An injection is considered when tablets, exercise, and bracing have not given enough relief, and when the examination shows that an injection is suitable. A steroid injection can settle a flare. Hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma is sometimes used when longer symptom relief is the aim.
The skin is cleaned and the injection is given in the clinic. Most patients walk afterwards. An injection does not regrow lost cartilage, and it is repeated only when that is appropriate. If pain and disability remain severe, surgery is discussed separately.
