Knee pain, with different causes, is a common condition related to acute injuries and medical complications. It can be localized or general, spreading all over the knee. Mostly, it is accompanied by severe physical limitations. A comprehensive physical evaluation usually defines the diagnosis of knee pain. Knee pain treatment is only possible with a deep understanding of the underlying cause. At the same time, some treatment interventions like gel injections may further worsen the pain. The prognosis for knee pain is usually great, requiring surgical treatments or other interventions.

When Should You Consider A Knee Injection?

Osteoarthritis is characterized by four stages- with different pain levels ranging from zero(minor) to four(severe). As osteoarthritis is asymptomatic, typically showing no symptoms till stage 2, other alternatives can be tried before the suggestions of injections. From practicing at-home exercises to modifying diet plans and integrating physical therapies, these treatment choices can effectively relieve symptoms. Nevertheless, with all these therapeutic approaches attempted, if they do not improve your condition and the pain becomes moderate to severe, a better decision is to contact your healthcare experts in pain management in Dallas. They’ll help you document your medical history and current situation to determine if knee injections are the best option.

• Plasma-Rich Platelet Injections

Plasma-rich platelet (PRP) therapies involve injections of the blood platelets of the same individual into the knee joint. This supports the release of growth factors that trigger growth cells . Several individuals tried injections of platelet-rich plasma for OA. However, authentic sources advise not to use these treatments. There are no standard approaches for such procedures, and individuals cannot identify the ingredients of their injections. Moreover, the safety and effectiveness of these injectables are also questionable to date.

•  Corticosteroids 

Corticosteroids are labeled as the gold standard for injectable treatment approaches. As the most common type of injected medication, different formulations are available in the market. All various versions available in the market are generically referred to as steroids and cortisone. Among these, corticosteroids are potent forms of anti-inflammatory drugs. Both oral and intravenous routes can be followed for administration. However,  local injections provide effective delivery of a potent releasing anti-inflammatory medication with limited systemic side effects. 

• Hyaluronic Acid Injections 

One of the most prominent types of knee shots for the treatment of arthritis involves hyaluronic acid injections. However, there is no research evidence of similar effectiveness (pain reduction and improved functions) in all individuals with similar conditions. So,  just like other treatments, some individuals may experience the effectiveness, whereas others may not. However, a few pain specialists in Dallas may still recommend administering these injections to certain patients. These injections have a gel-like substance known as hyaluronic acid. Being a natural lubricant, hyaluronic acid is found in the synovial fluid present around the joints. Hyaluronic acid acts as a shock absorber and wears away with passing age. Moreover, osteoarthritis speeds up this procedure. So, injecting synthetic hyaluronic acid replaces natural agents that facilitate movements and relieve pain.

What Are The Common Risks Of Injections?

Knee injections have proven to be safe with low complication risks. There are still some possible adverse effects, as follows:

• Infections
• Muscle Soreness at the injection site (usually short-term)
• Diabetic patients may observe transient elevation in levels of blood glucose with administration of corticosteroid injections
• Hypertensive patients may see a transient rise  in their blood pressure
• Changes in the color of skin surrounding the injection site 
• Post-injection flare, a short-term rise in pain levels  
• Pseudo-sepsis, an uncommon allergic reaction

How Are Injections Typically Done?

Knee injections mostly require a healthcare provider’s office setting. However, it may also be performed in the operating room with other surgical treatments like knee replacement. To decrease the chances of infections, sterile protocol must be followed. Firstly, Your physician will clean and  “prep” the skin with alcohol swabs or iodine-based solution. Once prepared, the skin at the injection site must be kept untouched until sterile gloves or needles are used for injection administration. 

Outcomes

As reported, in some conditions some patients do not show effective response to viscosupplementation and also knee pain worse after gel injection. For those who complain about the continuous pain relief accompanying the procedure, several weeks may be required to notice any improvement. However, the lasting effects of treatment vary. Some individuals report a relaxing effect that elongates for several months after injection administration.

If the injectable procedure proves to be effective, a 6-month gap can be provided for the second dose. Although viscosupplementation has never reversed the arthritic condition and treatment effects are still unclear, It has been suggested that viscosupplementation shows effects in the early stages of arthritis. However, further research is required to support these facts. Research in viscosupplementation related to prolonged effectiveness is still under process.