Knee Injections in Colorado Springs, CO
Knee injections in Colorado Springs, CO can be a nonsurgical treatment option for people experiencing knee pain, inflammation, and stiffness related to conditions such as osteoarthritis and other joint problems. Intra-articular knee injections deliver medication directly into the knee joint and may help reduce pain and improve function for appropriately selected patients.
Depending on your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment goals, your orthopaedic surgeon may consider options such as corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, or other injection-based treatments. In some cases, excess fluid may also be removed from the knee through a procedure called arthrocentesis.
Dr. Tyler Bron, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and hip and knee conditions. He takes an individualized approach to knee care, considering conservative treatments alongside surgical options when appropriate. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether knee injections in Colorado Springs may be suitable for your condition.
Tyler Bron, M.D.
Board-certified Orthopaedic SurgeonDr. Bron completed his fellowship in Adult Reconstruction, specializing in the treatment of arthritic hip & knee conditions at the University of Colorado in Aurora. He received specialized training in dealing with complex injuries of the hip and knee & has a particular interest in the treatment of hip arthritis through a muscle-sparing Anterior Approach. Dr. Bron works diligently with each & every patient to customize treatment plans & optimize outcomes to meet the patient’s individual goals.
What is an Intra-articular Knee Injection?
Knee pain and stiffness can be disabling and difficult to treat. It can limit an individual’s lifestyle and negatively impact body image and emotional well-being.
An intra-articular knee injection is a very effective form of treatment where medicine is delivered directly into the knee joint with the primary objective of relieving pain from conditions such as arthritis.
Intra-articular knee injections are usually recommended when the pain has not responded to traditional conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, activity modification, or ice therapy.
What are the Types of Intra-articular Knee Injection?
There are various types of intra-articular injections. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend an intra-articular injection of:
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the joints that provides lubrication and acts as a shock absorber. With arthritis, this substance is largely deficient, leading to worsening of the condition. Hyaluronic acid injections into the knee can help reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Your doctor may perform an intra-articular injection of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the knee joint. Corticosteroids prevent the production of inflammatory cells that are naturally produced in response to an acute injury or arthritic conditions.
Platelet-rich plasma or PRP is obtained from your blood and may be used in an intra-articular injection of the knee joint to encourage tissue regeneration, reduce pain and improve function.
Arthrocentesis is a procedure where an excess joint fluid is removed with a needle that is inserted into the joint space. It is done to reduce swelling and pain in the knee. Usually, after removing the excess joint fluid from the knee, your doctor will use the same puncture site to inject a corticosteroid preparation or anesthetic to further alleviate pain and inflammation.
What are the Indications for Intra-articular Knee Injection?
Intra-articular knee injections are commonly indicated for knee conditions such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis and gout
How is Intra-articular Knee Injection Performed?
Intra-articular knee injections may be performed using various approaches. During the procedure, you will be seated or will lie on your back with the affected knee flexed or extended. The skin over the injection site is sterilized and numbed with a local anesthetic.
The needle is inserted into your knee joint and the medication is injected. In some cases, ultrasound imaging is used to help guide the needle to the correct site. You may feel some mild discomfort during the injection. In some cases, prior to injecting the medicine, a small amount of joint fluid is withdrawn to make space for the medication. Once the fluid is removed, the same site is used to administer the intra-articular injection. A small dressing is then applied over the injection site to complete the procedure.
What Does Postoperative Care for Intra-articular Knee Injection Involve?
Postoperative care will include the following instructions:
- Avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days
- Apply ice on the injection site for comfort
- Rest, elevation and medicines are recommended to relieve pain and swelling
- Gentle range of motion exercises are recommended
What are the Risks and Complications of Intra-articular Knee Injection?
Intra-articular knee injections are a relatively safe procedure. However, as with any procedure, there may be certain risks and complications such as:
- Infection at the injection site
- Reaction at the injection site
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Septic arthritis
- Acute arthritis
- Inflammation of the joint lining
- Nerve Injury
Why Choose Dr. Tyler Bron for Knee Injections in Colorado Springs?
Knee injections may provide an option for managing pain and inflammation before considering surgery, depending on the underlying condition. Dr. Tyler Bron provides comprehensive orthopaedic care focused on understanding each patient's symptoms and treatment goals.
- Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon: Bron is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Specialized adult reconstruction training: He completed orthopaedic surgery residency training through the University of Kansas and an adult reconstruction fellowship at the University of Colorado.
- Comprehensive knee care: His practice includes treatment of knee arthritis and other conditions affecting the knee, as well as partial, total, and revision knee replacement when appropriate.
- Individualized treatment recommendations: The appropriate injection depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatments, and overall health. Dr. Bron evaluates these factors before recommending a treatment.
- Nonsurgical treatment when appropriate: Injections may be considered as part of a broader conservative treatment plan that can also include physical therapy, activity modification, medications, and other measures.
- Surgical options when needed: If conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief and significant joint damage is present, Dr. Bron can discuss whether knee replacement or another surgical treatment may be appropriate.
- Patient-centered communication: Bron emphasizes listening to patients, understanding their goals, and maintaining an open dialogue throughout treatment.
Knee Injection FAQs
Knee injections are treatments in which medication or another injectable substance is delivered into or around the knee joint to help manage pain, inflammation, or other symptoms. Intra-articular injections are administered directly into the joint space.
Knee injections may be considered for conditions such as osteoarthritis and certain inflammatory joint conditions. The appropriate injection depends on the underlying diagnosis and individual circumstances.
Depending on your condition, your doctor may consider corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, or other injection-based treatments. The benefits and limitations of each option vary.
Corticosteroid injections deliver an anti-inflammatory medication into the knee joint. They may provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation for some patients with inflammatory or arthritic knee conditions.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in joint fluid and contributes to lubrication. Hyaluronic acid injections may be considered for some patients with knee osteoarthritis. Their effectiveness varies between individuals, and your doctor can discuss whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a sample of the patient's own blood. PRP injections are being studied and used for certain musculoskeletal conditions, although evidence regarding their effectiveness varies depending on the condition and treatment protocol. Your physician can discuss whether PRP is appropriate for your situation.
Arthrocentesis involves using a needle to remove excess fluid from a joint. When significant fluid has accumulated in the knee, removing it may help reduce pressure and discomfort. The fluid may also be analyzed when medically indicated.
The skin over the knee is cleaned and, when appropriate, numbed. A needle is then carefully placed into the targeted area and the medication is administered. Depending on the circumstances, imaging guidance such as ultrasound may be used.
You may experience brief discomfort or pressure during an injection. Your healthcare provider may use a local anesthetic or other measures to make the procedure more comfortable.
Most patients can return to normal daily activities according to their provider's instructions, although strenuous activity may need to be limited temporarily. Recommendations vary depending on the type of injection and your individual circumstances.
The duration of symptom relief varies significantly depending on the injection used, the underlying condition, and the individual patient. Some injections may provide temporary relief, while others may have different effects. Your doctor can explain what to expect from the recommended treatment.
Knee injections may help manage symptoms but do not reverse advanced cartilage loss or permanently correct structural damage caused by arthritis. Whether you eventually need knee replacement depends on the progression of your condition, symptoms, response to treatment, and other factors.
Potential complications include temporary pain or swelling at the injection site, bleeding, infection, allergic or medication-related reactions, and injury to nearby structures. Infection inside the joint is uncommon but can be serious. Your provider will discuss the risks associated with your specific injection.
The appropriate frequency depends on the type of injection, your diagnosis, previous response to treatment, and overall health. Injections should be administered according to an individualized treatment plan rather than on a fixed schedule for everyone.
Schedule a Knee Injection Consultation in Colorado Springs, CO
If knee pain or arthritis is interfering with your daily activities, knee injections in Colorado Springs, CO may be one option to help manage your symptoms. Dr. Tyler Bron can evaluate your knee condition and discuss appropriate nonsurgical and surgical treatment options based on your individual needs.
Contact Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bron and learn whether a knee injection or another treatment for knee pain in Colorado Springs may be right for you.
Schedule an Appointment
Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right treatment for your condition.
