Joint pain from osteoarthritis can make walking, exercise, work and everyday activities difficult. At Health Nexus Launceston, the doctors who work from the practice can assess knee osteoarthritis and discuss the treatment options that suit you, including injection treatments for suitable patients.
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. It causes pain, stiffness and swelling, particularly after activity or first thing in the morning, and it is the most common cause of knee pain in adults over 50.
How knee osteoarthritis is managed
Most people do best with a combination of approaches: education, an exercise programme, weight management where relevant, simple pain relief and physiotherapy. For some people an injection into the knee is discussed as one part of that plan, and a small number are referred to an orthopaedic surgeon.
Injection options
Injection treatments for knee osteoarthritis are prescribed individually after a consultation and, where needed, imaging. Your doctor will explain the options that may be appropriate for your knee, what the evidence shows for each, the likely benefits and limitations, the risks and the cost. Because these treatments are prescribed for each patient, specific products are not described on this website — please ask at your consultation.
The evidence for injection treatments in osteoarthritis is mixed: some people get meaningful relief for a period, others get little benefit, and no injection repairs cartilage or cures osteoarthritis. Australian and international guidelines do not recommend routine use of every type of injection, which is why the decision is made with you, case by case.
What happens at your consultation
- Your doctor takes a history, examines your knee and reviews any X-rays or scans.
- You discuss what you have already tried and what you want to achieve.
- If an injection is appropriate, your doctor explains the procedure, aftercare, the expected recovery and the cost before it is booked.
- Follow-up is arranged to review how you have responded.
Costs
Consultations are billed as set out on our fees page. Some injection treatments are not Medicare-rebated; any cost is quoted before treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can an injection cure osteoarthritis?
No. Injections may relieve symptoms for a period, but they do not replace damaged cartilage or cure osteoarthritis. The aim is to reduce pain and improve movement so that exercise and daily activity are easier.
How quickly do injections work and how long do they last?
It depends on the type of injection and the person. Some act within days, others over weeks, and the duration of benefit varies considerably. Your doctor will explain what is typical for the option discussed with you.
Do I need an X-ray first?
Not always. Your doctor will decide whether imaging is needed based on your symptoms, examination and any previous scans.
Are injections suitable for everyone with knee osteoarthritis?
No. Some people should not have certain injections, and for others the likely benefit is too small to justify the cost or risk. Your doctor will discuss the evidence, benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives before any decision.
Can I exercise afterwards?
Usually you are advised to avoid strenuous or high-impact activity for a short period after an injection; follow the specific instructions from your treating doctor.
Book a knee osteoarthritis assessment in Launceston
If you have ongoing knee pain or osteoarthritis, book an appointment with a doctor at Health Nexus Launceston. Your options, including whether an injection treatment is appropriate, will be discussed with you at the consultation.
Book online or call (03) 6351 5610.
This information is general and does not replace individual medical advice. Treatment suitability, risks, benefits and alternatives should be discussed with your doctor.
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