KNEE INJECTIONS
Knee pain can arise from a wide range of conditions affecting the joint, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or surrounding soft tissues. When inflammation or irritation is contributing to symptoms, knee injections can provide targeted relief and support recovery. At Alton Pain Clinic, we offer ultrasound-guided knee injections designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you return to everyday activities with greater comfort.
What Are Knee Injections?
Knee injections involve delivering medication directly into or around the knee joint to treat inflammation, swelling, and pain. Commonly used medications include corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation), hyaluronic acid (to improve joint lubrication), and occasionally regenerative therapies depending on the diagnosis.
By placing treatment precisely at the source of the problem, knee injections can provide faster and more effective relief than oral medication alone. Ultrasound guidance allows the clinician to see the joint structures in real time, ensuring accurate needle placement and improving treatment outcomes.
Conditions That Can Be Treated
Knee injections may be recommended for a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis
- Bursitis (such as prepatellar bursitis)
- Tendon-related pain or tendinopathy
- Ligament sprains or soft tissue injuries
- Synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining)
- Baker’s cyst or joint effusion
These injections can also be useful for persistent knee pain following injury or surgery, particularly when inflammation continues to limit recovery.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your appointment will begin with a detailed consultation and musculoskeletal assessment to understand your symptoms, medical history, and functional limitations. An ultrasound scan may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the exact structures contributing to your pain.
If a knee injection is appropriate, it can often be performed during the same visit. The area is cleaned, and a fine needle is guided into the target site using ultrasound imaging. Most patients find the procedure quick and well-tolerated. You can usually walk out of the clinic afterwards, although we recommend avoiding strenuous activity for 24–48 hours.
Benefits of Knee Injections
- Targeted reduction of pain and inflammation
- Improved joint mobility and function
- Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
- Quick procedure with little downtime
- Supports physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Research shows that corticosteroid injections in the knee can control inflammation and relieve pain for several weeks or months, helping patients stay active and engage in recovery exercises.
Part of a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
While knee injections can provide significant relief, they are most effective when combined with physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, and lifestyle modifications. At Alton Pain Clinic, we focus on treating the underlying cause of your knee pain and supporting long-term joint health, not just short-term symptom control.
What our patients say
FAQs
How quickly will a knee injection work?
Some patients notice improvement within a few days, although full benefit may take up to one to two weeks.
How long does the pain relief last?
Relief varies depending on the condition, but it often lasts several weeks to a few months.
Are knee injections safe?
Yes, when performed by trained clinicians. Complications are rare, and ultrasound guidance improves accuracy and safety.
Can I walk after the injection?
Yes, you can usually walk immediately afterwards, but you should avoid heavy exercise for a couple of days.
Will I still need physiotherapy?
Yes. Injections work best when combined with rehabilitation exercises to improve strength, stability, and long-term knee function.