When oral medications do not relieve knee pain, but you're not to the point of pursuing knee surgery, one of the following injections or procedures may help.
Hyaluronic acid supplements – Although not technically medications, these substances are injected into knee joints to supplement naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. In healthy joints hyaluronic acid acts as a shock absorber and lubricant, allowing joints to move smoothly over each other. However, the acid appears to break down in people with osteoarthritis. Injecting it into a joint may lessen pain and inflammation. The injections are given weekly for three or five weeks, depending on the product (examples are Synvisc and Hyalgan). A small amount of joint fluid is removed first to make room for the hyaluronic acid.
Corticosteroid Injections – Doctors sometimes inject corticosteroids directly into the knee joint for quick relief of pain and inflammation. Their benefits may last anywhere from a few days to more than six months. While the injections bring targeted relief to the joint and lack many of the side effects of oral corticosteroid medications, they are not without risks. Repeated knee injections may actually contribute to cartilage breakdown. For that reason your doctor will likely put a limit on the number of injections you can receive.
Read a report from the British Medical Journal on corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis.
Arthrocentesis – Also called joint fluid aspiration, arthrocentesis is removal of joint fluid through a hollow needle inserted into the joint space of the knee. Although the purpose of removing joint fluid from the knee is usually so that it can be tested in the lab, removing excess fluid can also quickly ease pain and swelling. Often after withdrawing fluid, doctors use the same puncture site where the fluid was removed to inject a corticosteroid preparation and/or anesthetic into the knee joint to further relieve pain and inflammation.
I went through 2 rounds of Hyalgan in my left knee and once in my right. I have to honestly say that it has helped tremendously! Prior to my having these injections I was getting physical therapy and anti-inflammatory meds (Mobic), which did help, but I did not want to remain dependent on oral medications. The Hyalgan is administered in 5 weekly injections every 6 months. All I can say from my experience that it is most definitely worth a try, especially if it will help in living pain free, increase your mobility (including steps!!!) and holding off surgery.
I went to the Surgeon the other day thought I was ready for a Knee replacement,I chickened out!!!!! I was upset with my self because i need to have it done. So what I decided to do is the synveic injections again .they do help and maybe I will be emotionally ready early next year.
Will look for exercise program,I just have to keep going. Sorry I took the Dr's time but the surgery I have to be ready for it.
Keep your spirits up!!!!!
Injected in both knees, and worked. Surgeons are somewhat, and sometimes negative for obvious reasons. Also suggest exercises in water regularly. I need help and will be glad to help others. Tell me how painful was the aftermath of knee replacement, or how successful.
Going up or down stairs or getting up from the floor gives me great difficulty,
Would synvisc injections help?
The shot is a bit painful for a minute or 2, but then it takes a couple of weeks to help and a bit of inflammation above the knee, but ice packs and ibuprofen help. Good luck!
THANKS PLEASE HHELP
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