Do knee injections help arthritis?

Steroid injections can ease knee arthritis pain for a short time. Hyaluronic acid is another option, and results vary from person to person. Injections do not regrow cartilage or reverse arthritis.

Dr Yuen Jin Chuan, MBBS (MUCM), Dr Orth & Trauma (UKM). Sunway Medical Centre Velocity. Published 3 November 2026.

The main options

Injection	What it is	What to expect
Steroid	An anti-inflammatory medicine injected into the knee	Short-term relief. UK guidance describes about 2 to 10 weeks.
Hyaluronic acid	A gel-like substance, also found naturally in joint fluid, that helps lubricate and cushion the joint	Some people report pain relief and others do not. Any benefit may take several weeks to appear and can last from a few weeks to several months.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)	A preparation made from your own blood	Evidence is limited. UK guidance states there is not enough evidence to be sure how well it works, and that patients need regular checks.

Hyaluronic acid as an option

It may be considered when activity changes, weight loss, pain medicines, physiotherapy or steroid injections have not helped enough, and knee pain still limits daily life. Depending on the product, treatment is 1 to 5 injections over several weeks. If it helps, it may be repeated, usually about every 6 months. It may work better in mild to moderate arthritis, but this needs more research.

What guidelines say

American and UK guidelines support steroid injections for short-term relief, alongside exercise where possible. On hyaluronic acid, guidelines differ. American and UK guidelines do not recommend it for knee osteoarthritis. A Southeast Asian expert group, with members from Malaysia, lists it as a possible alternative for people who cannot take anti-inflammatory tablets, and notes that the evidence is weak. Your doctor can explain whether it suits your knee.

Where injections fit

Exercise, thigh muscle strengthening and weight management are the base of treatment. An injection may help settle pain so that you can exercise. It does not replace these steps.

Risks

Any knee injection can cause pain, warmth or slight swelling for a short time. Infection is rare. A steroid injection can raise blood sugar for a time, which matters if you have diabetes. Hyaluronic acid can rarely cause an allergy-like reaction in the knee. Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours after a hyaluronic acid injection. Tell your doctor about your medical conditions and medicines.

If the knee turns hot, red and swollen, or you have a fever after an injection, seek care the same day.

Questions to ask

Which injection is being offered, and what is the evidence for it?
How long is the benefit likely to last?
What are the risks for me?
What is the cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Are there other options for my knee?

This page gives general information. It cannot diagnose your condition or tell you which treatment suits you. See a registered doctor for advice about your own symptoms.