Patients experiencing knee pain that is resistant to physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other minimally invasive therapies may be able to attain non-surgical relief with injections. Administered by board-certified, fellowship-trained Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn, Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP) in Newark, New Jersey, provides knee injections to address a wide range of common knee conditions. If you’re currently dealing with knee joint pain, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to provide you with the pain relief you deserve.
About Knee Injections
Whether they’re caused by repeated joint stress, age, injury, or something else, knee conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, and torn or sprained ligaments, cartilage, and muscles, are known for their impact on one’s mobility and quality of life, as well as bothersome symptoms such as:
- Abnormal sensations including grinding, popping, dull burning, clicking, numbness, or weakness
- Swelling, stiffness, and/or continued achiness
- Sharp, shooting pain that may radiate throughout the leg and elsewhere
- Symptoms that worsen with physical activity or after periods of inactivity
If other non-surgical pain management treatments have been ineffective for your knee symptoms, you may be a candidate for a pain-relieving knee injection. At Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP), Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn will first correctly diagnose your symptoms to rule out other potential sources of your pain, relying on advanced medical imaging and specialized examination techniques before developing a personalized, minimally invasive treatment plan that may involve the use of knee injections.
Types of Knee Injections
Knee injections are quick, relatively painless, and can provide pain relief almost immediately, with the full results becoming evident over the coming days following the procedure. Because the knee joint is made up of the tibia (shin bone), patella (kneecap), fibula (calf bone), and femur (thigh bone), the type of knee injection you receive will depend on the location of your pain, as well as your overall health, medical history, and other factors.
At Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP), the types of knee injections we offer include the following:
- Corticosteroid injections: Also known as cortisone shots or steroid injections, these contain a mixture of pain- and inflammation-relieving medications and a local anesthetic, which is injected into the joint to offer temporary pain relief and enable patients to participate more comfortably in physical therapy.
- Hyaluronic viscosupplementation: Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body and keeps connective tissue moist and lubricated. Hyaluronic acid injections aim to enhance the body’s natural supply of hyaluronic acid. This is most often chosen as a treatment for patients with arthritis symptoms. We offer the following types of hyaluronic viscosupplementation:
- Euflexxa
- Durolane
- Gelsyn-3
- Synvisc-One
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: This option involves using the patient’s own blood to create a concentrated solution rich in growth factors that can stimulate tissue healing and repair. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the affected joint, providing pain relief and potentially promoting tissue regeneration. Some common uses for platelet-rich plasma injections include knee osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and muscle strains.
- Nerve blocks: Nerve blocks involve injecting an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication directly into a nerve or group of nerves to temporarily block pain signals. This can provide immediate pain relief for patients with arthritis and has been shown to be effective in managing chronic joint pain.
- Stem cell injections: Stem cells are specialized cells that have the ability to develop into different types of cells in the body. Stem cell injections can help repair and regenerate damaged tissue in joints affected by arthritis. This treatment has shown promising results in reducing pain and improving joint function.
Knee Injection Process
Consultation and Evaluation
During the consultation and evaluation process, our compassionate medical professionals will take the time to listen to your concerns and thoroughly assess your knee condition. We understand that each patient is unique, and we tailor our approach to address your individual needs and goals. Our team will explain the benefits and potential risks of knee injections, ensuring you feel informed and confident in your treatment decision.
After discussing your medical history and symptoms, we may perform additional diagnostic tests to gather more information about your knee health. These tests may include imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of joint damage or inflammation. By conducting a comprehensive evaluation, we can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your knee pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief.
Injection Procedure
Once the consultation and evaluation are complete, we’ll move forward with the knee injection procedure. Our skilled medical team will ensure you are comfortable throughout the process, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Depending on the type of injection recommended for your condition, we will carefully administer the medication directly into the affected knee joint using precise techniques.
At Prospect Spine and Pain, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We adhere to strict sterile protocols to minimize the risk of infection and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. Our experienced providers have the expertise to deliver knee injections with precision, targeting the source of your pain and inflammation. We strive to make the injection procedure as comfortable as possible, utilizing advanced techniques and equipment to optimize your experience.
Post-Injection Care
After receiving knee injections, proper post-injection care is crucial to support your recovery and maximize the benefits of the treatment. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your knee following the procedure. This may include recommendations to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a period of time to allow the injected medication to take effect. We may also advise you to apply ice to the injection site to reduce swelling and discomfort.
In addition to following our post-injection care guidelines, we encourage you to stay in touch with our team and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments. These appointments allow us to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have. We will work closely with you to ensure that you are achieving the desired results from your knee injections and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Benefits of Knee Injections
Reduced Pain
The primary goal of knee injections is to reduce pain and discomfort associated with various knee conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. By targeting inflammation and providing lubrication to the joint, knee injections can alleviate pain and improve your overall quality of life.
Improved Mobility
In addition to reducing pain, knee injections can also improve mobility and range of motion in your affected knee. Whether you’re struggling with stiffness, swelling, or limited range of motion, knee injections can help restore mobility and function to your knee, allowing you to live life to the fullest.
Non-Invasive
Unlike surgical interventions, knee injections are non-invasive procedures that can be performed in the comfort of our office. This means you can undergo treatment without the need for anesthesia or hospitalization, minimizing the risk of complications and ensuring a faster recovery.
Minimal Downtime
One of the key benefits of knee injections is minimal downtime. Unlike surgery, which may require weeks or even months of recovery time, knee injections typically allow you to resume your normal activities within a few days. While you may experience some mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site, these symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn Now
When you or a loved one requires effective knee pain relief, turn to Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn at Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP) in Newark, NJ. Guided by her broad medical expertise, Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn treats the whole patient – not just their condition – with customized pain management treatments that do not require surgery. For more information about knee injections or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn, contact us today.
