I’m Scared! The Doctor Says I Need a Knee Injection

In the 1950s it became possible to distinguish between inflammatory and non-inflammatory knee problems, and knee injections emerged as an effective solution. Doctors usually recommend this procedure when there’s pus on the knee that needs to be drained out. This often occurs with people who have inflammatory arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or an infection.

If you have never had a knee injection before, then it is natural to be nervous. While your doctor will administer the procedure that is best for you, know that all knee injections follow the same general procedure. Take a look at what to expect for your first knee injection.

Examination of the Knee

Usually, the first step is for your doctor to examine your knee. They may use ultrasound equipment to observe the interior of the knee along with examining its exterior. This helps them determine if a knee injection is the correct course of action. They will also explain the subsequent process ask you to sign consent papers. As with any medical procedure, stop the doctor and ask any questions you may have.

Injection Preparation

The doctor or the nurse will then prepare the injection that will be administered to your knee. It is usually a combination of a numbing agent and a long-acting steroid. One of the most common medicines used is corticosteroids, which reduces inflammation so that your bones don’t rub together. Your doctor may also use hyaluronic acids, an alternative to corticosteroids that produces the same result.

Knee Preparation

The next step is to prepare your knee. The outside of the area will be cleaned. The doctor may use an ultrasound machine to most accurately determine location where the injection will be most effective. You’ll most likely be asked to sit or lay down in a position in which the ultrasound machine has a better view of your knee.

Injection

The next step is to inject the medicine into the knee. Your doctor will most likely drain some fluid from the knee to give the medicine enough space to act. After that, you’ll receive the pain-relieving injection below your kneecap. With the numbing agent in place, the shot shouldn’t cause any pain.

Afterward

After the injection, a band-aid will be applied to the injection point. You will be released after the staff makes sure that you do not react to the medicine. Normally, you will not feel any pain, but if you do then there are several medications you can use to reduce it. It is recommended that you apply ice to your knee until it’s back to normal.

Contact Central Florida Bone and Joint Institute today if you think that you need a knee injection. These caring orthopedic surgeons have years of experience in helping knees feel better.