Knee Injections

Knee pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis can make getting through your daily routine a real challenge. Joint injection specialist Ariel Curtis, FNP-C, at Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte, North Carolina, can help by adding knee injections to your treatment strategy. Rarely used as a standalone therapy, injections can offer a valuable assist to medications, physical therapy, and joint-friendly lifestyle changes. Schedule a visit by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

Why consider knee injections?

A degenerative disease, osteoarthritis (OA) develops when cartilage wears away over time. This interferes with the smooth, frictionless movement healthy joints enjoy.

As cartilage health declines, joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness develop. Knee injections offer a way to manage symptoms by delivering medication or regenerative substances directly to the affected joint.

What are the benefits of knee injections?

Knee injections can be a valuable part of managing your osteoarthritis symptoms, especially when other treatments aren’t enough.

Some types, like corticosteroid injections, are fast-acting, reducing inflammation and the pain OA causes. This means you can participate more fully in physical therapy and other treatments that tackle joint health at its source.

Results from other injection types, such as regenerative PRP or stem cell therapy, can take longer. But because these therapies boost your body’s natural healing ability, the results are often worth waiting for.

What injections are available for knee pain?

There are a variety of injections available to assist in knee pain relief, including:

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections are a recommended treatment for OA-related knee pain and swelling. These anti-inflammatory drugs can quickly reduce swelling and pain, often within a few days.

But their effects may only last a few weeks to a couple of months. They’re best used occasionally, as repeated use can potentially weaken your joint structures over time.

Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation)

Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance that naturally occurs in joint fluid. In people with osteoarthritis, HA levels drop, reducing lubrication. Injecting synthetic hyaluronic acid can help cushion the joint and reduce your pain.

Results can vary, with some individuals noting improvement for several months, while others may not notice a significant difference.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP is a newer, regenerative option that uses your body’s own healing power. A small amount of your blood is drawn, processed to concentrate the platelets, and then injected into the knee.

These platelets release growth factors that may reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. PRP has gained popularity for its potential to relieve symptoms for several months or more.

Stem cell injections

Stem cell therapy is another regenerative treatment. Stem cells, often taken from fat tissue, may help regenerate cartilage and reduce inflammation. Though research is still evolving, early studies and patient experiences suggest promising results.

You don’t have to struggle with knee pain. Schedule a visit at Joint Health Solutions today. Contact the office by phone or book your appointment online to learn more about how injections could ease your pain.