The infiltration of the knee is a technique advocated to overcome joint pain too great and persistent. It is an integral part of a real strategy put in place by the attending physician.
Understanding The Knee Infiltration
A knee infiltration involves injecting corticosteroid-based anti-inflammatory drugs into the painful joint. In this way, the drug is in direct contact with the area to be treated, optimizing its action.
This treatment is generally recommended in pathology affecting the knee joints, such as polyarthritis or diseases that affect the cartilage or the menisci. In cases of osteoarthritis, specialists recommend an infiltration of visco-supplementation instead.
This method is particularly effective in combating joint diseases. It is also very often used in the context of sports medicine. Athletes are the most exposed to knee trauma and pain.
How Does It Work?
Thanks to the infiltration of corticosteroids, the pain caused by the inflammation of the knee joint is quickly reduced. The positive effects are felt after two days on average.
Note that it is unnecessary to repeat the operation regularly because the injected drugs have a prolonged action. This is possible thanks to the use of “delay” products. These contain tiny crystals that are released gradually.
Sometimes the crystals in question can cause pain, but it does not last more than two days. To relieve the cramps, taking painkillers is necessary. The corticosteroids then work, and the joint pain is eased for a few weeks.
How Does The Knee Infiltration Work?
The specialist uses sterile, single-use equipment. Each instrument used for infiltration must meet this requirement to eliminate the risk of infection. The practitioner is invited to lie on his back.
Once everything is ready, he disinfects the skin using an antiseptic and then proceeds to the actual infiltration. He demonstrates precision and ensures that the product is injected precisely into the joint. He must take care not to touch the muscles and tendons. Once the operation is complete, he presses close on the injection area using a sterile compress impregnated with antiseptic. Then a bandage is put in place, and it should be kept for a few hours.
Throughout the injection, the practitioner must put the patient in confidence so that he is perfectly relaxed. The slightest sudden movement or contraction could cause pain which is, however, very easily avoided. Anesthesia is usually not necessary.
The patient can go home directly (preferably by car) and rest to optimize the action of the injected drug like the knee injections of platelet-rich plasma (การ ฉีด เกล็ด เลือด เข้า ข้อ เข่า which is the term in Thai).
You should know that knee infiltration can have side effects, but these are very rare. A small number of patients have experienced simple vagal discomfort or flushing, which is characterized by flushing and warmth in the face. The most severe complication is an infection, but it is scarce.
