Knee joints move in a variety of ways as they flex, twist and bend. Knees also tolerate weight and permit people to jump, run and walk. A knee injury is an inconvenient and painful occurrence because the affliction frequently prevents the sufferer from taking part in their daily lives. Fortunately, injections can effectively remedy the pain and inflammation that arises from damaged cartilage, ligaments and tendons in the knee.
The Complex Knee
Knees are a complex part of the human body because the joint includes bones, connective tissue and muscles. Since the knee’s design is meant to hold weight and promote movement, it is one of the largest joints in the body. The knee has four bones, which are the femur, tibia, patella and fibula.
Knee Injuries and Arthritis
A severe knee injury is likely to swell and cause pain while chronic arthritis disease is another reason for intense knee pain to occur. According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults older than 65 suffer from arthritis at a rate of almost 50 percent, which frequently sets off inflammation. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, and unfortunately, it can lead to degradation and swelling. In some cases, tendonitis, which is a tendon injury from a twisting action, may be the cause of knee joint swelling. The cushion of cartilage that pillows the knee joint’s bones, or the meniscus, is another area of the knee that may need an injection after an injury.
What Types of Knee Injections Are Available?
Different injections are used depending on the injury. Options include medications that decrease swelling and encourage healing as well as injections that loosen joints and block pain. Specifically corticosteroid injections are used to decrease swelling and pain, nerve-blocking chemicals for knee replacement patients and hyalgan injections are used to to loosen knee joints and decrease osteoarthritis pain. Platelet rich plasma, or PRP, is another pain reducing injection. This medication causes the knee’s tendons to become denser and is a recommended treatment for injured athletes and physical workers. Additionally, knee pain caused by ligament damage and bursitis may benefit from a PRP injection. In most cases, an injection will be prescribed after the patient has tried other pain elimination methods such as physical therapy, hot and cold treatments and low dose pain relievers.
What Will I Experience During the Procedure?
An injection most often is provided as an in office procedure. The injection site will be cleaned prior to the insertion of the needle, and if the knee is swollen, then the doctor may extract fluid. The physician will then administer the injection.
Patients should understand the risks with the procedure including damaged nerves or tissue, infections and bleeding. Keep in mind that injection results will vary based upon the degree of damage inflicted to the knee. In addition, some treatments may include multiple injection sessions. The best recommendation is to schedule a consultation with your physician so they may be able to answer any questions and put your mind at rest about concerns that you may have in regards to this simple and safe procedure.
Medical professionals design knee injections to reduce pain, stimulate healing and permit knee pain sufferers to enjoy their daily lives. Without knee pain, an energetic lifestyle is possible.
For Your Health,
Dr. Ryan Moorman
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