing the underlying inflammatory process and promoting tissue repair. Sometimes we combine both strategically.
It depends on the type of blood thinner and the risk of bleeding. Some patients may need to temporarily hold their medication with approval from their prescribing physician, while others may be candidates for injection with special precautions. We review each case individually.
Ultrasound is the primary guidance for knee injections because it visualizes soft tissues, fluid, and the joint capsule in real time. Fluoroscopy is rarely needed for the knee but may be used in complex cases or when ultrasound is not optimal.
You may be a candidate for a knee injection if you have persistent knee pain that limits walking, stairs, or daily activities, oral medications provide inadequate relief or cause side effects, you are experiencing an acute flare-up of arthritis or bursitis, you want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery, or you need pain relief to participate more effectively in physical therapy.
If you are considering a knee injection for arthritis, tendonitis, or chronic knee pain, schedule a consultation at Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte. We will help you determine the best approach for your needs.
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© 2025 Joint Health solutions. All rights reserved.
