What is a Knee Steroid Injection?
A knee steroid injection (also called a cortisone shot) is a treatment where a doctor injects medicine directly into the knee joint. The injection usually contains a corticosteroid (a strong anti-inflammatory medicine) and sometimes a numbing medicine. It helps reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee caused by arthritis, injury, or other joint problems.
How do you prepare for a Knee Steroid Injection?
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially blood thinners, since you may need to pause them before the shot.
- Tell your doctor if you have any type of knee surgery.
- Discuss any allergies or past reactions to steroid injections.
- You can usually eat and drink normally before the procedure.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing so your knee is easy to access.
- Plan your schedule — most people can return to normal activities the same day, but some choose to rest for 24 hours.
Why is a Knee Steroid Injection performed?
- To reduce pain and swelling from conditions like osteoarthritis.
- To improve movement and function of the knee
- To help you stay active and delay surgery if possible.
- To provide relief when other treatments like medications, therapy, or rest are not enough.
What can you expect during a Knee Steroid Injection?
- The procedure is usually done in your doctor’s office and takes about 10–20 minutes.
- Your skin will be cleaned.
- The doctor inserts a small needle into the knee joint and injects the steroid medicine and numbing agent.
- You may feel some pressure or brief discomfort.
- The use of ultrasound or x-ray guidance will make sure the injection goes into the right spot.
- You can usually go home right afterward but ask your doctor about whether you can drive the same day or not, as it may depend on the extent of numbness in your legs after the procedure as well as other factors.
What is the follow-up like for a Knee Steroid Injection?
- Relief usually starts the same day and can last for several months.
- Your doctor may limit the number of steroid injections (often no more than 3–4 per year) to avoid side effects.
- You may feel mild soreness in the knee for a day or two — applying ice and resting can help.
- Continue with exercise or physical therapy as recommended to strengthen the knee.
- Follow-up visits will track your pain relief and knee function.
What are the potential risks for a Knee Steroid Injection?
Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as:
- Soreness or bruising at the injection site.
- A temporary flare of knee pain for 1–2 days.
- Skin changes (lightening or thinning) near the injection site.
Less common but more serious risks include:
- Infection in the joint.
- Damage to cartilage with repeated injections.
- Elevated blood sugar (especially in people with diabetes).
- Rare allergic reaction.
Are there related tests to a Knee Steroid Injection?
- X-rays or MRI scans may be done before the injection to look at the joint.
- Sometimes the doctor will remove extra joint fluid during the injection (joint aspiration) for testing.
- Physical exams and medical history are used to track how well the injection is working.
Providing specialized neurological and pain management care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Sader combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes.
