Knee pain and stiffness can be debilitating, limiting mobility and negatively impacting daily activities. A knee steroid injection is a minimally invasive treatment that delivers corticosteroid medication directly into the knee joint to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by conditions such as arthritis and injury-related inflammation.
When is a Knee Steroid Injection Recommended?
Your doctor may recommend a steroid injection if:
- Conservative treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications have not provided adequate relief.
- You are experiencing moderate to severe knee pain due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.
- The pain is interfering with your ability to walk, exercise, or perform daily activities.
Procedure
The procedure is typically quick and performed in a medical office:
- The knee is cleaned and sterilized.
- A local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort.
- Using a fine needle, the corticosteroid medication is injected into the joint space.
- In some cases, ultrasound guidance is used to ensure precise placement.
- A small bandage is applied, and patients can usually resume light activities shortly after.
Post-Injection Care
- Avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling if needed.
- Rest, elevation and medicines are recommended to relieve pain and swelling.
- Gentle range of motion exercises are recommended
Possible Risks and Side Effects
While knee steroid injections are generally safe, potential risks include:
- Infection at the injection site
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Inflammation of the joint lining
- Nerve Injury
