Not every arthritic knee needs surgery. Injections are one of the most useful tools for calming pain and keeping you active — but the three common types work in very different ways.
What it is: A powerful anti-inflammatory medication placed directly into the joint.
What it does: Quiets the inflammation that makes an arthritic knee swollen, stiff, and painful. Relief often arrives within days.
Best for: Painful flare-ups, or getting comfortable enough to exercise, travel, or sleep. Relief typically lasts weeks to a few months and injections are usually spaced at least three months apart.
What it is: Hyaluronic acid — a natural component of joint fluid — injected to supplement the thinner, less effective fluid in an arthritic knee.
What it does: Improves lubrication and shock absorption. Relief builds gradually and, for the right patient, can last around six months.
Best for: Mild to moderate arthritis, especially in patients who want to delay surgery or cannot take anti-inflammatory medicines.
What it is: A small sample of your own blood is spun down to concentrate platelets — cells packed with growth factors — which are injected into the knee.
What it does: Uses your body's own biology to modulate inflammation. Growing evidence supports PRP for symptom relief in mild to moderate knee arthritis, often lasting longer than cortisone.
Best for: Active patients with earlier-stage arthritis who want a biologic option. PRP is typically not covered by insurance.
It depends on the stage of your arthritis, your goals, and your timeline. Sometimes the honest answer is a combination — and sometimes it is a conversation about whether the knee has reached the point where replacement will serve you better. That conversation starts with an exam and X-rays.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Ready to talk about your hip or knee? Request an appointment and our team will contact you within 1–2 business days.
