The Procedure

The injection is performed in the treatment room with the patient lying on the examination trolley. A local anaesthetic may be applied to numb the area before the injection. The procedure itself is quick, with the liquid injected into the knee, usually taking just a few seconds. While it is rare to cause significant bleeding, a plaster is typically applied afterward.

Most patients feel a brief sensation as the needle enters the joint, but it's generally momentary. After the injection, you'll be asked to remain in the clinic for about 15 minutes to ensure you don't feel light-headed or unwell.

Steroid and Local Anaesthetic

Often the first choice for knee injections, this combines a pain reliever (local anaesthetic) with a treatment for swelling (steroid). The local anaesthetic usually provides immediate pain relief that lasts throughout the day. It's helpful to keep a record of how your knee feels during this time.

The steroid component may take up to a week to begin working and does so gradually. As it reduces inflammation, you should also experience pain relief. This effect can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

Hyaluronic Acid

This injection uses hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in joints, to provide additional lubrication to the knee. The viscous solution reduces pain by acting as a buffer between rough surfaces in the joint. It may also help mitigate the body's inflammatory response, reducing further swelling and pain.

A mild reaction to the injection is common, but typically resolves quickly. The effects of this injection can last up to one year.