Knee joint injections are medical procedures in which medications, such as corticosteroids, are injected into the knee joint to reduce inflammation and pain. They are also known as intra-articular knee injections.
The injection is usually performed by a trained medical professional, such as a physician or nurse. The procedure involves cleaning the injection site, typically the area around the kneecap, and administering a local anesthetic to numb the area. A needle is then inserted into the joint space, and the medication is injected.
Knee joint injections can be used to treat a variety of conditions that cause knee pain and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and tendinitis. The injections are intended to provide temporary relief from symptoms, and the duration of relief can vary depending on the underlying condition being treated and the individual patient.
While knee joint injections can provide effective pain relief, they are not appropriate for everyone. People who have certain medical conditions, such as infections or bleeding disorders, or who are taking certain medications may not be candidates for the procedure. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of knee joint injections with a healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.