With marathon events becoming a sensation these past few weeks, many Malaysians are taking the chance to get fit by joining runs, whether half marathon or full.Â
But along the way, knee injuries are quite common, no matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced runner. It could be due to ligament tear, wear and tear, or sudden trauma. And of course, no one wants to end up with surgery, right?Â
But if early treatments and physiotherapy can’t relieve the pain, is there any other option before going under the knife?
Table of Contents
Introduction
Knee pain is one of the most common joint problems that affects people of all ages. It can happen because of injury, overuse, or wear and tear of the joint. When pain becomes serious, it can affect walking, exercise, and even daily routines.
However, while older people often suffered from osteoarthritis, athletes and active people often feel the pain due to knee injuries. From strain to ligament tear, most of knee injuries can de detected immediately, soon after incident happened.
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Knee injuries treatments comprise of R.I.C.E method, to physical therapy and surgery as last resort.
However, thanks to medical advancement, you don’t have to worry about knee surgery, as non-invasive treatments can often delay, or even make surgery unnecessary. One of the non-invasive treatments includes injections, which helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation and support healing without surgery.
The main injection for knee injuries are hyaluronic acid (HA) gel injections, and natural recovery treatment using your own blood.
Each works differently, but all aim to help alleviate pain, and give you back your freedom to move.
When Should You Consider Injection for Knee Injuries
Injection for knee injuries is usually considered when pain or swelling does not improve with rest, medication, or physiotherapy. It can help when daily movement or exercise becomes difficult because of joint stiffness or inflammation.
For conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon inflammation, or ligament injuries, injections may help reduce pain and improve function so patients can continue their normal activities.
Athletes or active individuals may also consider injections when they need faster recovery after injury or to manage recurring joint pain from overuse.
Your doctor may recommend an injection if imaging or physical examination shows inflammation, cartilage wear, or fluid buildup in the joint. It can also be a good option if you prefer a less invasive treatment rather than surgery.
3 Types of Injection for Knee Injuries
Steroid Injection
One of the most well-known injections for knee injuries is the steroid injection. Steroid injection is promoted for its rapid pain relief.
However, steroid injection for knee injuries is not the same as those used for bodybuilding.
Steroid injections for knee treatment use corticosteroids (or cortisone), which are anti-inflammatory medications. They are usually injected into the joints but can also be used for other inflamed areas such as tendons, bursae, or muscles.
Cortisone helps control inflammation and pain for several weeks or months by reducing the immune response that causes inflammation. The benefits of steroid injections include rapid pain relief, improved joint function, and reduced swelling.
However, as effective as they are, steroids can cause tissue thinning and cartilage damage if overused.
During the procedure, the doctor will inject a small amount of anaesthetic and steroid, providing immediate pain relief that lasts for a few hours. The steroid itself begins to work two to three days later. You can go home right after the injection. Apply ice or take over-the-counter painkillers if needed.
It is not advised to take steroid injections more than two to three times a year due to possible side effects such as soft tissue weakening and increased blood sugar levels. Research has shown that intra-articular corticosteroid injections may increase the risk of knee arthroplasty and developing symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.
Hyaluronic Acid Gel Injection
Mostly promoted as a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), hyaluronic acid injection or commonly known as knee gel injection is also used by athletes to manage early symptoms of OA, as their joints experience higher stress and risk of wear and tear.
The risk of hip or knee OA is also higher among former athletes due to previous joint injuries from high-impact sports.
HA injection helps by restoring lubrication and cushioning inside the joint. It works like a joint fluid replacement that reduces friction and allows smoother movement.
HA also helps manage pain caused by cartilage wear, minor defects, or post-traumatic joint pain after sports injuries such as sprains or meniscus tears. Research has also shown that HA injection is effective for tendinopathies. In one study involving 50 athletes with patellar tendinopathy treated between 1999 and 2006, most achieved excellent results after an average of two injections and were able to return to their previous sports activities.
Another study found that a single HA injection after ACL reconstruction improved range of motion and reduced swelling around the kneecap, although it did not lead to a significant improvement in clinical scores.
Natural Recovery
Another injection for knee injuries is natural recovery (or also named as P R P). Compared to hyaluronic acid injection, the natural recovery method uses the patient’s own blood as the main component in this process.
But don’t worry, it won’t turn you into a vampire.
This treatment works by promoting growth factors and supporting the body’s natural process of tissue regeneration and repair.
It helps during the inflammatory stage of healing, where platelets play a major role. The concentration of growth factors in natural recovery treatment is up to ten times higher than in normal blood. These growth factors help speed up tissue repair by attracting healing cells to the injured area and stimulating the rebuilding of damaged tissues.
Natural recovery is often used for ligament, tendon and muscle injuries, and even for osteoarthritis. Since it uses the body’s own components, the risk of allergic reaction is very low. After injection, mild soreness or swelling is normal for a few days as the healing process begins.
Over the next few weeks, the injected area gradually becomes stronger as new tissue forms and inflammation settles. This is why natural recovery is often described as enhancing what the body already does naturally, but in a more focused and effective way.
Read all about knee pain treatment, from home remedies to advanced medical options hereÂ
To Recap..
Injection for knee injuries are not the first step for every knee condition, but they can be helpful when other treatments like rest, medication, or physiotherapy are no longer enough. Each type of injection has its own benefits and suitability depending on the cause and severity of the pain.
Before deciding, it is best to consult your doctor to discuss the most suitable option for your condition. With proper assessment and treatment, knee pain can be managed effectively, allowing you to return to your normal activities more comfortably.
Discover all about knee pain hereÂ
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