New and emerging injections for knee pain focus on natural healing with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), using your own concentrated platelets and growth factors, and Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium (PPS) for bone marrow lesions, while established options like Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) (e.g., Synvisc, Euflexxa) continue to improve with advanced delivery. Other advanced options include nSTRIDE (APS), a single-injection therapy for longer relief, and investigational stem cell therapies, all aiming to reduce pain, improve lubrication, and promote tissue repair in osteoarthritis.
nSTRIDE® is the only single-injection therapy where the benefits are sustained for up to 3 years.
One of the most promising options is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. In 2025, new research continues to support PRP as a safe and effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis, offering real hope for patients who want to delay or avoid surgery.
Yes, Medicare covers knee gel injections for treating osteoarthritis if they are deemed medically necessary by your doctor. This includes coverage for the injections, as well as the evaluation and guidance imaging (such as fluoroscopy) used to ensure accurate placement of the gel.
Corticosteroids (cortisone) injections are often used to treat arthritis-related knee pain. Corticosteroids are powerful medications that reduce inflammation. When injected into the knee joint, cortisone can control inflammation and pain for several weeks or months.
Evidence-Based Answer. The evidence is limited on the optimum frequency of intra-articular corticosteroid (ICS) injections of the knee for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Current guidelines recommend ICS injections be performed no more frequently than every 3 months (SOR: C, expert opinion).
1. You aren't moving enough. One of the biggest mistakes we see patients with knee pain make is to begin using their knees less. For example, if you have osteoarthritis and moving your knee hurts, you may think the best approach is to rest your joint and let it heal.
The most common side effect is mild pain and swelling at the injection site that goes away on its own. About 1% of people have a more severe reaction called an injection flare.
Hyaluronic acid — often called a “gel” injection — helps lubricate the knee joint, improving comfort and mobility. Relief builds gradually but can last 6 to 12 months for many patients. This is one of the most popular options for individuals with knee osteoarthritis who want to stay active while delaying surgery.
The most common adverse effects associated with hyaluronic acid filler are pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These side effects are self-limited and typically last no more than seven days.
How to avoid a knee replacement: Nonsurgical treatment for bone-on-bone knee pain. You may be surprised to learn that surgery isn't always the best option. Often, nonsurgical options are very effective at treating knee pain from arthritis, injury or another condition.
The ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, menthol and camphor, have primarily superficial effects, but can provide a soothing sensation over an arthritic joint that is inflamed. What home remedies do you recommend for arthritis pain? Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
This method, sometimes referred to as “liquid knee replacement,” involves injecting a gel-like substance into the joint to provide cushioning and reduce friction between bones. While promising, its long-term efficacy and safety are still being researched.
More walking was associated with less risk of functional limitation over two years. Walking ≥ 6000 steps/day provides a preliminary estimate of the level of walking activity to protect against developing functional limitation in people with or at risk of knee OA.
Patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis best respond to knee gel injections. Those with more severe osteoarthritis, such as bone-on-bone knees, are less likely to benefit. In some cases, HA injections may be used to treat osteoarthritis and misalignment in other joints, including the hip, shoulder, and ankle.
If osteoarthritis significantly limits a person's ability to perform their work duties or engage in physical labor, it could be classified as a disability, ultimately making it difficult to continue working.
What is the number one mistake that makes knees worse? The biggest mistake that makes knees worse is to rest completely and stop doing any form of exercise. This is a major issue because often your knee will get stiff and the muscles around your knee will weaken.
If you're dealing with a fresh knee injury—especially one with knee swelling or sharp pain—it's important to give your knee a break. Rest doesn't mean total inactivity, though. It just means avoiding high-impact movements or weight-bearing exercises for a few days.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to knee pain. Adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining healthy knees. Knee pain can be managed and prevented through dietary adjustments. Understanding the link between nutrition and knee health is critical.