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Knee Arthritis: When Is It Time to Consider Injections?
Updated: Oct 14
Quick answer: Hyaluronic acid, sometimes called a gel injection, is a non-steroidal option that may provide symptom improvement in selected patients.
Most knee arthritis care begins with exercise, strengthening, activity modification, weight management when appropriate and medications or topical treatments that are safe for the individual patient. Injections are generally considered when symptoms continue to limit walking, exercise, sleep or daily activity.
Steroid and gel injections
Corticosteroid can reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief for a painful flare, but repeated use may not be ideal for every patient. Hyaluronic acid, sometimes called a gel injection, is a non-steroidal option that may provide symptom improvement in selected patients.
PRP
Platelet-rich plasma uses a patient’s own blood to create a concentrated platelet preparation. Studies suggest PRP may help pain and function in selected patients with knee osteoarthritis, particularly mild to moderate disease. Results vary.
Choosing an option
The best injection is not the same for every knee. Imaging, age, activity level, severity of arthritis, previous treatments and goals all matter. Advanced arthritis with severe functional loss may be better treated with joint replacement.
When to seek care
Persistent pain, progressive weakness, recurrent swelling, locking, inability to bear weight after an injury, or symptoms that limit sleep and daily activity deserve medical evaluation. Treatment is most effective when it is based on a clear diagnosis rather than simply the location of pain.
Related care: knee arthritis treatment
Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics provides physician-led evaluation and nonsurgical treatment for musculoskeletal conditions in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an individual medical evaluation.
Related orthopedic resources
A Closer Look at Knee Arthritis
Knee conditions can involve cartilage, meniscus, tendons, ligaments, or the joint itself. Symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, pain with stairs, reduced tolerance for walking, or discomfort during exercise can point to different underlying problems, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters before choosing an injection or rehabilitation plan.
Nonsurgical Treatment and PRP for knee in Raleigh & Cary
For persistent knee pain, PRP may be considered when the examination and imaging suggest osteoarthritis, a degenerative tendon problem, or another condition for which a biologic approach is reasonable. Ultrasound guidance can help confirm the target and place treatment accurately while rehabilitation addresses strength, mobility, and mechanics.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, the goal when evaluating knee pain is to match treatment to the specific diagnosis rather than simply treating the location of pain. Patients in Raleigh and Cary may have options that include targeted rehabilitation, activity modification, shockwave therapy, image-guided injections, PRP, or other regenerative approaches depending on the condition and its severity.
About Your Physicians
Dr. Matthew Kanaan
Nonsurgical Orthopedic Specialist
Founder of Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics. Fellowship trained in sports medicine at Duke; residency in family medicine at Duke, where he served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Pierce Knox
Nonsurgical Orthopedic Specialist
Fellowship trained in nonsurgical sports medicine at Penn Medicine; residency in primary care at Christiana Care.
