Corticosteriod Knee Injections

What Are Corticosteroid Knee Injections?

• Corticosteroid knee injections are anti-inflammatory treatments delivered directly into the knee joint.
• They are used to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain caused by joint irritation.
• The injection typically contains a corticosteroid medication combined with a local anesthetic.
• These injections are commonly used for osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and acute flare-ups of knee pain.
• The goal is to provide rapid symptom relief and improve mobility.

How Corticosteroids Work in the Knee

• Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications.
• They decrease the immune response inside the joint that causes swelling and pain.
• By reducing inflammation in the synovial lining, they help relieve stiffness and improve function.
• Pain relief may occur within 24–72 hours.
• Relief duration varies but typically lasts several weeks to a few months.

Conditions Treated with Corticosteroid Knee Injections

• Knee osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Synovitis (inflamed joint lining)
• Meniscal irritation
• Acute flare-ups of chronic knee pain
• Post-injury inflammation
• Gout or pseudogout (in certain cases)

What to Expect During the Procedure

• The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting.
• The knee is cleaned with sterile antiseptic solution.
• A topical numbing agent may be applied.
• A small needle is inserted into the joint space.
• Ultrasound guidance may be used for precision.
• The corticosteroid medication is injected into the joint.
• The procedure typically takes only a few minutes.
• Patients usually walk out of the office immediately afterward.

After the Injection

• Mild soreness at the injection site may occur for 24–48 hours.
• Ice can be applied to reduce discomfort.
• Strenuous activity should be avoided for 24 hours.
• Many patients notice improvement within a few days.
• Follow-up may be scheduled to assess response.

Benefits of Corticosteroid Knee Injections

• Rapid pain relief
• Reduced swelling and inflammation
• Improved range of motion
• Minimally invasive
• No surgical recovery time
• Can delay or reduce the need for surgery in some cases

Risks and Potential Side Effects

• Temporary pain increase (post-injection flare)
• Infection (rare)
• Bleeding
• Skin discoloration at injection site
• Temporary elevation in blood sugar (important for diabetics)
• Cartilage thinning with repeated frequent injections
• Tendon weakening with excessive use

How Often Can They Be Given?

• Typically limited to 3–4 injections per year per knee.
• Overuse may accelerate cartilage degeneration.
• Your provider will determine the safest schedule based on your condition.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

• Patients with inflammatory knee pain
• Patients experiencing acute arthritis flare-ups
• Individuals who have not improved with oral medications
• Patients seeking short-term relief before surgery
• Patients who are not surgical candidates

Who Should Avoid Corticosteroid Injections?

• Patients with active infection
• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes (relative caution)
• Individuals with certain bleeding disorders
• Patients allergic to injection components