Compare options Lifestyle changes Inject the knee joint with hyaluronic acid Inject the knee joint with a corticosteroid shot What is involved? Healthy eating and exercise habits. Learn and practice effective coping strategies. On a bad day, consider taking acetaminophen or an aspirin-type medication. Inject the knee joint with hyaluronic acid. Injections can be given as a single injection or once a week for three weeks. Inject the knee joint with a single corticosteroid shot. Results People experience less pain and can do more. Over-the-counter pain relievers reduce the pain for several hours. People don’t consistently feel better than people that get a fake shot. The pain relief is small and short-lived. One month after injection 44 people out of 100 people have less pain and can do more after a corticosteroid shot compared to 31 after a fake shot. Advantages A more comfortable and functional knee. Focusing on healthier habits and greater resiliency will help you be healthier overall. Symptoms might be slightly relieved for a month or so. No damage to the joint Symptoms might be slightly relieved for a month or so. Disadvantages Developing healthy habits is not easy. It may not relieve pain better than a fake shot. Discomfort and inconveniences of the injections. Expensive and insurance may not pay for it. Potential disappointment. It may not relieve pain better than a fake shot. Harm the remaining cartilage. Potential disappointment. Problems Fewer than 2 of 1000 people have a serious stomach bleed. 3 of 100 people have a minor problem (discomfort or swelling). Approximately 1 in 1000 people have a major problem (infection or allergic reaction). 3 of 100 people have a minor problem (discomfort or swelling). Approximately 1 in 1000 people have a major problem (infection or allergic reaction). Repeat corticosteroid shots speed the loss of cartilage. Notes × Notes Previous Next
