Knee Injections Specialists in Brooklyn, NYC

Knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making even simple activities challenging. When conservative treatments like rest or ice fail to provide relief, knee injection treatments done by board-certified pain management specialists may offer a viable solution. Ideal for individuals with arthritis, knee injections in NYC from Pain Physicians NY can provide temporary pain relief and improved mobility. Discover a much-needed respite from chronic knee pain by visiting one of our pain management clinics in Brooklyn, Queens, or Manhattan.

Ideal Candidates for Knee Pain Injections

When knee pain becomes intolerable and conservative treatments such as rest or ice fail to provide relief, knee injection treatments might be a viable option. For those with arthritis, these injections can offer temporary pain relief and improved mobility. Although not everyone will benefit from knee injections, they can be highly effective for certain individuals.

What Types of Knee Injections Can You Get?

The pain management center of Pain Physicians NY provides various injections to alleviate joint pain and facilitate physical therapy or exercises to strengthen the knee-supporting muscles. Your doctor will determine the most suitable therapy based on your medical history, symptoms, and clinical findings. The primary types of injections include:

• Corticosteroid Injections: These powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs act on nuclear steroid receptors, disrupting the inflammatory and immune response at multiple levels. They help reduce redness, swelling, heat, and tenderness in the inflamed joint, enhancing mobility. Corticosteroid injections are commonly used for moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis pain relief, typically lasting for several months, though some patients may experience relief for only up to four weeks.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Hyaluronic acid, naturally produced by the body and found in synovial fluid, acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in joints. Injecting it directly into the knee can temporarily restore these effects, reduce synovial inflammation, protect against cartilage erosion, and stimulate the body’s hyaluronic acid synthesis. These injections are often used to treat osteoarthritis and may require a single injection or a series administered weekly, depending on the case.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Derived from a centrifuged sample of the patient’s blood, PRP contains high levels of growth factors and biologically active molecules. When injected into the target area, platelets aid in healing, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, enhance function, and facilitate cartilage regeneration. PRP injections are used for tendon tears, muscle injuries, arthritis-related pain, tendinitis, and injured joints. The procedure has no major complications, with only short-term effects like moderate pain, swelling, and excess fluid around the joint in some patients.
• Stem Cell Injections: Stem cells, collected from the patient’s fat tissue, blood, or bone marrow, can adopt the properties of surrounding cells to repair damaged tissue. These injections can suppress inflammation, decrease cartilage deterioration, and reduce knee pain. Pain relief from stem cell therapy is usually quick and continues to improve over time, helping many patients avoid or postpone surgery.
• Botulinum Toxin Injections: Commonly known as Botox, these injections work by blocking nerve signals that cause muscles to contract, which can help manage pain. When injected into the knee, botulinum toxin can reduce muscle spasms and pain, providing relief for conditions like arthritis. The effects are temporary, typically lasting for several months, and the procedure is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
• Reverse Injection (Fluid Aspiration): This procedure involves removing excess fluid from the knee joint, which can help reduce swelling and pain. Fluid aspiration is often used to treat conditions like knee effusion, where fluid accumulates in the joint due to inflammation or injury. By relieving pressure within the joint, this procedure can improve mobility and comfort. It is a relatively simple and quick procedure with immediate benefits, though the underlying cause of fluid buildup may need to be addressed for long-term relief.

Knee Injection Procedure

Knee joint injections can be administered from various points around the knee, with X-rays and ultrasound aiding in accurate needle placement. Common approaches include superolateral, superomedial, anteromedial, and anterolateral, each with specific patient positions and needle directions. The injection site is marked and cleaned, with precautions to maintain sterility and minimize bleeding, especially for patients on blood thinners. Cold spray may be used to numb the skin before the injection. The entire process only takes a few minutes. It is advised that you rest your knees and refrain from doing anything that might hinder your recovery following knee injections. After the injection, whatever pain you have goes away in a day or two.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Knee Injections

Although they are generally considered safe, some risks associated with knee joint injections include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Allergic reactions
• Damage to surrounding tissues

Some patients might experience temporary pain or swelling at the injection site. In rare cases, there could be a reaction to the injected substance. Your doctor will discuss these risks during your consultation to ensure the procedure is right for you.

When it comes to your NYC knee injection options, Pain Physicians NY offers various types available to help enhance mobility and achieve a better quality of life. If you’re struggling with knee pain and other treatments have proven ineffective, visit one of our pain management clinics in Brooklyn, Queens, or Manhattan for a tailored solution from best-in-class pain management doctors and specialists.