Injection Therapy for
Knee Osteoarthritis
Specialist assessment and individually selected injection options
for knee osteoarthritis, in our Gosport and Emsworth clinics
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is a condition affecting the whole joint. Changes may occur within the cartilage, underlying bone, joint lining, ligaments and surrounding muscles. These changes can contribute to pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced confidence in the knee.
Symptoms do not always correspond directly with the appearance of an X-ray. Some people have significant changes with relatively manageable symptoms, while others experience considerable pain and limitation despite less advanced imaging findings.
Treatment is therefore based on how the knee is affecting your life, movement and activity — not simply on the wording of an X-ray or MRI report.
Want to Learn More About Knee Osteoarthritis?
Read more about knee osteoarthritis, flare-ups, rehabilitation and long-term management.
When Can an Injection Be Helpful?
Injection therapy can be helpful when knee pain is affecting walking, work, sleep, exercise or progress with rehabilitation.
It may also be useful when symptoms remain troublesome despite appropriate exercise, activity modification, pain relief or physiotherapy, or when reducing pain would make it easier to progress rehabilitation.
Your specialist will consider the nature of your symptoms, whether inflammation or swelling is present, the severity of the osteoarthritis, your medical history, previous treatment and what you would like to get back to before discussing the most appropriate option.
How Can an Injection Help?
An injection may reduce pain, improve movement and make walking, everyday activity or rehabilitation more comfortable.
For many people, reducing symptoms creates an opportunity to become stronger, more active and more confident in the knee. The amount and duration of improvement vary from person to person.
Injection Options for Knee Osteoarthritis
We offer four injection options for knee osteoarthritis. Each has a different role, and your specialist will help you understand which option best fits your symptoms, medical history and goals.
Corticosteroid Injection
Anti-inflammatory option for a painful, irritable or swollen knee.
How We Decide Which Option Is Appropriate
Your specialist will consider the pattern of your pain, stiffness and swelling, how the knee is affecting your life, examination findings, medical conditions and medication, previous treatment and any existing imaging.
An X-ray or MRI is not required before every injection. If imaging would help clarify the diagnosis or influence treatment, your specialist can arrange the most appropriate investigation.
Your specialist will talk through the options with you, including what each treatment is designed to do, the relevant risks and costs, and which approach best fits what you would like to achieve.
Injection Therapy and Rehabilitation
Reducing pain can create a valuable opportunity to improve strength, movement, walking tolerance and confidence in the knee.
Your rehabilitation plan will be based on your current ability, goals and response to treatment. This may include progressive strengthening, activity modification and guidance about returning to walking, running, work or sport.
Specialist Knee Osteoarthritis Injection Clinics
Specialist assessment and injection therapy for knee osteoarthritis are available with our knee specialist physiotherapists in Gosport and Emsworth.
Your care is provided by a clinician with specialist expertise in knee conditions, who can consider your symptoms, examination findings and any existing imaging when helping you choose the most appropriate treatment.
with Victoria Smith
Emsworth Spine, Hip & Knee Clinic
with Mike Saegert
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Injections
Do I need an X-ray before a knee injection?
Which injection is best for knee osteoarthritis?
Will an injection prevent me from needing knee replacement surgery?
How long will an injection last?
Can knee injections be repeated?
Can I have an injection if I take blood-thinning medication?
Not Sure Which Injection Is Right for You?
You do not need to choose an injection before contacting us. Tell us about your knee symptoms, how they are affecting you and what you would like to get back to.
Your enquiry will be reviewed by one of our knee specialists, who can talk through the options and help you decide on the most appropriate next step.
