Knee Joint Injection Specialist in San Francisco, CA
Presidio Pain Relief is a leading medical practice specializing in knee joint injections. Their team of experienced physicians offers a range of non-surgical treatments, including corticosteroid injections, to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with knee conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis. These injections are designed to provide targeted relief, improve mobility, and help patients maintain an active lifestyle.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109.
What are knee joint injections?
Knee joint injections are an effective method employed by our team to treat various knee-related issues such as arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, gout, and others. This procedure involves injecting specific substances directly into the knee joint, which can reduce inflammation, relieve pain and address the root cause of the issue.
Our practitioners offer several types of knee joint injections depending on the patients' needs:
Corticosteroid Injections
These injections contain potent anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce joint swelling and pain, offering temporary relief.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation)
This procedure introduces a natural substance found in joint fluid that helps lubricate the joint, absorb shock, enhance its function, and alleviate stiffness and pain.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Here, we use the patient's blood components to stimulate tissue healing and repair.
Stem Cell Injections
These injections introduce stem cells into the joint to promote tissue growth and regeneration and slow the progression of certain joint conditions.
Our healthcare providers may recommend knee joint injections for patients with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, knee pain due to bursitis, soft tissue injuries, and cartilage damage.
Our patients can expect several benefits from knee joint injections, including reduced joint pain and inflammation, improved joint mobility, slowed progression of certain joint conditions, and enhanced joint function.
How often can I receive knee joint injections?
The frequency of knee joint injections can vary greatly depending upon the type of injection, the severity of your knee condition, and your overall health status. Generally, our doctors recommend getting knee injections only a few times per year.
We offer various types of knee injections, including corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Each of these injections is used to treat different symptoms and conditions, and their frequency of administration can vary.
Corticosteroid injections, often used to alleviate inflammation and pain, can be administered every three to four months. However, overuse of these injections may lead to adverse effects. Hyaluronic acid injections, used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis, may be given more frequently, with some patients receiving a series of injections over several weeks. PRP injections, which encourage healing by using the patient's own blood, are typically administered every four to six weeks for a total of two to six injections.
In addition to the type of injection, the frequency of knee joint injections at our practice may also vary based on specific conditions. For example, in cases of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and Baker's cyst, the frequency of injections may vary based on disease activity and response to treatment.
We are aware that every patient has different needs. We'l collaborate with you to ascertain the optimal dosage and frequency of injections based on your specific condition and overall health status.
How do knee joint injections work?
Knee joint injections have proved to be a successful approach for many individuals suffering from various forms of arthritis, primarily osteoarthritis.
During this procedure, we inject a therapeutic substance directly into the knee joint to alleviate pain and inflammation. We primarily use corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet- rich plasma (PRP), and local anesthetics, each serving a specific purpose.
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation-causing substances by suppressing the immune response. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the knee joint, acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, improving joint mobility. When osteoarthritis reduces the quantity of this substance, we supplement it through injections to alleviate pain and enhance function.
PRP injections, another effective treatment we use, harness the healing properties of the patient's own blood. We draw and process the blood to separate the platelets, which are then injected back into the knee joint. This stimulates the release of growth factors that reduce inflammation and encourage healing of damaged tissues.
We also use local anesthetics for immediate pain relief by numbing the nerves in the joint. This procedure, guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy, takes a few minutes. Post-injection, patients may experience some soreness or swelling, which usually subsides within a few days, with significant pain relief typically observed within 24-48 hours.
However, as with any medical procedure, infection, hemorrhage, nerve injury, and allergic responses are among the possible risks and adverse effects associated with knee joint injections. We support treating patients holistically. We discuss these potential risks and benefits with our patients before proceeding with the treatment.
How long do the benefits of knee joint injections last?
Our area of expertise is treating numerous chronic pain disorders, including knee osteoarthritis. We are aware that each patient is distinct and that the duration of benefits from treatment methods like knee joint injections may vary.
Our team is experienced with different types of knee joint injections, including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). We consider a number of factors, such as the severity of arthritis, overall health and activity level, age, weight, and response to previous injections, to personalize your treatment plan.
Corticosteroids
Our physicians may recommend corticosteroids to provide fast-acting, short-term relief from knee pain. We adhere to best practices to avoid any potential side effects, such as joint damage and cartilage weakening.
Hyaluronic Acid
For patients with a more chronic condition, our physicians might suggest hyaluronic acid injections. These injections mimic a naturally occurring substance in the knee, providing pain relief and improved function for a more extended period.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
We also offer PRP injections as an innovative treatment option. By utilizing the patient's own blood platelets in a concentrated form, we help promote tissue repair and provide long-term relief from knee pain.
We believe in the importance of a thorough medical consultation before proceeding with any treatment. Our team ensures to discuss your individual circumstances, symptoms, and treatment options to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect, the potential duration of benefits, and any potential risks or side effects.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment with the experienced team at Presidio Pain Relief in San Francisco, California. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109. We serve patients from Daly City CA, Sunset District CA, Bernal Heights CA, Bayview CA, Mission District CA, and surrounding areas.
