Knee Pain Treatment Specialists

Redefine Healthcare offers several types of injections to effectively relieve joint pain and help you start physical therapy or other exercises necessary to strengthen the muscles that support the knee. Your doctor can decide which, if any, therapy is most appropriate based on your history, symptoms, and clinical findings. The two main types of injections suitable for most patients include:

• Corticosteroid Injection. Injectable corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs that act directly on nuclear steroid receptors, interfering with the inflammatory and immune cascade at multiple levels. They help relieve redness, swelling, heat, and tenderness of the inflamed joint and increase mobility when delivered into the knee. Corticosteroid injections have rare side effects and are commonly used for the relief of moderate to severe pain in those diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. In most people, a corticosteroid injection provides pain relief that lasts for many months, but for some patients, benefits may be relatively short-lived, up to four weeks.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injection. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by your body and found in the synovial fluid that surrounds joints. It acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, preventing your bones from grinding. Injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint can temporarily restore the lubricating and shock-absorbing effects of synovial fluid as well as provide disease-modifying effects such as reduced synovial inflammation, protection against cartilage erosion, and stimulation of the body’s hyaluronic acid synthesis. These injections are commonly used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Depending on your specific case, you may require a single injection or a series of injections administered once a week.

The following are some of the newer types of knee injections that your doctor may recommend as part of a comprehensive treatment plan:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection. Platelet-rich plasma injections contain platelet-rich liquid that is high in growth factors and biologically active molecules and is derived from a centrifuged sample of the patient’s own blood. Platelets actively participate in healing processes when injected into the target area, lowering inflammation, relieving pain, enhancing function, and facilitating cartilage regeneration. These injections are used to treat tendon tears, muscle injuries, arthritis-related pain, tendinitis, and injured joints. There have been no major complications reported for the procedure, with the only short-term adverse effects being moderate pain, swelling, and excess fluid around a joint in some patients.
• Stem Cell Injection. Stem cells are unique cells that take on the properties of the cells around them, such as cells that help repair damaged tissue. Stem cells are collected from the patient’s own body, most commonly from fat tissue, blood, or bone marrow. They can suppress inflammation, decrease cartilage deterioration, and/or reduce knee pain when administered in injections. Knee pain relief with stem cell therapy is usually quick and continues to improve over time. With this treatment, many patients can avoid or postpone the need for surgery.

If left ignored, a severe knee ache can lead to osteoarthritis, joint pain, or disability. Even if your knee pain is not excruciating, it might result in severe problems in the future. Hence, it is best to consult a knee pain specialist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment options for knee pain.

Your knee pain may be severe if consistent or occurring together with swelling, redness, tenderness, or fever. If the joint appears deformed, you heard a popping sound at the time of the injury, or you are unable to stand on the leg, our physicians can help you resolve these issues.

You should expect to stay in the hospital for several days following your knee replacement surgery. Your knee pain doctors will prescribe you medication to help deal with the pain. The intensity of pain varies from patient to patient. Pain and swelling usually go away three months following surgery. However, some people are able to resume their normal activities much sooner.

Pain on the inner side of the knee is prevalent in the elderly. It usually results from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, medial meniscus injury, pes anserine bursitis, medial plica irritation, or knee contusion.

Most causes of inner knee pain can relate to a previous injury. Your doctors can prescribe you some knee exercises to relieve your inner knee pain.

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are standard guidelines for relieving knee pain. The goal is to avoid over-resting in order to prevent weakening the muscles. Consult your doctor about an appropriate exercise program for your injury. Some cardio, weight training, and stretching may be necessary to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and relieve pain. Avoid high-impact exercises until your knee heals.

Losing weight can also stop your knee pain by decreasing pressure on the joints. You can also use a crutch or knee brace to help with stability if necessary. Acupuncture may also be beneficial for your knee pain. You can also use an ice pack to numb the pain and use heat after that.

Whatever treatment for knee pain option you choose, it is always best to consult a specialist to ensure that your knee heals safely and quickly.

Before starting treatment, doctors determine the most effective therapeutic regimen in terms of both time and cost. The approximate cost of pain relief injections is $1500. The price of arthroscopic knee surgery can range from $5,700 to $23,650. If a total knee replacement is needed, the full fee can be around $50,000. When it comes to physical therapy, the severity of a condition determines the cost.

Knee pain treatment offers an alternative to medications or surgical interventions. Your doctor creates a physical therapy plan aimed to strengthen muscles without straining your knees. Exercises for knee pain may include:

• Half squats
• Leg raises
• Leg extensions
• Hamstring curls

To avoid complications, do not exercise without professional supervision.

Yes, certain insurance companies, including Medicare, will cover a hyaluronic acid injection to relieve knee pain. Typically, coverage is provided for a medically necessary injection once every six months. Common I injection types, such as corticosteroid injections, can also be covered. However, you may be denied coverage for PRP shots and stem cell injections due to a lack of evidence of efficacy.

Knee injections are administered in the same manner as any other type of shot. In general, knee injections are quick and painless, although there may be a small pinch followed by mild discomfort.