A knee injection is a medical procedure in which medication is injected into the knee joint to relieve pain and inflammation caused by various knee conditions. These conditions can include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and knee injuries such as meniscus tears.
The procedure involves Dr Patterson inserting a small needle into the knee joint while using imaging techniques such as X-ray or ultrasound to guide the needle to the correct location. The medication, usually a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid medication, is then injected into the joint.
The local anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the corticosteroid medication helps reduce inflammation and provides longer-term pain relief. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes to complete and can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Knee injections are typically used when other non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy or oral medication have not provided adequate relief. They can be an effective treatment option for individuals experiencing moderate to severe knee pain.
It is important to note that while knee injections can provide significant pain relief, they are not a cure for knee conditions and may need to be repeated or used in conjunction with other treatments to manage chronic pain. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with knee injections, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage.