How successful are steroid injections in the knee? 

If you are considering a steroid injection in the knee, it is usually because you have been suffering with marked pain and are not able to do your normal day-to-day activities. Steroid injections are very successful at improving pain and reducing swelling. Research shows physiotherapy does also improve knee pain, but sufferers often find exercise is too provoking for symptoms, or pain limits the ability to do rehabilitation work.
Frozen Shoulder

How does it work?

The steroid injection is a synthetic version of cortisol which is already made in the body. Cortisol is used for many processes but in this case it is used to reduce inflammation. By injecting a potent version of this into a painful inflammed area, we are able to reduce the pain and swelling by assissting the bodies own anti-inflammatory processes. Therefore it not only reduces inflammation but also gives a window of opportunity to work with your physiotherapist to reduce the chance of the problem coming back again.
 
Before administering an injection of steroid, your clinician will complete a thorough assessment and examination to confirm the injection’s suitability and safety for you. They will also discuss alternative options with you. 

How Long will it last? 

 

In general you should experience relief for at least 6-8 weeks as this is the length of time the steroid may still remain in the knee after injection. However, some people will experience longer lasting relief from 6 months to several years. Some people however, may not experience adequate relief following a steroid injection into the knee. This is because not everyone responds the same to medicines and other factors including; the more steroid injections you have in a joint the less benefits you are likely to feel. Usually because the joint is deteriorating and we cant reverse the changes to the joint that occur as a result of arthritis. 

When the steroid injection has long since worn off it might not always mean a return to the pain you were in before an injection. A steroid injection will have addressed some of the inflammatory component and allowed the  body to revert back to functioning without irritating the inflamed structures. This is the goal with most steroid injections, to assist the bodies own processes in restoring balance to the inflammatory cycle. 

What should I do after a steroid injection in the knee?

We suggest to maximise the benefits after having a steroid injection, you should rest from sporting activities for at least 2 days to allow the steroid injection to take effect. Then we suggest a gradual return to activity and following a progressive exercise plan that we can provide for you, if you don’t already have one.  This will ensure you do not push too hard too early and negate the positive benefits of having the injection. 

Summary 

In summary a painful swollen knee may benefit from a steroid injection from anywhere between 6 weeks to 6 months or more. Everyone is different and unfortunately things can be unpredictable. If you have any questions about whether a steroid injection in your knee is the right treatment for you, please get in touch with one of our clinical specialists. 

If you would like more information or would like to book an appointment, please contact us on 0207 636 5774 or email reception@oxfordcircusphysio.co.uk